College of Nursing

Sylvia T. Brown, Dean, 4205L Health Sciences Building
Kathleen Sitzman, Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Program, 3166F Health Sciences Building
Janice Neil, Chair, Department of Undergraduate Nursing Science, Junior Division, 3185A Health Sciences Building
Annette Peery, Interim Chair, Department of Undergraduate Nursing Science, Senior Division, 2175 Health Sciences Building

Faculty

College of Nursing Faculty

Curriculum

The baccalaureate program in nursing educates students for professional nursing practice and is characterized by a combination of foundations curriculum and nursing courses. The focus of the nursing courses is on nursing theory and scientific principles applied to the care of healthy persons as well as to acute and chronic health problems of individuals, families, and groups. Clinical experiences are provided in a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, health departments, nursing homes, mental health centers, and other health-related community agencies. Graduates are prepared for beginning positions in nursing with the potential for positions of leadership and graduate study.

All students – high school graduates, transfer students, diploma or associate-degree graduates in nursing – earn the bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN). The awarding of the BSN does not license one as a registered nurse. A separate examination (NCLEX-RN) is administered by the board of nursing in the state in which the applicant wishes to be registered. The College of Nursing will certify completion of degree requirements, but meeting other requirements for licensure is the responsibility of each candidate.

Registered nurses seeking to obtain a BSN are offered opportunities for educational accessibility, flexibility, and mobility. The curriculum track is 100 percent online. Service learning projects in student’s area of interest are completed in their local region. The curriculum track is designed to build on students’ past education and experience and expose registered nurses to innovative instructional methods for meeting course objectives. Registered nurse students meet course requirements by transfer, advanced placement, credit by exam, CLEP, and completion of courses by enrollment. Required sciences, foundations curriculum, and cognate courses must be completed prior to entry into the curriculum track. Students must hold a current unrestricted license and practice as a registered nurse in North Carolina or a NCBON recognized compact state.

All students are required to demonstrate computer competency, which can be met by placement or enrollment in BITE 2000 .

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036; telephone 202-887-6791 and approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing.

Admission

Freshmen may declare an intent to enroll in nursing but are assigned to General College until officially admitted to the College of Nursing after filing an application for admission to the major and meeting eligibility requirements prior to enrollment in the first nursing courses. Students should not apply to the College of Nursing until their last semester of pre-requisite courses. Eligibility is based upon a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA, a standardized preadmission test (prelicensure students only) and completion of foundations curriculum requirements. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in biology, chemistry, and college algebra or equivalent. Admission to nursing courses is competitive and limited due to space availability and accrediting requirements. Students desiring readmission after an absence of one or more semesters must secure approval from the university admissions office and the College of Nursing Student Affairs Committee. Financial aid is available through scholarships and loans from government and private sources, work-study, and self-help programs. Information is available from the university director of financial aid or the College of Nursing director of student services.

Requirements

The College of Nursing requires a grade of C (2.0) as the minimum passing grade for all nursing courses. Opportunity to repeat a nursing course is limited by the College of Nursing Progression requirements as printed in the current student handbook.

All students are required to have CPR certification, a two-step PPD or Gold test, immunizations including Hepatitis B, and to have health and liability insurance prior to enrollment in clinical nursing courses. Verification of a two-step PPD or Gold test, CPR update, and payment of health and liability insurance is required each year. If applicable, waivers must be signed for immunizations and health insurance. Criminal background checks and drug screening are also required prior to enrolling in nursing courses.

Specific health requirements and performance standards are stated in the College of Nursing Student Handbook and can be found at http://www.nursing.ecu.edu/download/UG_Handbook.pdf.

The College of Nursing utilizes diagnostic tests for each of the 4 semesters a student is enrolled in the CON undergraduate curriculum. Tests may also be required prior to admission, during the semester, or near the completion of the semester. Results are used to assist students from entrance to graduation in determining nursing content that has been mastered. Various enhancement materials are used to assist with identified weaknesses.

Credit for courses in the College of Nursing is determined by the following formula: one classroom/lecture hour per week equals 1 s.h. credit; two lab hours per week equals 1 s.h. credit; and three practicum hours per week equals 1 s.h. credit.

Programs

Bachelor’s

Nursing, Bachelor of Science

Courses

Nursing