Nursing, B.S.N.

Admissions and Policies

Nursing B.S.N.

Admission and Progression

Admission for Pre-licensure Students

Students must be formally admitted to the School of Nursing which is an upper division major. Only students who have formal, written acceptance into the School will be permitted to register in nursing courses and complete work for the major. Admission should normally be sought during the sophomore year. The application deadline is February 1 of each year. Applications are obtained from the Advising Center in the School of Nursing. Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended must be submitted with the application.

Technical Standards for Admission, Academic Progression, and Graduation

Consistent with its mission and philosophy, the School of Nursing at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro) is committed to providing educational opportunities to facilitate student learning. The School of Nursing programs prepare students to think critically and practice nursing competently and compassionately in rapidly changing practice environments. All efforts are designed to build nursing knowledge, enhance nursing practice and patient safety, foster professional integrity, and ultimately improve the health outcomes of individuals, families, groups, and communities across the continuum of care. Certain functional abilities also are essential for the delivery of safe, effective nursing care. The UNC Greensboro faculty have determined that the technical standards listed below must be met by all students for admission, progression and graduation from the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, with or without reasonable accommodations. If a student is unable to meet these technical standards, the student will not be allowed admission, or to remain enrolled in or to graduate from the nursing program.  

In addition to classroom learning, clinical learning occurs throughout the program and involves considerations that are not present for classroom accommodations (such as patient safety and clinical facility requirements).  Any applicant or student who seeks accommodations prior to or immediately after enrolling in the nursing programs must also request an assessment of the types of reasonable accommodations needed for all the types of clinical experiences required in the nursing program.

An individual must be able to independently, with or without reasonable accommodation, meet the following technical standards of general abilities and those specifically of: a) communication; b) motor; c) observation; d) cognitive, conceptual, and quantitative; e) behavioral and interpersonal attributes; and f) professional conduct.  Individuals unable to meet these technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, will not be able to complete the program and are encouraged to pursue other careers.

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, which are important to the student’s ability to gather significant information needed to effectively assess and evaluate patients.  A student must be able to respond promptly to urgent situations that may occur during clinical activities including, but not limited to, performing basic life support, paging the rapid response team, operating equipment at the bedside, and asking another nurse for assistance and must not hinder the ability of other members of the health care team to provide prompt patient care.

Communication abilities: The student must communicate effectively and sensitively both verbally and non-verbally to elicit information and to translate that information to others with whom they interact. The student must have the ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak the English language to facilitate communication with patients, family members, and other members of the health care team. In addition, the student must be able to review and maintain accurate patient records, present information in a safe, professional and logical manner, and provide patient education and counseling to effectively care for patients and their families. The student must possess verbal and written communication skills that permit effective communication with instructors, clinical staff, and other students in both the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings.

Motor abilities: 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. The 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 required to assist with patient care activities such as lifting, wheelchair guidance, and ambulation. The student must possess the manual dexterity that is required for certain activities, such as drawing up solutions into a syringe. The student must have sufficient levels of neuromuscular control and eye-hand coordination, as well as possess the physical and mental stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving, and physical exertion required for satisfactory and safe performance in the clinical and classroom settings. These include, but are not limited to, performing CPR, and completing a typical nurse’s clinical assignment, including working a 12-hour shift.

Observation abilities: The student must have sufficient capacity to make accurate visual observations and learn from demonstrations in the clinical, classroom, and laboratory settings. Likewise, the student must have sufficient capacity to perform health assessments and interventions; observe diagnostic specimens; and obtain information from digital, analog, and waveform representations of physiologic phenomena to determine a patient’s condition. In addition, the student must be able to accurately document these observations.

Cognitive, Conceptual, and Quantitative abilities: The student must be able to develop and refine problem-solving skills that are critical to practice as a competent nurse. Problem-solving includes the abilities to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, and synthesize objective and subjective data, and to make sound decisions, often in a time urgent environment, that reflect consistent and thoughtful deliberation and sound clinical judgment. The student must have sufficient capacity to comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships. Each student must demonstrate mastery of these skills and possess the ability to incorporate new information from peers, instructors, preceptors, and the health-related literature to formulate sound judgment in patient assessment, care planning, intervention, and evaluation of care.

Behavioral and Interpersonal attributes: Personal 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 emotional health 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 successfully complete patient assessments and nursing interventions in a timely manner. Understanding that all student interactions with patients, instructors, preceptors, and other members of the health care team are confidential and are not shared with others is critical in establishing ethical and professional nursing practice. 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 nursing practice.  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 health care team; and learn to function cooperatively and efficiently in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice.

Professional Conduct: The student must be willing to learn and abide by professional standards of practice. They must possess attributes that include compassion, empathy, altruism, integrity, honesty, responsibility, and tolerance. The student must be able to engage in patient care delivery in all settings and be able to deliver care to all patient populations including, but not limited to, children, adolescents, adults, individuals with disabilities, medically compromised patients, and vulnerable adults. The student also must be able to adapt to and function effectively in stressful situations that may occur in the classroom and in the clinical settings, including emergency situations.  The student may encounter and must be able to navigate multiple stressors while in the nursing program, including, but are not limited to, personal, patient care, family, faculty/peer, and or program related.

