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NURSING

College of Health and Human Services

• COMPLETE COURSE LISTING
• BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
• MASTER OF SCIENCE
• CREDENTIAL
• SPECIAL TEACHING AUTHORIZATION IN HEALTH
• CAREER POSSIBILITIES
• FACULTY
• CONTACT

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The School of Nursing provides excellent and innovative undergraduate and graduate nursing education designed to meet the needs of a diverse community. Students are prepared for roles in nursing as clinicians, advocates, researchers, educators, and leaders in the changing health care system.

The School of Nursing serves its students and the society at large by creating an environment in which the faculty and students pursue the knowledge of nursing practice guided by the following core values:

• caring;
• professionalism;
• integrity;
• diversity; and
• innovation.

The faculty believe caring is the core of nursing, and constitutes the essence of nursing regardless of the level at which nursing is practiced or conceptualized. Nursing is a caring discipline with a foundation of nursing science guided by the application of moral and ethical principles of care and responsibility.

The curricula of the School are organized around the concepts of:

• nursing;
• health care consumer;
• health;
• environment; and
• learning.

Special Features

• The baccalaureate program consists of a four-year curriculum of lower and upper division coursework. There are two (2) years of General Education including prerequisites and two (2) years of clinical nursing. The time to complete the prerequisites may increase the time to complete the degree. The Nursing program content prepares competent professional practitioners of nursing who will help meet the changing health care needs of society. The specific purposes of the program are to: 1) provide a program of study which includes the developing theory and practices of nursing leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing, 2) prepare a generalist in nursing practice who is able to utilize the nursing process to meet the health care needs of the community, and, 3) provide the student with a base for graduate study.
• In the baccalaureate program, students are provided with a variety of learning experiences both on and off campus. Examples of clinical facilities used in the Sacramento and surrounding areas include acute care hospitals, skilled nursing and extended care facilities, outpatient clinics, schools, and community health and social service agencies.
• Students are encouraged to participate in the California Nursing Students' Association (CNSA) as they pursue their academic studies. In their fourth semester of clinical nursing coursework, students are eligible for membership in Zeta Eta, the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society for Nursing.
• The Sacramento State program in professional nursing is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
• The student satisfactorily completing the baccalaureate program is awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and is eligible to apply for licensure by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Graduates are also eligible to apply for a Public Health Certificate.
• Consult the School of Nursing Web site at http://www.csus.edu/hhs/nrs for accelerated options for students with bachelor's degrees in other areas of study.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

Admission to the Sacramento State baccalaureate Nursing program is a two-step process: 1) admission to the University and 2) admission to the Clinical Nursing program. Prospective first-time freshmen and transfer students, who will not complete certain Clinical Nursing prerequisites by the time they enroll, may apply for University admission at any time up to the regular application deadline. They will be considered "expressed interest" until they are admitted into the Clinical Nursing program.

Up to 80 traditional pre-licensure students are admitted to the clinical portion of the baccalaureate Nursing program each semester. All qualified Registered Nurses are admitted to the RN-BSN (Nursing RN with license BSN) tract each semester (space permitting). A competitive selection process has been established since applications exceed program space in the traditional pre-licensure program. Admitted students are selected from among candidates who meet the prerequisite requirements and follow the supplemental application procedures described below. Continuing Sacramento State, transfer students, and second baccalaureate degree applicants are given equal consideration in the selection process.

The clinical portion of the nursing program is open only to those who can satisfy the California residence requirements. Paying resident fees based on a military fee waiver does not classify one as a California resident.

Clinical Nursing Prerequisites - Nursing Pre-Licensure BSN

The following prerequisites are to be met by time of enrollment unless otherwise stated.

