Nursing-RNOption

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

~ Professional Preparation - RN Option ~

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: RN Option

The nursing major offers a liberal education with a concentration of study in nursing. The RN Option is a flexible program for Registered Nurses (RN) that builds on a broad base of general education and first level nursing preparation. Students develop clinical, scientific, decision-making and caring skills in nursing courses that combine the theory and the practice of professional nursing. Graduates are prepared to practice in all health care settings, work with clients of all ages, expand leadership and case management and pursue graduate study.

THe nursing major is structured in two options with the Generic Option for students seeking professional preparation at the level of BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and registered nurse (RN) licensure. See the separate information sheet about this option.

The RN Option is for those who already hold a registered nurse license and are now seeking a BSN degree after completing the Associate Degree in Nursing or Diploma in Nursing. It includes a sequenced upper division nursing courses that can be completed in one to two academic years after all other degree requirements are completed. The RN Option can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis at the Rochester campus. The Nursing Department also offers an adapted RN-to-MS Professional Pathway for registered nurses whose goal is to earn a Masters Degree in Nursing.

Students in the RN Option have learning experiences in the Rochester area through a variety of community and county agencies. Some elective courses are delivered through web-based instruction.

ACCREDITATION AND APPROVAL

The Nursing Program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 1 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C. 20036-1120 (202-887-6791). The Program is approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to write the professional nurse licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) and apply for Public Health Nursing Certification. Graduates can apply to the Board of Teaching for a Minnesota school nurse license.

NURSING PREREQUISITE COURSEWORK:

RN Option

The MnSCU Statewide Nursing Articulation agreement applies to the RN Option.

The following terms and conditions of articulation among nursing programs are in effect at WSU:

1. The candidate must have graduated from an Associate Degree program for registered nurses that is approved by a state board of nursing and based in a regionally accredited college or university.

2. The candidate must have been awarded the Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree in Nursing with an admissions GPA of 2.75 and a minimum grade of "C" in each nursing course.

3. The candidate must have been graduated from a board-approved program in nursing and have a current unencumbered authorization to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN).

4. The Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree transfers to the baccalaureate institution as a whole package of nursing major and supporting courses.

5. Articulation RNs should not be required to complete more total credits for the degree than the generic nursing baccalaureate students.

The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum is a cooperative transfer program in which all the public colleges and universities in Minnesota participate. If a transfer student's former school certifies that he or she has completed all ten areas of emphasis of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, he or she is deemed to have satisfied the general education requirements.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Application to the nursing program is a two-step process:

1. The first step is admission to Winona State University. A WSU application form and a nominal non-refundable fee must be submitted to the Admissions Office. Contact the Admissions Office for more information regarding application to the University (507-457-5100) or admissions@winona.edu or http://www.winona.edu/admissions/transfers/TransferApp.pdf

Transfer students must allow sufficient time to complete the WSU admission process prior to the nursing program application process. Questions regarding the transfer process can be directed to Carol Ziehlsdorf, Transfer Coordinator (507-457-5104 or 5107) or cziehlsdorf@winona.edu

2. The second step is application to the nursing major. Application to the RN Option of the nursing program is during spring or summer session for the following fall nursing courses in the RN Option; the MnSCU Statewide Nursing Articulation agreement applies. It is highly recommended that all upper division credits be completed prior to admission to the RN Option due to scheduling considerations. Students need to seek academic advisement prior to applying to ensure that all requirements are fulfilled.

Contact the Nursing Department for an application anytime after October 15th.

REQUIREMENTS IN THE MAJOR - RN OPTION

This is the option for those who completed an Associate Degree in Nursing or Diploma in Nursing an already have a RN license. Graduates of NLNAC accredited ADN programs are granted 24 credited in transfer of the 55 semester credits of the WSU nursing major. A challenge exam is available for graduate of other programs to achieve the same 24 credits.

Thirty semester credits are arranged into 8 required nursing courses which can be taken in full-time or part-time study.

In addition, Stat 110:Fundamentals of Statistics is required plus 2-5 semester credits of upper division electives with at least 2 credit in nursing. Students are strongly advised to have all other graduation requirements completed prior to starting nursing courses. The specific courses can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog 2004-2006 and on the web site www.winona.edu In the major a student must achieve a grade of "C" or better in each required nursing course, maintain a level of health that does not interfere with the student's ability to function adequately and safely in the nursing major, follow ethical responsibilities, complete the forms for background studies, meet clinical agency requirements when enrolled in courses with site-based experiences, and have current registration asa registered nurse in a state or territory of the USA.

We welcome you to take a closer look at the nursing program at WSU by calling, writing, visiting with our faculty and students in person, or visiting us on our web site. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

CONTACT INFORMATION

Winona State University - Rochester Center

Department of Nursing

859 30th Ave SE

Rochester MN 55904

(507) 285-7349 or 1-800-366-5418 for Rochester Switchboard X7349

Jane Applen-Anderson, Administrative Assistant

japplenanderson@winona.edu

Dr. Lola Johnson, RN Option Coordinator

507-285-7142 or ljohnson@winona.edu

Winona State University

Department of Nursing