Mar 29, 2024  
2012-2013 Academic Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Nursing, ASN


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 Updates: The following has been added to this section of the 2012-13 Academic Catalog since its published date:

  • September 18, 2012 - Added Nursing Mission and Philosophy

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Students desiring admission to the Associate of Science in Nursing Degree Program (ASH) must first meet general University admission requirements and be un-provisionally accepted for admission to the University. Students must subsequently make separate application to the Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology in order to be considered for admission to the Nursing Degree Program.

Mission of the Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology

The mission of the Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology is consistent with the mission and goals of Louisiana State University Eunice. The Division is committed to preparing students to contribute to a dynamic global society and culturally diverse work force while emphasizing critical thinking, leadership, and be productive citizens by contributing to their profession and dedicate themselves as professionals, to life-long learning.

Nursing Program Mission Statement

The mission of the LSU Eunice Associate of Science in Nursing Degree Program is to prepare graduates that are eligible to take the NCLEX licensing exam and, upon successful passing, to practice as entry level registered nurses. The program is dedicated to facilitate the student’s development in the role of a professional, as a provider of compassionate and competent nursing care, manager of efficient and effective care, and as a committed member within the discipline of nursing.

Philosophy of Division

The Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology is committed to excellence in education and the development of a stimulating learning environment to prepare students in health care and business technology for successfully attaining their educational, career, and personal goals.

Nursing Philosophy

The nursing faculty of LSU Eunice subscribe to the following beliefs:

Man/individual
The individual is a holistic being who is motivated toward meeting human needs to attain health. The needs of man according to Maslow are physiological needs, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization. These needs motivate behavior and are interrelated. Dysfunction at any level will affect the whole human system.

Society/Community
Community comprises the human environment of the individual within society. The community consists of families or groups of individuals in organized relationships of interdependence. It also represents various and different cultural beliefs and practices. It is through society that individuals acquire attitudes, beliefs, and moral values that are internalized to help shape their personality.

Health
Health is part of the individual’s inherent potential and right as a human being. Optimal health is the highest possible state of physical, psychosocial, and spiritual well being. Health is a dynamic state which incorporates development and self-actualization. The health care system seeks to assist individuals and families to attain, maintain, or restore optimal health.

Nursing
Nursing is both an art and a science. The art of nursing is caring for the total needs of the individual within the context of the individual’s family. The science of nursing is based upon principles from the natural and behavioral sciences. The practice of nursing is a dynamic, goal-directed process focusing on the development of a helping relationship with individuals and families to promote health across the life span. Nurses, utilizing the nursing process, interact with individuals, with families, and with other members of the health team to assist individuals to attain, maintain, or restore optimal health. As the end of life approaches, the nurse continues to care for the individual throughout the dying process.

Nursing Program Graduate Outcomes

1. The graduate will integrate principles from the natural and behavioral sciences with nursing to meet the needs of individuals across the life span.
2. The graduate will provide competent care to individuals across the life span by utilizing the nursing process.
3. The graduate will communicate effectively to provide care or promote health to individuals across the life span.
4. The graduate will manage the care of individuals in collaboration with members of the health care team.
5. The graduate will accept responsibility for life-long learning, professional growth, and professional accountability as a member within the discipline of nursing.

Nursing courses are based on moving the student toward the accomplishment of the Graduate Outcomes. Course objectives define the knowledge and skills the student must demonstrate. Unit objectives, both theory and clinical, contribute to the achievement of the outcomes.

Requirements for Admission

Admission to the ASN Degree Program is on a selective basis. Selection recommendations are made by the Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology Selection Committee to the Division Head. The number of students selected each year will depend upon a number of factors, including the financial, personnel, and other resources available to the Nursing Program. Students must meet the following minimum criteria to be considered eligible for selection into the Nursing Program:

  1. Meet the general admission requirements of the University.
  2. Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher.
  3. Have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or higher.
  4. Submit to the Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology a completed Nursing Selection Application Form accompanied by all required documents and a $10 non-refundable application fee. These materials must be received no later than January 15 of the year for which selection is being sought.  Applications will be available mid-November.
  5. Complete the Nursing Entrance Test. Contact the Nursing Office for information on scheduling the Entrance Test.

Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission into the Nursing Program. Eligible applicants will be considered on a competitive basis. Selection decisions for the Fall class are made at the conclusion of the prior Spring semester.

Selection into the Nursing Program

The Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology will admit classes in the ASN Degree Program in the Fall semester of each year. Selection decisions will normally be made and communicated to students by the first week in June. Students not selected during the Selection Process and who seek admission in a subsequent class  must resubmit the entire application and will remain subject to the eligibility requirements specified. Career counseling is available to students through the Office of Career Services. Students applying for selection will be required to complete the prerequisite courses listed below:

Associate of Science in Nursing Degree Curriculum


Prerequisite Total: 25


Nursing Program 1st Year


Nursing Program 2nd Year


Total Credit Hours : 72


  • General Education: 33
  • Nursing: 39

 

Criteria for Selection


The Selection Committee will consider relevant aspects of each applicant’s credentials. Required prerequisite courses taken during the Spring semester are considered in the selection process.

The following variables will be considered for selection:

  1. Completion of 25 hours of required courses with a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher.
  2. Nursing Entrance Examination Score.
  3. Overall academic record and cumulative GPA.
  4. Licensure/certification in a health-care profession.
  5. Hours completed at LSU Eunice.
  6. Academic performance in required courses and number of courses repeated.

At the time of application to the Nursing program, the student is required to fulfill the following:

  1. Complete the form “Application for Permission to Enroll in a Clinical Nursing Course” with fees required by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) and submit with the Nursing Selection Application Form.
  2. Complete required documents including digital fingerprint cards for LSBN Criminal Background check.
  3. Submit to a urine drug screen.
  4. Submit all documents requested by the LSU Eunice Nursing Program and the LSBN by the pubished deadlines. Failure to submit requested documents by due dates and comply with above requirements invalidate the student’s application and will prohibit selection into the LAT program.

Upon selection into the Nursing Program the student is required to fulfill the following:

  1. Complete forms and submit fees for additional background investigations required by healthcare facilities.
  2. Receive a negative drug screen report.
  3. Students admitted to the nursing program must submit a completed Nursing Program Health Form within four weeks prior to the beginning of the semester of entry. These forms will be mailed to applicants with notification of acceptance for enrollment in nursing courses.
  4. Submit all documents requested by the LSU Eunice nursing program and the LSBN by the published deadlines. Failure to submit requested documents by due dates will prohibit continuance in the program.

Health information, background checks, initial drug screens and random drug screens will be managed by the student through a secure on-line information management service for a fee which will be paid by the student.

Students entering nursing are advised that the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) requires persons who have been arrested, charged with, convicted of, pled guilty or no contest to, or been sentenced for any criminal offense in any state to petition the Board in writing for the right to practice as a student of nursing in Louisiana prior to enrolling in the first clinical nursing course. The LSBN will conduct a criminal background record check with digital fingerprints on all students applying to the nursing program.

The criminal background check will be conducted by the Louisiana State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. There are additional background investigations required by some of the clinical agencies not covered by the LSBN criminal history background investigation.

The data required by various health care agencies not covered in the LSBN background check include:

1) Social Security number verification, 2) employment verification to include the reason for separation and eligibility for reemployment for each employer, 3) Violent Sexual Offender and Predator Registry Search, 4) Health and Human Services (HHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of excluded individuals or entities, 5) General Services Administration (GSA) list of parties excluded from federal programs, and 6) U.S. Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list of Specially Designated Nationals (SDN). A separate agency is contracted with LSU Eunice to perform the additional background checks required by health care affiliates. This background check is completed at the student’s expense.

