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CAPSTONE COLLEGE OF NURSING

    Mission Statement
    Philosophy
    Program Objectives
    Accreditation
    Program and Facilities
    Degree Offered
    Licensure
    Admission and Promotion Requirements
    Academic Achievement Awards and Scholarships
    Special Services, Programs, and Educational Opportunities
    General Degree Requirements
    RN Mobility
    Administrative Officers and Faculty

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Capstone College of Nursing is to

The College accepts the commitment to influence and respond to health care needs of the citizens of Alabama with a specific emphasis on rural populations in the West Alabama region.

PHILOSOPHY

The faculty of the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing accepts as its own the purposes and objectives of the University as defined in the University of Alabama catalog and other official documents.

We believe that human beings influence and are influenced by the changing world in which they live. The unique experiences of life influence persons to develop as individuals equipped with the capacity to love, value, care, nurture, learn, and creatively respond to situations. Individuals exercise choices, adapt to the environment, and have the capacity for self-actualization. A dynamic relationship exists between the processes of development and adaptation. We faculty further believe that a dynamic, reciprocal relationship exists between persons and the environment. Persons are viewed as human beings who are actual or potential recipients of nursing care, including individuals, families, aggregates, or populations. The environment includes external conditions that affect the lives and development of individuals, families, aggregates, and populations.

We define society as individuals held together by any common bond and recognize the diversity of cultural goals and values within the global society. Society structures itself to achieve common purposes and seeks to maintain stability, while accommodating needs, changing values, and the availability of scientific and technological resources. The power of society is derived from pursuit of common goals. The potential for power in a given society is greater than the power of each individual.

We believe that the individual learner is engaged in a continuous process of gathering, exchanging, synthesizing, and managing information. We believe that learning is the process of changing behavior through the development of the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities inherent in each individual. The learning process occurs at varying rates for individual learners and is affected by the learner's perception of need, level of motivation, perception of learning tasks, readiness to learn, and past experiences. The individual retains responsibility for learning, but the process may be facilitated by others. The collaborative learning process is enhanced when learners as well as teachers possess and practice self-awareness, acceptance, understanding, and effective communication.

We affirm a commitment to the nursing education enterprise and acknowledge our obligations to the students, the nursing profession, and society. These obligations require generation, transmission, and application of knowledge. We believe that the education of individuals for professional service is dependent on the socialization process in which faculty members model professional role behaviors and learners acquire the values, knowledge, and behaviors necessary to function as professional practitioners of nursing. Critical thinking, self-evaluation, and self-directed learning are regarded as essential components for continual personal and professional development. We believe that opportunities should be provided for lifelong learning.

Moreover, we believe that educational preparation for the practice of professional nursing begins at the baccalaureate level. Building upon baccalaureate preparation, master's education for advanced nursing practice incorporates skills and knowledge integral to effectively managing health care of individuals and specific populations. Nurses in advanced practice engage in independent and collaborative practice to improve access to appropriate services and achieve high-quality, fiscally responsible outcomes.

We believe that health reflects a dynamic dimension of physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being, and reflects the degree to which persons maximize their potential when experiencing disease or infirmity. By assuming responsibility for health and exercising the right of accessibility to health care, an individual has the ability to exert a measure of control over his or her life and health.

We believe that nursing meets a societal need as it fulfills its mission of assisting persons throughout the development and adaptation processes while maintaining a commitment to primary prevention. Nursing is viewed as a practice discipline encompassing both art and science. We value universal access to health care. We believe that the profession of nursing is an integral part of the health care system that makes provisions for effective utilization of human, scientific, technological, and economic resources in the delivery of health care. Nurses intervene with persons across the life span through primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention behaviors. Nurses use the tools of communication, caring, research, critical thinking, and professionalism to promote health, prevent disease in persons and their environments, and care for persons across the life span in various stages of illness. The increasing complexity of the health care system requires that nursing assume responsibility for assuring that the values of caring and concern for human beings have primacy in the decision-making process. Moreover, this complexity in health care mandates that nurses continue to assume a more visible role in the management of client care. We believe that nurses and other health care providers share with persons the responsibility for maximizing health within the potential of the individual, family, aggregate, and population. Nurses use a scientific, goal-directed, interpersonal process in assisting individuals, families, aggregates, and populations in a variety of settings to achieve a valued health state.