• Completion of six of the eight specific courses listed under Pre-Clinical Courses. One science and one non-science preclinical course may be in progress at the time of application. All eight pre-clinical courses must be completed in December when applying for a spring term; June for fall. When applying for a fall term, coursework completed in summer will not be considered or accepted. Pre-Clinical courses are acceptable regardless of date completed, but current knowledge is essential.
• Applicants are encouraged to complete the corequisite courses prior to admission. Introductory Psychology, Nutrition, and Life Span Human Development must be completed prior to the second semester of the nursing program. A societal-cultural patterns course must be completed prior to licensure and graduation.
• A minimum GPA of 3.3 is required on the pre-clinical and corequisite courses completed at the time of application. All pre-clinical and corequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. Up to 50 admission points will be assigned based on the applicant's GPA of the pre-clinical and corequisite courses completed at the time of application.
• Completion of the ATI, Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). A minimum score of 75.0% is required. The test must be taken no later than March for the following fall semester or October for the following spring semester. The test may be taken three times within a five-year period preceding the Supplemental Nursing Application deadline. The highest score will be used. Up to 50 points will be assigned based on the applicant's total score from the best testing.

Bilingual Skills (three points) in Spanish, Chinese, South East Asian Languages, Indian Languages (Hindi, Punjabi), Tagalog, Russian, Farsi, Arabic, or American Sign Language will be determined by:

- completion of three years high school coursework;
- completion of two years college coursework;
- completion of an oral proficiency examination.

Health-Related Work Experience (three points). Candidates may receive three points for documentation of 100 hours of paid or volunteer work in acute, long term, clinical, or community setting which involves direct human-client interaction. Hours may be combined from multiple locations.

Background (six points). A maximum of six points are available, three points for each background subcategory. Details can be found on the nursing website. Examples include:

• Economic Background: History of family's low income status/welfare as income.
• Environmental Background: Attending a disadvantaged high school.

Clinical Nursing Application Procedures - Nursing Pre-Licensure BSN Program

Clinical Nursing Selection Criteria

• The GPA of the pre-clinical and corequisite courses completed at the time of application, the results of the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), and the optional criteria, if selected by the student, will be used to determine program admission.
• The GPA and TEAS will be weighted equally in the selection process.
• Admitted students are selected from a rank ordering of total points assigned to different GPA and TEAS result levels as well as points assigned to the optional criteria.

Additional Information

Health Requirements
Students admitted to the Clinical Nursing program are required to have specified immunizations by the Student Health Center or a private physician prior to beginning nursing coursework. Drug and alcohol screening is required before beginning clinical nursing (see below for details). Health insurance is required. Complete information on health requirements for nursing students may be secured from the School of Nursing.

Technology Competence
To be successful in the curriculum, students must be able to demonstrate competency in computer technology, such as word processing, use of the Internet, e-mail, and database searches. Clinical nursing students are required to own a personal computer.

Professional Liability Insurance, Automobile Insurance, Transportation and CPR Certification
All students enrolled in clinical laboratory courses in the nursing major must pay the University fee for professional liability insurance, provide proof of automobile insurance, and have a means of transportation to extended campus facilities. Professional liability insurance is mandatory prior to beginning clinical experiences. CPR certification for medical professionals is required as a prerequisite to the program and recertification must be maintained according to the requirements of the American Heart Association or Red Cross.

Background Checks
Nursing students must satisfactorily complete all clinical, community and laboratory requirements in order to progress in courses, progress in the program and to receive their degree. In order to make an initial determination as to whether there are any current barriers to admitted students qualifying for and/or participating in clinical programs, all admitted students must submit to a background check and drug screen under the direction of the nursing program prior to enrollment. Results of background checks and drug screens will be provided to the nursing program's affiliating clinical agencies (partner agencies) which must approve the background checks and drug screens in order for students to qualify for participation in and fulfillment of the required clinical component. Students will be advised of any identified issues impacting their eligibility for participation in required clinical and community placements prior to making their decision to enroll. The full policy concerning background checks and drug screening in the nursing program can be found at http://www.csus.edu/hhs/nrs. Students should also be aware that the State of California Board of Registered Nursing makes determinations for licensure based in part on background checks. Students who have concerns regarding their background checks should review the BRN website for information related to initial licensure before determining whether to apply and/or enroll in the nursing program: http://www.rn.ca.gov/enforcement/convictions.shtml.

