Aim
The aim of the Master of Science in Nursing Program is to prepare
students as advanced practice nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical
nurse specialists or educators. The purposes of the program are:1. to
prepare individuals capable of moral and intellectual leadership to
provide advanced practice nursing to individuals and populations across
the lifespan, and2. to develop and extend advanced practice nursing
knowledge and skill through the utilization of evidenced-based practice
models. The curriculum at the master's level is also directed toward
developing interest and skill in research, commitment to continual
personal and professional growth and to providing leadership in the
development of advanced practice nursing.
Goal
The Master of Science in Nursing builds upon baccalaureate education
in nursing and prepares students for leadership roles in the fields of
advanced practice nursing and/or nursing education.
Terminal Objectives
Upon completion of the M.S.N. program, the graduate will have:1.
Acquired advanced knowledge from the sciences and the humanities to
support evidence-based advanced practice nursing;2. Integrated nursing
theory as the foundation for advanced practice nursing;3. Demonstrated
expertise in a selected role within a specialized area of advanced
practice nursing;4. Acquired advanced knowledge and skills to use and
disseminate the findings of nursing research;5. Acquired advanced
knowledge and skills to effect optimum delivery of health care
services;6. Demonstrated ethical behavior and respect for
Judeo-Christian values; and7. Acquired a foundation for doctoral
study.
School of Nursing Specific Admission Requirements
The Catholic University School of Nursing employs a "whole person"
philosophy for evaluation of applicants for admission to the Master of
Science in Nursing program.To be considered for admission, in addition
to meeting University admission requirements, at a minimum, an
applicant must:
1. Possess
a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited college or
university offering a program in nursing accredited by the National
League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on
Collegiate Nursing Education. (Exceptions may be made on a
case-by-case basis for international students or those educated in
other countries).
2. Graduates of programs not accredited by
the NLNAC or CCNE must have transcripts evaluated and
comparability to an American BSN established. Evaluation may be
conducted by either the the World Education Services (www.wes.org) or the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (www.cgfns.org).
3. Present transcripts of
undergraduate study that give evidence of academic ability. A GPA of
3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred, as well as an average GPA of 3.0 in
the nursing major.
4. Have completed a
graduate-level statistics course within the past five years or be
registered for such a course during the first semester of study.
5. Be a registered nurse in a state or
jurisdiction of the United States, without restrictions. (Applicants
should be eligible for registration in D.C., Maryland and/or Virginia
since the vast majority of clinical placements occur in these
jurisdictions).
6. Have acquired some post-baccalaureate
nursing experience relevant to the proposed area of clinical practice.
(The amount of experience required may vary depending on the particular
field of study.)
7. Ensure that the three
letters of recommendation required by the University include (a) a
recommendation from a former dean,faculty member or academic
advisor familiar with the applicant's academic performance
and (b) a separate recommendation from a current or
former supervisor in a clinical practice
setting.
8. Submit scores for Graduate Record
Examination taken within the past 5 years if seeking financial support
through the School of Nursing scholarship and loan programs.
9. Must achieve at least a 580
(paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test) score on the TOEFL if
applying as an international students from a basic program where
English is not the language of instruction .
10. May be required to take intensive English courses and/or other
additional courses as recommended by the academic adviser or the dean
if concerns about English language proficiency exist.
11. Should verify post-M.S.N. degree eligiblity
requirements for certification examinations for advanced
practice nursing roles, if the B.S.N. program was not accredited
by the NLNAC or CCNE.
12. Meet the School of Nursing's Health-Related Behavioral Standards for clinical programs.
NB. Applicants who do not meet the requirements for regular
admission as degree-seeking candidates may be eligible for
provisional/conditional admission.
General Policies for the M.S.N. Program
Coursework. A program of study is planned individually
to meet the particular needs of each student, in accord with the
student's field of study and career goals. Transfer of graduate
work earned at another university will be considered only after the
student has completed one full-time semester (or its equivalent) of
graduate work at The Catholic University of America in accordance with
the transfer policy of the university. Graduate courses in nursing are
not open to challenge.
Grading. A grade point average of 3.0 is required for
retention and graduation. In general, a grade of C is passing but
marginal at the graduate level. A grade of C in clinical courses is not
acceptable; students who earn C grades may repeat clinical courses once.