UNC Greensboro’s mission is to provide optimal educational opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. The University recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be necessary for students with disabilities to have access to campus programs and facilities. In general, University policy calls for accommodations to be made on an individualized and flexible basis for qualified students with disabilities. Students are responsible for seeking assistance at the University and making their needs known. Any applicant or student with questions or concerns about their ability to meet these technical standards, with or without accommodations, or who would like to arrange reasonable accommodations, should contact the Office of Accessibility Resources & Services at (336) 334-5440 or oars@uncg.edu.

Process for Requesting Reasonable Accommodation

Optional Disclosure Prior to Admission

Candidates for admission to the School of Nursing are not required, prior to admission, to disclose that they will require reasonable accommodations in order to meet the Technical Standards. Candidates may, however, voluntarily disclose prior to admission the fact that they will require reasonable accommodations to meet the Technical Standards. If the student elects voluntarily disclosure before admission, this information will not be considered by the university on the question of whether the student should be admitted. Instead, assuming the student is admitted, the information will be used after admission to determine whether the student will be provided any requested accommodations pursuant to the process described below.

Disclosure After Admission

If the student requests a reasonable accommodation in a timely fashion, an interactive process involving the student, Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the School of Nursing, relevant faculty members and the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services will be commenced to determine what, if any, accommodations will be provided to the student.

In all cases where a student has requested an accommodation in a timely fashion, the student must cooperate with the Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the School of Nursing and Office of Accessibility Resources and Services in an interactive process to determine whether the student is qualified for accommodations and what, if any, accommodations will be provided pursuant to applicable laws. The Office of Accessibility Resources and Services will assist the student in coordinating documentation and evaluation of the student, which may include asking the student to provide requested documentation of a qualified disability.

No accommodation will be offered that would jeopardize the safety of patients or clients or the university student. No accommodation will be offered that would fundamentally alter or substantially compromise these technical standards or any other academic standards deemed essential to graduation by the university, including all course work, fieldwork, clinical practica, and internships.

Minimum Criteria for Admission

Students may not enroll in required nursing courses without being admitted to the School. Application for admission is possible while students are still completing the prerequisite courses, but unconditional admission cannot be granted until admission criteria have been successfully completed.

Admission to the university does not guarantee acceptance into the nursing major. Various health care agencies in Piedmont North Carolina cooperate with the School of Nursing in providing clinical learning experiences for students. The size of each incoming junior class is determined by the availability of these clinical resources. Therefore, it is impossible to assure space for every student who meets the criteria.

  1. GPA
    Overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher
  2. Minimum grade
    A grade of C (2.0) or better in each of the courses listed below.
    BIO 271
    & 271L
    		Human Anatomy
    and Human Anatomy Laboratory
    or KIN 291
    & 291L
    		 Clinical Human Anatomy
    and Clinical Human Anatomy Laboratory
    BIO 277
    & 277L
    		Human Physiology
    and Human Physiology Laboratory
    or KIN 292
    & 292L
    		 Clinical Human Physiology
    and Clinical Human Physiology Laboratory
    BIO 280
    & 280L
    		Fundamentals of Microbiology
    and Fundamentals of Microbiology Laboratory
    CHE 104
    		General Descriptive Chemistry II
    HDF 111
    		Human Development Across the Life Span
    NTR 213
    		Introductory Nutrition
    PSY 121
    		General Psychology
    STA 108
    		Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics
    Select one of the following:
    ATY 100
    		Modern Cultural Diversity
    RCO 215
    SOC 101
    		Introduction to Sociology
    SOC 202
    		Social Problems in Global Context
    Select one of the following:
    PHI 121
    		Contemporary Moral Problems
    PHI 220
    		Medical Ethics
    RCO 203
  3. Repeat
    No more than two of the above prerequisite courses may be repeated to earn the minimum required grade or better. Prerequisite courses may be repeated only one time.

Priority Admissions

Priority in admission (subject to space availability) will be granted to students who meet the criteria detailed below.

  1. Status
    Enter UNC Greensboro as new, first-time freshmen.
  2. Cumulative GPA
    Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.50 by the end of the third semester.
  3. Courses
    Complete the items below by the end of the third semester, with a 3.0 (B) or better in each course completed. Courses must be completed at UNC Greensboro.
    Science Courses
    Select all but one of the following:
    CHE 104
    		General Descriptive Chemistry II
    BIO 271
    & 271L
    		Human Anatomy
    and Human Anatomy Laboratory
    or KIN 291
    & 291L
    		 Clinical Human Anatomy
    and Clinical Human Anatomy Laboratory
    BIO 277
    & 277L
    		Human Physiology
    and Human Physiology Laboratory
    or KIN 292
    & 292L
    		 Clinical Human Physiology
    and Clinical Human Physiology Laboratory
    BIO 280
    & 280L
    		Fundamentals of Microbiology
    and Fundamentals of Microbiology Laboratory
    Prerequisites
    Select at least one of the following:
    NTR 213
    		Introductory Nutrition
    STA 108
    		Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics
    PHI 121
    		Contemporary Moral Problems
    PHI 220
    		Medical Ethics
    RCO 203
  4. Residency
    Complete 3 semesters at UNC Greensboro (minimum of 45 credits)
  5. Earn a score of 78 or above on the ATI TEAS-V (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
  6. Meet all other admission requirements for the upper division nursing major.

Non-Priority Admissions

Students who do not meet the criteria for Priority Admissions above, but who meet the Minimum Criteria for Admission, may still apply for admission.

