Nursing

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Faculty

Associate Professor: Donna Hills, Chairperson

Associate Professors: Margaret Ackerman, Kathleen K. Adee, Mary Aruda, Joanne Carlson, Anne M. DeFelippo, Nancy W. Ebersole, Marion Frost, Carol Gawrys, Janice M. King, Robin Leger, Cheryl Williams

Assistant Professors: Mercy Bashir, Charlene Moske-Weber

Instructors: Marie Candy, Courtney Orelup, Sheila Perrault, Jennifer Limongiello

Faculty Emeriti

Professors: Susan E. Anderson, Maureen Arakelian, Charlene A Campbell, Ellen Eaton, Joanne H. Evans, Mary E. Farrell, Joy B.J. Garland, George J. Harrington, “Professor Emerita” Marie Jensen, Katherine M. Kelly, Mary Ann P. McGovern, Maureen J. McRae, Barbara A. Poremba, Leah Sak, Kathleen L. Skrabut, Joanne M. Turco, Beverly A. White

Associate Professors: Clara W. Boyle, Paula Burnett, Dale K. DeFort, Barbara D. Heggestad, Marie J. Kelleher, Martha A. Lombard, Maureen McMullen, Caroline S. Stone, Ruth T. Sweeney, Mary June Walmsley

Assistant Professors: Jeanne E. McCarthy

Programs Offered

Bachelor of Science in Nursing 
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN  
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, LPN to BSN  
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Accelerated Second Bachelor Degree  

The Nursing Major (B.S.N. Degree)

 The baccalaureate program in nursing prepares students for entry into professional nursing practice while also providing a liberal arts education. The nursing courses provide the knowledge and skills necessary for practice in a variety of healthcare settings and for the provision of care to people of all ages and lifestyles. Graduates of this program are also well-prepared for advanced study in graduate level courses. The BSN degree and the LPN to BSN degree requires 120 credits, with 55 credits earned specifically in the study of nursing.  Typically, the LPN student moves from the part-time evening program with the completion of NUR 200, to full-time day status when they are ready to enter the first semester junior year with the Medical/Surgical nursing course in the undergraduate program

The RN to BSN requires 120 credits, with 65 credits in nursing, currently on line. When the RN to BSN student is accepted into the program, they are awarded 35 credits based on the receipt of the RN license as prior learning/advanced placement credit.

The Accelerated Second Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a rigorous 15-month full-time cohort program was implemented May 2016. The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing (ABSN) program is designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing academic program and wish to pursue a career in nursing. A new cohort begins each May.

The faculty is committed to integrating classroom knowledge with diverse clinical experiences. Students provide nursing care and develop leadership skills in acute, chronic and long-term care settings as well as in the local community health agencies. All BSN students begin their clinical preparation in the Nursing Skills Lab, and students build upon these skills in an on-site Simulation Laboratory and clinical agencies.

The Mission of the Salem State University School of Nursing is to educate students to become professional nurse leaders in practice, scholarship, and service. Grounded in patient-centered quality care, the program fosters a spirit of inquiry based upon ethical principles to lead in a diverse and dynamic global environment.

At the completion of the undergraduate program, students will be able to:

1. Recognize, value and respect the diversity and individuality of human beings throughout the lifespan.
    
2. Develop an individual philosophy of nursing reflecting the uniqueness of the dynamic human-environment process.
    
3. Incorporate theory and evidence-based practice in the delivery of nursing care.
    
4. Apply principles of ethical, legal, regulatory and humanistic decision making in professional nursing practice.
    
5. Engage in the creative use of knowledge as a competent and caring professional to foster the maximum health potential of human beings.
    
6. Actively participate within a collaborative interdisciplinary team responsible to global healthcare systems and policy to achieve desired patient outcomes.
    
7. Recognize the need for continual pursuit of knowledge through life-long learning, and the integration of technological innovations to provide quality, patient-centered care and outcome measurement.
    
8. Integrate research findings into evidence-based practice. 

Pre-licensure graduates who complete the program are eligible to sit for the national licensure examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Eligibility to take this exam requires compliance with the “Good Moral Character” clause of the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 112, Section 74 (Board of Registration Policy (00-01). This includes evaluation by the Board of Registration in Nursing of all misdemeanor and felony convictions, and discipline by a licensure/certification body. Individuals convicted of certain crimes are permanently excluded from nurse licensure in Massachusetts. Applicants are advised to call the Board of Registration in Nursing at 617.973.0900 for further clarification.

The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Salem State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The School of Nursing at Salem State University holds approval with warning from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing, 39 Causeway Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02114.  Telephone: 617-727-9961.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

Fifty-five (55) credits in Nursing are required. The required courses in the major are:

NUR 104 , NUR 105 , NUR 210B , NUR 212B , NUR 320 , NUR 321 , NUR 370 , NUR 409 , NUR 412B , NUR 415B , NUR 420A , NUR 422 , NUR 423 , NUR 424 , NUR 425 .  