We believe the process of socialization into the multifaceted role of the professional nurse begins at the baccalaureate level and continues at the master's level. Through the utilization of inquiry methodology, the professional nurse analyzes, makes rational decisions, and evaluates the effects of interventions based on knowledge from the nursing discipline, the natural and social sciences, and the humanities. The professional nurse, as a leader, must be willing to take risks and serve as a client advocate to create innovative, planned changes that contribute to the improvement of the quality of health care. The professional nurse seeks opportunities to function autonomously and in collaboration with other health care providers. Accountability and quality of care are assessed in accordance with individual and professional values, published standards of care, and the professional Code of Ethics. Acceptance of the values of the profession requires a commitment to lifelong learning and active participation in the governance and advancement of the nursing profession. We believe that baccalaureate graduates of the Capstone College of Nursing possess those competencies that characterize a beginning professional nurse, including the knowledge and skills requisite to master's study in nursing. Master's graduates possess those competencies that characterize advanced professional nursing practice, including the knowledge and skills required for doctoral study.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to

ACCREDITATION

The program retains approved status by the Alabama Board of Nursing and has full accreditation from the Collegiate Commission on Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle N.W., Suite 530, Washington, DC, 20036.

PROGRAM AND FACILITIES

The resources of the University, of health care facilities in the surrounding community, and of selected clinical agencies throughout the state provide opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge and skills essential for professional nursing and personal growth.

In lower-division courses, nursing students matriculate with students from a variety of academic disciplines as they acquire fundamental knowledge from the humanities and social and natural sciences. Upon promotion to upper-division courses, nursing students engage in didactic and clinical study to acquire the body of nursing knowledge requisite to functioning as a professional nurse. Utilization of the nursing process in a variety of settings and with clients across the life span is facilitated by clinical learning experiences in nursing homes, community health centers and agencies, home-care settings, hospitals, industries, and public schools.

The professional development of students is promoted through a blend of learning opportunities that include faculty guidance in didactic and clinical settings, directed and independent study activities in the Lowery Learning Resources Center, and interaction with other health care providers. The curriculum is organized to enable students to progress from dependent to interdependent decision making and from structured to unstructured learning experiences. Learning experiences enable students to focus on those clinical, leadership, and research competencies that characterize a beginning professional nurse.

Selected students may also choose to participate in co-op education and summer internships with local health care agencies. Students are provided stipends by the health care agencies to help defray tuition and living expenses during the internship.

DEGREE OFFERED

The Capstone College of Nursing awards the degree of bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.).

LICENSURE

Upon completion of the program, students meet the educational qualifications of the Alabama Board of Nursing for taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Completion of the academic program in no way assures the student of licensure. No employee, agent, or representative of this University is authorized or empowered to provide such assurances either directly or by implication.

ADMISSION AND PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

Admission to Lower Division

Students are admitted to the Capstone College of Nursing when they meet University of Alabama admission requirements. Students are encouraged to acquaint themselves with general academic regulations of the University as stated in "Admissions," p. 13. Transfer students are encouraged to seek advisement from the Capstone College of Nursing Office of Nursing Student Services. Knowledge of policies and procedures is the student's responsibility. Detailed policies and procedures are contained in the Capstone College of Nursing student handbook, which is on the Capstone College of Nursing website (http://nursing.ua.edu). Students are notified of any policy changes. It is the student's responsibility to abide by the most recently published or posted policies and procedures. An official, current copy of the handbook is available in the office of the associate dean for academic programs.

Promotion to Upper Division

Application forms for promotion to the upper division may be obtained from the Office of Nursing Student Services (ONSS) in the Capstone College of Nursing. It is the student's responsibility to secure an application from the ONSS and to submit it by the deadline.

Promotion Policies

  1. To progress to the professional component of the nursing curriculum, a student must possess a functional level of capability to perform the duties required of a professional nurse. These abilities include but are not limited to (a) adequate vision such as that required to observe changes in physical conditions, to read small print on labels and laboratory reports, and to discern subtle changes in color; (b) adequate hearing such as that required to distinguish muted sounds through a stethoscope; (c) fine motor skills and manual dexterity such as those required to handle small, delicate equipment; (d) strength such as that required to turn and assist with lifting adults and to lift and carry children; (e) the mobility to respond quickly to emergency situations; (f) the ability to engage in two-way conversation and interact effectively with others orally and in writing; (g) the ability to detect odors; and (h) the ability to consistently and dependably engage in critical thinking to make safe and ethical clinical judgments.

    The faculty of the Capstone College of Nursing has identified the skills and professional behaviors that are essential to pursue a course of study to be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination-RN and to practice as a professional nurse. These skills include but are not limited to the skills presented in Essentials of College and University Education for Professional Nursing, a publication of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. If these skills and professional behaviors cannot be developed by the student, either unassisted or with the dependable use of assistive devices, the faculty reserves the right to disenroll the student from clinical courses. A copy of Essentials of College and University Education for Professional Nursing is available upon request from the College's Office of Academic Programs.

