California State University, Fresno

Nursing - Degrees

You are in the official 2001-2002 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.

Department of Nursing

Policies and Procedures for B.S.N. Admission

Admission to the program is a two-step process: (1) admission to the university and (2) admission to the nursing major. A separate nursing program application must be submitted. Applicants must meet all criteria for admission to the university and to the nursing major.

Students applying to the university must do the following:
(a) File an application for admission to California State University, Fresno with the application fee and two official transcripts from each college or university previously attended.
(b) Transfer students with fewer than 56 transferable semester units must file ACT or SAT scores and a high school transcript by the document deadline.
(c) Students not in the major may apply to the university as prenursing majors.
Students must submit a nursing program application with documentation including one official transcript from each college or university attended by the application deadline.
Specific health criteria must be met. Students with recurrent infections or physical limitations that preclude meeting clinical course objectives may be unable to satisfactorily complete the requirements for a B.S. in Nursing. Contact the Nursing Department regarding any questions.

Eligibility to Apply to the Program. Students need:

two natural science and two other prerequisite courses completed at the time of application
to complete each prerequisite with a minimum C grade - CR/NC grades are not acceptable
a GPA of 3.0 or above in all prerequisite courses
maximum of two prerequisite courses may be repeated once to improve grade
validated admission to California State University, Fresno for the term of program entry

All nine prerequisites must be completed before planned entry into the program. No prerequisite courses can be taken concurrently with the nursing courses. No exceptions.

Selection Criteria. The program is on impacted status (the number of applications received is greater than the number of vacancies for the program). Therefore, admission into the nursing major is very competitive; there is no waiting list. Only applicants with the highest composite scores in the nine prerequisite courses will be admitted. Applicants must reapply each time and compete with the entire applicant pool if not selected.

Note: California residents are given preference over out-of-state and international students as long as the program is on impacted status.

Selection for the Nursing Program:

(a.) Students will be ranked by grade point average in the nine prerequisites courses (prerequisites GPA).
(b.) Preference will be given to U.S. military veterans who meet minimum requirements for admission and who submit a DD214 showing a discharge date no more than four years prior to date application is submitted. Remaining applicants will be ranked by prerequisite GPA and admitted as enrollment quotas allow.

Application Filing Period

Fall admission: November 1-30; applications are available October 1.

Spring admission: August 1-31; applications are available July 1.

Dates are subject to change. Contact the Nursing Admissions Office at (559) 278-6579.

The program application includes additional instructions and deadlines.

Note: Students who have been admitted to the major, have made no arrangements with the department, and fail to attend the first day of class will be dropped from the major and not considered for future admission.

For the university application form and admissions information, write to the Office of Admissions, California State University, Fresno. For further information regarding program admission curricula, write to the following address and enclose a self-addressed, stamped, legal-size envelope:

California State University, Fresno
Admissions: Nursing
College of Health and Human Services M/S MH25
2345 East San Ramon Ave.
Fresno, CA 93740-8031.

Policies and Procedures for Direct Transfer into the Nursing Major

Students must have completed at least two semesters or 12 semester units of nursing courses in the major (all other students must follow the admission procedures for basic or advanced placement majors).
Students must submit all transcripts, course descriptions of nursing courses, and two letters of recommendation from their current school to be considered for transfer.
Students must meet all California State University, Fresno criteria for admission and continuation in the major to be eligible for transfer.
Students are admitted and placed in the major at the discretion of the department chair.
Transfer students who have written notification of acceptance into the program enter the major on a space-available basis and must receive department permission to enroll in classes.

Leave of Absence from Nursing Program

1. Request for leave of absence:

a. Students must request a leave of absence (LOA) in writing from the department chair. Students who don't request a LOA may not be readmitted into the major.

b. Leaves will be granted only for students who have completed at least one semester in the program and are in good standing.

2. Request to return from leave of absence:
a. Students must request in writing to be reinstated in the program specifying:

Date of LOA
Reason for LOA
Disposition of circumstances requiring the LOA
Activities (e.g., working in hospital) engaged in during LOA

b. Students will be notified in writing of requirements for returning to program, denial, or reinstatement.

c. Requirements for return may include any or all of the following, based on the discretion of the department chair:

Letters of recommendation from individuals such as counselors or physicians
Enrolling in up to 5 units of Independent Study to update theoretical and/or clinical skills

d. Students who receive written notice of reinstatement in the major return on a space-available basis and must receive permission from the department to enroll in classes.

Progression in the Major. Criteria for retention, progression, and graduation from the program include a minimum grade of C in each required course and each nursing course offered for a grade, and credit in courses offered for CR/NC grading only. Nursing and required courses may be repeated only once to achieve a C or credit grade. Any student who receives less than a C grade (or no credit) in two nursing courses will not be permitted to continue in the major. Refer to the Student Handbook, Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Program, for complete progression and retention policies.

