Nursing

College of Health and Human Services
Interim Dean: Don Taylor

School of Nursing
BH 371
415-338-1802
Director: Beatrice A. Yorker

Associate Director, Undergraduate Program: Karen Johnson-Brennan
Associate Director, Graduate Program: Amy Nichols

Faculty

Professors—Baj, Ferretti, Fong, Haw, Hess, Johnson-Brennan, MacKay, McLaughlin, Verhey, Yorker

Associate Professors—Boyle, Eaton, Nichols

Assistant Professors—Davis, Hardie, Landry, Stannard, Van Dam

Clinical Assistant Professor—Montoya

Lecturers—Bahr, Bohannon, Kwong, Murphy, Nicholson, Sellin, Whittemore, Young

Programs

B.S. in Nursing
M.S. in Nursing
M.S. in Nursing: Concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner
Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner

Program Scope

The mission of the School of Nursing is to (1) provide baccalaureate and graduate education in nursing for a diverse student body; (2) prepare graduates to provide quality nursing care, leadership, and advocacy to meet the health care needs of culturally diverse people in urban environments; and (3) to improve health care and nursing services through service to the community.

Goals

• To provide an environment conducive to learning for students with diverse learning styles and needs.
• To develop clinicians, leaders, advocates and change agents to function in evolving health care systems.
• To increase the numbers of nurses from groups underrepresented in nursing.
• To prepare nurses who support the use and dissemination of research in practice.
• To provide service to the community through faculty and student leadership, consultation, research, and clinical practice.

The program provides the basis for leadership and graduate education in nursing. The graduate of the Bachelor of Science program is prepared to practice in a variety of health care settings, including community health. The Master of Science in Nursing is offered with a concentration in family nurse practitioner and emphases in clinical care management, entrepreneurial leadership, and public/community health nursing. The MSN is designed to meet the critical need for qualified nurse leaders and advanced practice nurses in primary care, acute care, long term care, home care, and community public health.

The School of Nursing is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and is accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. It is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing; the California Association of Colleges of Nursing; and the Western Institute of Nursing.

Career Outlook

Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The graduate has an opportunity to choose from the following first level professional nursing staff positions: maternity, pediatric, medical-surgical, psychiatric/mental health, community health, and home health care nursing.

Master of Science in Nursing. Graduates of the family nurse practitioner concentration are eligible for positions as family nurse practitioners in primary care settings. Graduates of the clinical care management emphasis are eligible for positions as case managers or clinical nurse specialists for a specific client population across the continuum of care. Graduates of the entrepreneurial leadership emphasis are eligible for positions in nursing management, administration, and as entrepreneurs across a variety of health care settings. Graduates of the public/community health nursing emphasis are eligible for positions as program planners, managers and evaluators, and as case managers for specific at-risk populations in public health and community-based settings. Graduates of all emphases are eligible for positions in quality improvement, program planning and evaluation, and are eligible for advanced study at the doctoral level.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

The School of Nursing reserves the right to make changes in the curriculum based on the evaluation process. Students will be advised and assisted in making adjustments to these changes.

NOTE: The School of Nursing has impacted status. This means that more qualified applicants apply than can be accepted into the major. All applicants to the BSN program must apply for admission to the major between October 1 and November 30 for the subsequent academic year which begins in the fall semester. In order to meet eligibility requirements, students must first have a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.8 in up to 60 of the previous units taken. Students will then be rank ordered and admitted to the major based on GPA in the prerequisite courses that are listed below and the optional supplemental criteria:

• Second language proficiency
• Multicultural community experience
• Under-representation in nursing
• Health-related work/volunteer service

Applicants should address inquiries to the College of Health and Human Services Student Resource Center, www.sfsu.edu/~srcenter, 415-405-3533, and review the Nursing web site at www.nursing.sfsu.edu.

Applicants with No Prior Nursing Background

Freshmen applicants are ineligible for the nursing major. Prospective students should select another major on the application for admission. Freshmen and sophomore students interested in the nursing major must seek advisement from the School of Nursing regarding prerequisite requirements and the potential change of major to nursing. Transfer students should take courses comparable to the prerequisite courses listed below.