Challenge by Examination
The School of Nursing offers the opportunity of petitioning certain nursing courses for credit by examination. Students who by reason of special study, experience or training, already possess the skills, knowledge, and attitudes which are the objectives of the given course, may petition for credit by examination. A maximum of 30 units may be challenged. Licensed Registered Nurses, Licensed Vocational Nurses, and Corpsmen are examples of students who may be eligible to challenge specific nursing courses. Additional information may be obtained contacting the School of Nursing.

Admission Advising
Group advising meetings are scheduled throughout the academic year. Times of these meetings and program publications are available at on the School of Nursing website at http://www.csus.edu/hhs/nrs.

Requirements - Nursing - Pre-Licensure BSN Degree

Minimum total units required for the BS: 120

Students graduating with a Pre-Licensure BS Program in Nursing (traditional) will not be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement. Students who change major may be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites. The pre-clinical course prerequisites may be greater for Biological Sciences or other majors.

A. Required Pre-Clinical Courses (29 units)

When possible, students are encouraged to apply their pre-clinical courses to General Education requirements.

(4) An anatomy course with an in-class lab such as:
	BIO 22	Introductory Human Anatomy (BIO 1, BIO 2 or BIO 10) OR
	BIO 25	Human Anatomy and Physiology I
(4) A physiology course with an in-class lab such as:
	BIO 26	Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 25 or instructor permission) OR
	BIO 131	Systemic Physiology (CHEM 1B or CHEM 6B and BIO 1 or BIO 2 or BIO 10 or BIO 22)
(4) A Microbiology course with an in-class lab such as:
	BIO 39	Microbiology for Allied Health Students (BIO 10; CHEM 5 or CHEM 6A and CHEM 6B) OR
	BIO 139	General Microbiology (BIO 10 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2; CHEM 20 or CHEM 24)
(5) An organic Chemistry course with an in-class lab such as:
	CHEM 5	Chemistry for Nurses (One year high school algebra, high school chemistry ) OR
	CHEM 6B	Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (CHEM 1A or CHEM 6A or a high school chemistry course and passing a qualifying exam given in the first laboratory period)
(3) An introductory college composition ( any GE Area A2 ) course such as:
	ENGL 5	Accelerated Academic Literacies)
(3) An Oral Communication (Any GE Area A1 course) course such as:
	COMS 4	Introduction to Public Speaking
(3) A statistics course (GE Area B4) course such as:
	STAT 1	Introduction to Statistics (MATH 9 or three years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra and one year of geometry; completion of ELM requirement and the Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test)
(3) A Critical Thinking (any GE Area A3) course such as:
	COMS 2	Argumentation OR
	ENGL 1C	Critical Thinking and Writing (Grade of C- or better in ENGL 5)

B. Required Clinical Nursing Courses (61 units)

At any time prior to 2nd semester (9 units)

(3) A course in Life Span Human Development such as CHDV 30 Human Development

(3) A course in Human Nutrition such as FACS 10 Nutrition and Wellness

(3) A course in Introductory Psychology such as PSYC 2 Introductory Psychology

1. First Semester Courses (12 units)

(3)	NURS 111	Professional Nursing (Admission to Nursing program or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 112 and NURS 113)
(5)	NURS 112	Nursing Care of Adults (Admission to Nursing program; Corequisite: NURS 111, NURS 113)
(5)	NURS 113	Professional Nursing Communication, Assessment and Skills (Admission to Nursing program; Corequisite: NURS 111, NURS 112)

2. Second Semester Courses (14 units)

(3)	NURS 120 **	Nursing Application of Research and Critical Analysis (NURS 111, NURS 112, NURS 113; or instructor permission)
(6)	NURS 123	Nursing Families in Complex Illness (NURS 111, NURS 112, NURS 113; or instructor permission)
(5)	NURS 129	Mental Health Nursing (NURS 111, NURS 112, NURS 113; or instructor permission)

3. Third Semester Courses (12 units)

(1)	NURS 136	Nursing Laboratory for the Childbearing Family (NURS 120, NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 137)
(5)	NURS 137	Nursing the Childbearing Family (NURS 120, NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 136)
(5)	NURS 138	Nursing the Childrearing Family (NURS 120, NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 139)
(1)	NURS 139	Nursing Laboratory the Childrearing Family (NURS 120, NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 138)

4. Fourth Semester Courses (14 units)

(3)	NURS 143	Leadership and Management in Nursing Practice (NURS 136, NURS 137, NURS 138, NURS 139 or instructor permission)
(5)	NURS 144	Community Health Nursing (NURS 136, NURS 137, NURS 138, NURS 139 or instructor permission)
(6)	NURS 145	Clinical Leadership and Professional Role Development. (NURS 136, NURS 137, NURS 138, NURS 139 or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 144 or instructor permission)

C. Additional Graduation Requirements (3 units)

(3) A course in societal-cultural patterns at any time before graduation and prior to certification of eligibility for state licensure such as:

	ANTH 2	Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
	ANTH 144	Contemporary American Culture in Anthropological Perspective
	ANTH 186	Culture and Poverty (GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)
	ANTH 188	Anthropology of the Body
	HRS 161	Multicultural America
	SOC 1	Principles of Sociology

Note: The following additional courses are recommended but not required:

	NURS 10	Health Care: Issues and Delivery Systems
	NURS 160**	Human Sexuality
	NURS 167**	Women's Health
	NURS 168**	The Brain and Gender-Related Differences
	A statistics course, particularly for students planning graduate study.

+May be used for upper division GE Area E and the Writing Intensive Graduation Requirement by Nursing Majors.

**No more than nine units from courses bearing the same designation as student's major may be applied to General Education requirements (e.g., NURS). Freshman Seminar does not, in any case, count against the 9 unit overlap.

Notes:

• Applicants with a prior baccalaureate degree are exempt from General Education requirements.
• In addition to the major in Nursing, students may also complete a minor in another discipline. There are numerous disciplines which would enrich the baccalaureate degree in Nursing (e.g., Gerontology). Information on minors can be obtained by contacting the department of interest.
• Satisfactory completion of the program requires a grade of "C" or better in every nursing course.

RN to BSN Program

Prerequisites courses must be met prior to admission. Must possess a current valid California Registered Nurse License, applicants who are currently employed as a Registered Nurse will have priority for admission. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.6 based on the last 60 semester units of graded transferable course work. In the event all candidates meet all eligibility requirements, supplemental written or oral communication may be required; Program admission is contingent upon meeting health requirements, drug screening and background check.

Students graduating with a BSN (post-licensure) in Nursing will not be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement. Students who change major may be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.

Prerequisite Courses

The prerequisite classes listed below must have all been completed prior to submission of application with a grade of "C" or better and are used as part of the 70 transferable units.

(4) An anatomy course with a lab such as:
	BIO 22	Introductory Human Anatomy (BIO 1, BIO 2 or BIO 10) OR
	BIO 25	Human Anatomy and Physiology I
(4) A physiology course with a lab such as:
	BIO 26	Human Anatomy and Physiology II (BIO 25 or instructor permission) or Systemic Physiology
	BIO 131	Systemic Physiology (CHEM 1B or CHEM 6B and BIO 1 or BIO 2 or BIO 10 or BIO 22)
(4) A Microbiology course with a lab such as:
	BIO 39	Microbiology for Allied Health Students (BIO 10; CHEM 5 or CHEM 6A and CHEM 6B) OR
	BIO 139	General Microbiology (BIO 10 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2; CHEM 20 or CHEM 24)
(5) Chemistry as approved by campus; general, inorganic, organic or integrated; with associated lab (if applicable at the institution where the course was taken) such as:
	CHEM 5	Chemistry for Nurses (One year high school algebra, high school chemistry ) OR
	CHEM 6B	Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (CHEM 1A or CHEM 6A or a high school chemistry course and passing a qualifying exam given in the first laboratory period)
(3) A written Communication course (Any GE Area A2 course) course such as:
	ENGL 5	Accelerated Academic Literacies
(3) An Oral Communication (Any GE Area A1 course) course such as:
	COMS 4	Introduction to Public Speaking
(3) A Statistics course such as:
	STAT 1	Introduction to Statistics (MATH 9 or three years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra and one year of geometry; completion of ELM requirement and the Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test)
(3) A Critical Thinking (any GE Area A3) course such as:
	COMS 2	Argumentation OR
	ENGL 1C	Critical Thinking and Writing (Grade of C- or better in ENGL 5)