The process for admission will consider the items listed below.

  1. Cumulative GPA for all college-level courses completed
  2. Grades earned in the required science, social science, and English courses
  3. Grade improvement over time
  4. Score on the TEAS-V (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
  5. Probability of completing all required courses in the next four semesters
  6. Availability of space.

Registered Nurses

RNs interested in completing the B.S.N. degree need to meet the university’s requirements for admission. A registered nurse who brings advanced placement may build a minor in order to complete the 120 credits required for graduation.

Registered nurse students must make a C (2.0) or better in the qualifying courses* to be admitted into the 400-level nursing courses. Thirty (30) hours of credit will be awarded to RN–BSN students for completion of associate or diploma nursing courses upon satisfactory completion of the qualifying courses*.

Registered nurse students must provide evidence of current, active, unrestricted RN licensure prior to admission to the required 300-level courses, and must have a current, active, unrestricted North Carolina RN license prior to enrollment in the required 400-level courses.

Registered nurse students who hold unrestricted RN licenses in states covered by the multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact do not need to be licensed separately in North Carolina, unless they become residents of North Carolina. See the NC Board of Nursing website at www.ncbon.com/. The length of time required to complete the program varies with each individual.

*

Qualifying Courses:

Criteria for Progression in the Major

  1. Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in all required 200- to 400-level nursing courses in order to progress and graduate. An overall grade point average of 2.0 or better is required to graduate.
  2. Failure to earn a grade of C (2.0) or better will result in immediate dismissal from the School of Nursing.
  3. Students in the upper division clinical nursing courses who interrupt their studies for personal or academic reasons for longer than one year must reapply for admission to the upper division. (This item does not apply to RN to B.S.N. students).
  4. The required 200- to 400-level courses in the pre-licensure program are designed to be completed in two academic years. Students who voluntarily withdraw from one or more of these required courses are considered to have withdrawn from the program and must apply for readmission prior to enrolling in the next semester.

Grading in Practicum and Laboratory

A grade of unsatisfactory in lab or clinical practicum in nursing courses will result in a course grade of F.

Appeal Procedure Related to Progression Policies

If a student wishes to appeal a policy in the School of Nursing, the student should complete a “Student Appeal Request.” The Student Appeals Committee hears student appeals. Students may obtain the request form and discuss the appeals process with the Chair of the Committee or the Associate Dean for Academic Programs. The Student Appeal Request form may be printed from the School of Nursing website, http://nursing.uncg.edu.

General Information

  1. Substitutions for prerequisite courses may be made with prior approval from the Office of the Associate Dean, School of Nursing.
  2. Qualified students are encouraged to take Honors courses in the arts and sciences.
  3. All students are encouraged to take either Advanced Placement Exams, Biology Department exemption exam, or CLEP exam for the BIO prerequisite course.*
  4. The pre-licensure B.S.N. program is designed to be completed in 9 semesters [four academic years plus one summer] of full-time study. Some students may wish to spread the requirements over 10 semesters, or to attend additional summer school. Depending on the number of transfer hours a student brings to UNC Greensboro, registered nurses may be able to complete the program in 3 semesters of full-time study, but part-time study is also available.
  5. A detailed School of Nursing Student Handbook that contains additional information is available on the Web at nursing.uncg.edu.
  6. Graduates of the pre-licensure program are eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse. Applicants for initial licensure in North Carolina must have a criminal background check. See the website for the NC Board of Nursing (www.ncbon.com/) for requirements for licensure.
*

BIO 111/BIO 111L is a prerequisite for the following:

Clinical Information

  1. Nursing majors are required to purchase uniforms; estimated cost is $180. Uniforms are required for clinical activities in the 200- to 400-level nursing courses. Students usually purchase uniforms in the second semester of the sophomore year.
  2. Students enrolled in 200- to 400-level courses with a clinical component are responsible for their own transportation to and from the agencies used for clinical activities/practicum experiences. Car owners are reminded that current liability insurance is required by North Carolina law.

  3. Students admitted to the major must provide evidence of the following by July 1 (forms will be sent to students earlier in the summer):

    1. Annual negative results from either a QuantiFERON or T-Spot blood test.  Students with a positive result from a QuantiFERON or T-Spot test should see their Health Care Provider for a chest x-ray.

    2. A tetanus toxoid immunization—every ten years with at least one Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)immunization since age 12 years.

    3. Rubella and Measles evidence as required by the university

    4. Evidence of a positive titer for Mumps or evidence of two doses of Mumps vaccine (evidence of 2 MMR is acceptable)

    5. Evidence of chicken pox immunization or positive titer

    6. Evidence of Hepatitis B immunization. Students who begin their series of immunizations after January 1, 2007 must also have evidence of a post-vaccination positive titer, or evidence of revaccination, unless they are still in the initial course of immunization. For students in the pre-licensure program, the initial series must be started prior to the first year of clinical, and a positive titer or evidence of beginning the second series of immunization is required prior to the start of the second year of clinical.

    7. Evidence of immunization against influenza (seasonal flu shot) in the last 12 months or declination form on file in the School of Nursing—annual requirement

    8. Evidence of certification by the American Heart Association in Health Care Provider cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Students must remain continuously certified in American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR.

    9. Satisfactory evaluation signed by the student’s physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant indicating the applicant’s physical and emotional health to provide nursing care.
      Rarely, immunization requirements must be changed on short notice. Students will be informed of changes as soon as they occur.

