Generic or Basic BSN Program (Jersey City Campus)
Licensure
The State Board of Nursing determines who is eligible to take the registered nurse licensure examination (NCLEX-RN). Graduation from the Nursing Program satisfies one of the eligibility requirements. Since eligibility criteria vary, applicants should check with the Board of Nursing in the state in which they plan to take the test to determine the eligibility criteria that need to be met.
Admission to Pre-Nursing Program
Students applying to the University desiring to be nursing majors must meet the admission criteria for the University as well as for the Pre-Nursing Program. Transfer students should contact Undergraduate Admissions for specific information regarding admission criteria for the nursing major.
Successful Completion of the Pre-Nursing Program
Successful completion of the Pre-Nursing Program is required for entry into the nursing major at the end of the freshman year. Successful completion of the Pre-Nursing Program includes all of the following.
- The Pre-Nursing Advisor must register students for courses, and students must take the core and prerequisite course sequence as determined by the School of Nursing.
- During the second semester of the freshman year, students must register for the TEAS examination. Students should consult their program advisor for information about how to register for the TEAS examination.
- Students may only take the TEAS examination twice, and it is strongly recommended that students remediate/review between attempts.
- Students must score at least 78% or higher, overall on the TEAS examination. Should the candidate take the examination twice, the higher of the two scores will be considered.
- A student’s grades in both Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II must be a B or higher.
- A student may repeat Anatomy and Physiology I once and Anatomy and Physiology II once. If a student withdraws from one of these courses, it will be considered as the first attempt at taking the particular course.
- A student’s overall GPA for the freshman year must be 3.0 or higher.
Generic or Basic BSN Program Requirements for Nursing Major
Degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing
| Nursing Courses | ||
| NU-202 | Theorical Bases of Professional Nursing | 3 |
| NU-204 | Nutrition and Health | 3 |
| NU-210 | Pharmacology for Prof. Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NU-215 | Medical Dosage Calculations | 3 |
| NU-250 | Clinical Bases of Professional Nursing | 5 |
| NU-304 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| NU-308 | Health Assessment | 3 |
| NU-312 | Nursing Care for Adults and Aging I | 5 |
| NU-315 | Nursing Care for Adults and Aging II | 5 |
| NU-325 | Nursing Care of Child-Bearing Families | 5 |
| NU-360 | Computer App in Nursing& Health Care | 2 |
| NU-390 | Intro to Nursing Research | 3 |
| NU-404 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing | 5 |
| NU-414 | Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents | 5 |
| NU-416 | Social Justice Ethics and Health Care (Values) | 3 |
| NU-420 | Community Health Nursing (WI, Capstone) | 4 |
| NU-430 | Nursing Care of Adults and Aging III | 4 |
| NU-445 | Leadership and Trends in Nursing | 3 |
| Completion of Summative Examination administered in the last nursing course | ||
| Other Required Courses | ||
| BI-161 | Basic Microbiology | 4 |
| BI-161L | Basic Microbiology Lab | 0 |
| MA-115 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 74 | |
Special Note on Core Requirements
| 1 | The Core Curriculum Requirements are the same as those for traditional undergraduate day students. |
Special Notes on Major Requirements
| 1 | To successfully complete the program, all courses required for the nursing major and for the core, must be taken in the sequence given by the School of Nursing. |
| 2 | To enroll in the first nursing course - , NU-202 Theoretical Bases of Professional Nursing - students MUST be admitted to the School of Nursing as a nursing major. Students must have satisfactorily completed all prerequisites courses and have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a grade of B or higher in BI-171 Anatomy & Physiology I, BI-172 Anatomy and Physiology II. These science courses may be repeated only one time. |
| 3 | A grade of 78% or higher must be earned in all nursing courses and specified support courses. Any grade below a 78% is considered a failure in nursing courses. Advancement in the nursing curriculum is dependent upon successful completion of prerequisite and co-requisite nursing courses. |
| 4 | No more than one nursing course may be repeated. If the course is repeated and the grade is below 78%, this is considered a failure for the course and the student will be dismissed from the School of Nursing. The clinical portion of any nursing course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis. If the student fails the clinical component, he or she fails the entire course regardless of the grade average in the didactic component, and a grade of C- will be recorded for the course. Following two nursing course failures, the student will be dismissed from the School of Nursing. The student may remain at Saint Peter's University. |
| 5 | If a student registers for a nursing course and withdraws from the course at any time, this is considered the student’s first attempt at the course and the student will receive a "W" or Withdraw grade. There is only ONE Withdrawl from a nursing course allowed in the entirety of the program. |
| 6 | All nursing courses must be taken in sequence with a satisfactory grade of 78% or higher earned before continuing with the next nursing course. |
| 7 | Applicants who have taken the courses Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, and Microbiology more than five years prior to the time the nursing course sequence begins must repeat these required science courses. |
| 8 | All students must take the Summative Examination (ATI Comprehensive or similar comprehensive examination), administered in the last clinical nursing course. This examination will additionally factor as 10% of the final grade for the course. Students who do not meet the program benchmark are required to take a retake of the Comprehensive ATI Exam. |
Program Length
The BSN (generic) program can be completed in four years (or eight semesters) of full-time study. Students must complete the program within six consecutive calendar years. Required science courses must be repeated once they are five years or older.
