Bachelor of Science in Nursing

PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of the nursing program supports the mission and goals of the School of Health and the University of Guam in the commitment to the people of the Western Pacific. The philosophy of the nursing program blends the four major concepts of man, environment, health, and nursing with its educational purpose. The philosophy reflects the values and beliefs of the faculty and is the foundation of the nursing curriculum:

Man has an inherent creative drive towards higher and more positive levels of existence and self- actualization, and that caring provides the energy that compels this positive impetus. Man makes his own life choices within those available to him and is therefore accountable for the consequences of these choices. Individual aspirations and personal accountability for one's own actions make man unique.

Promoting optimum health and wellness is the purpose of all nursing behavior. Health is determined by the ability of the individual, family, group, or community to set personally meaningful and realistic goals, and to mobilize energy resources to attain these goals efficiently. This is accomplished while caring for and about self and others, helping others feel good about themselves, and with the fewest possible negative effects on the environment.

BSN PROGRAM MISSION

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is committed to the mission of a Land Grant university serving the people of Guam and the Western Pacific island communities. The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is threefold:

To offer professional nursing education to the culturally and academically diverse population of the region. To realize this mission, the nursing program: provides non-nurses, licensed nurses, and graduate nurses undergraduate studies in nursing; implements, evaluates, and refines the curriculum to produce culturally competent, caring nurses who think creatively and critically and meet national professional nursing standards.
To increase the body of nursing knowledge through research and creative endeavors. To realize this mission, the nursing programs encourages faculty and students to participate in research, projects, programs, and advanced study; and conduct, and disseminate findings of research and health-related projects.
To serve culturally diverse people and health care providers of the region. To realize this mission, the nursing program offers continuing education and consultation locally and through distance technology; and provides leadership to raise standards, enhance health and well-being, and promote collegiality between providers.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GRADUATE
(Student Learning Outcomes)

The nursing curriculum is founded on a philosophy designed to enhance a person’s ability to make decisions toward maintaining optimum health. The student learning outcomes or characteristics of the graduate are derived from the philosophy and mission of the program. The program accomplishes its educational and related purposes when the graduate demonstrates the following outcomes based on the program’s ten core concepts:

Caring: Fosters and implements caring behaviors in technologically diverse settings.
Ethical and Legal: Uses legal and ethical principles in nursing practice
Management: Manages nursing care in collaboration with the client and others on the health care team
Nursing Process: Uses the nursing process to provide holistic care and empowers clients to
attain optimal wellness
Research: Identifies research problems, participates in research activities and applies research
findings to nursing practice
Professionalism: Demonstrates self- directed learning in the lifelong quest for personal and
professional growth
Creative and critical thinking: Uses creative and critical thinking in applying theoretical
knowledge to nursing practice
Cultural competence: Demonstrates cultural competence while promoting, maintaining and
restoring health
Communication: Communicates effectively in private and in public, by written, verbal and
nonverbal means
Leadership: Provides leadership in nursing by addressing issues and trends that affect health care.

NURSING ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

There are two (2) entrance levels in the baccalaureate degree nursing programs: Pre-nursing and Nursing levels. Any regularly enrolled University of Guam student may apply for acceptance to the nursing program. Application packets are available at the school’s administrative office (HS 100). Upon receipt of all nursing necessary documents, (AASC) reviews applications and notifies applicants by letter of their acceptance or non-acceptance to the nursing program.

Acceptance to Pre-Nursing Level. Students in the Pre-nursing (PRNU) major are those who have not yet completed prerequisite courses and English competency requirements (California Reading Test - CRT) for enrollment in NU202B. Pre-nursing students who are approaching the Nursing Level enrollment must submit a letter of request for admission to the Nursing (NURS) major. The letter with accompanying academic information is submitted to the nursing AASC. Refer to the admission policy and procedures in the Nursing Program Manual.

Admission to Nursing Level. Students in the Nursing (NURS) major are those who have completed prerequisite courses and met admissions criteria including a GPA > 2.7 and are ready to enroll in NU202B and subsequent courses. Refer to the admission policy and procedures in the Nursing Program Manual for the admission criteria.

Based on their preferences and past academic records, Second Degree students may be accepted into the BSN program tracks. Students with advanced medical degrees may request an evaluation for acceleration into the BSN program. Refer to admission policies and procedures for second step BSN or second degree students in the Nursing Program Manual.

