Nursing B.S.N.

Nursing Major

The B.S.N. Nursing major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes UNIFI/General Education requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours.

Admission to UNI Nursing Major:

1. Students must be admitted to the University of Northern Iowa based on standard admissions criteria found in UNI’s catalog - https://catalog.uni.edu/generalinformation/admissionrequirements
    

2. Complete the application form for the major. Prior to filing out the application the student must have completed or be completing the prerequisite courses and cognate courses listed below. 
    

3. Achieve a minimum extracted grade point average in prerequisite courses of 3.00 based on a 4.00 scale.  A grade of C (2.00) or better must be achieved in each cognate course. Students not meeting the GPA requirement may be conditionally admitted discretion of the nursing admissions committee.
    

4.  Prerequisite coursework must be completed in the term preceding entry into the major unless approved by the department or faculty representative. The student may be conditionally admitted to the program as long as the student is enrolled in the third semester courses and making strong progress in the enrolled courses. 
    

5. Admissions decisions to the major are made by the nursing committee.  For applicants who meet the minimum requirements, the nursing admissions committee will select the applicants who, in its judgment, are best qualified to meet the expectations of prospective members of the nursing profession.

Prior to enrolling in nursing clinical experiences, students must:

1. Complete a background check and a drug test. 

2. Submit a health physical and immunization record. 

3. Submit proof of current certification for Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association. 

4. Submit proof of health insurance. 

5. Compete the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) mandatory reporter training (Dependent Adult and Child Abuse).

A grade of C+ (2.33) or higher is needed for all NUR courses to count in the major. 

Per the Iowa Board of Nursing regulations, nursing courses with a clinical component may not be taken by a person: a) who has been denied a license by any state board of nursing; b) whose license is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in any U.S. jurisdiction; c) whose license/registration is currently suspended, surrendered or revoked in another country due to disciplinary action.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a fast-track option for individuals who want to become registered nurses. Students must meet the UNI residency requirements, including UNI's General Education (UNIFI) requirements, electives, and nursing program prerequisite coursework. This program can be completed in 12 months. See Department of Nursing & Public Health for more information.

Four-Year Plan

Nursing, B.S.N.

This is a sample plan of study with a suggested sequencing of classes for the major.  University electives may be applied to earn additional academic majors, minors, or certificates.  Students should regularly meet with their academic advisor to plan their specific semester schedule to include UNIFI/General Education program and/or university elective hours required.

Learning Outcomes

Nursing, B.S.N.

• Students will apply clinical judgment in the delivery of care by synthesizing knowledge, skills, and technology from the established and evolving art and science of nursing, as well as from the biological, social, and behavioral sciences.
• Students will employ person-centered care in partnership with the client, identified support persons, and the healthcare team.
• Students will evaluate health equity at the population level.
• Students will integrate the best scholarly evidence into nursing practice.
• Students will apply principles of safety and quality improvement to the delivery of care.
• Students will apply collaborative practice to optimize patient care and outcomes.
• Students will apply knowledge of systems to work effectively across the continuum of care.
• Students will apply principles of professional nursing ethics in the care of individuals across the lifespan.
• Students will utilize information technologies to deliver evidence-based care.
• Students will create a personal and professional plan for long-term resilience.

Policies

Progression Policy

A C+ (2.33) or better grade is required in nursing coursework (courses with a NUR prefix) to pass a course. Failure in three nursing courses will result in dismissal from the program. For courses with both theory and clinical components, grades of C+ or above are considered passing in the nursing program.

Dismissal from Nursing Program

Students are subject to dismissal from the BSN Program for academic or professional reasons under any of the following conditions:

• Being placed on clinical probation for a second time.
• Course failure (a grade less than a C+ (2.33) in two nursing courses. 
• A failing grade in pathophysiology and microbiology courses. 
• Consistently exhibiting unprofessional behavior is considered unacceptable for both study and a career in nursing.
• Failure to remove or successfully resolve clinical probation status.
• Acts of dishonesty or unethical behavior.
• Providing unsafe care

The Chief Academic Nurse administrator will notify students dismissed from the BSN program via their UNI email. Students dismissed from the BSN Program may apply to transfer to another UNI program. They are subject to the transferring department's rules and regulations.

Re-admission to Nursing Program

Students can appeal the dismissal to the Nursing Admissions and Progression Committee. The decisions of the Committee are final. See Nursing & Public Health Department for further details.

Related Programs

• Public Health B.A.
• Spanish and Community Health Minor