Clinical Requirements
All clinical requirements must be satisfactorily completed before students will be allowed into any clinical setting. At present, they include the following but are subject to change depending on regulations mandated by the clinical agencies and/or their accrediting bodies.
Immunizations/Vaccinations and Titers
1. All incoming nursing students need to have completed a series of immunizations/vaccinations. Students will be required to have titers drawn to validate the vaccines received and show proof of immunity in numerical values.
Should any student's titer show lack of immunity, the student is required to receive the specific vaccination for the corresponding low or negative titer result and re-test titer value's/immunity four weeks or more post vaccine administration.
Required Titers
- Hepatitis B series of 3 shots for low or negative titers 1 month apart between the first & second, and five months apart between the second and the third.
- Varicella (chicken pox): 2 shots for low or negative titers 1 month apart.
- MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella): 2 shots for low or negative titers 1 month apart.
- Polio titers are required if there is no proof of vaccination.
- Tdap vaccine is required within the past five years. There is no titer requirement for this vaccine.
- 2-Step TB Mantoux skin test within the past six months; if TB test is positive a Chest X-Ray is required indicating tuberculosis clearance. Note: the 2-Step Mantoux test for TB should be done first prior to initiating an MMR vaccination.
2. Health Examination - All nursing students must submit a completed copy of the BSN Health Profile. Applicants to the nursing major must be aware that health clearance will be required prior to the start of every clinical nursing course. Health Profiles are valid for one year. The Health Profile form is available in the School of Nursing Office.
3. Liability Insurance - All students enrolled in clinical nursing courses must also provide evidence of liability insurance. Application forms and information can be obtained from the School of Nursing. Students are responsible for the cost.
4. CPR Certification - All students enrolled in clinical nursing courses must provide evidence of American Heart Association CPR Certification for infant, child and adult, and BLS for Health Care Providers. Students are responsible for the cost.
5. Criminal Background Checks & Drug Screening through verified Credentials Scholar - Clinical agencies mandate criminal history background checks and drug testing for all individuals engaged in patient care and all students must undergo these checks. These checks are conducted by a consumer reporting agency and the information is sent to the University and to clinical agencies. Agency personnel will evaluate the information they receive and, in their sole discretion, make the final determination as to each student’s ability to continue to engage in patient care in their agency. If a student is denied clinical placement by any clinical agency due to criminal history information or a positive result on the drug testing that student will be dismissed from the program.
6. Clinical Experiences - Clinical experiences may be scheduled during days, evening, and weekends. Students need to be prepared to travel out of the Jersey City area for clinical experiences. Students are required to attend as assigned. Clinical experiences also occur in a variety of settings that require students to travel within and beyond the campus area. Students are expected to adjust personal, family and work schedules to meet clinical assignments.
Clinical Attire and Transportation
All students must adhere to the uniform and equipment policies for all nursing clinical agencies. Students must purchase and wear the official Saint Peter’s University Nursing Students’ Uniform from the approved vendor. Information can be obtained from the Director of the BSN Program. Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from clinical sites.
Courses
NU-202. Theorical Bases of Professional Nursing. 3.00 Credits.
The evolution of professional nursing is explored and the development of professional identity is facilitated by the introduction of values inherent to the discipline of nursing including social justice. Nursing theory, as well as other selected theories and concepts, are examined including: health belief model, teaching/learning theory, culture/global health, evidence-based practice and the nursing process. Additional course fees. Prerequisites: BI-171, BI-172, ADMISSION TO NURSING MAJOR.
NU-202L. Theoretical Bases Prof Nursing Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Lab paired with lecture on: the evolution of professional nursing is explored and the development of professional identity is facilitated by the introduction of values inherent to the discipline of nursing including social justice. Nursing theory, as well as other selected theories and concepts, are examined including: health belief model, teaching/learning theory, culture/global health, evidence-based practice and the nursing process. Prerequisites: BI-171 BI-172 PS-151; Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-204. Nutrition and Health. 3.00 Credits.
This course focuses on the role of nutrition in health and healing. The study of essential nutrients and their function is emphasized. Meeting dietary requirements across the life span is explored. The impact of pluralistic and public health factors on dietary practices is discussed. Additional course fees.