Change of major and transfer students must complete the prerequisite courses by the end of the spring semester prior to consideration for admission to the nursing major in the subsequent academic year. Qualified students who are admitted to the nursing major are randomly assigned to begin clinical nursing courses in either the fall or spring semester. Those who are admitted to the spring nursing class must register and enroll in NURS 111, Professional Nursing Concepts, and NURS 112, Healthy Aging, during the fall semester prior to entering spring clinical course work.

In addition to the lower and upper division nursing courses, students must meet General Education and all other graduation requirements as well as a course in sociology or anthropology that is required for licensure. Nutrition in Health and Disease, DFM 253, is required before taking the second semester of nursing courses, and General Psychology, PSY 200, is required before taking the fourth semester of nursing courses..

On-line course descriptions are available.

Students seeking to major in nursing must meet the following criteria and prerequisites. Completion of the following courses with a minimum of a C grade in each of the prerequisite courses; and a cumulative GPA in up to the last 60 units taken of 2.8 or better. A C– grade is not acceptable.

Applicants to the Advanced Placement Option for Registered Nurses and LVN's

• It is important that Registered Nurses and LVN's include RN or LVN after the name on the application for admission to the university.
• In addition to the university application, a separate application that includes official transcripts must be submitted directly to the APO coordinator in the School of Nursing. The supplemental application is available from the School of Nursing web site.
• Applicants must have graduated from an accredited program in nursing with at least a grade of C in all nursing courses and an overall 2.5 GPA in the nursing program.
• RN’s must complete the prerequisite courses prior to graduation from the university. LVN's must complete the prerequisite courses prior to admission to the major.

Program Plan for Registered Nurses

• It is possible to receive credit through challenge examinations for certain lecture courses. Associate degree RNs may challenge NURS 114/115 and  NURS 333. In addition to these courses, diploma students may also challenge NURS 111 and NURS 112. Validation of curricular content may occur as a result of documentation, evaluation, or examination.
• Associate degree RNs may transfer units from their program content to:
  NURS 111 Professional Nursing Concepts
  NURS 112 Healthy Aging (1)
  NURS 113 Nursing Practicum I (2)
  NURS 116 Basic Nursing Skills Laboratory (1)
  NURS 222 Nursing of Adults
  NURS 223 Nursing Practicum II
  NURS 224 Technical Skills Laboratory (1)
  NURS 225 Pharmacology (2)
  NURS 334 Family Assessment and Maternity Nursing
  NURS 335 Nursing Practicum III
  NURS 336 Nursing Care of Ill Children (2)
  NURS 337 Nursing Practicum IV
  NURS 444 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (2)
  NURS 445 Nursing Practicum V
• Working nurses may opt for part-time study and complete the program at their own pace.
• It is possible for full-time ADN students to complete the nursing major courses in one calendar year.
• Students must meet General Education and all other requirements for graduation.
• Students are expected to satisfactorily complete all courses prescribed for each level before progressing to the next level.

Program Plan for LVN's

It is possible to receive credit through challenge examinations for certain lecture courses. LVN students may challenge NURS 111, NURS 112, NURS 114/115, NURS 225, and NURS 333. They receive direct credit for NURS 113 and NURS 116. Validation of curricular content may occur as a result of documentations, evaluation, or examination. Other than the courses listed above that may be challenged, the LVN student completes the usual BSN curriculum.

Special Requirements: All nursing students are required to carry professional liability insurance, personal health insurance, and to meet the health requirements of the school at the beginning of each academic year. Students are required to purchase specified equipment and pay laboratory fees for certain courses. A State Board Licensure Examination preparation program is incorporated throughout the nursing program for an additional fee each semester. Students must have use of an automobile for the community health nursing experience.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares nurses for advanced practice nurse roles in acute care, ambulatory care, community and home health settings. The M.S. in Nursing meets guidelines for graduate nursing education issued by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the national accreditation organization. The core program includes courses in nursing theory, health care policy, and ethics for advanced practice nurses, and role development. Additionally, the core program requires students to complete two clinical courses and a culminating experience (thesis or field study). Units taken in addition to the core program are selected with graduate nursing faculty advisement. The program offers a pathway for non-nurse applicants with baccalaureates in other fields to enter graduate studies.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

There are three pathways for entry into the program: R.N. with a B.S. in Nursing (RN-MSN program, RN-MSN FNP program); R.N. with baccalaureate in another field (BARN program, see school for further information); or non-nurse with baccalaureate or higher degree (generic master's program, accelerated option).