Residence. Students admitted to graduate study at the
master's level must complete degree requirements within five years from
the date of initial enrollment. Continuous enrollment must be
maintained unless a written leave of absence has been granted.
School-Based Financial Support: In addition to
University based aid, the School of Nursing has limited funds via
traineeships, school-based scholarships and special federal programs.
The availability of funds varies from year to year. Applicants for
any funding must complete a FAFSA, have current GRE scores
(i.e. less than 5 yrs old at time of program admission), and must
reapply for funding annually. Additional information is available
via the CUA School of Nursing Web site (http://nursing.cua.edu).
Clinical Policies
Eligibility Requirements For Placement In Clinical Settings
Pre-registration: To be guaranteed a slot and to determine the number of sections required for clinical courses, pre-registration
is required for clinical courses. Students who do not pre-register by
the last day of class in the semester previous to the planned clinical
will be placed on a wait list and are not guaranteed admission to the
course.
Assignment of Clinical Placements: In
the event that an agency declines to accept a student for clinical
placement, the SON will make reasonable good faith attempts to place
the student in a different setting. If the SON is unable obtain
clinical placements for the student after two attempts within a given
semester or three attempts over two semesters because of specific student behaviors which violate agency policy, the student may be administratively withdrawn from the SON.
Criminal Behavior And Background Check Policy
Criminal
background checks are mandatory for all undergraduate students prior to
the start of their clinical coursework. They may be required of
graduate students if required by the clinical agency. The SON and
clinical agencies reserve the right to review the results of the
criminal background check and to deny placement in a clinical setting
on the basis of these results.
Evidence
of past or present criminal behavior identified through the background
check or through other documented evidence of criminal behavior may
lead to administrative sanctions up to, and including dismissal from
the School of Nursing. The procedures for conducting criminal background checks are provided to students through the Office of the Dean.
Health And Basic Life Support Requirements
Students
must report, immediately in writing, any changes in health status which
impact their safety, the safety of patients or those whom the student
encounters, or which significantly affect their progression in the
program to the pertinent Associate Dean.
Students are expected to comply with all agency requirements for placement in the clinical setting. These include documentation
of health and immunization requirements and current cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) certification and may include drug/toxicology
screening.
Failure
to comply with these requirements may result in withdrawal from
clinical courses with resultant effect upon the progression in the
program.
Licensure:
Registered Nurses in any clinical nursing program may be
required to obtain licensure as Registered Nurses in the
jurisdiction of their clinical placement.
Treatment of Information Regarding Health History and Past Criminal History
As a condition of placement in the clinical setting, the SON reserves the right to require that students sign
a waiver allowing the SON to release pertinent health or background
information to the supervising faculty member, or clinical associates
and to the clinical placement site if any of the following conditions
exist: (a) removal from prior clinical placements due to behavior or health concerns, (b) past
health history suggesting elevated risk for substance abuse, (c) past
or chronic health condition which with acute exacerbation may affect
ability to provide safe care or (d) non-academically based disciplinary action by the SON or University
Clinical Standards for Admission, Academic Progression, and Graduation in Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Programs.
By accepting admission and enrolling in the School of Nursing,
the student certifies that he/she understands, meets at the time of
admission, and continues to meet the essential eligibility requirement
for clinical placement. These requirements pertain to (a) candor, (b)
health-related behavioral standards, and (c) eligibility for placement
in clinical settings.
Candor
Candor
is defined as full disclosure of pertinent information as well as
correction of inaccuracies or misperceptions. All students must
complete a health clearance form which requires disclosure of any
health conditions which may affect the student's ability to enter
clinical settings or the ability of the School of secure clinical
placements.
Students in nursing programs with a clinical component will be required to submit
to a criminal background check and to fully disclose their relevant
health history that may impact their health or safety in a clinical
setting, or the health or safety of those around them. This
may include, but is not limited to, any history of chemical
dependency/substance use (i.e. alcohol, drugs, controlled substances).
Whether or not they represent a current threat to practice, disciplinary action or dismissal from the School of Nursing may result from failing to fully disclose relevant health history, criminal background and falsification or material omission of information.
Health-Related Behavioral Standards.
In
accordance with law and University policy, no qualified individual with
a disability shall, on the basis of that disability, be excluded from
participation in The Catholic University of America programs or
activities. The SON in accord with University policy will provide
reasonable accommodation to a qualified individual with a disability.