  4. Registered nurse students are responsible for items listed under “General Information”, with the following modifications:

    1. Registered nurses are not required to purchase uniforms, but must wear identifying name tags and lab coats or uniforms appropriate to the clinical setting. Specific requirements will be discussed in each clinical course.

    2. Immunization requirements listed must be on file in the School of Nursing prior to beginning a clinical course. Forms are sent to students who preregistered for clinical courses. Students who do not preregister and have not received the immunization forms should stop by the Advising Center of the School of Nursing to obtain the forms.

    3. The letter of physical and emotional health to provide nursing care is not required for Registered Nurse students.

  5. Students are responsible for all costs associated with their own health care. On-campus students taking six (6) or more credits are required to have health insurance. Other students are encouraged to have health insurance, and to be familiar with its provisions.

  6. Beginning January 1, 2005, all nursing students must have an approved criminal background check prior to beginning clinical activity. For RN to B.S.N. students, results must be submitted prior to beginning the Nursing Practicum course work or any other course with a clinical component (by August 1 for fall semester or December 1 for spring semester). For students in the pre-licensure program, results must be submitted by June 1, prior to enrolling in the required 300-level nursing courses. The university has contracted with Certiphi.com to perform this service. The cost is to be paid by the student.

    The results will be kept in the student’s School of Nursing file and will be destroyed upon graduation, withdrawal, or termination from the program. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will receive the results of the criminal background check of each undergraduate student. The School will not use this information in any way except to verify to clinical agencies that students have been subjected to the background check and to release a copy of the information to the agency, if requested. Students must sign two release forms (copies available in the Student Affairs Office), which will authorize the release of the information to the clinical agency, if requested. Directions on obtaining the background check are available in the Student Affairs Office.

    This criminal background check does not replace the one that will be done by the N.C. Board of Nursing prior to initial licensure as a registered nurse (see item #5).

  7. Beginning July 1, 2009, all students must have a negative urine drug screen by a National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA)-approved lab prior to clinical activity. The screen must test for the following drugs: AMP (amphetamine), BAR (barbiturates), BZO (benzodiazepines), COC (cocaine), THC (marijuana), MTD (methadone), mAMP (methamphetamine), MDMA (ecstasy), OPI (opiate), PCP (Phencyclidine), PPX (propoxyphene), ALC (alcohol), and OXY (oxycodone). In some cases, such as when results are inconclusive, it will be necessary to repeat the test. Note: Many labs in North Carolina are not NIDA-approved. The agency has contracted with Corporate Screening to do the drug screens, although tests from other NIDA-approved labs are acceptable if they screen for all the required drugs. Directions on obtaining the drug screens from Corporate Screening are available in the Student Affairs Office.

  8. If none of the clinical agencies under contract with the School of Nursing are willing to allow a student to participate in clinical activities at that agency because of information gathered from urine drug screen testing, background check, or other pre-clinical screening required by clinical agencies, the student will be required to withdraw from the nursing program.

Policies for Nurses

Unsafe Practice Policy

The nursing faculty of the School of Nursing have an academic, legal, and ethical responsibility to prepare graduates who are competent as well as to protect the public and health care community from unsafe nursing practice. It is within this context that students can be disciplined or dismissed from the School of Nursing for practice or behavior which threatens or has the potential to threaten the safety of a client, a family member or substitute familial person, another student, a faculty member, or other health care provider.

Student Awareness

All students are expected to be familiar with the principles of safe practice and are expected to perform in accordance with these requirements. Within courses, counseling and advising processes, and other instructional forums, students will be provided with the opportunity to discuss the policy and its implications.

Definition

An unsafe practice is defined as listed below.

  1. An act or behavior of the type which violates the North Carolina Nursing Practice Act, Article 9 of Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS §90-171.37; §90-171.44)
  2. An act or behavior of the type which violates the Code of Ethics for Nurses of the American Nurses’ Association
  3. An act or behavior which threatens or has the potential to threaten the physical, emotional, mental or environmental safety of the client, a family member or substitute familial person, another student, a faculty member or other health care provider
  4. An act of behavior (commission or omission) which constitutes nursing practice for which a student is not authorized or educated at the time of the incident.

Investigation and Evaluation of an Unsafe Practice

When an incident occurs which a faculty member believes may constitutes an unsafe practice, he/she shall immediately notify the student and instruct the student to leave the clinical setting. The faculty member will notify the Course Chair and/or Program Director within the School of Nursing.

The Course Chair and/or Program Director will investigate the incident within three working days to determine whether there are grounds for believing that an unsafe practice has occurred. If the incident is minor, the faculty member, in consultation with the Course Chair or Program Director may require remedial work or instruction for the student.

If the incident is major, the Course Chair or Program Director, in consultation with the involved faculty member, will review the student’s clinical performance evaluations, academic record, and potential for successful completion of the major in nursing. Based upon this careful and deliberate review, a decision to reprimand the student, require withdrawal from the clinical course, or to dismiss the student from the School will be made.

The Dean will be informed of the decision and will send written notification of the decision to the student via certified mail.

Should the student wish to appeal the decision, the student will submit a written request to the School of Nursing Appeals Committee. The Program Director will provide the accumulated correspondence or documentation related to the issue to the committee. A request for an appeal should occur within seven (7) working days of receipt of written notification of the decision from the Dean.

