OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 123
Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 3.0
Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: Pre-requisite and General Education courses must be passed with a minimum grade of “C” or better. All Nursing courses (NUR) must be passed at a minimum level of 75% to be given a passing grade of “C.”
Other GPA requirements to graduate: Cumulative science GPA of 2.75. This includes BIO 100; BIO 208; BMB 207/209, BMB 208/210; and BMB 300/305.
Contact Information: Nancy Fishwick, Director, 217 Dunn Hall, 581-2607
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. During the freshman and sophomore year, students take courses from a variety of 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 with 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.
Prior to beginning the first clinical course with a contracted/affiliated hospital or healthcare agency, all students are required to undergo a criminal background check (CBC) to enhance patient safety and protection. This is a requirement placed on the healthcare agencies by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Criminal background checks are conducted by a private company approved or licensed to perform this service. Students are responsible for initiating the procedure to obtain the background check and assume all costs. Currectly the CBC costs approximately $40.00. A student whose CBC reveals concerns may be denied clinical placement at the assigned healthcare facility. Areas of concern may include any felony, crimes against individuals (assault, battery, sexual assault, and other related crimes), crimes involving theft, crimes involving drugs, and misdemeanors that could compromise the care and safety of patients. The healthcare agency makes the determination of suitability for clinical placement.
In addition to purchasing books, the students will be required to buy lab kits for NUR 200 and NUR 301. They will be available in the bookstore. The totes will also be used during community clinicals.
The School of Nursing sponsors a Recognition Ceremony for graduating seniors each May and December. 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 accepted in the nursing program must achieve a minimum science GPA of 2.75 and a grade point average of 3.0 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. A grade of less that “C” in a second nursing course will result in dismissal from the nursing program. 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 internal transfer to the Nursing program, applicants must have at least a 2.75 science grade point average and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. 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 the potential strengths they bring to the profession. 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 science and cumulative GPA to be considered for transfer is 2.75 and 3.0 respectively. 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 March 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.
Pre-Nursing Concentration
The Pre-Nursing Program is the same as our regular nursing program, however, it is taken over a longer period time. The pre-nursing curriculum will give the student every possibility of being successful in the nursing program. The first two years prepare the student for upper level nursing courses by providing a strong scientific foundation. The students take general education, social science and elective courses which help round out the college experience. Students have the first two semesters to demonstrate their academic ability to meet the progression standards in order to be fully recognized as a nursing student and continue with the nursing curriculum.
Once fully admitted the nursing student will begin nursing courses in the first semester of the junior year. The nursing curriculum reflects prevention of illness and health promotion through the lifespan and geared to provide students with the preparation needed to provide evidence based safe, effective, caring and professional nursing care in a variety of settings.
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.
Course fee: In an effort to continue to improve the quality of the School of Nursing, additional funding is important. Growth in student numbers has resulted in a need for more faculty and lab resources. Course fees of $25.00 per credit hour are assessed on clinical and lab courses.
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