Master of Science and Graduate Certificate Programs in Nursing
Mission
In accordance with Neumann University’s Mission and Vision statements, the purpose of the graduate nursing programs is to enhance advanced practice nursing and to foster the provision of quality nursing education in the Franciscan tradition to persons of diverse populations, in varying circumstances and environments. It is intended that graduates possess the knowledge and skills that are required for advanced practice as a gerontological nurse practitioner, adult nurse practitioner, or nurse educator; for life-long development of that practice; for doctoral study in nursing; and for the fulfillment of professional and social responsibilities.
Philosophy
Franciscan values and tradition strengthen professional education essential to the advanced practice nurse within contemporary society. Since the Neumann University Nursing Program is dedicated to the holistic care of the human family in the image of the Creator, the Neumann University student learns within a caring educational community where responsibility, respect for persons, and self-growth are emphasized.
The Neuman Systems Model, developed by nursing theorist Dr. Betty Neuman, serves as a guiding curricular principle of the Nursing Program. This model provides an organizing structure for advanced practice, incorporating the physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, developmental, and spiritual variables which interrelate to create a unique person. Franciscan values reflect a central focus of care for clients within their environments and with consideration of the global community.
Advanced practice nurses demonstrate intellectual excellence by application of scientific knowledge and research from nursing and other disciplines. Clinical excellence is attained through diagnostic reasoning, nursing competencies, and evidence-based practice.
Nurses in advanced practice are professionals who are committed to the study and delivery of highquality, cost-effective health care. Graduates of Neumann University’s Master’s and Post-Master’s Nursing Programs are prepared to meet the challenges presented by the increasingly complex health care system of today’s society and to shape the future of health care.
Accreditation
Neumann University’s Nursing Programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc., 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30326; Telephone: 404-975-5000; Fax: 1-404-975-5020; or, www.nlnac.org. The University’s Nursing Programs are also approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105; Telephone: 717-783-7142; Fax: 717-783-0822.
Admission Requirements
In conjunction with the general admission requirements of the University, program applicants must:
- Submit a completed Graduate Student Application for Admission, or apply online through the Neumann University web site at www.neumann.edu.
- Submit an official transcript of a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing which is accredited by both a regionally accredited, degree-granting institution and a nationally recognized accrediting agency in nursing education.
- Applicants to the Post-Master’s Certificate as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, or Nurse Educator must also submit an official transcript which demonstrates graduation from a master’s degree program in nursing which is accredited by both a regionally accredited, degree-granting institution and a nationally recognized accrediting agency in nursing education.
- Request that each college attended forward official transcripts directly to Neumann University’s Admissions Office.
- Have an undergraduate or graduate cumulative GPA of 3.00. Outstanding applicants whose GPAs are less than 3.00 are considered for conditional acceptance (please refer to the Conditional Acceptance Policy in the Admissions Information section of this catalog).
- Provide letters from two persons recommending the applicant’s capacity for graduate study. One must be provided by a professional nurse who has observed the applicant’s clinical performance.
- Provide a copy of a current registered nursing license for practicum states.
- Complete one year of recent clinical practice as a registered nurse.
- Earn a minimum overall score of 84, with a minimum score of 26 on the verbal subtest on the Internet-based TOEFL (required for students from non-English speaking countries or for whom English is a second language); and an Affidavit of Support (non-U.S. citizens only).
Once all admission materials have been received and processed through the Office of Admissions, the graduate Program Director/Coordinator will arrange for an interview, if appropriate, following a review of all candidate credentials.
A limited number of federally funded nurse traineeships may be available for students. Funds from the Mary Alice Holland Scholarship Fund and other public and private resources (as available) are also awarded to selected graduate students. For additional information about either traineeships or scholarship funds, call the Division of Nursing and Health Sciences at 610-558-5561.
Non-Matriculated Students
A maximum of nine Nursing graduate credits may be taken at Neumann University as a nonmatriculated student. Students who wish to pursue this option must first submit official undergraduate transcripts to the Office of Admissions. For additional information, please refer to the Non-Matriculated Status section of this catalog.
Progression/Retention/Graduation Requirements
Progression in the Master of Science or Graduate Certificate Programs in Nursing is based on academic achievement, clinical performance, and professional behavior.
The Code of Ethics for Nurses (American Nurses Association, 2008) articulates the values, duties, and commitments of professional nurses. The Neumann University Nursing Faculty believes that all students and faculty members must adhere to this Code of Ethics for Nurses. Any violation of the Code of Ethics for Nurses constitutes inappropriate professional behavior and may result in course failure or dismissal from the graduate Nursing Program.
Upon acceptance into the Master of Science Degree Program in Nursing, students must be continuously enrolled during the academic year, i.e., Fall and Spring semesters. Students not pursuing course work during either the Fall and/or Spring semesters need to apply for a Leave of Absence (please refer to the Leave of Absence section of this catalog).
