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2014-2015 University Catalog



COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN/BSN)

ACCREDITATION
The undergraduate programs in the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences are accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education, 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, P. 404.975.5000, F. 404.975.5020, www.acenursing.org.

DR F.M. CANSECO SCHOOL OF NURSING

The mission of the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing is to prepare professional nurses to improve the well-being of complex and diverse populations. The purpose of the baccalaureate program in the College of Nursing and Health Science, Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing is to educate baccalaureate nurses who are outstanding clinicians, scholars, health advocates, mentors and leaders who will be instrumental in addressing the health care needs of communities. The curriculum focuses on preparing expert clinicians to work in partnership with communities.

Nursing students pursue professional courses based on knowledge of physical, biological and social sciences, the humanities and communication skills. Upon successful completion of requisiste course in these disciplines, students are eligible to apply for admission to the Canseco School of Nursing for clinical nursing coursework.

Students seeking admission to the nursing program must apply directly to the School of Nursing. Admission to the University does not automatically guarantee admission to the School of Nursing.

The Canseco School of Nursing (CSON) offers a basic (generic) Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with an accelerated track (RN/BSN) for the student who is already a Registered Nurse licensed in Texas.

All prospective nursing students should seek advisement from faculty of the School of Nursing, in order to plan a program of study that meets the needs of the student as well as the requirements of the degree plan. Upon completion of prescribed freshman year coursework, including prerequisite science courses, students should submit a record of their grades in freshman year courses, two letters of reference, the signed "acknowledgment of licensure requirements" form and the School of Nursing application form.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS-BASIC NURSING STUDENTS

Students are eligible for admission to clinical nursing courses when the following requirements have been met:

  1. Acceptance by Texas A&M International University and a declared nursing major..
  2. Complete application and supporting documentation received by the School of Nursing by the first Monday in June, application must be accompanied by current updated transcript that includes spring grades.
  3. Completion of pre-nursing courses in the Canseco School of Nursing: NURS 1302 Cultural Determinants of Health and enrollment in NURS 2212, NURS 2310, NURS 2313 and NURS 2414 the spring semester prior to application submission.
  4. Completion of all core and support area requirements with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for enrollment in spring pre-nursing coursework.
  5. Completion of all four required science courses, with a minimum grade of "C" and a grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale), for enrollment in spring pre-nursing coursework.
  6. Prerequisite coursework in the sciences must have been completed within five years of the date of admission to the major. The assessment of dated credits and courses requiring updating will be made by the Admission and Progression Committee of the Canseco School of Nursing.
  7. Students enrolled in pre-nursing coursework of NURS 2212, NURS 2310, NURS 2313 and NURS 2414 must obtain an overall GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in these courses to submit an pplication for admission to the school of nursing.
  8. Score baseline proficiency on the Nurse Entrance Exam: Math, Reading, Vocabulary, and Grammar. The test is administered by the School of Nursing to students meeting criteria 1-7 above. Scores on the entrance exam will be considered in the admission process.
  9. At student expense, verification of drug and criminal background screening by a company or agency designated by the School of Nursing and due no later than the first Monday in June.
  10. Student must have documentation, no later than the first Monday in June, of a current physical examination with no restriction (less than 1 year old), American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR certification, and the following immunization: DTAP, Varicella or titer, MMR, TB skin test or chest x-ray (less than three years old), Hepatitis B vaccine or informed refusal.

TRANSFER APPLICANTS
The CSON may accept transfer coursework taken from other accredited Texas schools of nursing programs. Students must be in residence for a total of 30 semester credit hours and have a total of 45 advanced semester credit hours in the degree to secure a Baccalaureate degree from TAMIU.

Procedure:
    1.   Transfer applicants must meet all the university and school of nursing admission requirements (including the entrance exam). Admission competitive and contingent on available space.
    2.   All nursing courses reviewed for acceptance must be taken within the last 24 months from the date the credit is to be awarded.
    3.   If a course taken at another University does not transfer as a direct replacement, the student may petition the CSON Admission and Progression Committee for acceptance as part of the degree plan.         Students must apply to the CSON Admission and Progression Committee to be given credit for the nursing courses completed with a grade of “C” or higher at another institution. The course transfer credit must be upper division level.
    4.   Students must provide a letter from the transferring institution indicating that the student is transferring in good standing, with a grade  “C” or higher.
    5.   Student’s placement in the curriculum will be determined by the CSON Admission and Progression Committee.

