The School of Nursing curriculum provides study in liberal arts, sciences and the nursing major. The goal of this accredited program is to prepare a professional generalist practitioner of nursing who can assist individuals, families and groups to achieve and maintain optimal health. The program provides a foundation for graduate and continuing education in nursing and serves as a stimulus for continuing intellectual and personal development. At the completion of the program, graduates are qualified to take the Registered Nurse licensing exam.
Education for the practice of professional nursing demands a substantial knowledge of the social, behavioral and biological sciences as a theoretical base. Beginning in the sophomore year, nursing courses are taken concurrently with courses from other disciplines, thus contributing to the development of the liberally educated practitioner. Clinical study begins at the end of Sophomore level courses and includes care of patients/clients in a variety of settings such as hospitals, community health agencies, long-term care facilities, homes, schools and industry.
The University of Maine School of Nursing has excellent faculty who are adept practitioners as well as competent teachers and researchers. Through their mentorship, students learn not only the skills to be a nurse, but also what it means to be a member of the profession with all the inherent responsibilities and accountabilities.
Nursing majors are required to have a health history and physical examination and certain immunizations completed and must have a report on file at the School of Nursing before enrolling in clinical courses. In addition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), for professional rescuers must be documented. Nursing majors must purchase uniforms and safety glasses before entry into the junior year. Since clinical learning experiences take place in a variety of settings and geographic locations, it is the student’s responsibility to provide transportation to sophomore, junior and senior clinical experiences. Professional liability and health insurance is strongly recommended for all nursing students.
All generic senior students in the School of Nursing will be required to take achievement testing as arranged by the School of Nursing. Currently the School is utilizing the Mosby AssessTest. The cost of this testing (currently $35.00) is the responsibility of the student and should be included in financial planning for the senior year. The time for this exam will be arranged by faculty during the latter part of the spring semester of the senior year.
The School of Nursing sponsors a Recognition Ceremony for graduating seniors each May. Although the majority of expenses are paid by the school, some expenses are the responsibility of the student. Students are also responsible for the purchase of the School of Nursing pin. These expenses may vary each year and students need to check with the School of Nursing office for current costs.
Effective January 2007, all students accepted in the nursing program must achieve a minimum accumulative grade point average of 2.75 in order to progress to NUR 200 and must complete 123 credit hours of coursework. Once matriculated, students must take prerequisites and nursing courses from this campus. Nursing students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all nursing courses. A student who earns a grade lower than “C” in any required course in the nursing program may repeat that course one time only. All nursing (NUR) courses are sequential and must be passed with a grade of “C” before progression to the next semester is permitted. In order to be considered for admission by transfer to the Nursing program, applicants must have at least a 2.75 grade point average. Refer to the School of Nursing Student Handbook for additional grading and progression policies.
The R.N. Studies program differs from the traditional curriculum in that assessment of prior learning in nursing is considered as part of the student’s program of study. Knowledge and skills in selected areas can be demonstrated through direct articulation or through specific examinations. A minimum of 30 nursing credits are given for prior education which leads to licensure as an RN as long as clinical competence has been maintained.
Nursing transfer students:
A student transferring from a nursing or other health professional program to the School of Nursing baccalaureate program is required to provide a letter of reference from a faculty member teaching in the student’s most recently completed semester and a statement from the head of the clinical program stating that the student is in good academic standing. These materials are to be mailed directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission from the originating institution.
Internal transfer: Students interested in the nursing major must submit a change of major form along with an essay that describes the rationale for selecting the profession of nursing and this program in particular. In addition, please write to the strengths you bring to this nursing program. At the end of each semester (once grades are received), the Academic Admission and Progression Committee of the School of Nursing meets to review all applicants. The minimum GPA to be considered for transfer is 2.75. However, due to a high degree of interest in the program, the process is competitive and students with the highest likelihood of success in the program are selected. Academic performance is demonstrated by the cumulative GPA and motivation, maturity, and values essential to the professional role are assessed via the essay. Writing ability is also a consideration.
External transfer: Students must complete an undergraduate application, identify nursing as their preferred major and submit an essay. Review of applicants will occur in May for fall entry only. External transfer students are not accepted for spring semester admission. If an external candidate is admissible to the University, but not directly admissible to the School of Nursing their admission to the university does not in any way assure students that they will be admitted to the nursing major. Admitted students in this category should plan to meet with the Assistant Director of the School of Nursing to determine the best course of action which might include completing one or two semesters of prerequisite course work and making application as an internal candidate. External transfer students who are directly admitted to the School of Nursing will have a letter from the Office of Admission stating this.
Due to limitations of resources, including clinical resources in the community, at the time of admission entry into nursing classes as either an internal or external transfer student may be delayed to the next available cohort. When offered admission, students will be told the semester and year for their entry into nursing courses. If a student accepts admission the time of entry will be guaranteed. Students who have completed all prerequisite courses will be given preference for earlier placement if clinical space is available. Students completing prerequisite courses must complete courses successfully in order to have placement reserved. Any interruption in the planned program of study may result in delayed placement or dismissal. A student’s actual program of study for the nursing major will reflect the program and policies in place at the time of the start of nursing courses, not the time of initial admission. Students will be given the most recent School of Nursing Handbook at the time of admission but are responsible to check the on-line version for changes in policies and curriculum.
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