Nursing, B.S. (RN to B.S.N.)

Program Overview

Saint Louis University's online RN to B.S.N. program prepares registered nurses to enhance their knowledge and skills. This program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and community health, and offers individualized support and flexible enrollment options. Graduates are well-positioned for career advancements, advanced practice roles, and teaching opportunities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Name: Nursing, B.S.
(RN to B.S.N.) program is designed for registered nurses seeking to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. This program is fully online, a collaboration between SLU's School for Professional Studies and the Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing.
• Program Support: Students receive individualized curriculum plans, faculty mentorship, and online access to the library and writing center.
• Program Options: Students can choose between a full-time or part-time enrollment option.
• Prior Nursing Education: No testing is required to validate previous nursing education.
• Credit Transfer: Thirty-eight credits of nursing coursework can be awarded by passing the NCLEX exam or through prior experience.
Remaining nursing coursework must be completed through the School of Nursing.
• Program Objectives: Graduates will be able to:
• Relate to people as unique individuals with worth, dignity, and potential for self-actualization.
• Synthesize theoretical and empirical knowledge from various sciences to provide safe and effective nursing care.
• Establish relationships based on self-understanding, interpersonal and group dynamics.
• Practice in diverse settings with clients of all ages and sociocultural backgrounds.
• Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the nursing process.
• Assist clients in mobilizing adaptive resources for health promotion, maintenance, and restoration.
• Collaborate with interprofessional colleagues, community representatives, and consumers to enhance healthcare.
• Apply evidence-based knowledge for safe and effective nursing practice.
• Apply the professional code of ethics and standards to clinical practice.
• Demonstrate personal and professional responsibility, accountability, and self-direction.
• Demonstrate leadership principles in professional and interprofessional practice.
• Understand healthcare policy issues, trends, and strategies influencing accessibility, accountability, and affordability in healthcare delivery.

Outline:

• Total Credits Required: 120
• Credits Required from Saint Louis University: 30 of the final 36 credits
• Program Structure:
• University Undergraduate Core: 32-35 credits
• Transfer Coursework from RN Program: Varies
• Nursing Coursework: 27 credits
• Electives: As needed
• Course List:
• NURS 3807: Conceptual Framework for Practice (3 credits)
• NURS 3447: Public Health Nursing for RNs (3 credits)
• NURS 4107: Leadership and Management for RNs (3 credits)
• NURS 3457: Community Project for RNs (3 credits)
• NURS 3377: Essentials of Therapeutic Nutrition for RNs (Credit by Exam) (3 credits)
• NURS 3207: Health Assessment for RNs (3 credits)
• NURS 4147: Research and Evidence Based Practice (3 credits)
• NURS 3107: Healthcare Policy, Finance and Regulatory Environments for RNs (3 credits)
• NURS 48xx: Nursing Elective (3 credits)
• Roadmaps:
• Full-Time Plan Option (One Year): Provides a semester-by-semester plan of study assuming full-time enrollment.
• Part-Time #1 Option (One-and-a-Half Years): Provides a semester-by-semester plan of study assuming part-time enrollment.
• Part-Time #2 Option (Two Years): Provides a semester-by-semester plan of study assuming part-time enrollment.

Assessment:

• Continuation Standards: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 is required in the Valentine School of Nursing.
• Transfer Course Acceptance: No transfer course will be accepted if the student received a letter grade below "C" or a grade of "P" (passing).
• Final 30 Credits: Transfer courses do NOT count towards the last 30 credits at SLU.
• Course Grade Requirement: No SPS or nursing course will be accepted toward degree completion if the grade received is below "C".
• CLEP Courses: CLEP courses may be accepted for course credit per SLU policy.
• Nutrition HESI: The Nutrition HESI does not count toward the 30 credits as it is a test-out option.

Teaching:

• Teaching Method: The program is fully online.
• Faculty: Students receive faculty mentorship.
• Unique Approaches: Individualized curriculum plans and online access to the library and writing center are provided.

Careers:

• Career Opportunities:
• Qualified to teach students in licensed practical nursing programs and certified nursing assistant programs.
• Graduates are encouraged to pursue advanced practice roles, including nurse practitioner, clinical nurse leader, and nurse anesthetist with additional graduate-level coursework.
• Outcomes:
• The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) strongly believes that RNs should be, at minimum, prepared with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.).

Other:

• Licensure Disclosure: The curriculum meets the educational requirements for licensure as a registered nurse in Missouri.
Students are encouraged to investigate requirements in their specific state or territory.
• State Requirements: The program accepts applications from registered nurses residing in specific states listed in the context.
• Prior Education: To be considered for admission, applicants must have completed an associate degree or hospital diploma program at a regionally accredited institution and hold an unencumbered RN license.
• Program Notes:
• Students must inform SPS or SON of any changes in job status or residency that might impact cohort coding or degree receipt.
• Health assessment and nutrition courses taken in the RN degree program may be accepted for transfer.
• Total credits must equal 120 or higher.
• Students are eligible to transfer to the School of Nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher.
Holistic admissions are considered on an individual basis.
• Students are subject to dismissal from the School of Nursing for academic or professional reasons, including being placed on academic or clinical probation for a second time and "failing" two or more courses during the course of study.
• Upon transfer to the SON, students must complete a criminal background check, drug check, and HIPAA and blood-borne pathogen training.
• Students must submit a copy of current CPR certification, influenza vaccination, TB testing, and other information prior to starting the community project course to CastleBranch.
• A one-time fee is required for CastleBranch registration, drug screen, and background check.
• Students are responsible for reviewing and adhering to the BSN handbook on the SON site for all policies.