Hearing Process

The Chair of the School of Nursing Appeals Committee will thereafter notify the student, the faculty member, Course Chair, and Program Director as to the time and place for a hearing.

The Committee will hold a closed hearing within ten (10) working days of receipt of the request for an appeal, at which time the faculty member, Course Chair, and Program Director may be present and provide documentation and other oral or written evidence regarding the incident. The student may be present and will be given an opportunity to provide documentation and other oral or written evidence regarding the incident. The student will be allowed an advocate/support person at the hearing; however, the support person cannot be an attorney, and will not be permitted to speak.

Following the factual presentation, the Committee will convene in executive session to review the actions taken against the student for unsafe practice and to make a recommendation regarding the resolution of the incident. The Committee will base its recommendation on the evidence presented at the hearing. The Committee shall make its recommendation in writing to the Dean and forward pertinent documentation.

The Committee may recommend the following remedies: support for the action taken, remedial work or instruction, a reprimand, withdrawal from the course, or dismissal from the School of Nursing.

Post-Hearing Process

The Dean may accept or reject the Committee’s recommendation. The Dean’s decision will be made after review of the minutes of the hearing and report of the Committee. The Dean will notify the student and the faculty member(s) as to the decision made.

Dismissal from the School of Nursing does not constitute dismissal from the university.

A student who has been dismissed may reapply for admission to the School of Nursing.

Dismissal of Students Who Present Physical or Emotional Problems That Do Not Respond to Treatment Policy

Students can be dismissed from the School of Nursing for Physical and/or emotional problems that do not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling within a reasonable period of time.

Investigation and Evaluation

When faculty members identify a student that presents physical and/or emotional problems that do not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling, they immediately suspend the student from the course. Faculty notify the Course Chair and/or Program Director within the School of Nursing. Upon determination by the faculty, Course Chair, and Program Director, that the physical and/or emotional problems warrant dismissal from the School of Nursing, the Dean will be notified. The Dean, in consultation with the faculty, and upon review of the documentation, will make a decision regarding dismissal of the student from the School of Nursing. The Dean will send written notification of the decision to the student. Should the student wish to appeal the decision the student will submit a written request to the School of Nursing Appeals Committee. The Dean will provide the accumulated correspondence or documentation related to the issue to the committee.

A request for an appeal should occur within seven (7) working days of written notification of the decision from the Dean.

Hearing Process

The Chair of the School of Nursing Appeals Committee will thereafter notify the student, the faculty member, the Course Chair, and Program Director as to the time and place for a hearing to determine whether the physical and/or emotional problems warrant dismissal.

The committee will hold a closed hearing within ten (10) working days at which time the faculty member, Course Chair, and Program Director will be present and will provide documentation and other oral or written evidence regarding the incident. The student will be present and will be given opportunity to provide documentation and other oral or written evidence regarding the problem.

The student will be allowed an advocate/support person at the hearing; however, the support person cannot be an attorney, and will not be permitted to speak.

Following the factual presentation, the Committee will convene in executive session to determine whether the problem warrants dismissal from the School. The Committee shall make its recommendation in writing to the Dean and forward pertinent documentation. The Committee may recommend dismissal from the School of Nursing major, or reinstatement in the program.

Post-Hearing Process

The Dean may accept, reject, or modify the Committee’s recommendation. The Dean’s decision will be made after review of the minutes of the hearing and report of the Committee. The Dean will notify the student and the faculty member(s) as to the determination.

Dismissal from the School of Nursing does not constitute dismissal from the university.

A student who has been dismissed may reapply for admission to the School of Nursing.

Nursing B.S.N. Under the Veteran's Access Program (VAP)

Veteran’s Access Program in Nursing

The UNC Greensboro VAP will have three tracks as detailed below.

  • One for the non-RN veteran student who wishes to accelerate the program.
  • One for the non-RN veteran student who wishes to receive military experience credit for some courses but not accelerate their nursing program.
  • One for the RN veteran student in the RN to B.S.N. concentration.

All VAP students will need 120 credit hours to graduate. This may be comprised of transfer credit, credit earned at UNC Greensboro, or credit by competency testing and/or exam; however, 31 credits of course work must be taken at UNC Greensboro.

UNC Greensboro grants a minimum of 6 credits for military experience and basic training. Credit granted is variable based on military occupational specialties and years of service.

VAP students’ Joint Services transcript will be assessed individually to determine specific General Education course requirements, using American Council for Education (ACE) principles. This process will be used to determine learning gaps for each VAP student. A learning gap analysis will determine the specific courses for which the veteran may be eligible to receive credit through transfer credit evaluation, competency skills testing, and standardized examination.

Overall VAP requirements for the Nursing major are detailed with the information for the general Nursing major.