  2. Promotion to the upper division requires successful completion of the courses designated for the first four semesters of the curriculum. Students may apply and be considered for promotion to the upper division during the fourth semester if they will have completed all courses prior to the semester for which application to the upper division is made. In such instances, promotion to the upper division may be granted conditionally, pending successful completion of all courses required for promotion. Promotion to the upper division may be withdrawn if the level of academic performance is significantly lower in those courses completed after conditional promotion.

  3. Only those applicants whose grade point averages are at least 2.5 for those courses required in the first four semesters of the designated curriculum are eligible to apply for promotion. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee promotion to the upper division of the nursing curriculum.

  4. Spaces in the upper division are limited. When the number of students seeking promotion to the upper division exceeds the number of spaces available, the most qualified applicants will be promoted. Those applicants who present the strongest academic records and who show the most promise for success in the upper division will be promoted. Applicants who complete at least one-half of the required lower-division coursework in residence at UA will be given preference.

  5. Transfer students are defined as those students who have completed less than one-half of the required lower-division coursework at the University of Alabama. A transfer student may be accepted into the upper division when the academic record, taken as a whole, presents evidence of outstanding academic performance and a strong likelihood of success in the upper division.

  6. The number of students promoted each semester is dependent upon available resources. Promotion to upper division is competitive.

  7. Applications and deadlines for promotion to the upper division may be obtained from the ONSS in the Capstone College of Nursing.

Upon progression to the upper division, permission to depart from the clinical sequence must be obtained from the associate dean for academic programs. Because of the limitations in clinical course spaces, departure from the sequence for any reason may significantly lengthen the time for program completion.

Transfer from a B.S.N. Nursing Program

Students requesting a transfer to the upper division of the nursing program from another B.S.N. program must follow the promotion policies above. Additional criteria for consideration for admission of a student who has attended another B.S.N. program include the following:

  1. a letter of good standing from all B.S.N. nursing program(s)

  2. a minimum of a 2.5 overall GPA

  3. a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on nursing courses completed

  4. a minimum of 2.0 on all science courses completed

Withdrawal from the First Clinical Nursing Course

Any student who withdraws from or does not successfully complete the first clinical nursing course in the upper division must contact the associate dean for academic programs to be considered for placement in the course the next semester. The student will be placed in the course on a space-available basis only. Before considering placement of any students who have not succeeded in the course, preference for spaces will be given to those applicants who meet all promotion criteria and who have not previously been promoted. If space becomes available for a student's reassignment to the course, a second unsuccessful attempt by that student in any other clinical course will result in academic suspension from the Capstone College of Nursing.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The faculty of the Capstone College of Nursing recognizes high academic achievement with the following honors designations:

The minimum averages of 3.9, 3.7, and 3.5 cannot be achieved by rounding. Averages will be calculated for performance in all courses in which the student has been enrolled prior to receiving the degree.

Information about scholarships and financial aid for nursing students may be obtained from the Capstone College of Nursing Office of Nursing Student Services. Sources of such aid include the following:

Other sources to be explored include

SPECIAL SERVICES, PROGRAMS, AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Academic Advising

Faculty of the Capstone College of Nursing serve as academic advisors. Following the initial registration period, a faculty advisor is assigned to each student. Students must contact their faculty advisors during the advising period for program planning. Additionally, faculty advisors are prepared to counsel students regarding services available throughout the University to promote success. Advisement policies specific to Capstone College of Nursing students are included in the Capstone College of Nursing student handbook.

Credit for Advanced Standing

Transfer credit is accepted if the course content is deemed equivalent to that required in the curriculum of the College. Evaluation is based on course content, the grade earned, and credit earned.

Successful completion of examinations available through the University Test Service satisfies certain general education requirements.

Credit Courses Taken in the College of Continuing Studies (Correspondence or Independent Study Courses)

Selected general education courses required for the degree of bachelor of science in nursing may be taken from the independent study program of the College of Continuing Studies with prior approval of the student's Capstone College of Nursing faculty advisor. (See the section on the College of Continuing Studies for details of the independent study program.)

GENERAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Standards of Conduct

The nursing student shall comply with legal, moral, and legislative standards that determine unacceptable behavior of the nurse and that may be cause for denial of a license to practice as a registered nurse, in accordance with the Alabama law regulating practice of registered and practical nursing, stated below:

The board shall have the power to deny, revoke, or suspend any license issued by it or to otherwise discipline a licensee upon proof that the licensee is guilty of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license; has been convicted of a felony; is guilty of a crime involving moral turpitude or of gross immorality that would tend to bring reproach upon the nursing profession; is unfit or incompetent due to personal habits; is habitually intemperate due to the use of alcohol, or is addicted to the use of habit-forming drugs to such an extent as to render him or her unsafe or unreliable as a licensee; has been convicted of any violation of a federal or state law relating to controlled substances; is mentally incompetent; is guilty of unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or injure the public in matters pertaining to health; or has willfully or repeatedly violated any of the provisions of this article as defined by board rules and regulations.*

Failure to comply with any of the above stipulations while in the nursing program constitutes grounds for dismissal from the program.

It is important for nursing students to know about the Alabama Board of Nursing's regulations governing review of candidates for eligibility for initial and continuing licensure. There will be questions on the application to take the examination for licensure as a registered nurse that ask "Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a criminal offense?" and "Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol?" Application to take the examination may be denied on the basis of this review. Although these policies apply specifically in Alabama, other states have similar stipulations for licensure.

*Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Code, September 1997.

Essential Skills and Behaviors

See "Promotion Policies," Item 1, p. 233.

Hours and Grade Points

*Any reference to hours indicates semester hours, unless otherwise noted.

CPR Certification

Evidence of current certification as a professional-level provider of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is required for registration in all clinical nursing courses. Students are responsible for obtaining and maintaining current CPR certification while enrolled in the Capstone College of Nursing. Certification must be renewed annually and verified through presentation of a CPR card.

Verification of Health Status

A health form must be completed prior to matriculation in the upper division and prior to beginning senior-level courses if the student's health status has changed. The health form is available from the Capstone College of Nursing ONSS and must be completed by a licensed physician or a certified nurse practitioner. Students must also present documentation of immunization against hepatitis B and other specified communicable diseases prior to progressing to the upper division.

Prerequisites

Many nursing courses have specific prerequisites. See course descriptions for prerequisites.

Policies Governing Progression and Graduation

Upon promotion to the upper division, students progress to clinical nursing courses in the established sequence. If a student's progression is interrupted for any reason, it is the student's responsibility to contact the office of the associate dean for academic programs to request consideration for reassignment. Because spaces in clinical courses are limited, any alteration of the usual progression may lengthen the student's program.

To be eligible for the degree of bachelor of science in nursing, a candidate must show successful completion of the courses required in the nursing program of studies and complete a minimum of 32 semester hours at The University of Alabama.

Academic Probation and Suspension

Readmission of Academically Suspended Students

After a lapse of one regular semester from the last date of enrollment, a student who has been suspended by the Capstone College of Nursing may apply for readmission through the Office of Academic Programs. This application may be submitted immediately after notification of suspension. The application, the student's record of performance, and other pertinent information submitted by the student will be reviewed, and a recommendation concerning the application for readmission will be made to the dean of the College. Students who are suspended a second time are placed on indefinite academic suspension.

Readmission Following Withdrawal

A student who has withdrawn from the upper division of the Capstone College of Nursing and who wishes to be readmitted after an absence of one semester or more must (1) apply for readmission by contacting the office of the associate dean for academic programs of the Capstone College of Nursing and (2) apply for readmission to the University by contacting the Records Office. Permission to return to the Capstone College of Nursing will depend on the student's previous performance and the availability of space in the required nursing courses. Readmission may require repeating courses to ensure that knowledge is current.

Maximum Hours

A student may not exceed a course load of 18 semester hours, except with the approval of the dean.

Policy on Repeating Courses

Pass/Fail Option

With special permission, a student may choose to receive a grade of "Pass" ("P") or "Fail" ("F") for a course, instead of the conventional "A," "B," "C," "D," or "F." If a "P" is earned, the hours count, but the grade point average is not affected. If an "F" is earned, the grade point average is reduced.

Administrative Withdrawal from Clinical Nursing Courses

Students' clinical experiences are considered a vital part of learning the practice of professional nursing, and faculty guidance is available in facilitating these learning experiences. As students progress through the program of studies, they are expected to increase their abilities to function independently and assume responsibility for their actions. When a student's clinical decision making is deemed by faculty to constitute unsafe or unethical nursing practice, or when there is lack of adherence to established policies and procedures related to professional conduct, the student will receive a failing grade in the course and will be withdrawn from the course and/or suspended from the program. Administrative withdrawal procedures are initiated by faculty through the office of the associate dean for academic programs. Further progression in the Capstone College of Nursing is determined according to the rules for academic probation and suspension and the availability of space.

