The School of Nursing, accredited by the National League for Nursing and the Virginia State Board of Nursing, is a member of the Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs of the National League for Nursing, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and the Southern Regional Education Board. The School was first accredited by the National League of Nursing Education in 1941 and appeared on the first list of accredited nursing schools issued by the league.
The hospital-based diploma program in nursing, initiated in 1901, provided the genesis for the School's present degree program. The first baccalaureate degree in nursing, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education, was offered in 1928 for the first time through a Department of Nursing Education in the School of Education, made possible by an endowment of $50,000 from the Graduate Nurses' Association of Virginia in memory of Sadie Heath Cabaniss, Virginia's outstanding pioneer nurse. The purpose of this degree program was to train registered nurses for teaching, supervisory, or administrative positions in schools of nursing. The present baccalaureate program was established in 1950 as a four-year course. In 1953, a Department of Nursing was established to administer the diploma program, and the two baccalaureate programs, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education. The department was under the joint supervision of the School of Medicine, the School of Education, and the University of Virginia Hospital. Three years later, in 1956, this department became the School of Nursing. The curriculum now consists of three semesters of liberal arts work followed by five semesters devoted to the interprofessional and nursing courses.
School of Nursing
McLeod Hall
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(804) 924-2743
Nursing World Wide Web site
Nursing is both a profession and a discipline that is responsive to the changing health needs of the individual, family, and community. Nursing is concerned with responses of individuals and groups to actual as well as potential health problems and with the environments that influence the individuals' health and nursing interventions that promote health. Nursing collaborates with other health care professionals to promote the optimal health care and comfort of individuals and groups through the systematic application of the nursing process (ANA, 1980). Through interdisciplinary dialogue and study, nurse scholars expand their understanding of health and illness and the biological, environmental, sociocultural, ethical, legal, financial, philosophic, and historic factors influencing nursing care.
The faculty believes that education is based on humanistic approaches. These approaches foster the student's development of critical thinking and promote an awareness of social and cultural diversity among individuals. The faculty believes that each student is a unique person with special talents, abilities, needs, and goals. We recognize that cultural diversity, varying life experiences, and changing socioeconomic factors affect each student differently. To this end, faculty endeavor to provide an environment to assist students in achieving the fullest realization of their potential. Moreover, we believe that the acquisition of professional knowledge and the development of clinical competence occurs through active involvement of the student in the learning process. Students assume primary responsibility for learning, while faculty provide educational opportunities for knowledge acquisition and professional role development. We believe that an atmosphere of shared growth and inquiry offers the maximum potential for the development of both the nursing profession and the individual practitioner of nursing.
We believe that the basic preparation for the practice of professional nursing is the baccalaureate degree in nursing. This academic preparation serves as a foundation for the development of professional knowledge, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, leadership skills, and the independent and collaborative pursuit of high standards of health care. The advanced practice nurse is prepared with strong emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, primary care, and the management of acutely and chronically ill persons (Southern Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing, 1994.)
Implicit in the practice of professional nursing is the acceptance of accountability for professional growth and practice, leadership in the client advocate role, and commitment through research to the refinement of nursing knowledge in its theory and application. Lifelong learning leads to the optimal development of both the individual practitioner and the discipline of nursing.
Courses in the School of Nursing are composed of two discrete but interrelated elements-Interprofessional and Core. Interprofessional courses are designed to facilitate transition to the role of health care provider and include social science and natural science content with special application to health care. Selected interprofessional courses are open to all students within the University in addition to students of nursing.
The nursing core courses include basic knowledge and skills needed to practice professional nursing at a beginning level. Clinical and classroom experiences and academic work provide a broad basis for nursing practice related to both acute and chronic illness and health promotion. The emphasis is on individuals, families, and groups with varying levels of health and at all points in the life cycle. In addition, issues related to professional nursing are also included.
The School of Nursing draws upon the resources of the 25 academic departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, on the facilities of the Schools of Education and Medicine and on the clinical facilities and instructional materials of the Health Sciences Center.