NURSING PROGRAM ADVISEMENT

The Nursing AASC (Admissions and Academic Standards Committee) appoints a faculty advisor to students accepted to the nursing program. The advisor is named in the letter of acceptance. Usually that relationship continues until the student graduates, withdraws, or changes majors within the University. Students who are taking courses toward nursing as a major and have not been accepted to the program will be advised by a designated nursing faculty advisor. Students should go t o the SOH Administrative Office HSB100 for information.

Nursing students must meet with their advisor for clearance to register for future courses. They are encouraged to meet with their advisor on a regular basis throughout the semester.

The BSN program has 2 tracks: Basic or Generic BSN and Second Step BSN.

GENERIC BSN (GBSN) TRACK

This nursing program is designed for students who wish to pursue a nursing degree. It is a four-year professional nursing program of study leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing with eligibility to take the national examination for licensure as a registered nurse.

Graduation from high school or possession of a General Education Diploma (GED) equivalent or a practical nursing program, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or better.
Completion of high school chemistry (one year), biology (one year), and algebra and geometry (one year).
Admission to the University of Guam.
Submission of transcripts for evaluation by the University registrar of all previous course work
taken at other educational institutions (Unofficial college transcripts may be submitted to the
Nursing Program for unofficial evaluation).
5. Application to the nursing program.
6. No misdemeanor or felony conviction.

GE Framework (If you enrolled to UOG before Fanuchånan (Fall) 2017)

Graduation from high school or possession of a General Education Diploma (GED) equivalent or a practical nursing program, with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or better.
Completion of high school chemistry (one year), biology (one year), and algebra and geometry (one year).
Admission to the University of Guam.
Submission of transcripts for evaluation by the University registrar of all previous course work taken at other educational institutions (Unofficial college transcripts may be submitted to the Nursing Program for unofficial evaluation).
Application to the nursing program.
No misdemeanor or felony conviction.

Required Support Courses for the Basic (Generic) BSN Program: EN110, EN111, Math GE, MA151, BI124-124L, BI125-125L, BI225-225L, CH100-100L, CH101-101L, AN101/SO101, PY101, CO210, ED201, CF231 (Total 47 credits, 29 toward the 55 University GEs)

Required Nursing Courses: NU200B, NU202B, NU203B, NU204B, NU205B, NU207B, NU214, NU302B, NU303B, NU304B, NU305B, NU308, NU309, NU310, NU403, NU412, NU415, NU416, NU418, NU419, NU420 (Total 63 credits)

Optional (elective) nursing courses: NU/AN/SO344, NU112, NU212, and Transition courses.

University GEs	55 Credits
Required Support Courses	18 (+29 of GEs)
Required Nursing Courses	63
Total	136

Revised GE Framework (If you enrolled to UOG from Fanuchånan (Fall) 2017 or Fañomnåkan (Spring) 2018

Required Support Courses for the Basic (Generic) BSN Program: EN110, EN111, MA151, BI124-124L, BI125-125L, BI225-225L, CH100-100L, CH101-101L, AN101, PY101, CO210, ED201, AL185

Required Nursing Courses: NU200B, NU202B, NU203B, NU204B, NU205B, NU207B, NU210, NU302B, NU303B, NU304B, NU305B, NU308, NU309, NU310, NU403, NU412, NU415, NU416, NU418, NU419, NU420

Optional (elective) nursing courses: NU/AN/SO344, NU112, NU212, and Transition courses.

University GEs	49 credits
Required Support Courses	11 credits
Required Nursing Courses	63 credits
Advisor Approved Elective	1 credit
Total	124

GE Framework 2018-2019 Catalog

Required Support Courses for the Basic (Generic) BSN Program: EN110, EN111, MA151, BI124- 124L, BI125-125L, BI225- 225L, CH100-100L, CH101-101L, AN101, PY101, CO210, ED201, AL185.

Required Nursing Courses: NU200B, NU202B, NU203B, NU204B, NU205B, NU207B, NU214, NU302B, NU303B, NU304B, NU305B, NU308, NU309, NU310, NU403, NU412, NU415, NU416, NU418, NU419, NU420.