Expenses. Students must be prepared to incur any additional cost such as uniforms, malpractice insurance, health insurance, stethoscopes, course materials, lab fees, etc., and be responsible for transportation to clinical facilities. A current CPR certification, a physical examination, and specific immunizations are required.

Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

Nursing Major

Major requirements (60 units)*
Select one program:

Generic students (65 units)
NURS 10, 10A, 10L, 110, 110A, 110L, 111, 112, 121, 121L, 123, 123L, 124, 131, 131L, 132, 132L, 140, 140L, 141, 141L, 142, 145, 150, 150L, 151

RN students only (60 units)
NURS 112, 136, 137, 141, 141L, 145, 150, 150L; nursing electives (3 units): NURS 134, 135, 140, 142, 151, 180T; 33 transfer nursing units

Prerequisite requirements (32 units)
Courses which must be completed before entrance into the nursing major: CHEM 3A; PHYAN 64 and 65; NUTR 53; MICRO 20 or 140; ENGL 1; PSYCH 10; ANTH 2 or SOC 1 or 2; COMM 8 preferred (or COMM 3 or 7)

Additional requirements (9 units)
Courses which are prerequisite to specific nursing courses: CFS 38; PHIL 20; statistics

General Education (51 units)**
(See Notes 1-2)

Minimum Total (131 units)**

__________

* See the Nursing Department for course descriptions not found in this catalog and for advising.

** This total assumes that student has maximized the 21 units of coursework in prerequisite and additional requirements for General Education as delineated in Advising Note 1 below.

Advising Notes

The following prerequisite and additional requirement courses to the nursing major also may be applied to fulfill a maximum of 21 units of General Education requirements: COMM 8 preferred (or COMM 3 or 7) in G.E. Foundation A1; ENGL 1 in G.E. Foundation A2; 3 units of CHEM 3A in G.E. Breadth B1; 3 units of MICRO 20 or 140 for G.E. Breadth B2 (for nursing majors only); PHIL 20 in G.E. Breadth C2; ANTH 2 or SOC 1 or 3 units of PSYCH 10 for G.E. Breadth D3; and CFS 38 or NUTR 53 in G.E. Breadth E1.
Students must complete the upper-division writing skills requirement in order to take NURS 145 and to graduate.
Optional CR/NC grading is not permitted in the nursing major.
Students are strongly encouraged to seek academic advising every semester. Contact the department office for an appointment.
All practicum courses (with suffix "A" or "L") require a minimum of three hours of clinical per unit of credit as a minimum to meet course objectives.

School Nurse Credential Program

Postbaccalaureate Health Services (School Nurse) Credential

The School Nurse Credential Program provides basic preparation for professional roles in school nursing. The program, approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, leads to the Professional Health Services (School Nurse Credential.) The Department of Nursing, in conjunction with the School of Education and Human Development, recommends qualified candidates for credentialing as providers of health services in California public schools (preschool, K-12, adult).

The program of study for credential students consists of a minimum of 27 units. Courses taken in NLN accredited baccalaureate programs may be accepted for the credential at the discretion of the Department of Nursing. A limited number of school nursing classes are offered through distance learning.

Audiology coursework
NURS 180T or CSD 188T
Audiology for School Nurses (3 units)

Special Education coursework
(select one)
SPED 120
Teaching Students with Special Needs in General Education Settings (3 units)
CSD 114
Education of Exceptional Children (3 units)
PSYCH 168
Exceptional Children (3 units)

Counseling coursework (select one)
COUN 174
Introduction of Counseling (3 units)
COUN 200
Seminar in Counseling Techniques (3 units)

Physical Assessment
NURS 136
Health Appraisal* (3 units)

Health Teaching
NURS 137
Teaching Strategies for the Health Client* (3 units)

School Nursing
NURS 184
Introduction to School Nursing* (3 units)
NURS 185
Seminar in School Nursing* (3 units)
NURS 186
School Nurse Practicum I (elementary)* (3 units)
NURS 187
School Nurse Practicum II (secondary)* (3 units)

Advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology courses are recommended.

__________

* Courses only available through regular enrollment in the university following acceptance into the Credential Program.

Note: A minimum of 15 units in the credential program must be taken on this campus. The use of any comparable course is contingent upon departmental approval. Coursework taken more than 10 years ago is not acceptable to meet program requirements.

An introductory statistics course and nursing theory/research course are required for admission into the School Nurse Credential Program.