Required Upper Division Courses for RN-BSN Students (44 units)

1. First Semester (15 units)

(3)	NURS 170	Basics of Nursing Research and Application (Acceptance into the RN to BSN Program or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 171 and NURS 173)
(6)	NURS 171	Transitional Concepts for Professional Nursing (RN licensure, admission to the RN to BSN program)
(6)	NURS 174	Community Health Nursing for Professional Nurses and Leadership in the Community (NURS 171, NURS 173)

2. Second Semester (12 units)

(6)	NURS 173	Theoretical Foundations for Leadership and Management (Corequisite: NURS 171)
(3)	NURS 178	Culminating Project
(3)	NURS 179+	Professional Communication and Reasoning Development (NURS 171, instructor permission; GWAR certification before Fall 09; or WPJ score of 80+; or 3-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W; or 4-unit placement in ENGL 109M/W and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X; or WPJ score 70/71 and co-enrollment in ENGL 109X)
(17)		Nursing NCLEX-RN (National Exam/RN) credit will be awarded in the final semester of the nursing program.

+ May be used for upper division GE Area E and the Writing Intensive Graduation Requirement by nursing majors.

Note: Satisfactory completion of the program requires a grade of "C" or better in every nursing course.

Opportunity to repeat nursing courses will depend upon space availability in classroom and clinical placements.

Total Units Required for BSN (post-licensure program) 120

Requirements - RN License Option - for Licensed Vocational Nurses

Units Required: 30

California law allows Licensed Vocational Nurses to take the Registered Nurse licensure exam after completing 30 units of academic coursework in Nursing and related science subjects. For more information on this option contact the Division of Nursing to make an appointment to speak with an advisor. Admission to the University is required.

Prerequisites

(4)		Microbiology with a lab
(4)		Physiology with a lab

1st Semester

(4)	NURS 119	Mental Health Nursing for the LVN 30 Unit Option (Microbiology with a lab, Physiology with a lab, and a California Licensure as a Vocational Nurse; Corequisite: NURS 123)
(6)	NURS 123	Nursing Families in Complex Illness (NURS 111, NURS 112, NURS 113; or instructor permission)

2nd Semester

(5)	NURS 113	Professional Nursing Communication, Assessment and Skills (Admission to Nursing program; Corequisite: NURS 111, NURS 112)
(5)	NURS 137	Nursing the Childbearing Family (NURS 120, NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 136)
(5)	NURS 138	Nursing the Childbearing Family (NURS 120, NURS 123, NURS 129, or instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 139)

Accelerated Second Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program Collaborative with CSU Stanislaus (ASBSNc)

The Accelerated Second Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program Collaborative with CSU Stanislaus (ASBSNc) is offered through collaboration between the School of Nursing and the College of Continuing Education. The degree is offered by the School of Nursing and administered through the College of Continuing Education. The ASBSNc program consists of 55 academic units broken down into a six semester program. For more information concerning the ASBSNc program please contact the School of Nursing or refer to the School of Nursing home page at http://www.csus.edu/hhs/nrs.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

The Master of Science in Nursing is traditionally designed to prepare registered nurses with baccalaureate degrees for roles in nursing education, community, adult clinical roles, and credentialed school nurses. The curriculum emphasizes the systematic study of professional nursing practice and preparation for leadership roles. The program is designed for nurses currently employed in hospitals, long term care facilities, health agencies and educational institutions who require graduate preparations to qualify for present positions of greater responsibility and complexity. Scheduling of program offerings will provide maximum flexibility and the opportunity for self-directed study.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Nursing, applicants must:

• have a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from a National League for Nursing (NLN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited institution or its equivalent, OR a baccalaureate degree in a discipline related to nursing. Students with a BA or BS degree in non-nursing areas must meet baccalaureate competencies in research, leadership and management, and community health before progressing in the graduate program. Competency may be verified through coursework, testing, or experience;
• have a GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 units of undergraduate nursing coursework;
• have an overall GPA of 3.0 (If one or both of the above GPA requirements are unmet, the student may apply for conditional classification and demonstrate academic ability by enrolling in, and successfully passing with a "B" or better, NURS 209 and NURS 210);
• complete the Graduate Record Examination before the application deadline;
• possess a current RN license in California;
• satisfactorily complete an Introduction to Nursing Research course or equivalent. Students may enroll in the undergraduate research course, NURS 150, through concurrent enrollment to meet the admission requirements; and
• submit a statement of purpose that outlines the goals and objectives for the pursuit of graduate study.

