BSN-Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Introduction
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program was designed to meet the needs of the increasingly demanding healthcare environment where BSN prepared nurses are highly sought after for positions which require a high level of critical thinking, case management and leadership expertise. The program curriculum focuses on the Quality and Safety for Nurses in Education competencies: Patient-Centered Care, Teamwork and Collaboration, Evidence-Based Proactive, Quality Improvement, Safety and Informatics. Upon program completion, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a professional registered nurse. The baccalaureate-prepared nurse will be uniquely qualified to work in community health, public health, and leadership roles, among other roles and settings. Additionally, graduates will be academically prepared to advance into graduate education. Of note, according to state regulations, this program including all aspects of its design – from curriculum to program-level policies, to financial feasibility – has gone through extensive review by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Because this program prepares students for the licensure exam, it is subject to official approval by the State Board of Nursing.

Program Outcomes

Safety: Implement and promote safe practice through use of system and individual resources to minimize risk to the client, family, and healthcare team.
Safety: Apply client care technologies and information systems to support a safe practice environment.
Patient Centered Care: Advocate for compassionate care and engage the client as an empowered healthcare partner. Implement holistic client centered care that reflects an understanding of human growth and development, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical management, and nursing management, across the health-illness continuum, across the lifespan, and in all healthcare settings.
Informatics: Use information and technology to communicate, access resources, support decision making and prevent error.
Evidence Based Practice: Integrate best current evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to promote optimal patient outcomes.
Evidence Based Practice: Synthesize evidence, clinical judgment, interprofessional perspectives, and patient preferences in planning, implementing, and evaluating outcomes of care.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Collaborate with the healthcare team to foster open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision making to achieve quality care.
Quality Improvement: Use meaningful data to achieve quality nursing care and promote quality and safety in a healthcare environment.
Quality Improvement: Integrate the value of pursuing practice excellence, lifelong learning, and professional engagement to foster professional growth and development.

LICENSING

The State Board of Nursing will not issue a license or certificate to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the “The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act,” or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance unless: 1) at least ten (10) years have lapsed from the date of conviction; 2) the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the Board that there has been significant progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction; and 3) the applicant satisfies all qualifications in or authorized by the Professional Nursing Law.

In addition, when a graduate applies for licensure, they will be asked to declare convictions of any felony or misdemeanor and/or any current criminal charges pending and unresolved in any court. Conviction includes judgment, found guilty by a judge or jury, pleaded guilty or nolo contendere, received probation without verdict, disposition in lieu of trial, or ARD.

REACH

Mercyhurst - REACH and outREACH

Nursing-BSN Required Cognate Courses