Nursing (RN-to-BSN), BSN

Department of Health and Community Studies, Woodring College of Education

48 credits

Introduction

The RN-to-BSN program is specifically designed for nurses who have completed a pre-licensure associate degree or diploma nursing program and currently have their RN licensure or are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

The innovative program of study will prepare nurses with the professional competencies necessary for the increasing complexities of healthcare and has been guided by national standards for nursing.

1. AACN Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (2008): www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/essential-series
2. Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) Competencies: www.qsen.org/
3. QUAD Council Competencies for Public Health Nursing: quadcouncilphn.org

WWU RN-to-BSN Program will prepare graduates to:

• Assimilate theories and concepts learned through the sciences and humanities into professional nursing practice.
• Access, appraise and synthesize credibility of varied sources of evidence to inform clinical judgment and organizational decision-making for optimal healthcare delivery.
• Promote a culture of evidence-based practice by integrating clinical expertise and diverse perspectives that support patient-centered care and optimal health outcomes.
• Advocate for access to and delivery of equitable health care services with an understanding of the influences of individual, socio-cultural, legal and policy factors.
• Apply principles of leadership, systems theory, quality improvement, and interdisciplinary communication to promote patient safety and quality care in a variety of settings.
• Advocate for and practice health promotion and disease prevention strategies to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, communities and populations.
• Coordinate the delivery of healthcare services through effective professional communication, patient care technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Provide BSN generalist care within the context of evolving professional standards and a commitment to life-long learning.

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Admission requirements

• Associate degree (A.D.N.) or diploma in nursing
• Completion of at least 90 transferrable quarter-system credits including the following nursing pre-requisite courses:
  • English Composition (5 credits)
  • Chemistry with lab (5 credits)
  • Anatomy & Physiology with lab (10 credits)
  • Microbiology (5 credits)
  • Introduction to Psychology (5 credits)
  • Life span psychology (5 credits)
  • Statistics (5 credits)
  • Humanities electives (12 credits)
• Applicants must show evidence of good academic standing with a grade of 2.0 or higher for each RN-to-BSN program prerequisite and a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher. RN-to-BSN applicants with a GPA below 2.75 may contact the program to discuss the admissions exceptions policy. A personal interview will be required.
• Many courses in the major have an online learning component. Students are expected to have internet access and a willingness to learn new technologies.
• Successful completion of NCLEX-RN examination: www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm.
  NOTE: Pre-licensure nursing students may apply if graduating before the RN-to-BSN program start date. New graduates may be offered provisional admission pending successful NCLEX examination and RN licensure. Successful completion of the NCLEX examination provides 30 upper-division credits and 15 lower-division elective credits awarded towards the BSN degree.
• Verification of current licensure to practice as a registered nurse in Washington State.
  NOTE: Applicants licensed in other U.S. states or in other countries will need to visit the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) website for information on how to become licensed in Washington State: www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission

Application process

Consideration for program acceptance will be given to applicants submitting all of the following requirements by the priority deadline:

• WWU Transfer Application and non-refundable application fee: admissions.wwu.edu/transfer/transfer-instructions
• Official transcript from all colleges and universities attended
• Nursing Program Application including goal statement, professional expectations, criminal history disclosure, and resume
• Academic and professional references (2)

Major Declaration Process

An offer of admission to the RN-to-BSN program satisfies the major declaration process.

Upon acceptance and continuation in BSN Major

• Declaration of all Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended immunizations for Health Care Provider (HCP):
  • Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)
  • Hepatitis B
  • TDap
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  • Influenza
  • Annual testing for tuberculosis (PPD or IGRA)
• Healthcare Provider CPR or ACLS
• Background Check
• Malpractice/Liability Insurance
• Personal Health Insurance
• Essential Functions Agreement to maintain nursing professional behaviors for admission, progression and graduation
• Drug Screening
• Additional requirements for clinical practice experience placement will be completed during the first quarter of the program.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C or better is required for a Nursing student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.