Optional (elective) nursing courses: NU/AN/SO/SW344, NU112, NU212, and Transition courses.

University GEs	49 credits
Required Support Courses	11 credits
Required Nursing Courses	63 credits
Advisor Approved Elective	1 credit
Total	124 credit

SECOND-STEP BSN (SSBSN) TRACK

The Second-Step track is designed for nurse graduates of diploma or associate degree programs. Its purpose is to expand the breadth and depth of basic nursing knowledge and promote leadership in community, mental health, school health and nursing research. The program is designed to meet the needs of the more mature, employed student.

Admission to the Second-Step BSN Track:
Prior to admission to the Second Step BSN Program, the student must meet the following:

Be admitted to UOG
Apply and be accepted at the pre-nursing level of the BSN Program. (Refer to Admission Process – Generic BSN)
Take the California Reading Test (CRT) and achieve a score of 12.0 or better.
Provide evidence of completion of an ADN Program
Provide a copy of current nursing license.
Meet all pre-requisite course and GPA requirements of the BSN program.
Disclosure of any misdemeanor conviction
Misdemeanor convictions disclosed will be referred to AASC.
No felony convictions
Complete the admission procedure
Arrange with the Nursing Administrator or Faculty Advisor to take the National League of Nursing (NLN) Acceleration Challenge Exam (ACE) tests for 200 or 300 level nursing theoretical courses be considered for credit transfer from their ADN program.

Change to New GE Framework (2018-2019 Catalog)

Required Support Courses for the SSBSN track: EN110, EN111, MA151, BI124-124L, BI125-125L, BI225-225L, CH100-100L, CH101-101L, AN101, PY101, CO210, AL185, ED201

Required Nursing Courses: NU300S, NU306S, NU307S, NU308, NU309, NU310, NU324S, NU325S, NU403, NU412, NU415, NU416, NU418, NU419, NU420

Optional Nursing Courses: NU112, NU207, NU212, NU214, NU/AN/SO344

Special Projects: Transition courses.

University GEs	49 credits
Required Support Courses	11 credits
Required Nursing Courses	64 credits
Total	124 credits

ACCEPTANCE OF CREDITS FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS

Courses taken in other programs (nursing, medical, military medical, etc.) may be given University of Guam credit through examination. The following exams may be used for credit:

NU202: Fundamentals of Nursing (NLN Basic Nursing)

NU207: Pharmacology in Nursing (NLN Fundamentals of Drug Therapy)

NU302: Adult Health Nursing (NLN Tests for Adult Health Nursing)

NU304: Family Health Nursing (NLN Test for Maternal Child Nursing)

Second Step Program Placement (NLN Acceleration Challenge Exam (ACE)

The student will request credit by exam by applying to the Nursing AASC. Course materials to support the application will be provided by the student. Upon review of the materials and transcript, the decision whether to allow for credit by exam will be made by the AASC. If a 75 percent or better is achieved, credit by examination for the theory course will be granted. Note: Successful completion of the NLN test and skills check off will constitute substitution for the equivalent nursing major course(s).

The acceptance of on-line or distance teaching courses is made by AASC in consultation with faculty. Refer to the Nursing Program Manual or your faculty advisor for additional information.

PROGRESSION IN THE NURSING MAJOR

In order to remain in good standing in the nursing program, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better in all nursing courses and all required support courses. All prerequisites must be met before progression in the program. Refer to the Nursing Program Manual for policies and procedures about Admission, Course Sequences, Advisement, Priority Enrollment, Student Petition and Appeals, Repeating Nursing Courses, Probation, Suspension and Academic Integrity. Nursing Program Policies supersede UOG Policies on grading, probation, suspension and dismissal. Refer to University of Guam Academic Rules and Regulations for policies andprocedures about Out-of-Sequence, Withdrawal, Readmission, and Dismissal, and Student Rights and Responsibilities.

TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS

Students are responsible for reliable transportation so that attendance requirements for class and clinical work can be met.

OUT OF SEQUENCE STUDENTS

An out-of-sequence student is one who is not following the recommended sequence of nursing courses within the recommended time frame. Students may be out-of-sequence for any of the following reasons: part time study, transfer, failure of a nursing or required support course, withdrawal from a nursing or required course, or returning students.