Professional Liability and Automobile Insurance and Health Requirements

All students enrolled in clinical laboratory courses in the Master's program must pay the fee for the University professional liability insurance. Professional liability insurance is mandatory prior to beginning clinical experiences. Proof of automobile insurance may be required for clinical experience. The student admitted to the Master's program is required to have specified immunizations by the Student Health Service or a private physician prior to beginning nursing coursework. Drug and alcohol and background screening is required. Health insurance is required. Complete information on health requirements may be secured from the Division of Nursing.

Technology Competence

To be successful in the curriculum, students must be able to demonstrate competency in computer technology, such as word processing, use of the Internet, e-mail, and database searches.

Admission Procedures

Prospective graduate students, including Sacramento State graduates, must file the following materials as a complete admission packet with the Office of Graduate Studies:

• an online application for admission;
• two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other than Sacramento State;

For more admissions information and application deadlines please visit http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/.

Notice of the decision regarding admission will be mailed to the applicant after files are complete and reviewed. Students will be assigned a faculty advisor at the beginning of the school year.

Advancement to Candidacy

Each student must file an application for Advancement to Candidacy, indicating a proposed program of graduate study. The procedure should begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:

• removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
• completed at least 12 units in the graduate program, with a minimum 3.0 GPA; and

• taken the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) or taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first two semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento or secured approval for a WPG waiver.

Advancement to Candidacy forms are available online at www.csus.edu/gradstudies/forms, Office of Graduate Studies. The student fills out the form after planning a degree program in consultation with his/her advisor. The completed form is then returned to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval. Students may not register for the Culminating Requirement until they have advanced to candidacy.

Requirements - Master of Science Degree

Units required for the MS: 33-34
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

A. Core Courses (15 units)

(3)	NURS 209	Advanced Role Development in Nursing (Admission to graduate program)
(3)	NURS 210	Research as the Foundation for Advanced Nursing (Undergraduate research course and admission to the graduate program for nursing)
(3)	NURS 212	Concepts and Theory Development in Nursing
(3)	NURS 214B	Educational Program Development in Nursing I (NURS 210, NURS 212)
(3)	NURS 215	Community Health Services and Policy (Admission to graduate program or instructor permission)

B. Advanced Practice Role Preparation (student completes at least one area)

Advanced Clinical/Educator Role (15 units)

(3)	NURS 213	Nursing Praxis Role Seminar (NURS 209, NURS 210, NURS 212, NURS 214B, NURS 230, NURS 231 and NURS 232; Corequisite: NURS 293A or NURS 293B)
(3)	NURS 230	Advanced Concepts in Pathophysiology
(3)	NURS 231	Pharmacology for Advanced Practice
(3)	NURS 232	Advanced Physical Assessment Across the Lifespan (NURS 209, NURS 210,)
(3)	NURS 293A	Practicum in Specialized Nursing Processes: Maternal/Child and Community Nursing (NURS 209, NURS 210, NURS 212, NURS 214B, NURS 230, NURS 231, NURS 232 and instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 213) OR
	NURS 293B	Practicum in Specialized Nursing Processes: Adult Nursing (NURS 209, NURS 210, NURS 212, NURS 214B, NURS 230, NURS 231, NURS 232 and instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 213)

School Nursing Role (16 units)

(4)	NURS 213C	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: School Nursing I (Admission to School Nurse Credential Program)
(4)	NURS 213D	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: School Nursing II (NURS 213C)
(1)	NURS 216	Vision and Scoliosis Screening
(3)	NURS 232A	Advanced Physical Assessment: Infant, Child, Adolescent (Admission to graduate program or instructor permission)
(4)	NURS 293D	Practicum in Specialized Nursing Processes: School Nursing (NURS 213C; Corequisite: NURS 213D)