NU-210. Pharmacology for Prof. Nursing Practice. 3.00 Credits.
The focus of this course is on pharmacological therapy, major drug classifications, including prototypes, are addressed for each of the body systems. Nursing implications of safe drug administration as well as the pluralistic factors affecting medication therapy are stressed. Additional course fees. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.
NU-215. Medical Dosage Calculations. 3.00 Credits.
This course provides an introduction to medical dosing for Registered Nurses. The mathematical calculations that are utilized by Registered Nurses in patient care scenarios will be examined in depth.
NU-250. Clinical Bases of Professional Nursing. 5.00 Credits.
Basic interpersonal and technical nursing skills utilized to provide care for well and ill individuals are introduced. Knowledge and skills required to assess, prioritize, plan, implement and evaluate health care are emphasized. Concepts related to nutrition and medication therapy are applied. Pluralistic as well as legal and ethical issues related to quality care are stressed. College laboratory and clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Additional course fees. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.
NU-250L. Clinical Bases Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Clinical Bases Lab Prerequisites: NU-250 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-295. Credited Internships. 3.00 Credits.
NU-302. Seminar in Professional Nursing. 2.00 Credits.
The course is designed to examine the evolution of professional nursing through a synthesis of the social, cultural, philosophical, historical and theoretical influences. The development of a professional identity is facilitated by encouraging students to derive meaning from the core values central to the nature of nursing. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.
NU-303. Seminar in APA Writing for Hlth Science. 2.00 Credits.
A course to help the RN-BSN student learn APA writing style required for nursing and other health sciences. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.
NU-304. Pathophysiology. 3.00 Credits.
This course uses a systems approach to examine the human response patterns to health and illness. Physiological processes and pathological changes are explored in depth. Additional course fees.
NU-308. Health Assessment. 3.00 Credits.
The major focus of this course is on a holistic approach to health appraisal of the individual client. The nursing process, with an emphasis on assessment and planning is analyzed and applied in dealing with individuals in the college laboratory. Concepts related to health promotion, risk identification and client education are stressed. Additional course fees.
NU-308L. Health Assessment Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Health Assessment Lab Prerequisites: NU-308 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-310. Health Assessment. 4.00 Credits.
Major focus is on a holistic approach to health appraisal of the individual client across the life span. The nursing process, with an emphasis on assessment and planning is analyzed and applied in dealing with individuals in the college laboratory. Concepts related to health promotion, risk identification and client education are stressed. Additional course fee of $100.
NU-312. Nursing Care for Adults and Aging I. 5.00 Credits.
Application of the nursing process in caring for adults and older clients with chronic health care needs. Normal aging and adaptations in self-care needed as a result of age related changes will be discussed. Pluralistic factors including nutrition and medication therapy are integrated. Legal and ethical issues are applied. College laboratory and clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Additional course fees. Prerequisites: NU-308 AND NU-312L.
NU-312L. Nursing Care Adults & Aging Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Nursing Care Adults & Aging Lab Prerequisites: NU-312 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-315. Nursing Care for Adults and Aging II. 5.00 Credits.
A continuation of the Nursing Care of Adults and Aging, I, this course builds and expands the knowledge and skill base related to caring for adults and older clients with acute and chronic health needs. Pathologic conditions associated with aging are discussed. Pluralistic factors including nutrition and medication therapy are integrated. Legal and ethical issues are applied. Clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Additional course fees. Prerequisites: NU-312.
NU-315L. Nursing Care for Adults and Aging II Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Laboratory for Nursing Care for Adults and Aging II, NU-315 Clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Prerequisites: NU-315 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-325. Nursing Care of Child-Bearing Families. 5.00 Credits.
The use of the nursing process to provide care for child-bearing families is examined. Nursing care of clients during pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum and newborn periods is stressed. Pluralistic factors as well as nutrition and medication therapy are integrated. Strategies to promote health and care for clients with physiological and psychological alterations are discussed. Normal family functioning and the impact of pregnancy on the family is considered. College laboratory and clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Additional course fees. Prerequisites: NU-308 NU-312.
NU-325L. Nursing Care of Child-Bearing Families. 0.00 Credits.
Laboratory for Nursing Care of Child-Bearing Families, NU-325 Clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Prerequisites: NU-325 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-330. Care of Families & Aggregates. 4.00 Credits.
Major focus is on primary and tertiary prevention within a social systems framework. Creative application of nursing process to families and groups utilizing family systems theory and group dynamics. Additional course fee.
NU-350. Trends and Issues in Nursing. 2.00 Credits.
Current status of professional nursing. Political, economic and social trends affecting nursing and the health care system are analyzed. Issues in professional practice and education are explored. Prerequisites: NU-302.
NU-360. Computer App in Nursing& Health Care. 2.00 Credits.