In addition to these academic resources of the University, nursing students receive clinical experience at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, public health agencies, community agencies, private and state hospitals, nursing homes, and industrial settings.
Claude Moore Health Sciences Library The Claude Moore Health Sciences Library primarily serves the faculty, students, and staff of the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, which includes the Schools of Medicine and Nursing and the hospital. The Library is a modern facility with small group meeting rooms, audiovisual viewing rooms, typing rooms, microcomputers, and photocopy machines.
The Library maintains well-developed collections of books, journals, reference materials and audiovisuals in medicine, nursing, and related health fields.
The Health Sciences Instructional Resources Center, on the first floor of the Library, maintains a substantial collection of videocassettes and other media. A variety of players, projectors, recorders, monitors, and a cluster of microcomputers are available for usage in the Center, and a small collection of equipment is available for usage outside the Center.
The resources in the Health Sciences Library are augmented by materials in the Clemons Library, in the Science/Technology Information Center, in departmental libraries (e.g., biology/psychology, physics, chemistry, engineering, law), as well as in working libraries of the departments and clinics in the School of Medicine.
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center The School of Nursing is a part of the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center which serves as the referral center for Central and Western Virginia and was recently ranked among the nation's top 64 health care centers. The nursing program enjoys a special relationship with the University Hospital, a 673 bed teaching and research hospital. Clinical affiliations with the Children's Medical Center, Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center, the Blue Ridge Hospital, as well as Martha Jefferson Hospital and many community agencies and institutions throughout the state, provide opportunities for students to gain valuable experience in a variety of health care settings.
Special units in the medical center complex include a Cancer Research Center, a Clinical Research Center, medical, pediatric, neonatal and surgical intensive care units, a burn center and a trauma center. The Pegasus Air Emergency Rescue Service can transport patients from up to 500 miles.
All students are members of the Student Association of the School of Nursing. The Student Council of the School of Nursing is composed of officers of the Student Association, the class presidents, and a chairperson elected by the student body and is responsible for all student functions within the School of Nursing. The president of SNAV serves as a member of Nursing Student Council.
Student Nurse Organizations Students are eligible for membership in student nurse organizations, including the Student Nurses Association of Virginia and the National Student Nurses Association. Through the National Student Nurses Association, SNAV works to develop students who are concerned, knowledgeable professionals. All University of Virginia pre- nursing and nursing students are eligible for membership.
Outstanding Senior Student Awards Annual awards have been established in recognition of excellence in academic and clinical achievement, and outstanding service to the University and the School of Nursing. The names of the students so honored are engraved on a plaque displayed in the School of Nursing. Students are chosen by faculty/student vote. The awards are presented at the pinning ceremony on graduation weekend.
Diploma with Distinction Diplomas inscribed With Distinction are awarded to graduates who have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 in School of Nursing coursework.
Diploma with Honors Diplomas inscribed With Honors are awarded to graduates who have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.75 in School of Nursing coursework.
Shannon Scholar Award The Shannon Scholar Award is presented annually to a graduate in recognition of outstanding academic and clinical achievement.
School of Nursing Pin (to be purchased prior to graduation) Pins cost approximately $138 (10K gold), $49 (gold-filled) and $39 (sterling).
Hospital Insurance The Student Health Service does not provide for the expense of hospital care. The University requires that all students carry hospitalization insurance for year-round coverage. A preferred-risk group insurance program sponsored by the University is available. For an additional premium the dependents of married students are included. Students or parents may substitute a plan comparable to that offered by the University.
CPR Certification Students are required to obtain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to entering clinical courses. Certification must be maintained throughout the program and validation must be presented each year.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Requirement The School of Nursing requires documentation of hepatitis B vaccine from all students who practice in a clinical setting. No student will be allowed to register for clinical courses without providing such documentation. Information regarding the vaccine can be obtained from your local health care provider, Student Health or the Office of Student Affairs. Students who do not wish to receive the vaccine must sign a disclaimer which states that they understand the potential risks.
MMR, TD, and PPD Requirements Documentation of current measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization and tetanus booster (TD) is required for all students in clinical courses. Tuberculosis testing (PPD) is required on an annual basis for all students enrolled in clinical courses.