To progress toward earning the Master of Science Degree in Nursing, the student must:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
- Receive no more than two grades less than a “B” in any program course.* §
- Earn a minimum grade of “B” in all of the following courses. If a student earns a grade less than “B” in any of the following courses, the course must be repeated* and a minimum grade of “B” must be earned:
* A course may be repeated only one time, whether repetition is due to student withdrawal, institutional withdrawal, or a course grade less than a “B.” Students seeking to repeat a course will only be enrolled after all students registering for the first time are accommodated. Enrollment of students repeating the course is dependent upon availability of clinical facilities, preceptors, and/or faculty availability, and cannot be guaranteed.
§ If more than two course grades less than “B” are earned, the student will be dismissed from the program. Failure to earn a minimum grade of “B” in a repeated nursing course, or failure to earn a minimum grade of “B” in any other graduate nursing course, will result in the student’s dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program.
- Understand that the application of theory to practice is integral to learning in all graduate nursing clinical courses. Hence, the course grade in any course with clinical or lab experiences is based upon the assessment of two areas:
- Theory component: the student’s knowledge of theory.
- Laboratory and/or clinical practicum component: the student’s ability to apply theory in practice.
The student must successfully meet the requirements of these two components in each course with clinical or lab experiences; that is, earn a minimum grade of “B” in theory and a “satisfactory” rating in the laboratory and/or clinical practicum components.
An “unsatisfactory” rating in any given laboratory or clinical practicum, and a theory grade of “A” to “C,” results in a grade of “F” for the course.
A “satisfactory” rating in a laboratory and/or clinical practicum, with a grade of “F” in the theory components, results in an “F” for the course.
Any course in which a grade of “F” is earned must be repeated.
Process for Exception to Policy
The Nursing Program adheres to the grievance procedure of the University; however, there are unique situations in the Nursing Program for which a student may request review and/or exception to policy. Students are directed to meet with their nursing academic advisor to discuss the procedure for submitting his/her request for a hearing by the Admissions and Progression Committee. The Committee meets regularly during the academic year; meetings are scheduled as needed during the summer.
Maximum Period of Candidacy/Graduation Application Process
The maximum period of candidacy spent in pursuit of the Master of Science Degree in Nursing is five years. Exception to this time limitation must be applied for in a written request to the Division Dean. Graduation from the program is contingent upon submitting a signed Application for Graduation form to the Registrar on or before the date specified in the Academic Calendar and completing all program requirements while maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
Clinical Practice Requirements
All graduate students are advised that agency and preceptor availability may require clinical attendance during weekdays, weekends, and/or evenings to assure that all who are registered for a specific course meet the course/clinical objectives during the semester of enrollment.
Professional License
RNs must provide evidence of a current RN license for practicum states.
Professional Liability Insurance
RNs must provide annual evidence of Professional Liability Insurance.
Basic Life Support Certification
Prior to the first clinical course, each graduate Nursing student is required to present proof of certification in Basic Life Support for the Health Care Provider (American Heart Association). Thereafter, evidence of current recertification must be presented annually.
Health Standards
Health evaluations must be completed and reports submitted to the Dean’s Office at the time of admission to the graduate Nursing Program and, thereafter, be annually updated. Students are to obtain the appropriate health forms from the University Health Services Office.
The student is responsible for providing evidence of current health insurance on an annual basis, and for notifying the Dean’s Office immediately of any changes in his/her status of medical insurance coverage.
These Health Standards policies apply to all students, both full-time and part-time, who have been accepted into the graduate Nursing Program.
Clearances
Students may be required to submit to substance abuse screening prior to clinical placement, or during clinical experiences, in selected health care agencies. Students testing positive will be referred to Counseling and Health Services for assistance with their substance abuse problem. Such referral, however, will not preclude the University from taking other disciplinary actions, up to, and including, removal from the clinical placement (which may result in failure to meet degree requirements) and/or expulsion from the program/University, depending upon the circumstances. RN students with a positive substance abuse screening will be reported to the State Board of Nursing, as required by state law. Students are responsible for costs incurred from these screenings. For additional information, please contact the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Students are also required to apply for, obtain, and present to the Dean of the Division of Nursing and Health Sciences a current FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Criminal Background Clearance, prior to their participation in clinical courses. A criminal record and/or a history of child or elder abuse may prohibit clinical placement and, subsequently, result in failure to meet degree requirements.
State Boards of Nursing may deny or revoke licensure when the applicant “has been convicted, has pleaded, has entered a plea of nolo contendere, or has been found guilty by a judge or jury of a felony or crime of moral turpitude; or received probation without verdict, disposition in lieu of trial or an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition in the settlement of felony charge.” Similarly, “possession, use, acquisition, or distribution of a controlled substance or caution legend drug for other than an acceptable medical purpose” may be cause for denying application for professional licensure (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Professional Nursing Law, Act 69, Section 14).
Transportation
Each graduate Nursing student is responsible for transportation to and from clinical practice sites through the entire program. Transportation requires that each student has personal access to a car.
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