The Capstone College of Nursing BSN Student Guide is reviewed and updated annually by the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs. This guide is a companion to The University of Alabama Undergraduate Catalog. The current Schedule of Classes booklet also provides access to information and some policies and procedures addressed in the handbook.
Student Information | Curriculum and Plan of Study | Academic Information
BSN PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:
- Synthesize knowledge from the disciplines of nursing, the sciences, and the humanities as the basis for decision-making for the professional practice of nursing;
- Utilize critical thinking such as inquiry and analysis in promoting, attaining, or restoring health throughout the life span;
- Incorporate evidence-based practice in the delivery of patient centered care;
- Employ skilled communication to collaborate with intraprofessional and interprofessional colleagues in efforts to identify and meet the changing needs of the health care environment;
- Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for personal and professional growth and professional nursing practice decisions;
- Provide patient centered care using skilled communication techniques within a framework of legal, ethical and professional standards;
- Demonstrate leadership principles when managing the care of individuals and groups;
- Demonstrate caring behaviors when working with individuals and groups;
- Facilitates patient centered care including patient education and patient safety employing a range of technologies;
- Demonstrate knowledge of social justice principles for a diverse society relevant to health and the delivery of health care;
BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL NURSE
The BSN curriculum plan consists of lower and upper division courses. During the first four semesters of the curriculum plan, designated as the lower division, students take required sciences, humanities, and other courses that help to prepare them to function as a professional nurse. The upper division consists of five semesters of nursing courses, with some that include theory and clinical lab components. Students apply knowledge gained in the classroom and other methods of learning as they provide nursing care to individuals, families, and groups in a variety of health care settings. CCN graduates are awarded the degree of bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
During enrollment in the lower division, students must apply to be considered for promotion to the upper division. Deadlines for application are posted on the CCN website at http://nursing.ua.edu. Policies related to promotion to the upper division are included in the Academic Information section of this Handbook.
BECOMING A REGISTERED NURSE
During the last semester of upper division coursework, students will be given information about the licensure process. Students will make application for the Board of Nursing in their chosen state and to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to take the licensure examination, as defined by the processes of the state for which they wish to become licensed in. Successful completion of the examination allows individuals to hold the legal license of Registered Nurse and entitles them to practice as registered nurses. Graduation from a school of nursing does not ensure licensure.
RN MOBILITY TRACKS
Educational opportunities for registered nurses (RNs) include two tracks; RN to BSN and RN to BSN/MSN. Applicants for both tracks must have an associate degree or diploma in nursing. Those successfully completing the RN to BSN track will obtain a BSN degree. RN to BSN/MSN must complete all requirements for the BSN and MSN degrees.
RN to BSN
The RN to BSN track includes courses in the major and in the UA core curriculum. Nursing courses can be completed when all core requirements are met. All core courses and the program of study must be completed prior to graduation.
RN to BSN/MSN
The lower division requirements are the same as those for the RN to BSN student. The RN to BSN/MSN track provides an accelerated option for students who choose to pursue an advanced degree as a nurse case manager or a clinical nurse leader. This track requires two years of nursing courses (seven semesters) following completion of the core requirements. At the completion of the requirements in the fourth semester, students are awarded the BSN degree. The MSN degree is awarded at the end of the final semester following completion of all requirements.
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