A 3-unit introductory statistics course and a 3-unit nursing theory/research course are required for admission into the Health Services Credential Program.

A maximum of 9 units is allowed through courses taken in Extended Education or concurrent enrollment.

Proof of current California RN license, malpractice insurance, current CPR certification, and current valid Student Health Center clearance are required prior to enrollment in NURS 186 and 187.

The student must hold either a Certificate of Clearance or a Preliminary Health Services Credential prior to enrollment in NURS 186 and 187. Contact the credentials analyst, Education Building, Room 100, (559) 278-0300, for application information.

All admission requirements (credential program application form, admission to the university, all documents, and prerequisites) must be completed prior to en rollment in any of the nursing courses.

Admission Criteria

Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a NLN accredited program
Admission to the university at the postbaccalaureate level
Current California Registered Nurse License
California Public Health Nurse Certificate
Overall GPA of 2.5 and 3.0 in nursing
Three satisfactory letters of recommendation (at least one from a recent employer or nursing faculty)

Admission Procedures

Complete application for admission to postbaccalaureate standing, Admissions Office, Joyal Building. Forward copy of application to Department of Nursing, school nurse coordinator.
Complete Credential Program application (available from the Department of Nursing).
Attach official transcripts of previous academic work.
Attach photocopies of required documents (R.N. License, P.H.N. Certificate).
Submit three letters of reference/recommendation (forms available from Department of Nursing).
Arrange appointment with School Nurse Credential Program coordinator for program planning and advisement.

Note: All candidates are required to sign a statement on the application form regarding conviction or plea of nolo contendere for any violation of law other than minor traffic offenses.

Candidates with a conviction may be refused a Health Services Credential. For further information, contact the credentials analyst, Education Building, Room 100, (559) 278-0300.

Time Restrictions. All requirements for a Professional Health Services Credential must be completed within five years of the date of issuance of the preliminary credential.

Articulation with the Graduate Program

School Nurse Credential students are encouraged to obtain a master's degree. Specific questions about graduate program admission requirements and coursework should be directed to the graduate coordinator, Department of Nursing. Graduate students in either the Pediatric or Family Nurse Practitioner programs may take the articulated option in School Nursing, reducing the total number of units needed to meet the educational requirements for a School Nurse Credential (see Graduate Program).

Graduate Program

The department offers an NLN accredited program that leads to a Master of Science degree in Nursing. There are two pathways into the M.S.N. program for individuals with different educational backgrounds.

In addition to advanced practice in a clinical area, students elect a functional role as clinical specialist or nurse practitioner.

The purpose of nursing education at the master's level is to help students apply advanced theory and practice with advanced skills in complex client and community systems. It further seeks to provide students with advanced skills in leader ship and research in order to improve the health care of individuals, families, and communities. The program provides a foundation for doctoral study in nursing.

Facilities. The diverse facilities of the community provide a wide variety of learning opportunities for individualized pursuit of student goals. Graduate and postbaccalaureate students have clinical placements which are consistent with their career goals.

Admission Criteria for B.S.N. Graduates

Admission to California State University, Fresno, Division of Graduate Studies
Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an NLN accredited program
Registered nurse license in California (may be waived for nurses licensed in another country)
Overall GPA of 2.5 with 3.0 in nursing
GRE must be completed within last five years. Scores will be used in the admission selection process.
Malpractice insurance
An introductory course in statistics
An introductory course in research
A physical assessment course that includes theory and practice; or validation of knowledge and skills for graduates of programs with integrated content
Current CPR certification

Admission Procedures

Request an application packet by writing to the following address and enclosing a self-addressed, stamped, legal-size envelope:

California State University, Fresno
Admissions: Graduate Nursing Program
College of Health and Human Services M/S MH25
2345 East San Ramon Avenue
Fresno, CA 93740-8031
Arrange to take Graduate Record Examination. If in Fresno, contact Fresno State's Division of Graduate Studies.
Request application from Nursing Department and submit completed form to Admissions Office, California State University, Fresno.
Request official transcripts of previous academic work to be forwarded to Admissions Office.
Submit Nursing Department application and required credentials.
Complete and submit Nursing Department graduate program written essay.

Admission to the program is limited to the fall semester; students with deficiencies are encouraged to meet the requirements in the previous spring semester.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM IS MARCH 1.

Registered Nurses with a Baccalaureate Degree
in a Field Other Than Nursing

This program is open only to students eligible for admission to graduate standing at California State University, Fresno, who have completed a nursing program in an accredited school, are registered, or eligible for registration as nurses in the state of California and who hold a bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited university.