Retention/Progression Guidelines


Acceptance into the LSU Eunice Nursing Program entitles the student to progress through the nursing curriculum with the class to which the student is admitted. In order to be retained and progress in the clinical nursing sequence, a student must:

  1. Maintain an LSU and an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  2. Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher in all required nursing courses.
  3. Complete all nursing courses with a grade of “C” or better. The grading scale for all nursing courses is: A-93-100; B-85-92; C-77-84; D-65-76; F-failure below 65.
  4. Repeat any nursing course in which a grade of “D”, “F”, or “W” was earned. A student is permitted one “D”, “F”, or “W” once admitted to the clinical nursing sequence. A second “D”, “F”, and/or “W” in any nursing course constitutes dismissal from the program.
  5. Maintain current CPR certification (CPR for Health Care Providers) and annual TB testing.
  6. Maintain health/immunization requirements.

Failure to successfully complete any nursing course (excluding NURS1000 ), for either academic or other reasons, will require that the student apply for readmission to the Nursing Program if the student wishes to continue in the program. A student repeating a nursing course must concurrently re-enroll in the co-requisite nursing courses. Re-enrolling in a co-requisite course in which the student had previously received a passing grade will not be counted as repeated nursing course hours for the dismissal policy. The most recent grade earned will be the grade for the course. The purpose for requiring re-enrollment in co-requisite courses is to assure that nursing students receive the most current health care information.

Dismissal


Students may be dismissed from a nursing course and/or the nursing program for any of the following reasons:

  1. A deliberate attempt to cover up any error or negligent performance during clinical experiences.
  2. Repetitive performance of unsafe behaviors during clinical experiences.
  3. Performance of unethical or illegal behaviors during clinical experiences.
  4. Failure to comply with clinical agency policies and regulations.
  5. Breech of patient or agency confidentiality by inappropriate management of information in any form.
  6. Cheating or plagiarism (See LSU Eunice’s Code of Student Conduct located in the Student Handbook).
  7. Violation of the LSU Eunice Code of Student Conduct.
  8. A positive report on any random drug screen.
  9. Requested dismissal from a clinical facility by clinical affiliate staff or LSU Eunice facutly and staff.
  10. Committing a breach in the Nursing Progam policy on the conduct of social media usage.

The LSU Eunice faculty reserves the right to recommend termination of a nursing student when health and/or personal conduct requires such action.

Requirements for Readmission


A student whose enrollment is interrupted, either voluntarily or by compulsion, or who fails to earn a grade of “C” in a required nursing course may be considered for readmission to the Nursing Program provided that the student is in good academic standing as defined in the “University Regulations ” section of the LSU Eunice catalog. However, in no circumstances will a student be considered for readmission when the student has earned more than one “D”, “F”, or “W” in required nursing courses. A student may only be readmitted to the nursing course in which they received the failing grade.

Persons wishing to re-enter the LSU Eunice Nursing Program must submit a written application to the Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology by January 15 for re-entry in the Fall semester and September 1 for the Spring semester. A student will be considered for readmission only when there is clear evidence of his or her potential to complete the requirements of the nursing curriculum. In reviewing such applications, special scrutiny will be given to (1) overall grade-point average, (2) previous performance in didactic and clinical nursing courses, and (3) grades earned in the behavioral and biological sciences. Students with previous credit in required nursing courses who are readmitted into the LSU Eunice Associate of Science in Nursing Degree Program must have nursing skill performance validation prior to entering the semester of readmission. The overall financial and personnel resources available to the Nursing Program will also be a consideration in readmission decisions.  Submittting an application for readmissions does not guarrantee acceptance into the nursing program.

Transfer Nursing Students


Students who wish to transfer with nursing credits are subject to the “Requirements for Readmission”, “Louisiana State Board of Nursing’s Criteria for Enrollment in a Clinical Nursing Course”, “and “Retention/Progression Guidelines” specified above. Nursing credits will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Students requesting transfer into the Nursing Program must:

  1. Arrange a personal interview with the Nursing Program Director.
  2. Provide a transcript of all previous college work at the time of the interview.
  3. Submit a course description and course content from completed nursing courses at the time of the interview.
  4. Submit a Letter of Good Standing from prior nursing program(s). This letter from the administrative head of the prior program(s) should be mailed directly to the Nursing Program Director, to be received by the time of the interview.
  5. Have earned a minimum grade of “C” in required nursing courses and have enrolled in nursing course(s) only once.