Auditing Courses

Clinical nursing courses are not open to auditors.

Clinical Nursing Expenses

Standard University of Alabama tuition is charged for enrollment in clinical nursing courses. In addition to textbook expenses, clinical nursing students are responsible for the provision of uniforms and supplies for performance in the clinical area. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from all clinical experiences. The expense of required liability insurance and standardized-test fees is also the responsibility of the student. Detailed information on ordering uniforms and supplies will be furnished when students are promoted to the upper division of the nursing program.

In addition to standard University fees, a laboratory fee is assessed when students are enrolled in nursing courses. Costs for textbooks, physical-assessment equipment, and other supplies for the first semester of upper-division work substantially exceed those of subsequent semesters.

Late Registration

There is no late registration for clinical nursing courses.

Time Limit

If requirements for the degree have not been completed within five years after initial registration in the Capstone College of Nursing, the student's academic record will be reviewed to establish appropriate changes or requirements. Any student who has not enrolled in upper-division courses for more than one semester is required to seek approval from the office of the associate dean for academic programs prior to registration to enroll in any subsequent courses. Approval may require repeating courses to ensure that knowledge is current.

Exit Exams

Students are required to make passing scores on all standardized exit exams given in the College. A student who fails to achieve a satisfactory score must complete a remediation program. Failure to satisfactorily complete the standardized program exit exam in the last semester of the program may delay the student's graduation from the B.S.N. program.

Review Course

Each student is required to take a review course near the end of the B.S.N. program in preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Failure to comply with this requirement will delay graduation from the program.

B.S.N. Degree*

The degree of bachelor of science in nursing requires the completion of the courses designated in the following program of studies. Elective hours may be used to complete a major portion of the University Core Curriculum; additional courses, however, may be required. Students may choose to enroll in a summer session(s) to meet requirements and to adjust the program of studies to meet individual needs. Students should also review Core Curriculum requirements in the section "Student Records and General Academic Policies," p. 19. Bold letters indicate courses that meet specific University Core Curriculum requirements. Clinical nursing courses are not taught in summer sessions.

*The Capstone College of Nursing reserves the right to make modifications in its program and policies as necessary, but every effort will be made to implement the general program for full-time students.

LOWER-DIVISION REQUIREMENTS—GENERIC B.S.N. (SAMPLE)

FRESHMAN YEAR
Fall Semester Hours
CH 104 Introductory Chemistry with lab (N) 4
EN 101 English Composition I (FC) 3
PY 101 Introduction to Psychology (SB) 3
MATH 110 Finite Mathematics or higher math course (MA) 3
1NUR 102 Introduction to Nursing 1
2Foreign language or computer elective (FC or C) 3-4
___
17-18
 
Spring Semester Hours
CH 105 Introductory Organic Chemistry with lab (N) 4
EN 102 English Composition II (FC) 3
HD 101 Human Development (SB) 3
2Foreign language or computer elective (FC or C) 3-4
2History or literature elective (HI or L) 3
___
16-17
 
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Fall Semester Hours
BSC 215 Human Biology with lab 4
BSC 242 Microbiology and Man (N) 4
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology or
    ANT 102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (SB) 3
2History or literature elective (HI or L) 3
2Statistics (MA) 3
___
17
 
Spring Semester Hours
BSC 216 Human Biology 4
NHM 101 Introduction to Human Nutrition 3
PHL 204 Medical Ethics (HU) 3
2Fine arts (FA) 3
2History or literature elective (HI or L) 3
___
16

1NUR 102 is not a required course.
2 Consult with the Office of Nursing Services or your nursing advisor for appropriate courses to satisfy these requirements.

UPPER-DIVISION REQUIREMENTS—GENERIC B.S.N.

SOPHOMORE YEAR
Summer Session1 Hours
NUR 305 Human Pathology 3
NUR 307 Medication Calculation 1
NUR 308 Conceptual Foundations for Professional Nursing 2
NUR 351 Nursing Informatics (C) 3
___
9
 
JUNIOR YEAR
Fall Semester Hours
NUR 324 Fundamentals of Professional Nursing Practice 9
NUR 326 Pharmacology for Nursing Practice 3
2NUR 328 Nursing Research (W) 3
___
15
 
Spring Semester Hours
NUR 372 Professional Nursing Practice: Adults 8
NUR 374 Professional Nursing Practice: Mental Health 4
___
12
 
SENIOR YEAR
Fall Semester Hours
NUR 418 Professional Nursing Practice: Childbearing Families 4
NUR 420 Professional Nursing Practice: Children 4
NUR 422 Professional Nursing Practice: Community Health 4
___
12
 
Spring Semester Hours
NUR 471 Professional Nursing Practice: Complex Client Systems 4
NUR 473 Professional Nursing Practice: Leadership in Practice (W) 8
NUR 475 Preparation for Licensure 1
___
13
 
Total lower-division and upper-division hours: 127

1Program of study may also begin in the fall semester.
2NUR 328 may be taken in the fall or spring semester of the junior year.

