RN to BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Purpose
Registered Nurses who have completed basic nursing education with either a nursing diploma or an associate degree may continue their education at Wilmington University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Program of Study
The BSN degree program is progressive and promotes increased clinical and communication skills, problem solving, confidence, and leadership within a complex health care environment. The course of study utilizes a variety of individual and group learning experiences. The program is offered at campus sites in Delaware and New Jersey as well as 100% online. Nurses can pursue their education on a part-time or full-time basis.
In addition, the General Education requirement courses, required of all Wilmington University undergraduates, provide a well-rounded academic foundation.
Program Competencies
In addition to achieving the Wilmington University undergraduate graduation competencies given in the Academic Information section of this catalog, undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will achieve the following competencies:
1. Apply evidence-based practice and clinical judgment to improve quality, safety, and clinical outcomes for professional nursing practice;
2. Analyze social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical principles for professional nursing practice;
3. Assess health policy, fiscal, and information technology implications for professional nursing practice;
4. Examine social determinants of health for professional nursing practice;
5. Utilize effective leadership strategies with interprofessional teams to enhance systems-based professional nursing practice;
6. Demonstrate effective communication, compassionate care, personal health, and professional maturity.
Program Policies
Students are responsible for following all College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences policies and procedures, which are presented in NUR 303 and located in the program handbook.
It is mandatory that all nursing students complete a background check, drug screen, and submit a completed immunization record during NUR 303. Details are provided in the program handbook available through the BSN Student Program site. There is a one-time outside vendor fee required to complete the mandatory credentialing. Previous screening results are not be accepted.
Minimum Grade Policy
The College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences sets a required minimum grade of "C-" for all nursing core courses. Students receiving a grade lower than "C-" in any required program core course must retake that course.
Curriculum
The number of transfer credits granted to entering RN students varies depending on basic nursing preparation. In addition, the program of study will vary depending on transfer credits, part-time or full-time status, and credits earned in alternative ways. Students are encouraged to seek advisement with an academic advisor or nursing faculty member to plan their course sequence.
Natural Sciences (12 Credits)
A minimum of 12 credits in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, physics and/or biology must be earned through course work, transfer credit, or testing (available for anatomy and physiology, and microbiology).
Free Electives
Choose free electives to complete degree requirements of 120 credit hours.
Nursing Elective (3 Credits)
Choose one (1) upper level nursing elective from the following:
NUR, HLT, HIT, ISM 430, HSC 380
Upper Division Nursing Core (31 Credits)
| NUR 303 | Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing Practice | 4 |
| | Prior to the completion of NUR 303, students must complete the mandatory credentialing process. | |
| NUR 316 | Quality Improvement & Technology | 3 |
| NUR 333 | Leadership in Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NUR 343 | Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice | 3 |
| | Mandatory pre-requisite: MAT 308 or approved course transfer. | |
| NUR 363 | Chronic and Palliative Care | 3 |
| NUR 413 | Holistic Health Assessment | 3 |
| | This course may be completed concurrently with NUR 430. | |
| NUR 419 | Health Equity & Inclusion In Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NUR 430 | Community and Population Health: Senior Capstone | 6 |
| | This is the RN-BSN Capstone course which includes a community learning experience. Mandatory prerequisites apply. This course is only offered as a semester course. | |
General Education Requirements - Upper Division (15 credits)
Required for all RN to BSN students
| ENG 310 | Research Writing | 3 |
| MAT 308 | Inferential Statistics | 3 |
| HUM | Upper Level Humanities Elective (9 credits) | 9 |
Choose three (3) upper level humanities electives from the following list:
ART, BBM 319, CUL, DRA, ETN, HUM, LIT, MUS, PHI, REL, SPA, VFP 311, VFP 312, VFP 313
General Education Requirements - Lower Division (24 Credits) (For Students Without an Associate Degree)
RN to BSN degree students can transfer up to 90 credits towards lower division general education requirements.