STUDENT SELECTION
If at any time the number of qualified applicants should exceed the faculty and facilities available, the Admission and Progression Committee will determine the final selection of students based upon the completion and grade point average on prerequisite core curriculum and support area courses, pre-nursing courses and grades on the Nurse Entrance Exam. Any student who meets admission requirements but is unable to enroll in a year need to re-apply by the first Monday in June of the following year..

DECLARATORY ORDER REQUIREMENTS
OF TEXAS BOARD OF NURSE EXAMINERS

A petition for Declaratory Order must be submitted by the nursing candidate/applicant if one of the following criteria apply:
I. For any criminal offense, including those pending appeal, has the candidate/applicant:

A) been convicted of a misdemeanor?
B) been convicted of a felony?
C) pled nolo cotendere, no contest, or guilty?
D) received deferred adjudication?
E) been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty?
F) been sentenced to serve jail or prison time? court-ordered confinement?
G) been granted pre-trial diversion?
H) been arrested or have any pending criminal charges?
I) been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
J) been subject of a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment/ punishment/action?

(Only exclude Class C misdemeanor traffic violations.)

Note: Expunged and Sealed Offenses: While expunged or sealed offenses, arrests, tickets, or citations need not be disclosed, it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure the offense, arrest, ticket or citation has, in fact, been expunged or sealed. It is recommended that the applicant submit a copy of the Court Order expunging or sealing the record in question with the application. Failure to reveal an offense, arrest, ticket, or citation that is not in fact expunged or sealed, will at a minimum, subject the license to a disciplinary fine. Non-disclosure of relevant offenses raises questions related to truthfulness and character.
NOTE: Orders of Non-Disclosure: Pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code § 552.142(b), if the applicant has criminal matters that are the subject of an order of non-disclosure the applicant is not required to reveal those criminal matters on this form. However, a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure may become a character and fitness issue. Pursuant to other sections of the Gov't Code, chapter 411, the Texas Nursing Board is entitled to access criminal history record information that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure. If the Board discovers a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure, even if the applicant properly did not reveal that matter, the Board may require that the applicant provide information about any conduct that raises issues of character.

In addition a petition for Declaratory Order must be submitted if the nursing candidate/applicant answers YES to the following questions:
II. Are you currently the target or subject of a grand jury or governmental agency investigation?
III. Has any licensing authority refused to issue you a license or ever revoked, annulled, cancelled, accepted surrender of suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew a license, certificate or multi-state privilege held by you now or previously, or ever fines, censured, reprimanded or otherwise disciplined you?
IV. Within the past five (5) years have you been addicted to and/or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug?*
V. Within the past five (5) years have you been diagnosed with, treated, or hospitalized for schizophrenia and/or psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder?*
If "YES" is answered to any question I-V, the applicant must provide a signed and dated letter describing the incidence(s) that is being reported to the Texas Board of Nursing.
*The applicant may indicate "NO" if he/she has completed and/or is in compliance with Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN) for substance abuse or mental illness.

Documentation requirements and forms for Declaratory Order Application may be found at http://bon.state.tx.us/olv/pdfs/DOapp.pdf


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS-RN/BSN STUDENTS
The Canseco School of Nursing encourages Registered Nurses who have obtained degrees from a diploma or associate nursing program to advance their educational attainment to improve the quality of care of patients, families and communities.
Procedure:
    1.             Students must have been accepted by Texas A&M International University and must be a declared nursing major.
    2.             Submit a complete application to the School of nursing (Application, two (2) letters of reference, physical examination form, current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR).
    3.             Provide evidence of current licensure without restrictions as a Registered Nurse in Texas. The CSON adheres to the Texas Board of Nursing, RN Nurse Licensure Compact agreement.
    4.             A 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or better cumulative grade point average (GPA) in all nursing core courses.
    5.             All University core coursework must be complete. Students seeking admission who are not core complete must submit a petition to the CSON Admission and Program Progression Committee for special consideration for admission.
    6.             At student expense, verification of criminal background screening by a company or agency designated by the School of Nursing and due no later than the 12th class day of the first semester.
    7.             At student expense, verification of drug screening by a company or agency designated by the School of Nursing and due no later than the 12th class day of the first semester.
    8.             RN to BSN students will enter full-time study in the spring semester with the initial course(s) being NURN 3302 Cultural Determinants of Health Behavior, NURN 3405 Scholarly Inquiry and NURN 3414 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology.
    9.             Students may enroll in a part-time sequence, if desired. Part –time students must petition the CSON Admission and Progression Committee for this status.
    10.          No clinical nursing coursework may be taken until NURN 3590 Nurse Role & Practice Transition is successfully completed.
    11.          Requests for exceptions for admission requirements will be considered by the School of Nursing Admissions and Progression Committee.
    12.          At the time of entry, the student will be assigned a faculty advisor and be given a degree plan for completion of courses.
    13.          Students must submit documentation, by the 12th class day of the first semester, of a current physical examination (less than 1 year old), American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR certification, and must meet the Clinical Guidelines specified in Section VIII, 10-C Student Health Requirements for Clinical Nursing Courses, in the Nursing Student Handbook.
    14.          A student who is admitted to the CSON and declines admission to clinical nursing coursework for any reason must notify the CSON Admission and Progression Committee. Students declining the admission must reapply during the next admission cycle.
    15.          If at any time the number of qualified applicants should exceed the faculty and facilities available, the CSON Admission and Progression Committee will determine the final selection of students based upon prerequisite course completion and grade point average .
    16.          The Texas A&M International University Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing has adopted the Core Performance Standards for Admission and Progression in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DISABILITIES
TAMIU provides reasonable accommodation to qualified students with a disability. Upon admission, a nursing student who discloses a disability and requests accommodation may be asked to provide documentation of his or her disability for purpose of determining appropriate accommodations, including modifications to the program. The TAMIU College of Nursing and Health Sciences will provide reasonable accommodations, but is not required to make accommodations that would substantially alter the nature or requirements of the program or provide auxiliary aids that present an undue burden. To matriculate or continue in the curriculum, the nursing student must be able to perform all the essential functions either with or without accommodation. Requests for accommodate should be directed to:
                Texas A&M International University
                Student Counseling and Disability Services for Students
                University Success Center 138
                (956) 326-2230

GRADING POLICIES
The Canseco School of Nursing has adopted a grading scale in line with other Texas Schools of Nursing, as required by the Board of Examiners:

A- 93-100
B- 84-92
C- 75-83
F- 74 and below

Nursing students must achieve a grade of C or better and pass both clinical and theory components of a course in order to pass that course.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
The Canseco School of Nursing adheres to the Texas A&M International University classroom attendance policy as stated in the current catalog. In addition, each course has specific attendance requirements for both classroom and clinical activities in order to comply with accreditation requirements.

COURSE POLICIES
Each course syllabus includes a statement of course policies. These may be more, but not less, stringent than overall school or university policies.

BSN PROGRAM ADD, DROP, WITHDRAW, AND INCOMPLETE
The School of Nursing follows the general policies of Texas A&M International University as outlined in the catalog with respect to add, drop, withdrawal and incomplete grades. In addition the following policies apply to Nursing Courses:

  1. The faculty of the School of Nursing supports the idea that the use of an "I" or "W" to hide unsuccessful performance is inappropriate.
  2. After the 10th week or 2/3 of class both the course faculty and the Dean must approve the withdrawal. Adds or drops must be signed by School of Nursing faculty.
  3. All students must maintain a satisfactory (2.00) grade point average:
    1. Cumulative (includes General Education/Liberal Arts and Nursing).
    2. Professional (includes only nursing courses). It should be noted that admission to a master's program usually requires a 3.0 GPA in the major at the baccalaureate level.
  4. Students must achieve a "C" (2.00) or better in each nursing course. A student may not continue in subsequent courses for which the failed course is prerequisite until a minimum of "C" has been achieved.
  5. A student receiving an "F" grade in either the theory or the clinical portion of any nursing course will fail the course.
  6. Students may repeat a nursing course, as space is available, only once to raise the grade to "C" or above,
  7. Students will automatically and permanently be ineligible to continue in the nursing program if:
    1. Two F's are earned in the same nursing course.
    2. Any nursing course is taken three times, withdrawal or failure or combination of both, without earning a "C" or better.
    3. There is failure of two nursing courses.
  8. Students may receive an "I" (incomplete) in a course, in keeping with TAMIU policy. The student and course faculty will contract for completion of course requirements.
  9. Students who are unable to maintain active continuous enrollment at TAMIU School of Nursing must apply for a Leave of Absence from the School in order to remain in good standing. Such students will be permitted to re-enter the School of Nursing on a space available basis.

ACADEMIC PROBATION
Probationary status is a warning to a student to improve his/her academic performance in order to remain in the program.

  1. A student is placed on probation if she/he does not maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00. The final grade report will carry official notice of academic probation.
  2. A student is placed on probation if she/he does not maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in nursing courses. The School of Nursing notifies the student of professional probation.
  3. A GPA must be returned to minimum of 2.00 to remove probationary status. Students will have 30 semester credit hours in which to remove probationary status.
  4. Restriction: Students on probation are not eligible to represent the School of Nursing in any student activity/committees.
  5. Students who fail to attain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average for two full-time consecutive semesters will be suspended from the School of Nursing.
  6. Students suspended from clinical studies because of a low grade point average may return after a semester on a space available basis and take prescribed courses to raise their grade point average. Students unable to raise their grade point average to 2.00 within one semester after returning from suspension will be dismissed from the School of Nursing.
  7. Students may also be dismissed from clinical studies for any of the following reasons:
    1. Academic misconduct such as any act of dishonesty involving academic work.
    2. Unsafe clinical practice.
    3. Falsification of credentials.
    4. Conduct unbecoming to a student as described in the University Student Conduct Code.
  1. Academic suspensions and dismissals are nonreversible. However, a student may appeal the course grade which resulted in suspension or dismissal within one semester of the award of the grade. (See grievance procedure.)

SCHOOL OF NURSING RN AND RN TO BSN RE-ENTRY POLICY
Guidelines for re-entry after failure or withdrawal: A student who withdraws from any nursing course may be required to withdraw from all other nursing courses due to concurrent registration requirements. A student who withdraws and intends to apply for re-entry into the B.S.N. program must apply and return the next time the course is offered otherwise the student will not be considered for re-entry. Applicants for re-entry must be eligible for re-admission to the University. A student applying for a spring course must apply before October 1st, if applying for a summer or fall course must apply by April 1st. A student must take and demonstrate competency on all clinical skills required in each nursing course previously successfully completed. Students will only be allowed two attempts to demonstrate competency. Re-entry is based on the number of sets available, student’s GPA, and past history of critical incidents and/or clinical warning. There is no guarantee of re-entry.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The School of Nursing adheres to all general requirements and procedures of the university for graduation. For deadlines and requirements, see TAMIU catalog. In their final year, students need to verify with their advisors that all requirements for graduation and/or honors have been met. In addition, students are eligible to apply for graduation when the following conditions are met:

  1. completion of required semester credit hours
  2. a cumulative GPA of 2.00
  3. completion of all clinical studies coursework

ELIGIBLITY FOR GRADUATION IN BASIC NURSING
Satisfactory performance on all nursing coursework as designated by the School of Nursing is necessary to validate potential successfulperformance on the National Council Licensure Examination is required for basic students to be eligible for graduation.

  1. All students in the final semester of the clinical nursing program will enroll in NURS 4290: Senior Lab Seminar, NURS 4340 Global Nursing (Capstone WIN course), NURS 4170 Professional Role Preceptorship, and NURS 4670 Emergent Care Across the Life Span.
  2. Students who fail to demonstrate satisfactory performance in all nursing coursework will not be eligible for graduation.
  3. A student who does not achieve a satisfactory grade of 75 in all final semester coursework will be required to re-enroll in the affected course(s) the next time it is offered.

Degree Requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing

  1. Hours Required: A minimum of 120 semester credit hours (SCH): 45 hours must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements as specified in the Requirements for Graduation and the Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing sections of this catalog.
  2. University Core Curriculum: 42 SCH as outlined in the suggested plans and as specified in the Requirements for Graduation.
  3. Other Education Requirements: 12 SCH including BIOL 2415/2421, 2102, any 4 SCH chemistry with lab and MATH 1342 .
  4. Major: 66 SCH including NURS 1302, 2212, 2310, 2313, 2414, 3305, 3315, 3525, 3526, 3558, 3665, 4170, 4263, 4290, 4340, 4522, 4570, and 4665.
  5. Nursing courses for RN/BSN include NURN 3302, 3315, 3405, 3414, 3590, 4263, 4299, 4340, 4522, and 4670.

Degree Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN/BSN).

  1. Hours Required: A minimum of 120 semester credit hours (SCH): 45 hours must be advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements as specified in the Requirements for Graduation and the Dr. F.M. Canseco School of Nursing sections of this catalog.
  2. University Core Curriculum: 42 SCH as outlined in the suggested plans and as specified in the Requirements for Graduation.
  3. Other Education Requirements: 41 SCH including BIOL 2415/2421, MATH 1342 and 34 SCH credit by transfer.
  4. Major: 37 SCH including NURN 3302, 3315, 3405, 3414, 3590, 4263, 4299, 4340, 4522, and 4670.

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