Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The baccalaureate in nursing degree program at Baptist Health Sciences University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (655 K Street NW Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791).

The baccalaureate in nursing degree program is also approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing (Health Related Boards 665 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, TN 37243, 1-615-532-5166; tn.gov/health).

The goals of baccalaureate nursing education at Baptist University are to:

1. Prepare professional nurses as generalists who:
   • Provide comprehensive direct and indirect person-centered care for diverse populations along the health-illness continuum, in a variety of health care settings.
   • Promote equity, inclusion, quality, and safety as well as stewardship of health care resources.
   • Use research to guide evidence-based practice.
2. Prepare graduates to successfully pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
3. Provide an avenue for graduates of Associate Degree in Nursing and Diploma programs to attain the knowledge and competencies of the professional nurse at the baccalaureate level.

Using previously learned concepts (i.e., from the liberal arts, sciences and nursing) the graduate will:

• Apply critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills to address simple to complex situations.
• Translate research-based evidence into practice for safe, high-quality patient-centered outcomes.
• Practice holistic care in a variety of health care settings for diverse populations across the lifespan and the health-illness continuum.
• Integrate cultural, economic, social, environmental, genetic, regulatory, and political factors in designing care for individuals, families, and communities.
• Use standardized terminology, information systems, and patient care technology effectively.
• Use effective communication and collaboration skills with members of the health care team, patients, and support networks.
• Synthesize principles of leadership and management, accountability, and life-long learning while functioning in multiple roles of care (i.e., provider, designer, manager, and coordinator) to ensure a safe practice environment.
• Incorporate legal and ethical precepts, as well as standards of practice, in serving as advocates for the patient and the profession.
• Integrate principles of quality improvement and safety to ensure optimum care.

The following technical standards outline reasonable expectations of a student enrolled in the nursing program for the performance of common nursing functions:

Communication  

Ability to communicate with a wide variety of  people, and the ability to be easily understood.  Reading, writing, recording and documenting patient information required.

Analytical Skills/Critical Thinking 

Analytical skills sufficient to process information, to transfer knowledge from one situation to another, and to prioritize tasks. Critical thinking ability sufficient for safe, clinical judgment.

Hearing 

Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess patient needs; to detect and respond to alarms, emergency signals, and cries for help.

Vision  

Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary for the care of patients and operation of equipment.

Tactile 

Tactile ability sufficient for patient assessment and operation of equipment.

Mobility 

 Physical ability, flexibility, strength and stamina sufficient to provide safe and effective care.

Fine Motor Skills  

Fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective care.

Behavioral  

Emotional and mental health sufficient to establish therapeutic boundaries, to perform multiple tasks concurrently and to handle strong emotions.

To obtain a bachelor of science in nursing degree, students are required to successfully complete a total of 122 semester hours of course work. The program is designed to accommodate high school graduates and transfer students. 

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