The science prerequisites for NUR 210B  are BIO 105 , BIO 200 , and CHE 117 . The science prerequisite for NUR 212B  is BIO 201 . BIO 304  may be taken as a co-requisite either with NUR 210B  or with NUR 212B . Nursing students must achieve a C grade in each of the prerequisite science courses.

Nursing majors who receive an unacceptable grade (below C) in a prerequisite science course (BIO 105 , BIO 200 , BIO 201 , BIO 304 , and CHE 117 ), will be permitted to repeat one science course, one time. If a student fails to achieve an acceptable grade in the repeated course, the student must withdraw from the Nursing major.  This policy applies to Nursing majors, transfer students, internal transfer students and students requesting re-admittance into the Nursing major.

For all ABSN program the admission pre-requisite science grade is B-.  For the RN-BSN program the admission pre-requisite science grade is C

Students must have completed PSY 101  before entry into NUR 210B .  PSY 322  must be completed prior to NUR 320 . Statistics must be completed before NUR 409  Nursing Research.

All students must pass a medication calculation test before being allowed to administer medications in the clinical setting.  A benchmark grade of 90% must be achieved by the second attempt.  Failure of the second attempt will result in a Critical Element Failure and a clinical warning contract will be implemented.  Failure of a thrd math test attempt will result in a second Critical Clinical Element Failure, and subsequent failure of the course. A student may progress in the nursing program with only one Critcial Element Failure per course.  For more information on clinical course requirements and progression, please consult the School of Nursing Student Handbook of Academic Policies.  Effective spring 2019 all nursing students must follow the Safe Medication Administration Test guidelines below.

Students must receive a minimum grade of C+ in all Nursing courses, and students other than ABSN students will be permitted to repeat only one Nursing course once. A second nursing course failure, meaning failure to to achieve at least a C+ in a course mandates withdrawal from the Nursing major. For Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students only: ABSN students must receive a minimum grade of C+ in all Nursing courses.  An ABSN student who fails to achieve at least a C+ in a nursing course on the first attempt will be dismissed from the nursing program.

The minimum passing grade for all nursing courses is a 77.00. Rounding is not permitted at any time during calculation of all grades (including letter grades).

Safe Medication Administration Test 

In each nursing course with a clinical component, students must pass a Safe Medication Administration Test before being allowed to administer medications in the clinical setting.

The benchmark for the Safe Medication Administration Test is 90% before and including the medical-surgical course in each program, and 100% after the medical-surgical course in each program (see next paragraph). The benchmark must be achieved by the second attempt (see next paragraph). Failure of the second attempt will result in a Critical Element Failure and a clinical warning contract will be implemented. Failure of a 3rd test attempt will result in a second Critical Element Failure, and subsequent failure of the course.

Benchmark for the Safe Medication Administration Test:

Generic program:

90% - Nur.212 & Nur.320
100% - Nur.321, Nur.412, Nur.415, Nur.423

LPN-RN program:

90%- Nur.200
100%- Nur.321, Nur.412, Nur.415, Nur.423

ABSN program:

90% - Nur.461, Nur.463 (due to course sequencing), Nur.464
100% -Nur.466, Nur.468, Nur.469, Nur.475

The Safe Medication Administration Test will consist of 20 items total, including math calculation items (including conversions) and safe medication administration items (such as assessing a medication order for completeness). Medication knowledge may be tested on course exams.

Math calculation items are to be fill-in-the-blank (not multiple choice), with rounding specified for the student in the instructions. Medication administration items may be multiple choice.

The Safe Medication Administration Test grade will be 5% of the overall course grade, based on the grade the student achieves on their first test attempt.

Additional Requirements. Nursing majors are expected to carry their own health insurance, as well as liability insurance. Liability insurance is purchased through the University for approximately $15.00 per year. During clinical courses, there are certain equipment items which students must purchase at an approximate cost of $100, such as a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff. Majors in Nursing must be prepared to provide their own transportation to clinical agencies as of the second semester Sophomore year in the undergraduate program.. Uniforms are to be worn in the clinical area and are purchased through the Salem State University Bookstore prior to the second semester, sophomore year.

Throughout the program, ATI standardized tests are administered and count towards the course test grade. During the final semester students must take the ATI Comprehensive Predictor examinations as well as attend a four day intensive ATI review course in preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure. Please see additional details in the School of Nursing Student Handbook of Academic Policies. A Nursing Resource Center fee of $100 is assessed for ten of the nursing courses for ATI testing materials and course related examinations.

The Salem State University School of Nursing has developed an immunization policy that builds upon the SSU immunization policy which is implemented by counseling and health services. This policy adheres to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommendations for Health Science Students as well as Massachusetts law. This policy is publicly accessible, non-discriminatory and consistently applied and available on the School of Nursing website. For more information please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health: 2018-2019 College Immunization. 