Community Learning Experiences Students are responsible for transportation to and from clinical learning sites. Agencies in Charlottesville and neighboring counties are used for clinical experiences and students must have a car available for individual use while studying in those agencies.
Students in Professional Component of Program Students in the professional component of the program are considered to be in good academic standing if they have a semester average of at least 2.0 and no grades below a C- in required nursing courses. Grades of D and F are failing grades for all required nursing courses in the professional component of the program. Students receiving a grade of D or F in a required course in the professional component will be placed on academic probation and must successfully repeat the course with a grade of C- or above. This may alter the planned sequence of courses and may lengthen the time for completion of the program. A student will be placed on academic probation if their semester's average falls below 2.0. A student in the professional component of the program is subject to suspension if (1) the student receives a total of two D's or one F in the professional component; or (2) the student's GPA is below 2.0 for two semesters.
The letter requesting readmission to the School of Nursing should include: (1) a description of the situation surrounding suspension or withdrawal; (2) an explanation of the steps which the student has taken or will take to change the situation; and (3) the reasons why readmission to the program is justified.
A student who has been readmitted following suspension will be permanently dropped from the school if she/he again becomes subject to suspension.
Leave of Absence A student in good standing may request a leave of absence from the School of Nursing for up to two semesters. Requests for leaves of absence must be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean of the School of Nursing. Readmission following a leave of absence will be granted only if space is available.
Second degree students who do not wish to immediately progress to the Master's portion of the program following completion of the requirements for the baccalaureate degree may request a leave of absence not to exceed two semesters. A leave of absence fee must be paid if the student wishes to keep his or her file active and take part in course enrollment for the semester in which return from the leave of absence is planned.
If more than two semesters elapse between completion of the baccalaureate requirements and enrollment in the master's portion of the program, the student will be dropped from the School. The student must formally apply for admission to the MSN program if he or she wishes to pursue the Master's degree at some future point. Formal application to the program includes completion of the master's application form and submission of all the required supporting materials.
Substitution/Transfer of Courses The University of Virginia School of Nursing accepts a maximum of 66 credits of transfer credit toward the baccalaureate degree.
If a Second Degree student requests an exemption from a required nursing course because of having had similar content in prior course work, the prior course work will be assessed for relevancy and similarity. Upon approval, the student will receive advanced standing in the required nursing course and will not need to take the course if the course credit does not result in the student exceeding the School of Nursing's limit of 66 credits of transfer credit. If the course credit exceeds the School of Nursing's 66 credits, the student will have to substitute another course to make up the credits.
Traditional Program Students are admitted to the School of Nursing as first year students or as second year transfer students after completing prerequisite general education courses at other institutions or in the College of Arts and Sciences. The nursing major for students who do not have previously earned degrees or are not registered nurses is six semesters and follows the basic curriculum as outlined below.
Second Degree to MSN Options The baccalaureate and master's curricula have been modified to provide a three year plus one summer session track leading to the Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing for non-nurses who desire preparation for advanced clinical practice in nursing. With the exception of a course in anatomy and physiology, specific general education courses are not required for admission based on prior satisfactory completion of a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited institution. Beginning in Fall 1996 an undergraduate statistics course will be required for admission to the program. Students meet requirements for the baccalaureate through satisfactory completion of a combination of baccalaureate and master's courses. At the end of the second year, students are awarded the Bachelor of Science and are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination. Students who have met progression standards of a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B), a minimum of B- on all graduate level courses, licensure to practice as a professional nurse, and satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examination may enter the third year of the program. During the third year of the program, students complete requirements for the Master of Science in Nursing in one of the Clinical Specialist tracks.
RN to BSN Option The baccalaureate curriculum has been modified to provide a one academic year (30 credit) program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree for registered nurses with diplomas or associate degrees. Students must meet prerequisite general education requirements prior to admission as outlined in Chapter 2. Students enroll in a series of theory and clinical courses designed specifically for registered nurse students. Thirty-eight (38) credits of advanced standing credit will be awarded for prior nursing learning and experience following the completion of the required coursework and the successful evaluation of a portfolio of validating assignments and projects produced during the two transition seminar courses. Part-time study is available.
