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The purpose of the baccalaureate nursing program is to build upon prior education of registered nurses with new learning required for the baccalaureate degree. Using both a teaching and outcomes assessment model, the program provides a flexible means for registered nurses to obtain their degrees and serves as a foundation for graduate study and the pursuit of lifelong learning. Because of the flexible nature of the program, access to education for students from diverse and underserved populations is optimized. Nurses are prepared to function in the roles of provider of care and manager of care as well as to participate as a member of the nursing profession.

1. Analyzes, synthesizes and uses data from varied sources to engage in self reflection and dialog for creative decision making in response to complex situations.
2. Integrates multiple strategies of communication to express self, convey caring, and establish collaborative partnerships with clients and members of other disciplines.
3. Interprets research evidence to support clinical decision making and guide client care.
4. In the role of provider of care coordinates the nursing process in caring for clients across health care environments to promote, protect, support, and restore health or support end-of-life care.
5. In the role of provider of care uses a holistic approach to design care with clients experiencing complex and variable health care problems.
6. In the role of manager of care integrates management and leadership principles and theories to allocate resources for the delivery of cost-effective quality care to diverse and vulnerable clients.
7. In the role of member of the nursing profession structures professional practice based on legal, ethical, and moral principles.
8. In the role of member of the nursing profession participates in political and regulatory processes to shape health care delivery.
9. In the role of member of the nursing profession articulates the contributions of professional nursing to health care.
10. Demonstrates a pattern of human-centered behaviors by promoting environments that signify caring and cultural competence.

All ten RN-BS in nursing program outcomes are measured by the Capstone course, the Community-Focus Nursing Examination and the Management in Nursing Examination.

A)    Capstone course
The Capstone has the following components:

Assessments in the form of discussions within the online courses encourage students to integrate knowledge gained throughout the curriculum to operationalize core concepts (critical thinking, communication, research, role development, caring and cultural competence) while functioning in roles of baccalaureate nursing practice

Eighty-five (85%) to ninety-two (92%) percent of the students have met the benchmark set by faculty on various assignments in the Capstone coursethat are linked to the program outcomes.

Secondary Prevention Team project focuses on the application of the nursing process to population health issues.

 Family Intervention Paper focuses on the application of family theory to an assigned cultural group.  Outcomes are measureable and achievable reflecting the unique contribution of the baccalaureate-prepared nurse.   

Vulnerable Populations Paper is a scholarly paper addressing the issue of healthcare disparities within a specific at risk population. The role of advocate and educator is explored from a nursing perspective.

Eighty-five (85%) to ninety-two (92%) percent of the students have met the benchmarks set by faculty for the Capstone team project and papers that are linked to the program outcomes.

Service-Learning activity provides an opportunity for students to integrate academic knowledge and community service.

 
Eighty-five percent (88%) of students met the benchmark as set by faculty for the Service-Learning Activity.

 
B) Examinations

 Community Focused Nursing
This exam measures the student’s knowledge of epidemiology, demography, environmental sciences, and political organizations as well as nursing concepts and principles which provide the basis of community nursing practice. The exam focuses on the synthesis of population-based health and public health concepts to promote, maintain, and restore health of families, aggregates and communities. 

Eighty-eight percent (88 %) of students are successful passing this examination with a ‘C’ or better.  

Management in Nursing

This exam measures the student’s ability to apply specific management concepts to the care of the client (individual, family, groups and communities) within diverse healthcare settings. Concepts covered include leadership, innovation, fiscal management, empowerment, and information management. Emphasis is placed on the role of the baccalaureate prepared nurse as an active participant in the organization.

Eighty-six percent (86%) of students are successful passing this examination with a “C” or better.

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