Please Note: According to MGL Chapter 76, Section 15C, a nursing student may exempt from the immunization requirements imposed under state law pursuant to a medical or religious exemption. However, immunization exemption may place the student in jeopardy of not being able to participate in direct patient care which is a requirement for the clinical component of many nursing courses. This may in turn lead to the student not being able to progress in the nursing program.

Policies for nursing students are congruent with those of the governing organization, publically accessible, non-discriminatory, and consistently applied; differences are justified by the student learning outcomes and program outcomes. Both Salem State University and the School of Nursing policies are publicly accessible, non-discriminatory, and consistently applied.

Course Withdrawal

1. Course withdrawal from any nursing course in which the student has a grade of < 77% at the time of withdrawal or a course withdrawal after the withdrawal deadline will constitute a failure of that course. A course dropped during the add-drop period will not appear on the student transcript.
   
   For any nursing course withdrawal after the add/drop period, but before the withdrawal deadline, in which the student has a grade of 77% or greater, the student will receive a “W” on their transcript.
    
2. The student contemplating a course withdrawal must meet with their course instructor, assigned advisor, and SON Chairperson, in this specified order prior to withdrawing from the course.
    
3. Students who receive a W for a course will be required to complete a Repeat a Course due to Withdrawal form to be approved by the School of Nursing Chairperson to receive permission to re-take the course in accordance with the Progression policy.
    
4. If the student will not be returning the next semester, the student must apply for a Leave of Absence (LOA) from the University.

Admissions Policy

The School of Nursing follows the Salem State University Admission policy. This policy is publicly accessible, non-discriminatory, and consistently applied. Differences are justified by program outcomes.

1. BSN Program:

Traditional first year students:

i) Per the Salem State University first-year student requirements, with a High School GPA of 3.3 or greater.

ii) High school or secondary school transcript is required at time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit final transcripts documenting graduation.

iii) The SAT or ACT is required. The minimum combined SAT score is 1030, and the minimum ACT is 20.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science Students before enrolling.

Non-traditional first year students:

i) Non-traditional first year students are defined in the Salem State University Course Catalog.
ii) High school or secondary school transcript with an overall GPA of 3.3 or greater is required at time of application. All admitted students will be required to submit final transcripts documenting graduation, diploma, or GED.
iii). All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science Students before enrolling.

Transfer students:

i) High school or secondary school transcript documenting graduation or equivalency test (GED) is required at time of application.
ii) College GPA of 3.3 or greater.
iii) 30 credits of college-level work completed, with a C grade or greater in science courses (Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Chemistry, and Statistics are recommended but not required for acceptance into the program).
iv) TEAS test is required
v) All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science Students before enrolling.   

2.   LPN to BSN Program:

a. LPN license valid in the United States.
b. High school or post-secondary school transcript documenting graduation or equivalency test (GED) is required at the time of application.
c. Official transcript from the accredited LPN program attended with a GPA of 3.3 or greater, and official transcript(s) from all other colleges attended with a GPA of 3.3 or greater.
d. TEAS test is required  with a minimum passing score in each of the four categories: Reading = 69%, English =70%, Math = 73%, and Science = 60.4% or higher. Please review specific information pertaining to the TEAS test requirement. 
e. Current resumé.
f. All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science Students before enrolling.   

3.   RN to BSN Program:

a. RN license valid in the United States.
b. Official transcript from the accredited RN program attended with a GPA of 2.74, and official transcript(s) from all other colleges attended with a GPA of 2.7.
c. All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science Students before enrolling.

4.  Accelerated BSN Program:

a. Completed bachelor’s degree with a suggested GPA of 3.5 or greater.

b. Graduates from a non-U.S. college or university are eligible to apply if the following  two conditions are met:

Submit a complete, official transcript documenting the award of a bachelor’s degree. All transcripts from institutions outside of the United States must have an approved agency’s evaluation of courses, grades, academic degrees, and grade point averages. Four approved agencies include the Center for Educational Documentation, World Education Services, Inc., North American Educational Group, or Educational Credential Evaluators. 

Completion of the MASS Transfer Block at a Massachusetts Community College with the official stamped transcript on or before the start of Summer Session I (May 1) of the year in which you are enrolling (suggested GPA 3.5 or greater). 

c. Completion of the following pre-requisite courses with a grade of B- or higher:Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with labs), Microbiology (with lab), Chemistry (with lab), Statistics, and Developmental Psychology (childhood through adulthood). 

Applicants must have all prerequisites completed by the beginning of Summer Session I. However, an applicant may be enrolled in up to two prerequisite courses at the time of the application deadline. Completed transcripts must be submitted prior to the start of the program in May.

All science prerequisite courses completed within the last seven years. Most online science courses, including Biolog do not transfer.

All applicants to the nursing program must provide evidence of adherence to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Immunization Requirements for Health Science Students before enrolling.