OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 121
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, and BMB 240/241.
Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: NUR 411 or NUR 447 or NUR 455
Contact Information: Nancy Fishwick, Director, 217 Dunn Hall, 581-2607
The School of Nursing baccalaureate curriculum provides study in liberal arts, sciences and the nursing major. The goal of this 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 continuing education in nursing and serves as a stimulus for lifelong intellectual and professional development. Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to take the Registered Nurse licensing exam (NCLEX-RN). The baccalaureate nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and by the Maine State Board of Nursing.
The practice of professional nursing demands a substantial knowledge of the social, behavioral and biological sciences as a theoretical base. During the first two years of the program, students take courses from a variety of disciplines, thus contributing to the development of the broadly educated professional nurse. Nursing courses, which begin in the third semester, focus on health promotion and disease prevention through the lifespan, preparing students to provide evidence-based, safe, effective nursing care in a variety of settings.
The University of Maine School of Nursing faculty are highly capable educators, clinicians, and scholars. 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 its inherent responsibilities for safe, ethical practice.
Nursing majors are required to have a health 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 before entry to NUR 201, the first clinical setting. Because clinical learning experiences take place in a variety of settings and locales, 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 in a hospital or other 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. Currently the CBC costs approximately $40.00. A student whose CBC reveals concerns may be denied clinical placement by 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 course textbooks, students are required to buy lab kits for NUR 200 and NUR 301; the lab kits are available in the UMaine bookstore. The totes will also be used during community health clinical placements.
Course fee: Course fee of $25.00 per credit hour are assessed on clinical and lab nursing courses.
The School of Nursing hosts a Recognition Ceremony on campus for graduating seniors each May and December. The cost of the event is assumed by the graduating class. Graduating seniors may wish to purchase the UMaine School of Nursing pin. The cost of the ceremony and the pin vary each year; students will be informed of current costs as they enter their final semester.
Students accepted in the nursing program must maintain a minimum science GPA of 2.75 and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in order to progress to NUR 200. Once matriculated, students must take prerequisites and nursing courses from The University of Maine. 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 than “C” in a second nursing course will result in dismissal from the nursing program. Nursing (NUR) courses are sequential and must be passed with a grade of “C” before progression to the next NUR courses. Refer to the School of Nursing Student Handbook for additional grading and progression policies.
Nursing transfer students:
Internal transfer: In order to be considered for admission by internal transfer to the nursing program, applicants must have completed at least one semester of course work with a minimum 2.75 science grade point average and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Internal transfers must have completed at least on semester of science (BIO 100 or BMB 207/209) and MAT 111 or Statistics. 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. 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 GPA; 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 transfers must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must have completed a minimum of 30 credits in the following areas: Biology or Anatomy and Physiology, English Composition, Math and/or Statistics, and Social Sciences (such as Psychology, Sociology, Growth and Development). 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 the constraints of clinical placements, entry into nursing classes as either an internal or external transfer student may be delayed to the next available semester. 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. Any interruption in the planned program of study may result in delayed placement or dismissal. A student’s program of study for the nursing major will reflect the curriculum 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.
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 gives 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.
The pre-nursing student will begin nursing courses in the first semester of the third year. 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.
RN Studies Program:
The R.N. Studies program is designed for Registered Nurses who possess an associate degree or diploma in nursing and wish to achieve the baccalaureate degree in nursing. RN Studies students demonstrate requisite knowledge and skills in selected areas through examinations and through the program of study. A minimum of 30 nursing credits are given for prior nursing education. Applicants to the RN Studies Program should have a minimum GPA of 2.75, including a 2.75 GPA in math and science courses, and a GPA of 3.0 in the nursing major. Applicants may be admitted in the Fall or the Spring semester.
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