The application of computer technology to patient care, nursing practice, research, education and management is explored. Health care information management systems are introduced.
NU-390. Intro to Nursing Research. 3.00 Credits.
Understanding of the research process and critique of research studies. The relevance of nursing research findings for the provision of patient care is discussed. Students develop a research paper through an interactive process with faculty and peers. Course Type(s): Senior Seminar.
NU-399. Independent Study. 2.00 Credits.
NU-404. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. 5.00 Credits.
This course focuses on the use of the nursing process to provide care for individuals, families and aggregates with alterations in mental health. Pluralistic factors as well as medication therapy are integrated. Strategies to promote mental-health are discussed. Nursing care of clients with acute and chronic alterations in psychological functioning are stressed. Clinical experiences are provided in psychiatric-mental health agencies in selected health care and community settings. Additional course fees.
NU-404L. Psychiatric-Mental Health Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Lab Prerequisites: NU-404 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-414. Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents. 5.00 Credits.
The nursing process is used as a framework to provide care for children and adolescents with physical and psychological alterations in health. Pluralistic factors including nutrition and medication therapy are integrated. Strategies to promote health as well as developmental needs and problems are discussed. Normal family functioning and the impact of illness on the family are explored. College laboratory and clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Additional course fees.
NU-414L. Nursing Care Child& Adlsnt Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Nursing Care Child& Adlsnt Lab Prerequisites: NU-414 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-416. Social Justice Ethics and Health Care. 3.00 Credits.
Political, economic and social justice issues affecting patient care and the health care system are examined. Accessibility and affordability of health care services including the needs of vulnerable populations are explored. Strategies to promote social justice and ethical behavior within the health care system are stressed. Values course. Prerequisites: NU-390; COMPLETE 6 CREDITS: 1 COURSE FROM COURSES PL-130 PL-140 AND 1 COURSE FROM COURSES TH-110 TH-120; Course Type(s): Values.
NU-420. Community Health Nursing. 4.00 Credits.
Community health nursing emphasizes community as client. The nursing process is applied in dealing with groups, aggregates and community. Nursing care of individuals in community settings is also examined. Additional course fees. Course Type(s): Capstone, Writing Intensive.
NU-420L. Community Health Nursing Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Community Health Nursing Lab Prerequisites: NU-420 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-430. Nursing Care of Adults and Aging III. 4.00 Credits.
Culmination of the courses Adults and Aging I and II, this course builds and expands the knowledge and skill base related to caring for adults and older clients with complex acute and chronic conditions and rehabilitative health care needs. High risk populations such as those with multiple illnesses will be address. Pathologic conditions associated with aging are discussed. Pluralistic factors, including nutrition and medication therapy are integrated. An opportunity for students to function with increased independence as well as to organize, delegate, supervise and evaluate care. Clinical experiences in selected health care settings. Additional course fees. Prerequisites: NU-315.
NU-430L. Nurs Care Adults& Aging Lab. 0.00 Credits.
Nurs Care Adults& Aging Lab Prerequisites: NU-430 Course Type(s): Lab Courses.
NU-440. Leadership and Management in Nursing. 4.00 Credits.
The major focus is on leadership and change in nursing practice within the health care delivery system, utilizing the nursing process as a framework. Additional course fee.
NU-445. Leadership and Trends in Nursing. 3.00 Credits.
The major focus in this course is on leadership and change in nursing practice within the health care system. Utilization of the nursing process as a framework for action is stressed. Selected concepts related to management including, types of power, delegation, motivation are discussed. Trends and issues affecting nursing and the health care system are also explored. Prerequisites: NU-315, NU-390, NU-414.
NU-450. Nurse/Client Educator. 2.00 Credits.
A multifaceted approach to client/peer education. Emphasis on teaching/ learning concepts. The role of education as a strategy in health promotion.
NU-452. Women's Health Issues. 3.00 Credits.
Exploration of health issues affecting women from historical, political and pluralistic perspectives. The students' role as health care advocate is stressed.
NU-470. Dimensions of Professional Nursing. 4.00 Credits.
The emphasis of this course is on the professional role of nursing with a focus on leadership and community health practice. The concepts of professionalism, nursing process and pluralism are explained. Leadership theory and the health care system are analyzed. Community health nursing is examined and the principles of health promotion and client education are integrated into the conduction of a community project. Pre-Req: Admission to RN-MSN Program.
NU-495. Special Projects in Nursing Rn-Bsn. 1.00 Credit.
This is a one credit elective in which students may choose a topic of interest and complete a scholarly paper guided by the faculty. Students may choose to expand upon a topic they have already been exposed to or develop a new topic of interest. The student will document progress on the project through weekly submissions corresponding to specific content required for the summative learning outcome of the course, the final scholarly paper.