Overall Requirements

  • 120 credit hours, to include at least 36 credits at or above the 300 course level

Degree Program Requirements

University Requirements
General Education Requirements - Minerva's Academic Curriculum (MAC)

Major Requirements

Major and Related Area Requirements96
NUR 210
& 210L
Fundamental Concpts in Nursing
and Fundamental Concepts in Nursing Lab *
NUR 220
& 220L
Nursing Assessment of Well Individuals
and Nursing Assessment of Well Individuals Lab *
NUR 310
& 310L
Nursing Care of Individuals with Neurobehavioral Problems across the Lifespan
and Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Neurobehavioral Problems across the Lifespan
NUR 320
& 320L
Nursing Care of Individuals with Chronic Physiological Problems
and Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Chronic Physiological Problems
NUR 340
& 340L
Health and Illness in Infants, Children and Adolescents
and Practicum for Health and Illness in Infants, Children and Adolescents
NUR 360
& 360L
Childbearing and Reproductive Health
and Practicum for Childbearing and Reproductive Health
NUR 355A
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing I
NUR 355B
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing II
NUR 365
Interprofessional Education Seminar
NUR 375
Nursing Informatics and Technology
NUR 380
Nursing Skills
NUR 410
& 410L
Health and Illness in Older Adults
and Practicum for Health and Illness in Older Adults
NUR 415
Nursing Leadership and Management
NUR 420
& 420L
Population Health Nursing
and Practicum for Population Health Nursing
NUR 430
& 430L
Nursing Care of Individuals with Acute Physiological Problems
and Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Acute Physiological Problems
NUR 440
Senior Capstone
NUR 450
Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research
NUR 490
Synthesis of Nursing Concepts
BIO 271
& 271L
Human Anatomy
and Human Anatomy Laboratory
or KIN 291
& 291L
 Clinical Human Anatomy
and Clinical Human Anatomy Laboratory
BIO 277
& 277L
Human Physiology
and Human Physiology Laboratory
or KIN 292
& 292L
 Clinical Human Physiology
and Clinical Human Physiology Laboratory
BIO 280
& 280L
Fundamentals of Microbiology
and Fundamentals of Microbiology Laboratory
CHE 104
& CHE 110
General Descriptive Chemistry II
and Introductory Chemistry Laboratory
HDF 111
Human Development Across the Life Span
NTR 213
Introductory Nutrition
PSY 121
General Psychology
STA 108
Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Select one of the following:
PHI 121
Contemporary Moral Problems
PHI 220
Medical Ethics
RCO 203
Select one of the following:
ATY 100
Modern Cultural Diversity
SOC 101
Introduction to Sociology
SOC 202
Social Problems in Global Context
RCO 215
*

The course listed requires a 3.0 GPA or higher to enroll.

Completion of both courses in a two-course sequence of Anatomy and Physiology I and II can be used to substitute for Human Anatomy (or Clinical Human Anatomy) and Human Physiology (or Clinical Human Physiology) courses. 

Completion of a higher level chemistry course, can be used to substitute for General Descriptive Chemistry I and Introductory Chemistry Laboratory. Completion of 2 higher-level chemistry courses and their labs can be used to substitute for General Descriptive Chemistry I, General Descriptive Chemistry II, and Introductory Chemistry Laboratory.

Completion of Psychology 241, Developmental Psychology, from the N.C. Community College System, can be used to satisfy the Human Development Across the Life Span requirement.

Requirements listed above must be completed prior to enrolling in 300-level or 400-level nursing courses. Because of the time commitments involved with the 300- and 400-level nursing courses, and the difficulties in scheduling non-nursing courses concurrently with nursing courses, students should try to have most general education requirements completed prior to entering the upper division major.

Residency Requirement

Students must also meet the Residency Requirement of 31 credits of course work earned at UNC Greensboro. 

Electives

Electives sufficient to complete 120 total credit hours required for degree.

 B.S.N. as a Second Degree Option

Students with a previous baccalaureate degree are considered to have met the liberal education requirements with their first degree.

Prerequisite Courses28
STA 108
Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics
HDF 111
Human Development Across the Life Span
BIO 271
& 271L
Human Anatomy
and Human Anatomy Laboratory
or KIN 291
& 291L
 Clinical Human Anatomy
and Clinical Human Anatomy Laboratory
BIO 277
& 277L
Human Physiology
and Human Physiology Laboratory
or KIN 292
& 292L
 Clinical Human Physiology
and Clinical Human Physiology Laboratory
BIO 280
& 280L
Fundamentals of Microbiology
and Fundamentals of Microbiology Laboratory
NTR 213
Introductory Nutrition
PSY 121
General Psychology
CHE 104
& CHE 110
General Descriptive Chemistry II
and Introductory Chemistry Laboratory
Upper-Division Admission
Second-degree students must also apply for admission to the upper-division major.
University Requirements
Completion of other university requirements for the degree.
Upper-Level Courses62
Satisfactory completion of the required 200- to 400-level courses
NUR 210
Fundamental Concpts in Nursing
NUR 220
Nursing Assessment of Well Individuals
NUR 310
& 310L
Nursing Care of Individuals with Neurobehavioral Problems across the Lifespan
and Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Neurobehavioral Problems across the Lifespan
NUR 320
& 320L
Nursing Care of Individuals with Chronic Physiological Problems
and Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Chronic Physiological Problems
NUR 340
& 340L
Health and Illness in Infants, Children and Adolescents
and Practicum for Health and Illness in Infants, Children and Adolescents
NUR 355
NUR 360
& 360L
Childbearing and Reproductive Health
and Practicum for Childbearing and Reproductive Health
NUR 365
Interprofessional Education Seminar
NUR 375
Nursing Informatics and Technology
NUR 380
Nursing Skills
NUR 385
Critical Reasoning
NUR 410
& 410L
Health and Illness in Older Adults
and Practicum for Health and Illness in Older Adults
NUR 415
Nursing Leadership and Management
NUR 420
& 420L
Population Health Nursing
and Practicum for Population Health Nursing
NUR 430
& 430L
Nursing Care of Individuals with Acute Physiological Problems
and Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Acute Physiological Problems
NUR 440
Senior Capstone
NUR 450
Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research
NUR 490
Synthesis of Nursing Concepts

 B.S.N. under the Veteran’s Access Program (VAP) Option

The (VAP) option is for Armed Forces Veterans from any branch, including current or past service in the Reserves or National Guard who have military health experience or training.