To obtain accommodations, individuals must request them from the Office
of Disability Services
Admission
and continuation in the SON programs is contingent on general
abilities, behavioral and social attributes, and the ability to
professionally manage stressful situations. The required behavioral attributes are outlined below:
General Abilities:
The student is expected to possess functional use of the senses of
vision, touch, hearing, and smell so that data received by the senses
may be integrated, analyzed, and synthesized in a consistent and
accurate manner. A student must also possess the ability to perceive
pain, pressure, temperature, position, vibration, and movement
that are important to the student's ability to gather significant
information needed to effectively evaluate patients. A student must be
able to respond promptly to urgent situations that may occur during
clinical training activities and must not hinder the ability of other
members of the health care team to provide prompt treatment and care to
patients.
Observational Ability:
The student must have sufficient capacity to make accurate visual
observations and interpret them in the context of laboratory studies,
medication administration, and patient care activities. In addition,
the student must be able to document these observations and maintain
accurate records.
Communication Ability: The student must communicate effectively to
elicit information and to translate that information to others. Each
student must have the ability to read, write, comprehend and speak the
English language to facilitate communication with patients, their
family members, and other professionals in health care settings. In
addition, the student must be able to maintain accurate patient
records, present information in a professional, logical manner and
provide patient counseling and instruction to effectively care for
patients and their families. The student must communicate effectively
verbally and in writing with instructors and other students in the
classroom setting as well. This requires
verbal abilities , control of non–verbal behaviors which limit
communication and the ability to respond to non-verbal cues from
patients, fellow students, and instructors.
Motor Ability:
The student must be able to perform gross and fine motor movements with
sufficient coordination needed to perform complete physical
examinations utilizing the techniques of inspection, palpation,
percussion, auscultation, and other diagnostic maneuvers. A student
must develop the psychomotor skills reasonably needed to perform or
assist with procedures, treatments, administration of medication,
management and operation of diagnostic and therapeutic medical
equipment, and such maneuvers to assist with patient care activities
such as lifting, wheel chair guidance, and mobility. The student must
have sufficient levels of neuromuscular control and eye-to-hand
coordination as well as possess the physical and mental stamina to meet
the demands associated with satisfactory and safe performance in the
clinical and classroom settings including performing CPR if necessary.
Intellectual, Conceptual, and Quantitative Abilities:
The student must be able to develop and refine problem-solving skills
that are crucial to practice as a nurse. Problem solving involves the
abilities to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize
objective and subjective data, and to make decisions, often in a time
urgent environment, that reflect consistent and thoughtful deliberation
and sound clinical judgment. Each student must demonstrate mastery of
these skills and possess the ability to formulate sound judgment in
patient assessment, intervention, evaluation, teaching, and setting
short and long term goals.
Behavioral and Social Attributes:
Compassion, integrity, motivation, effective interpersonal skills, and
concern for others are personal attributes required of those in the
nursing programs. Comfort with and acceptance of the role of a nurse
functioning under supervision of a clinical instructor or preceptor is
essential for a nursing student. The student must possess the skills
required for full utilization of the student's intellectual abilities;
the exercise of good judgment; the prompt completion of all
responsibilities in the classroom and clinical settings; and the
development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with
patients and other members of the health care team. Each student must
be able to exercise stable, sound judgment and to complete assessment
and interventional activities. The ability to establish rapport and
maintain sensitive, interpersonal relationships with individuals,
families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and
intellectual backgrounds is critical for practice as a nurse. The
student must be able to adapt to changing environments; display
flexibility; accept and integrate constructive criticism given in the
classroom and clinical settings; effectively interact in the clinical
setting with other members of the healthcare team; and learn to
function cooperatively and efficiently in the face of uncertainties
inherent in clinical practice.
Ability to Manage Stressful Situations:
The student must be able to adapt to and function effectively to
stressful situations in both the classroom and clinical settings,
including emergency situations. Students will encounter multiple
stressors while in the nursing programs. These stressors may be (but
are not limited to) personal, patient care/family, faculty/peer, and or
program related.
Unsafe Practice
Unsafe
practice is defined as behavior which threatens, or has the potential
to threaten, the safety of a client, another student, a faculty member,
or other health care provider in the clinical placement.