Residence Requirements for a degree in nursing is two academic years. Students transferring from other schools of nursing and students with advanced standing credit may with permission of the Associate Dean meet residence requirements in one academic year.
| Curriculum/Traditional | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Year | Credits | |
| NUCO 103 | Introduction to World of Nursing | 1 |
| Second Year | ||
| NUCO 301 | Clinical and Interactive Nursing Skills I | 2 |
| NUCO 302 | Clinical and Interactive Nursing Skills II | 3 |
| NUCO 303 | Intro to Nursing and Health Care Services | 4 |
| NUIP 316 | Principles of Nutrition | 3 |
| NUIP 340 | Life Span Development | 3 |
| Third Year | ||
| NUIP 310 | Pathology and Clinical Management I | 3 |
| NUIP 311 | Pathology and ClinicalManagement II | 4 |
| NUCO 323 | Client Assessment | 3 |
| NUCO 331 | Basic Nursing Care of Adult and Elders | 4 |
| NUCO 332 | Nursing Care of Children and Families | 3 |
| NUCO 333 | Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family | 3 |
| NUIP 343 | Principles of Pharmacology | 3 |
| NUIP 416 | Basic Research Concepts in the Health Disciplines | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| NUIP 415 | Principles of Administration for Health Professionals | 3 |
| NUCO 430 | The Nurse as a Professional | 3 |
| NUCO 471 | Nursing Management of Common Health Problems | 5 |
| NUCO 472 | Nursing Management of Complex Health Problems | 3 |
| NUCO 473 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing | 5 |
| NUCO 474 | Community Health Nursing | 5 |
| NUCO 475 | Synthesis Practicum | 2 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Curriculum/RN to BSN Option | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Year | Credits | |
| NUIP 415 | Principles of Administration for Health Professionals | 3 |
| NIUP 416 | Basic Research Concepts in the Health Disciplines | 3 |
| NUIP 417 | Issues in Contemporary Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NUIP 418 | Pathophysiology | 4 |
| NUCO 432 | Perspectives in Professional Nursing | 5 |
| NUCO433 | Contemporary Trends in Clinical Nursing | 5 |
| NUCO434 | Transition and Validation Seminar I | 2 |
| NUCO435 | Transition and Validation Seminar II | 2 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Curriculum/Second Degree MSN Option | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Year | Credits | |
| NUCO 301 | Clinical and Interactive Nursing Skills I | 2 |
| NUCO 302 | Clinical and Interactive Nursing Skills II | 3 |
| NUIP 310 | Pathology and Clinical Management I | 3 |
| NUIP 311 | Pathology and Clinical Management II | 4 |
| NUCO 323 | Client Assessment | 3 |
| NUCO 331 | Basic Nursing Care of Adult and Elders | 4 |
| NUCO 332 | Nursing Care of Childrenand Families | 3 |
| NUCO 356 | Introduction to Nursing and the Childbearing Family | 5 |
| NUIP 340 | Life Span Development | 3 |
| NUIP 343 | Principles of Pharmacology | 3 |
| Second Year | ||
| NUCO 430 | The Nurse as a Professional | 3 |
| NUCO 471 | Nursing Management of Common Health Problems | 5 |
| NUCO 472 | Nursing Management of Complex Health Problems | 3 |
| NUCO 473 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing | 5 |
| NUCO 474 | Community Health Nursing | 5 |
| NUCO 475 | Synthesis Practicum | 2 |
| *GNUR 582 | Research Processes for Health Care Professionals | 3 |
| *GNUR 791 | Resource Management I | 3 |
| *Students who do not wish to pursue the master's degree may enroll in corresponding undergraduate courses rather than the graduate level ones listed here. The BSN is awarded and graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination upon successful completion of the courses listed for Years 1 and 2. | ||
| Third Year | ||
| Completion of master's degree requirements. | ||