 

Required: 120 credit hours, to include at least 36 credits at or above the 300 course level

Prerequisite Courses
The same Minimum Criteria for Admission as undergraduates apply.
Upper-Division Admission
VAP students will be directly admitted to the upper division of the Nursing major after acceptance into the university and successful completion of pre-requisite course credit.
University Requirements
Completion of other university requirements for the degree. The plan of study for VAP students wishing to accelerate will be determined individually based upon transfer credit and /or competency testing using national exams.
Upper-Level Courses62
Satisfactory completion of the required 200- to 400-level courses *
VAP students may be granted credit by successful completion of national examination for 300-level and selected 400-level Nursing courses, based upon individualized assessment.
NUR 210
Fundamental Concpts in Nursing
NUR 220
Nursing Assessment of Well Individuals
NUR 310
& 310L
Nursing Care of Individuals with Neurobehavioral Problems across the Lifespan
and Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Neurobehavioral Problems across the Lifespan
NUR 320
& 320L
Nursing Care of Individuals with Chronic Physiological Problems
and Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Chronic Physiological Problems
NUR 340
& 340L
Health and Illness in Infants, Children and Adolescents
and Practicum for Health and Illness in Infants, Children and Adolescents
NUR 355
NUR 360
& 360L
Childbearing and Reproductive Health
and Practicum for Childbearing and Reproductive Health
NUR 365
Interprofessional Education Seminar
NUR 375
Nursing Informatics and Technology
NUR 380
Nursing Skills
NUR 385
Critical Reasoning
NUR 395
Transition to Civilian Professional Nursing **
NUR 410
& 410L
Health and Illness in Older Adults
and Practicum for Health and Illness in Older Adults
NUR 415
Nursing Leadership and Management
NUR 420
& 420L
Population Health Nursing
and Practicum for Population Health Nursing
NUR 430
& 430L
Nursing Care of Individuals with Acute Physiological Problems
and Practicum for Nursing Care of Individuals with Acute Physiological Problems
NUR 440
Senior Capstone
NUR 450
Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research
NUR 490
Synthesis of Nursing Concepts
*

Specific related courses in VAP students’ plan of study may be substituted for courses on this list based upon individual assessment.

**

VAP students who have been approved to waive NUR 210/NUR 220 must take NUR 395.

R.N. to B.S.N. 

Nursing B.S.N., R.N. to B.S.N. Concentration Requirements

North Carolina graduates of an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program will fall under the RN to BSN Uniform Articulation Agreement, jointly approved by the NC Community College and the University of North Carolina Systems. Students that fall under the Uniform Articulation Agreement are not required to complete General Education (MAC) Requirements. To be eligible for the Uniform Articulation Agreement, a potential student must:

  • Enter a NC Community College Nursing program on or after Fall Semester, 2015

  • Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing at a NC Community College with a GPA of at least 2.0

  • Earn a C or better in all courses included in the first three blocks of the plan.

  • Be licensed as an RN prior to applying to the RN to BSN program.

Second Degree R.N. to B.S.N. students:

Students with a previous baccalaureate degree are considered to have met the liberal education requirements with their first degree.

Students Who Don’t Fall into a Category

Students who graduated from out-of-state schools, private NC institutions, diploma nursing programs, or associate degree nursing programs that are not part of the Articulation Agreement:

Students who do not fall into a category will have to meet all degree requirements including all General Education (MAC) requirements.

Graduates of foreign nursing programs will be advised on an individual basis.

Current License

RN students must hold a current, active unrestricted RN license in North Carolina or in a state covered by the multi-state Nurse Licensure Compact. For questions see the NC Board of Nursing website at www.ncbon.com.

Credits Awarded

30 credits awarded upon successful completion of the bridge courses NUR 370 & NUR 371 and is equated to: NUR 210, NUR 310, NUR 310L, NUR 320, NUR 320L, NUR 340, NUR 340L, NUR 355A, NUR 360, NUR 360L, NUR 365, NUR 380, and NUR 385.
 

Required: 120 credit hours, to include at least 36 credits at or above the 300 course level

  • The Nursing Major, with R.N. to B.S.N. Concentration is available in an online format.
Required28
NUR 370
Concepts of Professional Nursing
NUR 371
Nursing Health Assessment
NUR 470
Community Health Nursing Concepts and Care
NUR 471
Nursing Care of the Older Adult
NUR 472
Nursing Leadership and Management
NUR 473
Nursing Research
STA 108
Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Select one NUR elective from the following:
NUR 330
Global Perspectives on the Health of Women
NUR 346
Introduction to Health Care Informatics
NUR 390
Culture and Health Care
NUR 405
Pharmacology in Nursing

R.N. to B.S.N. for 2Plus Students Option 

Students that have completed an Associates of Applied Science in Nursing from a NC Community College prior to Fall Semester 2015, are required to meet the following competencies of the UNC Greensboro General Education Program - Minerva's Academic Curriculum (MAC):
 

