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Dean: Evelyn T. Singer
The School of Nursing has been educating men and women for the practice of professional nursing since 1950. The school offers the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and the master of science in nursing (MSN). For further information on the master of science in nursing program, see the Graduate Bulletin. The undergraduate program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, and both programs are accredited by the National League for Nursing. The mission of the School of Nursing is to develop professional leaders in nursing for practice in diverse settings.
At the completion of the program, the student will have met all requirements for the bachelor of science in nursing. The generic graduate of the nursing program will have met the academic eligibility requirements for taking the state licensing examination.
The program is an upper-division major with required sequential course offerings and elective courses in nursing. The nursing courses are based on concepts and principles from liberal studies, the supporting biological and behavioral sciences, and nursing theory. This theoretical base is used with the nursing process in the systematic development of care plans for providing nursing care to individuals and groups in a variety of health care settings. The School of Nursing offers a program for registered nurses: RN to BSN/MSN. Students have the option of exiting at the baccalaureate level. The program is designed to capitalize on prior learning and experience of the registered nurse. The goal of the program is to provide registered nurses with the opportunity to attain further nursing education. Upon fulfillment of the prerequisite courses, the BSN program may be completed by the registered nurse in one year of full-time study (or part time in convenient blocks of study). The program consists of thirty to thirty-three (30-33) credit hours of nursing courses at The Florida State University. After the student successfully finishes the first semesters course work, validated credit for up to thirty (30) credit hours in nursing may be granted. The course work will include content that is unique to baccalaureate education. If the student desires to matriculate into the masters program, a maximum of three graduate courses may be included in the baccalaureate study.
Graduates with baccalaureate degrees in nursing, either generic or registered nurse, are prepared to provide quality nursing care to individuals, families, and groups in health care agencies in both urban and rural areas. These include general hospitals, health departments, nursing homes, and other community health centers. These graduates have the potential for assuming leadership roles in a variety of health care agencies and for pursuing advanced degrees in nursing.
The objectives of The Florida State University School of Nursing undergraduate program are to educate students who have the ability to:
The nursing program is an upper-division major with required prerequisites and a sequential ordering of courses in semesters V, VI, VII, and VIII and one summer term.
There are a variety of clinical laboratory settings utilized for meaningful learning experiences. Tallahassee Memorial Regional Medical Center, Florida State Hospital, Elder Care Services, Apalachee Community Mental Health Center, Leon County Public Health Unit, Tallahassee Community Hospital, Leon County Schools, Tallahassee Pediatric Foundation, Children’s Medical Services, and other agencies in Leon and surrounding counties are used for the clinical component of the program. All experiences are under the direction of the faculty of The Florida State University School of Nursing.
The School of Nursing offers honors work in the baccalaureate program. For requirements and other information, see the University Honors Program and Honor Societies section of this General Bulletin.
Students requiring financial assistance should file an application with the Office of Financial Aid or confer with the academic adviser at the School of Nursing. Scholarships and loans from federal, state, and private sources are available.
Students desiring to enter nursing should indicate their major preference on the University application and seek guidance from the academic adviser in the School of Nursing. A separate application to the School of Nursing is required for admission to the nursing program and should be filed during the sophomore year. Students applying to the nursing major must be able to speak, read and write English proficiently. The School of Nursing reserves the right to interview applicants at its discretion. Students who do not have the necessary proficiency will have their nursing enrollment discontinued. Application deadline for Fall is March 1st and for Spring is October 1st.
Admission to the School of Nursing is contingent upon the following:
The School of Nursing is a limited enrollment program and admission is competitive based on previous academic performance and an applicant questionnaire. The Florida Board of Nursing and several state and/or private agencies require the disclosure of conviction records for misdemeanors and/or felonies; therefore, this information will be required at the time of application. The required cumulative grade point average (GPA) for entrance into the program is 2.7, with a 2.5 in the required sciences and a 2.0 in all other prerequisites.
The student is expected to exhibit behavior that conforms with the Nurse Practice Act of the state of Florida. The School of Nursing reserves the right to refuse or discontinue enrollment of any student if the student violates the Nurse Practice Act of the state of Florida or in the judgment of the faculty the student does not meet the schools standards.
Nursing majors are responsible for transportation expenses related to clinical experiences. They are advised to carry the University health and accident insurance. To safeguard the health of clients, nursing students are required to submit proof of health examination and immunizations upon entry into the nursing program. Students must submit proof of basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification (American Red Cross) and malpractice/negligence insurance in required amounts prior to enrollment in the School of Nursing. This CPR certification and malpractice/negligence insurance should cover the period of enrollment in the major.
Candidates for the bachelor of science degree in nursing must comply with University regulations governing baccalaureate degrees and must complete the following: