Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Program Information and Forms
Note that additional requirements and policies are covered in the Student Handbook.
- Additional Requirements
- Fees and Expenses
- Forms
- Objectives of the BSN program
- Required Computerized NCLEX Assessment
- Student Learning Portfolio
- Writing Intensive Requirement
- HIV/HBV
- Uniform Policy
Forms (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader )
- Application for Acceptance into Junior Standing as a Traditional, Second Degree, or LPN-to-BSN student
- Change of Major/Declaration of Second Major Form
- Health Form
- Overload Permission Form
- Permission to Study Elsewhere Policy and Form
- Undergraduate Reenrollment Form (also available in the Student Affairs and Enrollment Management office, Rob B 402)
Objectives of the BSN program
- Demonstrate knowledge of the context in which professional nurses
practice, including bio-behavioral, cultural, political, environmental,
economic, ethical, legal, scientific and spiritual dimensions.
- Respect the values & mores of clients in ethical decision-making.
- Use the nursing process to promote holistic health of individuals,
families, and communities including vulnerable populations.
- Apply critical thinking skills and attitudes while working
with clients.
- Demonstrate caring to facilitate spiritual, mental and physical
health.
- Demonstrate integrity, honesty and accountability in the nursing
profession.
- Use the teaching/learning process integrating the principles
of primary health care to provide health education to families.
- Apply leadership principles in practice settings.
- Perform technical skills in a safe, competent and efficient
manner in the diverse contexts of health care delivery.
- Collaborate with other health team members in the management
and delivery of nursing care.
- Communicate effectively with clients, health care providers
and members of the community.
- Evaluate research findings for application to professional
nursing practice.
- Advocate for the client and health care profession, actively
responding to issues related to health care systems, policy and
economics.
- Demonstrate self awareness in pursuing learning opportunities
to enhance professional development and delivery of nursing care
through participating in educational, community, and organizational
activities.
- Prepare for NCLEX as relevant to traditional, second degree and LPN to BSN pathway.
Writing Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course in their majors designated "writing intensive" at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in nursing fulfill this requirement by successfully completing NURS 465.
Student Learning Portfolio
All students in the College of Health and Human Services initiate a learning portfolio in the first semester of the junior year. The purpose is to provide evidence of a student's ability to meet programmatic outcomes of provider of care; designer, manager, and coordinator of care; member of the profession; demonstrate development of professional values and behaviors through providing evidence of work completed throughout the nursing program; and develop a "Best Works" portfolio at the conclusion of the nursing program to evaluate program outcomes and to use for ongoing professional development. Each course requires elements of the portfolio and is integrated into the course syllabus.
Required Computerized HESI Assessment
All students are required to take a computerized version of the HESI exit exam in the first semester of their senior year.
Students must achieve a score of 850 or higher. Students who do not achieve this score must complete an individualized study program, repeat the HESI exam, and score 850 or above. Successful completion of the HESI exit exam is required in order to receive a passing grade in NURS 465.
Fees and Expenses
Fees and expenses specific to the nursing program are as follows:
- laboratory equipment kit
- standardized testing fee
- uniforms
- stethoscope
- name pin
- books
- course materials
- transportation to and from agencies
- CPR certification
- fee for review of health forms
- immunizations
- any other additional fees as mandated by clinical agencies (i.e., clinical background check)
A one-time lab fee of $200.00 is required for traditional, LPN, and 2nd Degree students before beginning the first semester of nursing. A lab fee of $25.00 is required for RN-to-BSN students before they take NURS 425. A one-time health records review fee of $10.00 is required for all students before their first clinical rotation.
Nursing students are required to obtain a health examination and immunizations before registering for their first clinical course. Students must complete two of the three Hepatitis B immunization series in accordance with current U.S. Public Health Service recommendations before entering the first clinical setting. The cost of the immunizations is the responsibility of the student. Student immunization records are monitored at the College of Health and Human Services Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, which charges a small fee for this service.
Clinical agencies sometimes require additional records and documentation, such as criminal background checks, before student participation. Any cost is the responsibility of the student.
HIV/HBV
Student assignments are based on the learning needs of the student without regard to the HIV or HBV status of the client. Failure to practice universal precautions and bloodborne pathogen safety results in dismissal from the nursing program.
No student or faculty member is discriminated against or denied admission to the nursing program for the sole reason that the student or faculty member has been exposed to, infected, or diagnosed with HIV or HBV.
In the event that a student has a clinical experience/practicum exposure to body fluids of a client, procedures and appropriate incident reports are to be completed according to institutional and nursing policies.
Information related to exposure or infection is confidential, and dissemination of such information is based on the need to know criteria that apply generally in health care situations. A complete and detailed HIV/HBV policy is available in the College of Health and Human Services Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Robinson Hall, Room A382.
Additional Requirements
All students are required to have an active George Mason University e-mail account. Academic administrative communications are sent to the GMU e-mail address only. You can set up your GMU account to automatically forward all mail to your home account. If you need help in setting up your GMU account, please contact the Information Technology Unit (ITU) Support Center at 703-993-8870.
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for their own uniforms and transportation. Student liability insurance is provided by the university. Students are strongly advised to maintain health insurance coverage at all times. An accident and health insurance plan is available through the university. Each student is responsible for his or her health care, including emergency care. The nursing program assumes no financial responsibility for the health care of students.
CPR Certification
All students must have CPR certification before entering the first clinical nursing course and maintain it through the remainder of the program. Either the American Red Cross' Professional Rescuer or the American Heart Association's Basic Life Support is required.
Drop Period
The drop period for nursing courses offered for fewer than 14 weeks is 3 weeks.
Quality Standards
Because knowledge, skills, and behavior patterns in the major field of this program are so vital to the health and perhaps even the survival of individuals or groups being served, failure or borderline achievement cannot be tolerated. Therefore, the faculty of the nursing program has established, with approval of university faculty and administration, special major field quality standards that go beyond the general university quality standards.
RN and LPN Licensure Requirement
RN and LPN students are required to submit a copy of his/her license prior to entering the first nursing course.