  • Quantitative Reasoning  - 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness - 3 credits
  • Critical Thinking and Inquiry in the Humanities and Fine Arts - 3 credits
  • Global Engagement and Intercultural Understanding through the Humanities and Fine Arts or through the Social &  Behavioral Sciences - 3 credits
  • Diversity and Equity through the Humanities and Fine Arts or through the Social and Behavioral Sciences - 3 credits

Students that have completed an Associates of Applied Science in Nursing from a NC Community College prior to Fall Semester 2015, are NOT required to meet the following competencies of the UNC Greensboro General Education Program - Minerva's Academic Curriculum (MAC):

  • Foundations - 3 credits
  • Critical Thinking and Inquiry in the Natural Sciences - 3-4 credits
  • Critical Thinking and Inquiry in the Social and Behavioral Sciences - 3 credits
  • Data Analysis and Interpretation in the Natural Sciences - 3 credits
  • Written Communication - 3 credits
  • Oral Communication - 3 credits

Students who have graduated from associate degree nursing programs after 2015 that are part of the N.C. Uniform Articulation Agreement are exempt from all MAC requirements.

Students who graduate from diploma nursing programs or associate degree nursing programs that are not part of the Articulation Agreement will be expected to meet requirements for all MAC competencies (see complete MAC requirements and approved course listings). Graduates of foreign nursing programs will be advised on an individual basis.

This program of study is congruent with the N.C. Uniform Articulation Agreement.  

Required: 120 credit hours, to include at least 36 credits at or above the 300 course level

  • The Nursing B.S.N, with R.N. to B.S.N. Concentration is available in an online format.
Required28
NUR 370
Concepts of Professional Nursing
NUR 371
Nursing Health Assessment
NUR 470
Community Health Nursing Concepts and Care
NUR 471
Nursing Care of the Older Adult
NUR 472
Nursing Leadership and Management
NUR 473
Nursing Research
STA 108
Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Select one NUR elective from the following:
NUR 330
Global Perspectives on the Health of Women
NUR 346
Introduction to Health Care Informatics
NUR 390
Culture and Health Care
NUR 405
Pharmacology in Nursing

R.N. to B.S.N. under the Veteran's Access Program (VAP) Option 

The (VAP) option is for Armed Forces Veterans from any branch, including past service in the Reserves or National Guard who have military health experience or training.

Required: 120 credit hours, to include at least 36 credits at or above the 300 course level

  • The Nursing Major, with R.N. to B.S.N. Concentration is available in a traditional as well as an online format.
Required28
NUR 370
Concepts of Professional Nursing
NUR 371
Nursing Health Assessment
NUR 470
Community Health Nursing Concepts and Care *
NUR 471
Nursing Care of the Older Adult *
NUR 472
Nursing Leadership and Management *
NUR 473
Nursing Research *
STA 108
Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Select one NUR elective from the following:
NUR 330
Global Perspectives on the Health of Women
NUR 346
Introduction to Health Care Informatics
NUR 390
Culture and Health Care
NUR 395
Transition to Civilian Professional Nursing
*

Credit may be granted pending transcript review. 

Disciplinary Honors in Nursing 

Requirements

  • A minimum of 12 credit hours as defined below.
  • UNC Greensboro GPA of 3.5 or higher at admission and through graduation with grades of at least B (3.0) in all Honors course work. 
  • Enrolled in the major for at least one semester except for RN-BSN students. RN-BSN students are eligible to begin the honors application upon matriculation into the required nursing courses.
Required12
NUR 493
Honors Work
Select 9 credits from the following
NUR 310
Nursing Care of Individuals with Neurobehavioral Problems across the Lifespan
NUR 320
Nursing Care of Individuals with Chronic Physiological Problems
NUR 330
Global Perspectives on the Health of Women
NUR 340
Health and Illness in Infants, Children and Adolescents
NUR 345
Basic Health Management of Children
NUR 346
Introduction to Health Care Informatics
NUR 360
Childbearing and Reproductive Health
NUR 390
Culture and Health Care
NUR 405
Pharmacology in Nursing
NUR 410
Health and Illness in Older Adults
NUR 415
Nursing Leadership and Management
NUR 420
Population Health Nursing
NUR 430
Nursing Care of Individuals with Acute Physiological Problems
NUR 450
Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Research
RN to B.S.N. Program Course Options
NUR 330
Global Perspectives on the Health of Women
NUR 345
Basic Health Management of Children
NUR 346
Introduction to Health Care Informatics
NUR 370
Concepts of Professional Nursing
NUR 371
Nursing Health Assessment
NUR 390
Culture and Health Care
NUR 405
Pharmacology in Nursing
NUR 470
Community Health Nursing Concepts and Care
NUR 471
Nursing Care of the Older Adult
NUR 472
Nursing Leadership and Management
NUR 473
Nursing Research

Recognition

Students who complete Disciplinary Honors receive a Certificate of Disciplinary Honors in Nursing and have that honor, along with the title of their Senior Honors Project, noted on their official transcripts. Students who complete both General-Education Honors and Disciplinary Honors are distinguished for special recognition and receive a Certificate of Full University Honors in Nursing.

Honors Advisor

Contact Ratchneewan Ross (r_ross2@uncg.edu) for further information and guidance about Honors in Nursing. To apply: https://honorscollege.uncg.edu/disciplinary-honors/disciplinary-honors-admissions