Minors

A student may pursue a minor in any area that has a University-approved minor program and is approved by the faculty advisor and the dean of the Capstone College of Nursing. Consult the departmental listings in this catalog for specific requirements of minor programs. Forms for declaring a minor may be obtained from the ONSS in the Capstone College of Nursing.

Application for Degree

An application for a degree must be completed on the first day of class of the semester during which the student will complete all requirements for the B.S.N. degree. Application forms can be obtained from the ONSS in the Capstone College of Nursing.

RN MOBILITY

Registered nurses who enroll at The University of Alabama may opt to pursue one of two tracks toward the completion of a higher degree or degrees. Students may enroll in either an RN to B.S.N. or RN to B.S.N./M.S.N. track. Both programs of study allow students to continue working and to complete the majority of required coursework, on the Web, or by other means of distance education.

RN to B.S.N. Track

The RN to B.S.N. program of study is specifically designed for the registered nurse student to earn a baccalaureate degree. The program consists of 74-76 semester hours of lower-division coursework and 18-19 semester hours of upper-division coursework. Lower-division studies include courses that meet University Core Curriculum requirements for a baccalaureate degree. All lower-division hours must be successfully completed prior to enrolling in upper-division courses.

UA CORE REQUIREMENTS

Upon admission to the University as an RN to B.S.N. student, credit for 38 hours of NUR courses is awarded.

Courses Credit Hours
BSC 215 and BSC 216 Human Biology with Lab 8
BSC 242 Microbiology 4
CH 104 General Chemistry with Lab 4
CH 105 Organic Chemistry with Lab 4
EN 101 and EN 102 English Composition 6
HD 101 Human Growth and Development 3
MATH 110 or MATH 112 Mathematics 3
NHM 101 Introduction to Nutrition 3
PHL 204 or PHL 200 Medical Ethics 3
PY 101 General Psychology 3
SOC 101 or ANT 102 Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology 3
Arts (ARH 252, ARH 253, or ARH 254; MUS 121; NEW 212; TH 114;
    or TCF 112) 3
Computer science or foreign language 6 or 8
Literature or history* 9
Statistics (BER 345, PY 211, or ST 260) 3
Total: 74-76

*All students are required to complete either a six-hour history or literature sequence. Students must also complete three hours in the area outside or their sequence (e.g., a student completing HY 101 and HY 102 must take a literature course to satisfy degree requirements).

Required Nursing Courses

NUR 305 Human Pathology 3
NUR 309 Nursing Infomatics (CS) 3
NUR 326 Pharmacology for Nursing Practice 3
NUR 328 Introduction to Nursing Research (W) 3
***NUR 342 Health Assessment for Registered Nurses 3
NUR 343 Role Transition in Baccalaureate Nursing (W) 3
**NUR 449 Community Health for Registered Nurses 4
**NUR 455 Leadership and Management Roles for
    Registered Nurses 5
Total: 27
 
**Clinical Course
***Laboratory Course
 
Total credit required for graduation = 128 semester hours

Registration for Nursing Courses

  1. Prior to enrolling in required nursing courses, appropriate prerequisite courses must be completed.

  2. As long as the student meets the course prerequisite requirements, courses can be taken in any order.

  3. Students must have at least 2.5 cumulative GPAs to enroll in first nursing course.

Each of the courses above requires time additional to class meeting times (e.g., library work, clinical time, or meetings with faculty and student groups).

RN TO B.S.N/M.S.N. TRACK

The RN to B.S.N./M.S.N. program of study is an accelerated option for the experienced, highly qualified RN who holds an associate degree or diploma in nursing and who wants to obtain an advanced degree in nursing. RNs who meet M.S.N. program admission criteria can apply for early admission to the Graduate School while completing the B.S.N. requirements. The RN to B.S.N./M.S.N. track decreases the time required to complete both the B.S.N. and M.S.N. degree programs. The program of study includes six to eight semester hours of credit in each of the six semesters required of the track. The B.S.N. degree is awarded after completion of all B.S.N. requirements in the fourth semester, and the M.S.N. degree is awarded after completion of all M.S.N. requirements in the sixth semester.

