Nursing

Introduction to the Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

The mission of the Department of Nursing is to provide quality educational opportunities for students seeking to enter or advance in the nursing profession. The Department of Nursing is committed to creating a learning environment that fosters academic, personal and professional growth by supporting the professional nursing standards of care to meet health care needs of the community.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program is designed to prepare the graduate of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, who already holds a Registered Nursing (RN) license, with additional skills in management, leadership, theory, research, and evidence-based practice to succeed and be promoted within the nursing profession. The BSN graduate will be qualified for supervisory jobs such as nurse manager and other advanced bedside clinical care jobs. He or she will also be qualified to pursue a master’s degree in nursing. Courses are offered online to accommodate the working student, with two (2) one-credit hour practicum courses that allow the student to spend a specified number of hours at a facility. The student may complete the required 120 college credit hours in three semesters or more, depending on transfer and articulation credits. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is accredited with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Requirements for Progression

1. Grade of C or higher in courses in the curriculum;
2. Current CPR certification at the HealthCare Provider level (American Heart Association); and
3. Satisfactory level of mental and physical health, including current immunizations, Hepatitis B vaccinations, yearly TB testing, and ability to meet course requirements for practicum experiences.

The student who does not meet progression requirements must withdraw from the BSN program and apply for readmission.

Applicants to the RN to BSN program will be admitted with varying levels of experience and education. Depending upon the number of general education requirements completed at the time of admission, an entering BSN student can complete the nursing core courses in 3, 4, or 5 semesters. Therefore, it is important that each student meet with the BSN Program Coordinator or Director of Nursing to plan an individualized course of study.

Department of Nursing Goals

GOAL 1: Recruit students to fulfill community needs;
GOAL 2: Respond to community needs by providing new programs and/or certificates;
GOAL 3: Encourage students to participate in activities to support personal development during and after the nursing program to support the philosophy of lifelong learning;
GOAL 4: Receive grant funding for Department of Nursing;
GOAL 5: Prepare students to articulate from PN to ADN to BSN and MSN programs, if they choose;
GOAL 6: Prepare students to work competently in health care facilities in the community;
GOAL 7: Refer students to support services for academic assistance; and
GOAL 8: Respond to community health care needs by graduating potential employees.

RN-BSN Program Expected Levels of Achievement

1. At least 70% of the RN-BSN program students will earn the baccalaureate degree in nursing within five years of initial enrollment;
2. At least 80% of the RN to BSN program graduates taking the end of program survey will
   indicate satisfaction with their respective program;
3. The majority of employers (at least 80% of the employers) which employ RN to BSN
   graduates, taking the end of program survey, will report satisfaction with the overall
   performance of the RN to BSN prepared employee; and
4. At program completion, 70% of RN to BSN prepared graduates will report they are
   employed in an appropriate nursing position, have received a promotion or increase in
   salary, or are enrolled in further nursing education.

RN-BSN Core Competencies

1. Discipline, specific knowledge and skill;
2. Management and leadership;
3. Theory, research, and evidence-based practice;
4. Interpersonal relations and community systems;
5. Legal environment, ethics, and values.

Is This For You?

This is a two-year program open to graduates of Associate Degree Nursing programs who hold a current Registered Nursing license. Flexible class schedules fit work and family responsibilities. The program is completely on-line and may be completed in the set three, four, or five semester completion options located in the Information Packet.

First in affordability

• $105.22 per credit for courses leading to B.S.N.
• Alabama residents add just $1.00 per credit

First-rate program

• Nationally recognized Mary Ekdahl Smart Center for Patient Simulation Training & Research
• Fully equipped virtual hospital, emergency room and ambulance
• Highly qualified faculty and small classes
• Pensacola State College’s Nursing Program holds national and regional accreditation

 

RN-BSN Core Competencies

1. Discipline, specific knowledge and skill;
2. Management and leadership;
3. Theory, research, and evidence-based practice;
4. Interpersonal relations and community systems;
5. Legal environment, ethics, and values.

Beyond Graduation . . .

RN-BSN graduates will be qualified for supervisory jobs such as nurse managers and other leadership roles. Within one year of graduation, 70% of RN-BSN prepared graduates will report they are employed in an appropriate nursing position, have received a promotion or increase in salary, or are enrolled in further nursing education.

Related Career Opportunities

Primary Employers

• Hospitals
• private practices
• health maintenance organizations
• public health agencies
• primary care clinics
• home health care
• nursing homes
• outpatient surgicenters
• nursing-school-operated nursing centers
• insurance and managed care companies
• schools
• mental health agencies
• hospices
• the military
• industry
• nursing education
• health care research

Employment Trends

For more information regarding first-year earnings for degree completers and student debt accumulation download or view the Economic Security Report of Employment and Earning Outcomes Click Here, published by the Department of Economic Opportunity.

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