Nursing Program Information and Policies

The Nursing Major, a first year student entry program is a degree for high school graduates that leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing and eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This program is offered at the SUNY Plattsburgh campus.

Admission

Admission to the major is competitive and is contingent upon academic qualifications and availability. Candidates must meet the general admission requirements to the university in addition to the following requirements:

1. First year student applicants: three units of high school science (including biology and chemistry) and three units of high school mathematics.
2. International applicants whose native language is not English: must achieve a score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 560 on the paper examination or 83 on the online version.

Transfer Credits

Courses completed at another accredited institution of higher education are evaluated for transfer in accordance with guidelines established by the university system, the university, and the policies specific to the Department of Nursing. Credit for Anatomy and Physiology courses will be accepted only if parts I and II are taken at the same institution or course equivalency has been approved by the Department.

Change of Major Policy

Students who wish to declare a major in nursing after admission to the university must first obtain approval from the Department of Nursing. Admission to the major is highly competitive, contingent on academic qualifications and available space. An overall grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for all university-level course work is required. Students who have completed all pre-requisite courses, normally taken in the first year of the nursing major may be considered. Requests for fall entry to the first nursing course are considered following the April 1st application deadline. Students may seek more information and complete an application form at the Department of Nursing office.

Progression Policy

To progress within the nursing major students must:

1. Achieve a grade of C or better (P grades are not acceptable) in all required major courses (nursing and cognate). Students who earn less than a C grade must repeat the course.
2. Earn a grade of C or better, when repeating a course. If a student earns a grade less than a C in the repeated course, regardless of where it is taken, he or she will be dismissed from the major.
3. Repeat no more than two required major courses (nursing and cognate). A student who receives less than a C in a third course will be dismissed from the major.
4. Complete all cognate courses and have an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 to enter upper division, junior level nursing courses. A student who does not meet this may remain in the major and take courses to raise the GPA.
5. Demonstrate satisfactory performance in both clinical and theory sections of a course to receive a passing grade (C or better).
6. It is the position of the Nursing Department that the entire period of a student’s enrollment in the program is a continual professional development experience. Students are expected to behave in a manner consistent with the accepted standards of professional and ethical behavior of the department and the American Nurses Association. Any deviation from these standards will be reviewed by the department for a recommendation of corrective action, including possible dismissal from the program and/or university.
7. Students who withdraw from the program must apply for readmission through the campus readmission process for the Nursing Program. Readmission is not guaranteed and may be dependent on many factors including academic history, strength of application, professional comportment, clinical performance, and space in the program.

Applied Learning Experiences: Clinical, Laboratory, Simulation

All clinical practice during coursework must have school approval, faculty supervision, and an affiliation agreement. Documentation of clinical readiness must be on file prior to the first day of the academic year in which the student takes a clinical or practice component. Failure to submit completed documentation prevents admission to the clinical experience, which may result in an unsatisfactory grade in the course. Students will demonstrate clinical readiness by knowing and meeting the following requirements.

1. Health Requirements. Students will show satisfactory evidence of current immunization for: measles, mumps, rubella and varicella; tetanus; an annual health examination; and annual tuberculosis screening. Annual influenza vaccine is required unless a medical contraindication exists, in which case a mask will be worn in the clinical setting throughout the designated influenza season. Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended or a declination statement must be signed. Any injury or absence due to illness may require clearance by the student’s health care provider indicating fitness for clinical. Any limitations may impede progress in the program. Students are encouraged to work with their clinical instructor to determine if a plan for completion can be developed.
2. Professional Liability. Provide evidence of professional liability insurance coverage throughout the program.
3. CPR. Students need current certification in Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.  This includes certification in adult, child, and infant CPR, use of AED.  The certification is renewed throughout the program.
4. Transportation. Transportation arrangements and costs to clinical sites are the student’s responsibility.
5. Uniforms. Uniforms, lab coats, and personal equipment are supplied by the student, specific requirements are found in the student handbook.
6. Readiness for Class and Clinical. Students must meet standards for role performance within guidelines of reasonable accommodations. In situations where accommodations are needed, the student and Department will consult with the Student Support Services Office.
7. Background checks and/or drug screening. Background checks are required for all students.  Drug screening may be required by affiliating agencies or due to suspicious student behavior in the clinical or laboratory setting.  Associated fees will be the responsibility of the student.  Students deemed unfit for clinical may be subjected to on-the-spot-testing and jeopardize program completion.  See the student handbook for more information.