Admission Requirements

  1. Admission/promotion to the B.S.N. program

    1. Admission to lower division to complete current lower-division requirements

      Requirements:

      • 3.0 GPA in last 60 semester hours of coursework
      • Unencumbered RN license and eligibility for licensure in Alabama
      • Two years of clinical nursing experience
    2. No later than the spring semester of the year of initial enrollment, apply for promotion to the upper division

      Requirements:

      • 3.0 GPA in last 60 semester hours of coursework
      • Unencumbered Alabama RN license
      • Two years of clinical nursing experience

Admission to Graduate School

By October 15 of fall I of the program of study, students can apply for early, expedited admission to the M.S.N. program, contingent on completion of the first semester of B.S.N. coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and completion of all undergraduate core requirements.

LOWER-DIVISION COURSES—RN TO B.S.N./M.S.N. TRACK

Courses Credit Hours
BSC 215 and BSC 216 Human Biology with Lab 8
BSC 242 Microbiology 4
CH 104 General Chemistry with Lab 4
CH 105 Organic Chemistry with Lab 4
EN 101 and EN 102 English Composition 6
HD 101 Human Growth and Development 3
MATH 110 or MATH 112 Mathematics 3
NHM 101 Introduction to Nutrition 3
PHL 204 or PHL 200 Medical Ethics 3
PY 101 General Psychology 3
SOC 101 or ANT 102 Introduction to Sociology or Anthropology 3
Arts (ARH 252, ARH 253, or ARH 254; MUS 121; NEW 212; TH 114;
    or TCF 112) 3
Computer science or foreign language 6 or 8
Literature or history* 9
Statistics (BER 345, PY 211, or ST 260) 3
Lower-Division Total: 74-76

*All students are required to complete either a six-hour history or literature sequence. Students must also complete three hours in the area outside or their sequence (e.g., a student completing HY 101 and HY 102 must take a literature course to satisfy degree requirements).

UPPER-DIVISION AND M.S.N. CURRICULUM—RN TO B.S.N./M.S.N. TRACK

Fall I
Course Semester Hours
NUR 343 Role Transition in Baccalaureate Nursing 3
NUR 450 Primary Prevention and Community Health 4
Total: 7
 
Spring I
Course Semester Hours
1NUR 513 Advanced Nursing Research (USA) 3
CHS 520 Basic Epidemiology 3
NUR 502 Issues in Community-Based Care for Rural Populations 2
Total: 8
 
Summer I
Course Semester Hours
1NUR 580 Fiscal Resource Management for Case Managers 3
NUR 505 Advanced Health Assessment 3
Total: 6
 
Fall II
Course Semester Hours
NUR 501 Theoretical Models for Advanced Nursing Practice
    with Rural Populations 2
1NUR 522 Human Relations Management 3
2NUR 5___ Pathophysiology 3
Total: 8
 
Spring II
Course Semester Hours
NUR 520 Case Management Role and Processes 4
NUR 592 Clinical Research Practicum 3
Total: 7
 
Summer II
Course Semester Hours
NUR 530 Case Management Practicum. 6
Total: 6
Upper-Division and M.S.N. Curriculum Total: 42

1Courses count toward completion of B.S.N. and M.S.N. degree requirements.
2These courses may be taken at UAB, UAH, or USA if available and transferred to UA.

See your faculty advisor for other options.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS

SARA E. BARGER, RN, D.P.A., FAAN, Dean of the Capstone College of Nursing.

DONNA R. PACKA, RN, D.S.N., Associate Dean for Academic Programs.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS

B. JEAN BRIDGES, Administrative Secretary to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs.

KIM COKER, Accounting Assistant.

MITZI COLBURN, Executive Secretary to the Dean.

NURSING STUDENT SERVICES

JODI CARLSON, Ph.D., Director.

CAROLYN YATES, Records Specialist.

PAT MCCULLAR, RN, B.S.N., Recruiter.

FACULTY

First date refers to original appointment to the University. Second date, if any refers to date of appointment to title listed.

ADAMS, MARSHA, RN, B.S.N., M.S.N., D.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Associate Professor of Nursing, 1983, 1997.

BARGER, SARA, RN, B.S.N., (Maryland), M.N., (Emory), D.P.A. (Georgia), Professor of Nursing and Dean, 1995.

BARRETT, JENA, RN, B.S.N. (Alabama), M.S.N., D.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Assistant Professor of Nursing, 1987, 1989.

CARTER, MELONDIE, RN, B.S.N. (Troy), M.S.N., D.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Assistant Professor of Nursing, 1994,1999.

