Program Description
The Division of Nursing at Winston-Salem State University is a national premier nursing school based on excellence in education, research, and public service, as well as diversity in student population and program offerings. Consistent with the WSSU mission and the mission of the School of Health Sciences, the division provides professional nursing education that prepares a baccalaureate degree nurse generalist. The undergraduate curriculum provides experiences needed for students to develop effective communication and critical thinking while executing therapeutic intervention, health promotion and disease prevention, and evidence-base practice strategies. These experiences include theory, clinical practicums and public service essential for delivery of professional nursing care in a variety of settings and to diverse populations.
Prior learning experiences are considered in the criteria for admission of a student population diverse in age, gender, ethnicity, academic levels, life experiences and health care experiences. The Division provides an environment conducive to personal and professional growth and lifelong learning for students and faculty. Faculty and students engage in mutually beneficial relationships with the community and other health care providers in ways that complement the nursing division’s educational mission. These experiences foster the impartation of values such as kindness, compassion, justice, loyalty and also cultural competence and sensitivity.
Student Learning Outcomes
The undergraduate program prepares a graduate who will:
- Use critical thinking and technology in synthesizing knowledge from the biological, physical and behavioral sciences, the humanities and nursing in making nursing practice decisions about clients of all ages from diverse and multicultural societies.
- Utilize the nursing process and patient centered care to promote wellness through illness prevention, supportive and restorative care.
- Perform nursing roles of caregiver, teacher/counselor, collaborator, client advocate, leader/manager, designer and research consumer to enhance the quality of client care.
- Implement effective verbal, written and computerized communication techniques with clients and other health care providers to promote a culturally sensitive holistic approach to health care.
- Provide nursing care that recognizes individual dignity and worth as well as rights and responsibilities with regard to quality of life issues and participation in decisions affecting well-being.
- Integrate ethics, caring and safe nursing practice in providing accessible and cost-effective health care for persons, families, groups and communities in all economic levels.
- Implement evidence-based practice through interpretation, utilization, and participation in research.
- Demonstrate professional responsibility and accountability in the practice of nursing.
- Assume responsibility for continuing professional and personal growth.
Major Requirements
Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. Students must meet specific admission criteria and must apply for admission to the upper division of the major. Meeting the minimal admission criteria as listed below, does not guarantee admission into the Upper Division of Nursing. Factors that are considered in admission decisions include but are not limited to:
- Grades received in science courses
- Grades received in Lower Division Nursing courses
- Overall academic profile
- Applications for admission to the upper division may be obtained from the Division of Nursing.
Minimum Admission Criteria
Undergraduate Students
- Cumulative GPA 2.6 or better
- Verbal/Critical Reading SAT score 470 or ACT English score 19
- Reading score 74 (11th grade reading level or above)
- Grade of C or better in lower division nursing courses on the first attempt
- Satisfactory completion of 71 hours of core curriculum in general education and support course requirements.
Priority admission will be given to students with a grade of C or better in required life or physical science courses on the first attempt. A student who receives a failing grade in a required life or physical science course may be denied admission.
Second-Degree Students
- Evidence of a bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) or other accredited institutions.
- Complete pertinent support courses or requirements established by the Division of Nursing with a cumulative GPA of 2.6 or better
Specialized Admission Requirements for the Major
In addition to the undergraduate student admission criteria, the following are admission criteria for the Paramedic- BSN and LPN-BSN options.
Paramedic (EMT-P)
- Current certification by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services and/or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians as EMT-P. The
certification must be maintained throughout course of study.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Current unrestricted license to practice as a practical nurse in North Carolina. The license must be maintained throughout course of study.
Advancement Placement
Licensed practical nurses, paramedics and Associate Degree transfers may be granted advanced placement by challenge examination(s).
Special Note: In addition to the above criteria, all students must meet health requirements (as outlined under the health policy). Criminal background check and drug screen will be required for students admitted into the Upper Division. Admissions into the nursing major is contingent upon a favorable criminal background check and drug screen.
Policies and Procedures
Students must follow policies, guidelines and procedures in the University Catalog, University Student Handbook and Division of Nursing Student Handbook.
Progression Policy
Applicable to students in the traditional option, a grade of D or F in an upper division nursing course constitutes failure. Any two final grades lower than C in upper division nursing courses will result in dismissal from the nursing major. Students in the accelerated option who make a D or F in any lower division or upper division nursing course will not continue in the accelerated option and may request transfer to the traditional option. Two failures will result in dismissal from the Program.
The Division of Nursing reserves the right to dismiss from the nursing program any student who fails to maintain satisfactory academic standing; whose conduct is a breach of ethics and standards established by the profession, division and the university; and whose continuation in the program would be detrimental to their health and the health and safety of others.
Courses
Major Courses
Pre-Requisite Courses
BIO 1331 Microbiology
BIO 1131 Microbiology Lab
BIO 2311 Anatomy & Physiology I
BIO 2111 Anatomy & Physiology Lab
BIO 2312 Anatomy & Physiology II
BIO 2112 Anatomy & Physiology Lab
CHE 1311 General Chemistry
CHE 1111 General Chemistry Lab
MAT 2326 Elementary Statistics
PSY 3336 Developmental Psychology
Related/Suggested Electives
NUR 4000-Independent Study-Elective
Major Course Sequence
Freshman Fall Semester
NUR 1303 Introduction/Nursing Academic Prep/Professional Practice
NUR 2312 Dynamics of Professional Nursing (RN-BSN Only)
Sophomore Spring Semester
NUR 2313 Introduction to Professional Nursing
Summer
NUR 3316 Pharmacology for Nurses
NUR 3314 Clinical Nursing Foundation
NUR 3312 Health Assessment
Junior Fall Semester
NUR 3102 Adult Health Nursing I
NUR 3318 Introduction to Pathophysiology for Nurses
Junior Spring Semester
NUR 3303 Nursing Research
NUR 3511 Mental Health Nursing
NUR 3502 Child Health Nursing
NUR 3217 Clinical Reasoning
Senior Fall Semester
NUR 4502 Community Health Nursing
NUR 4511 Maternity-Newborn Nursing
NUR4203 Care of the Older Adult
NUR 4201 Content Synthesis for Nursing Practice I
Senior Spring Semester
NUR 4103 Adult Health Nursing II
NUR 4202 Content Synthesis for Nursing Practice II
NUR 4304 Leadership and Management for Care
Policies
Refer to the Division of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook
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