For admission to this program, students are required to meet the following criteria in addition to the regular criteria set for admission to the M.S.N. program:

Submission of resume of all past educational and employment experience. Resume should emphasize experience in leadership, community health, research, and writing for publication.
Review of resume by the graduate coordinator of the Nursing Department who establishes nursing courses the student must complete to obtain a background comparable to students graduating with a B.S.N. at California State University, Fresno.
Satisfactory completion of the individualized program established by the coordinator before enrolling in the regular M.S.N. program.
Admission to the Nurse Practitioner Program is not guaranteed, and all students must make application to the Nurse Practitioner Program.

Courses. Under the direction of the graduate coordinator, each student prepares and submits an individually designed program based on the following:

Core courses in nursing (12 units)
NURS 211, 212, 221, 223, 225

Approved cognates (0-11 units)
(See graduate coordinator for cognates.)

Role specialization courses (21 units)
(See below.)

Thesis (NURS 299) or Project (NURS 298) (3 units)
or
Comprehensive Exam* (0 units)

Minimum Total (36 units)

__________

* Additional approved 3-unit elective required for students taking the Comprehensive Exam.

Role Specialization (Options)
Clinical Specialization
NURS 229, 250, 251; 11 units clinical cognates
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Family
NURS 210, 264, 265, 266, 267, 277, 278
Pediatric
NURS 210, 264, 265, 266, 269, 279, 280
Geriatric
NURS 210, 264, 265, 266, 271, 281, 282

Thesis, Project, and Comprehensive Exam. The department offers students the option of writing a thesis, completing a project, or taking a written comprehensive exam on five areas of the field. Information about the options is available from an adviser in nursing.

Note: All practicum courses require a minimum of three hours of clinical work per unit of credit to meet course objectives.

Advancement to Candidacy. Completion of 9 graduate units with a GPA of 3.0. Some students may have additional requirements as indicated by a faculty adviser.

Graduate students are responsible for policies and regulations of the Division of Graduate Studies and those specified in the graduate nursing program brochure.

Any nursing classes in the Role Specialization options area may be canceled because of insufficient enrollment.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

The Clinical Specialization Option prepares the graduate to assume a leadership role with advanced skills, knowledge, and competence in a specific area of clinical nursing. Students in this option actualize the role of the clinical specialist in a clinical setting with a master's prepared nurse preceptor. The student is responsible for writing objectives for the experience prior to the clinical placement. Arrangement for clinical placement is made after consultation with the appropriate faculty.

The purpose of the Clinical Specialization Option is to prepare nurses to prescribe and implement both direct and indirect nursing care and to articulate nursing therapies with other nursing personnel and other health providers.

Nurse Practitioner

The Primary Care/Nurse Practitioner Option prepares the graduate to provide primary health care to children, the elderly adult, and families. Classroom and clinical experiences focus on health assess ment, health maintenance and promotion, counseling, client education, and management of selected health problems. Practice in rural settings and with clients from diversified cultural backgrounds is emphasized.

Graduates meet the requirements for recognition as Pediatric, Geriatric, or Family Nurse Practitioners in California and may apply for ANA Certification.

The purpose of the Primary Care/Nurse Practitioner Option is to prepare nurses as specialists in primary care and to improve the availability, accessibility, and quality of primary care services in the Central San Joaquin Valley.

Nurse Practitioner Option
combined with School Nurse Credential

Students concurrently enrolled in an articulated School Nurse Credential Program and Nurse Practitioner Option Program (SNC/PNP or SNC/FNP) are prepared for work as school nurse/nurse practitioners in a variety of primary health care settings where services are provided to school-age children and their families, including school-based clinics. Students completing this articulated option meet the educational requirements for a Health Services (School Nurse) Credential and Pediatric or Family Nurse Practitioner certification and may apply for additional ANA certification as School Nurse Practitioners.

Students in the articulated SNC/PNP or SNC/FNP program must complete 11 units of School Nurse Credential Program coursework in addition to their graduate program of study for nurse practitioners. Additional courses required for the School Nurse Credential:

NURS 180T or CSD 188T
Audiology for School Nurses (3 units)

NURS 184
Introduction to School Nursing (3 units)

NURS 185
Seminar in School Nursing (3 units)

NURS 186
School Nurse Practicum I (elementary) (1 unit)

NURS 187
School Nurse Practicum II (secondary) (1 unit)

Note: Students selecting the comprehensive exam with 3-unit cognate option, rather than thesis or project options, may use 3 units from the coursework for the School Nurse Credential Program toward completion of the requirement for the master's degree.

Admission criteria and procedures for both programs must be met. Students must apply (and be accepted) to both the School Nurse Credential Program and the Graduate Program in Nursing. Consult the Graduate Coordinator and the School Nurse coordinator for advising.