*COLLINS, ANGELA, RN, B.S.N. (Samford), M.S.N. (Medical College of Georgia), D.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Clinical Associate Professor, 2002.

DUNKIN, JERI, RN, B.S.N. (East Tennessee State), M.P.H. (Tennessee), Ph.D. (Texas-Austin), Professor and Saxon Chair for Rural Nursing, 1997.

*DUNN, LINDA, RN, B.S.N. (Alabama), M.S.N. (Mississippi University for Women), D.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Associate Professor of Nursing, 1983, 1993.

EDWARDS, REBECCA, RN, B.S.N. (Alabama), M.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Assistant Professor of Nursing and Director of Technology and Distance Education, 1978, 1996.

*GASKINS, SUSAN, RN, B.S.N. (Medical College of Virginia), M.P.H. (Pittsburgh), D.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Professor of Nursing, 1986, 2000.

GRAVES, ANN, RN, B.S.N. (Alabama), M.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Instructor of Nursing, 1998.

GULLETTE, DONNA, RN, B.S.N. (Northeast Louisiana), M.S.N. (Northwestern State), D.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Assistant Professor of Nursing, 2002.

HANDLEY, MARILYN, RN, B.S.N., M.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham), Ph.D. (University of Mississippi Medical Center). Assistant Professor of Nursing, 1995, 2002.

HANNAH, VICKI, RN, B.S.N. (Alabama), M.S.N. (Mississippi University for Women). Instructor of Nursing, 2002.

JACOBSON, SHAROL, RN, B.S.N. (Hamline), M.Ed., Ph.D. (Minnesota). Professor of Nursing and Associate Dean for Research and Practice, 2000.

KELLEY, MARY ANN, RN, B.S.N. (Mississippi University for Women), M.S.N. (University of Mississippi Medical Center), D.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Assistant Professor, 2003.

KENDRICK, WENDY, RN, B.S.N., M.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Instructor of Nursing, 2002.

*LYONS, MARGARET, RN, B.S.N. (Alabama), M.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham), Ph.D. (Alabama). Assistant Professor of Nursing, 1990,1998.

Morrison, Ruby, RN, B.S.N. (Mississippi College), M.N. (Washington), D.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Associate Professor of Nursing, 1988, 1995.

OLIVER, JOANN, B.S.N. (Alabama), M.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Instructor of Nursing, 2002.

PACKA, DONNA R., RN, B.S.N. (Murray State), M.S.N., D.S.N., (Alabama-Birmingham). Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Programs, 1997.

PATTERSON, LINDA, RN, B.S.N., M.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Instructor of Nursing, 2002.

SHELTON, MARVIN MITCHELL, RN, B.S.N. (Valdosta State), M.S.N. (Northwestern State University of Louisiana-Shreveport), Ph.D. (Alabama). Assistant Professor of Nursing, 1993, 1999.

SHERROD, ROY ANN, RN, B.S.N. (Alabama), M.S.N. (Mississippi University for Women), D.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Professor of Nursing, 1981, 1996, Assistant to the President, 1997.

*STANTON, MARIETTA P., RN, B.S.N. (Mount St. Mary's College), M.A. (New York), M.S. (Salve Regina), Ph.D. (State University of New York-Buffalo). Professor of Nursing, 1999.

VANDERMEER, JEANETTE, RN, B.S.N. (Alabama-Huntsville), M.S.N. (Colorado), D.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Assistant Professor of Nursing, 1988, 1997.

WILLIAMS, KATHLEEN, RN, B.S.N., M.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Instructor of Nursing, 2000.

WOOD, FELECIA, RN, B.S.N. (Alderson Broaddus), M.S.N. (West Virginia), D.S.N. (Alabama-Birmingham). Assistant Professor of Nursing, 1980, 1990.

Emeriti

AWTREY, JANET, RN, D.S.N. Dean and Professor Emerita of Nursing, 1983, 1994.

CAMERON, JOYCE, RN, M.S.N. Instructor Emerita of Nursing, 1985, 1990.

MOBLEY, NORMA, RN, Ed.D. Dean and Professor Emerita of Nursing, 1982, 1988.

OLIVET, LINDA, RN, D.S.N. Associate Professor Emerita of Nursing, 1980, 2000.

PALMER, NANCY, RN, Ed.D. Associate Professor Emerita of Nursing, 1973, 1999.

SKIPPER, GERALDINE, RN, M.N. Associate Professor Emerita of Nursing, 1975, 1985.

*These faculty are certified in their areas of clinical specialization.

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