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.
All students enrolled in the nursing program must achieve a minimum accumulative
grade point average of 2.60 in order to progress to the 300 level nursing courses.
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 2.6 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.
The University of Maine The University of Maine
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