Students are not allowed to practice in a clinical setting without the knowledge or supervision of a faculty member.
Students
who exhibit potentially unsafe practice during a clinical experience
may be immediately withdrawn from the clinical setting. This decision
may be made by the clinical faculty or at the request of the clinical agency.
Students who are at risk for unsafe practice may also be prevented from attending their clinical practicum or experience, until the unsafe practice concern has been investigated and satisfactorily resolved. Exact procedures for reporting, documenting, investigating and resolving concerns regarding unsafe practice are found in the SON students clinical practice guidelines.
If the concern cannot be , resolved, the student may be subject to additional administrative sanctions and may be subject to administrative dismissal from the program and the SON.
The student has the right to follow the published University procedures in the event of course failure or program dismissal
Clinical/Lab Attendance
1. Clinical/Lab attendance is mandatory.
2.
Unexcused absences will not be accepted. The composite course grade
will be lowered by one (1) grade level for each unexcused absence
(i.e., A to A-). Excused absences are those defined in the course syllabus and examination policies of the relevant clinical courses.
3. One excused absence, while accepted, will necessitate a make-up assignment at the discretion of the faculty. Failure to complete the assignment will lower the composite course
grade by one (1) grade level (i.e., A to A-). Further excused absences
may affect the student grade and possibly progression in the program.
4.
The student is expected to notify the appropriate persons, as
identified in specific courses, of an emergency requiring an absence or
tardiness prior to the beginning of the clinical/lab experience. The student is responsible to be aware of the specific requirements for each course and to follow those procedures.
5. Habitual tardiness to clinical/lab, defined as more than one occurrence, will result in lowering of the composite course grade by one level (i.e., A to A-) for each occurrence.
HIPAA Adherence
All students are expected to comply with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as applied to clinical education.
Failure
to adhere to these expectations may result in immediate removal from
the clinical settings and additional academic sanctions including
course failure and if necessary dismissal.
Specifically, it is expected that all students in SON arrange to complete training
on HIPAA prior to participating in clinical practica or rotations; if
this training is not provided by the clinical agency as part of the orientation process, the student is expected to complete the CUA HIPAA tutorial ( http://counsel.cua.edu/employment/publications/)
Students are expected to maintain the privacy of individually identifiable
health information (IIHI ) by taking the following steps to protect against disclosure of IIHI:
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Students in
a clinical setting must ensure that they do not bring IIHI back
acquired during their clinical coursework into the classroom. Students
are expected to remove identifying information when discussing their clinical experiences as part of coursework.
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Students should not retain any IIHI after the need to use it has ended.
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IIHI must be used only for research and/or education. Students must not share or discuss
information outside the educational setting.
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Students
are expected to follow the HIPAA guidelines of the clinical placement
setting. Students should read, understand, sign and follow
confidentiality and privacy policy statements, which will vary from
site to site. For example, a health care facility or clinical site may
have a strict rule prohibiting taking any IIHI from the setting back to
the classroom.
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Student Responsibility
Attendance. The faculty and administration in the School of Nursing
consider attendance in class necessary to master the body of knowledge
needed for safe clinical practice and adequate preparation for
licensure. Therefore, class and clinical/lab attendance is mandatory.
The responsibility for prompt and regular class and clinical/lab
attendance rests upon the individual student. Professors are
responsible for establishing and communicating policy regarding
documentation and consequences of absenteeism in their individual
classes. This may include requiring authentication of unavoidable
absences and the inability for a student to receive a passing grade.
Transportation to Agencies.
The student is expected to assume responsibility for transportation in
connection with the clinical practice, community health practice and
field trips. Public transportation is often available at these sites.
Insurance.
All students in clinical programs are required to carry malpractice
insurance. It is available through the university. This insurance
applies only for clinical practice while enrolled in university
courses. It does not cover students involved in personal employment.
See Fees and Expenses in the General Information section of these
Announcements.
Health Clearance. The student is required to meet School of Nursing health requirements prior to admission and prior to entering clinical coursework.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, CPR. The student is required to meet basic CPR requirements prior to entering clinical coursework.
Drug/Alcohol Screen. A negative drug and alcohol screen may be required.Security/Background Checks. Background checks are required prior to entering clinical coursework.