C. Optional Role Preparations

(Not required for MS in Nursing)
Faculty Preparation or Special Teaching Authorization for Health (STAH) (6 units)

(3)	NURS 214C	Educational Program Development in Nursing II (NURS 214B; Corequisite: NURS 294C)
(3)	NURS 294C	Practicum in Educational Program Development in Nursing (NURS 214B; Corequisite: NURS 214C)

School Based Mental Health Services (9 units)

(3)	NURS 213E	Child-Adolescent Mental Health Nursing (NURS 293A)
(3)	NURS 293E	Practicum in Child-Adolescent Mental Health Nursing (NURS 210, NURS 212, NURS 213C and instructor permission; Corequisite: NURS 213E)
(3)	A counseling or mental health course

D. Culminating Requirement (3 units)

(3)

NURS 500

Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy for the Master's degree and must be in the final semester of the program)

Requirements - Credential - Post-Master's School Nurse Services

Units Required for Post-Master's Credential: 24

Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

Nurses holding a master's degree in nursing or a related area may be admitted to the University to enroll in courses toward the Professional School Nurse Services Credential (formerly Health Services Credential). The nurse has five years from the date of issuance of the Preliminary Credential to fulfill coursework and experience requirements for the Professional Credential. The Preliminary Credential may be renewed.

Admission criteria and procedures are similar to those for the MS program except the GRE is not required and the application and recommendation forms are directed to the School Nurse Program Coordinator. Students are held to the same professional liability and automobile insurance and health requirements as MS students.

Post-Master's nurses not eligible for Public Health Nurse certification will be required to complete community nursing coursework prior to program completion. Mechanisms are available to allow nurses to transfer in coursework taken in other school nurse credential programs or from other post-baccalaureate or master's courses of study.

(4)	NURS 213C	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: School Nursing I (Admission to School Nurse Credential Program)
(4)	NURS 213D	Seminar in Specialized Nursing Processes: School Nursing II (NURS 213C)
(3)	NURS 215	Community Health Services and Policy (Admission to graduate program or instructor permission)
(1)	NURS 216	Vision and Scoliosis Screening
(3)	NURS 232A	Advanced Physical Assessment: Infant, Child, Adolescent* (Admission to graduate program or instructor permission)
(4)	NURS 293D	Practicum in Specialized Nursing Processes: School Nursing (NURS 213C; Corequisite: NURS 213D)

(0-3) Coursework required to become certified as a California school audiometrist.*

(3) One course dealing with educational pedagogy and teaching strategies preferably as applied to health education with school age children.*

In addition to the above courses, the Professional Credential for both MS and Post-Master's candidates requires two years of full-time school nurse experience (or its part-time equivalent). Four hours or more per day may be considered full-time employment.

Requirements - Special Teaching Authorization in Health (STAH)

The STAH option is available to school nurses who wish to position themselves to become faculty of record for health classes within public school districts. The STAH is not required for the credential and is available to Master's and post-Master's credential students as well as nurses in the community who are already credentialed. The STAH authorizes nurses to provide health education instruction beyond that of periodic guest presentations (e.g., Family Life Education) and allows school administrators to utilize nurses in the capacity of health educators through the provision of direct and regular health instruction. Requirements for the STAH at Sacramento State are: completion of nine units of educational pedagogy including a supervised student (practice) teaching experience and passing of the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test). At Sacramento State, these courses constitute the Educational functional area within the MS program. Application for the STAH requires an exit interview (see School Nurse Advising Brochure for further information).

Career Possibilities

Registered Nurse (BS): Hospital, e.g., Medical, Surgical, Emergency Room, Operating Room, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Mental Health, Critical Care, Oncology, Rehabilitation · Community Health · Home Health · Extended Care · Physician's Office · Clinics and Industry · Advanced Practice (MS) roles: Educator · Nurse Administrator · School Nurse · Advanced Clinical Role

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