Special Provisions and Requirements


In addition to meeting all other specified curricular requirements, nursing students must: (1) meet immunization and physical examination requirements, (2) maintain CPR for Health Care Provider Certification for the duration of their program, (3) assume responsibility for providing their own transportation to and from clinical agencies, (4) have a negative random urine drug screen, and (5) purchase student nurse liability insurance through LSU Eunice.

Degree Requirements


In addition to fulfilling the “General Degree Requirements ” specified in this catalog for all associate degree candidates, nursing students must complete all required nursing courses with a grade of “C” or better.

Graduates of the program are awarded the Degree of Associate of Science in Nursing. After successful completion of this curriculum, the graduate will be eligible to make application to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing for licensure as a registered nurse. The LSU Eunice Nursing Program has full approval of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing, Accrediting Commission, 3343 Peachtree Road N.E., Suite 500 Atlanta, GA 30326, telephone 1-404-975-5000.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN): Advanced Standing


Licensed Practical Nurse Advanced Track (LAT): Advanced Standing

Requirements for Admissions to the LAT

The LPN applicant to the LAT program must meet the requirements for admissions to the University and to the Nursing Program. Admission to the LSU Eunice Associate of Science in Nursing Degree LAT Program is on a selective basis. Selection recommendations are made by the Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology LAT Selection Committee to the Division Head. The number of students selected each year will depend upon a number of factors, including ranking according to published criteria, the financial, personnel, and other resources available to the Nursing Program. Students admitted to the LAT are held at the same published policies, regulations and expectations as the traditional ASN students. LPN applicants who are selected for the LAT will be eligible to receive 14 credit hours of advanced standing credit towards the Associate of Science in Nursing Degree. The curriculum integrates various electronic learning technologies which are used in lab practice and lecture relies on computer use.

Students must meet the following minimum criteria to be considered eligible for selection into the LAT:

  1.  Meet the general admissions requirements of the University.
  2. Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher
  3. Have an overall grade-point average of 2.0 or higher
  4. Submit to the Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology a completed LAT Nursing Selection Application Form accompanied by all required documents and a $10 non-refundable application fee. These materials must be received no later than January 15 of the year for which selection is being sought. Applications will be made available by December.
  5. Complete the LPN Nursing Entrance Exam. Information regarding this exam may be obtained by contacting the Division of Health Sciences and Business Technology at 337-550-1357.

Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admissions into the LAT program.  Eligible applicants will be considered on a competitive basis.

Selection into the LPN Advanced Track Program

The Division of Health Science and Business Technology will admit classes into the LPN Advanced Track in the Fall semester of each year. Selection decisions for the Fall class are made at the end of the prior Spring semester and decisions will normally be communicated to the student by the second week of May. Students not selected during the Selection Process and who seek admissions in a subsequent class, must resubmit the entire application, reentry the selection process cycle and will remain subject to the eligibility requirements specified.  All other requirements related to selection, readmissions, retention/progression and degree requirements are applicable as described elsewhere in the Associate of Science in Nursing Degree program selection of this catalog.

Associate of Science in Nursing Degree Curriculum LPN Advanced Track


Group 1 Total: 24

Required Nursing Courses


Nursing Program 1st Year


Total Credit Hours: General Education: 33


* General Electives - 6 credit hours are required. Three credit hours from Humanities (Literature, Foreign Language, History, Communication, Philosophy, Classical Studies, Religious Studies) and 3 credit hours from Fine Arts (Music, Art, Visual Arts, Applied Arts, Theatre, Dance).

Total Credit Hours: Nursing: 25


 Total credit hours earned in nursing: 24 credit hours

Total Credit Hours Advanced Standing: 14


Total credit hours awarded through Advanced Standing: 14 credit hours for: Nursing Concepts I (NURS 1130 ) 4 credit hours; Nursing Pharmacology I (NURS 1132 ) 1 credit hour; Nursing Clinical Practice I (NURS 1135 ) 4 credit hours; Nursing Concepts II (NURS 1230 ) 4 credit hours; Nursing Pharmacology II (NURS 1232 ) 1 credit hours.

Total Credit Hours: 72


Advanced Standing LPN Applicants


Criteria for Selection into the LAT

The Selection Committee will consider relevant aspects of each applicant’s credentials. Required prerequisite courses taken during the Spring semester are considered in the selection process.

Once selected and notified, the LAT applicant must notify the Program Director for Nursing of their commitment to accept or reject their selection into the LAT nursing program curriculum. Once a student commits to the LAT they must complete the nursing degree in the chosen curriculum.

The following variables will be considered for selection into the LAT:

  1. Completion of 24 hours of required courses with a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher.
  2. Nursing Entrance Examination Score.
  3. Overall academic record and cumulative GPA.
  4. Possess a current unencumbered LPN license in the state of Louisiana.
  5. Hours complete at LSU Eunice.
  6. Academic performance in required courses and number of courses repeated.
  7. Proof of acute care clinical practice for 2 of the last 3 years. Acute care is defined as hospital, Long Term Acute Care and Home Health Care practice settings.

At the time of application to the LAT program, the student is required to fulfill the following:

  1. Complete the form “Application for Permission to Enroll in a Clinical Nursing Course” with fees required by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) and submit with the Nursing Selection Application Form.
  2. Complete required documents including digital fingerprint cards for LSBN Criminal Background check.
  3. Submit to a urine drug screen.
  4. Submit all documents requested by the LSU Eunice Nursing program and the LSBN by the published deadlines. Failure to submit requested documents by due dates and comply with the above requirements invalidate the student’s application and will prohibit selection into the LAT program.

Upon selection into the LAT nursing program the student is required to fulfill the following:

  1. Complete forms and submit fees for additional background investigations required by healthcare facilities.
  2. Receive a negative drug screen report.
  3. Students admitted to the LAT nursing program must submit a complete Nursing Program Health Form within four weeks prior to the beginning of the semester of entry. These forms will be mailed to applicants with notification of acceptance for enrollment in nursing courses.
  4. Submit all documents requested by the LSU Eunice Nursing program and the LSBN by the published deadlines. Failure to submit requested documents by due dates will prohibit continuance in the LAT program.

Health information, background checks, initial drug screens and random drug screens will be managed by the student through a secure on-line information management service for a fee which will be paid by the student.

Students entering the LAT nursing program are advised that the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) requires persons who have been arrested, charged with, convicted of, pled guilty or no contest to, or been sentenced for any criminal offense in any state to petition the Board in writing for the right to practice as a student of nursing in Louisiana prior to entering the first clinical nursing course. The LSBN will conduct a criminal background record check with digital fingerprints on all students applying to the nursing program.  The criminal background check will be conducted by the Louisiana State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. There are additional background investigations require by some of the clinical agencies not covered by the LSBN criminal history background investigation.

The data required by various health care agencies not covered in the LSBN background check include:

  1. Social security number verification
  2. Employment verification to include the reason for separation and eligibility for reemployment for each employer
  3. Violent Sexual Offender and Predator Registry Search
  4. Health and Human Services (HHS)/Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of excluded individuals or entities
  5. General Services Administration (GSA) list of parties excluded from federal programs, and
  6. U.S. Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)list of Specially Designated Nationals (SND).

A separate agency is contracted with LSU Eunice to perform the additional background checks required by health care affiliates. This background check is completed at the student’s expense.

Advanced Standing Credit for LAT Nursing Courses

The LPN Advanced Track curriculum consists of the summer transition nursing courses NURS 2350  and NURS 2352 , fall semester clinical nursing courses NURS 2450 , NURS 2452 , NURS 2455 , and spring semester clinical nursing courses NURS 2550 , NURS 2552 , NURS 2555  , NURS 2556 . The curriculum is based on an increasing complexity of content and skill development.

The LAT student must meet the following criteria to receive the 14 credit hours of advanced standing towards the Associate of Science in Nursing Degree:

  1. Have completed the 24 hours of courses listed in Prerequisite Courses for Selection.
  2. Possess a current encumbered LPN license in the state of Louisiana.
  3. Have received passing grade in both the summer transition courses NURS 2350  and NURS 2352 .
  4. Submitted a money order for the designated amount required for 14 hours of academic credit.

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