• Applicant must meet general requirements for admission to graduate study at San Francisco State University and must submit a separate application to the Division of Graduate Studies.
• Applicant must have graduated from an accredited institution of higher learning with a baccalaureate or higher degree and a GPA of 3.0 or above in the last 60 units.
• Applicant must complete the School of Nursing MSN application and supporting documents at www.nursing.sfsu.edu.
• RN-MSN applicant must be a graduate of a National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission and/or CCNE accredited baccalaureate nursing program or its equivalent and must have current licensure in the U.S.A. and be eligible for licensure in California. R.N.s with baccalaureates in other fields are evaluated for equivalency to the B.S. in Nursing. Non-nurse applicants meet the R.N. requirement for graduate study by completing undergraduate prerequisite and nursing foundation courses followed by R.N. licensure by the California Board of Registered Nursing Examination (NCLEX).
• Applicants must provide three references attesting to their qualifications as potential graduate students from a work colleague or supervisor.
• A statement of the applicant's goals for the pursuit of graduate study.
• Applicants must submit a sample of writing, three to ten pages, typewritten.
• A current resumé or curriculum vita must be submitted.
• Students whose primary language is not English must earn a minimum of 550 on the paper Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL.
• Applicants must have completed the following prerequisites/requirements.
• Applicants must submit a complete set of official transcripts from previous colleges and universities (one set to the School of Nursing and another set to the Division of Graduate Studies of San Francisco State University).
• Applicants to the family nurse practitioner concentration must have at least one year (2,000 hours) of recent relevant nursing practice experience. Refer to the Fact Sheet for Family Nurse Practitioner Program available in the school office.

Specific Generic MSN (accelerated option) Applicants Only

Chemistry with Lab	4
English Composition	3
General Psychology	3
Human Anatomy with Lab	4
Human Physiology with Lab	4
Inferential Statistics	3
Microbiology with Lab	4
Nutrition	3
Critical Thinking	3
Oral Communication/Speech	3
Sociology or Cultural Anthropology	3
Total	38

Specific RN-MSN Applicants

Recommended, but not required:
Inferential Statistics
Undergraduate Nursing Research course

NOTE: The GRE is not a requirement of admission.

Application Deadlines

Additional Requirements. All graduate nursing students are required to carry professional liability insurance, personal health insurance, and to meet the health requirements of the university at the beginning of each academic year. It is advisable to have an automobile for ease of transportation to practicum assignments. It is highly recommended to have or to have access to a computer with necessary hardware. An e-mail account is required, which can be provided through SFSU's Information Technology Account Services. All M.S.N. students must be licensed as RNs or possess interim permits before enrolling in NURS 801.

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One: certified through passing the Graduate Essay Test (GET) prior to entrance to the graduate program. The GET must be completed with a full passing score before enrolling in graduate nursing courses. Students who fail the GET must enroll in SCI 614, CA 514, EDUC 614, CHS 514, BUS 514, or obtain a private tutor to strengthen writing skills and retake the GET. Passing the GET or completion of remedial courses are required prior to enrolling in NURS 794. Level Two: satisfied by demonstration of English competency on the final paper for NURS 794.

Advancement to Candidacy

The student must clear any admission conditions as soon as possible after beginning the graduate program. The Graduate Approved Program (GAP) should be completed and filed in the Division of Graduate Studies after the student has completed 24 units. The Proposal for Culminating Experience form must be completed and filed before he/she enrolls in the culminating experience course, either NURS 895 or 898.

General Information

Some of the prerequisite courses may be challenged or waived for those students who have extensive professional experience and have participated in mandatory continuing education programs for R.N. licensure. Because oral communication/speech and sociology or cultural anthropology are required to take the Board of Registered Nursing Examination, those courses must be on the student transcript for the Generic M.S.N. applicants. All students are provided with a nursing faculty adviser. Advisers provide information regarding the sequence in which required course work should be completed. NURS 800 is an Optional Clinical Internship (1-4 units) available on advisement.

On-line course descriptions are available.

Generic Master of Science in Nursing

Qualified applicants are accepted into the MSN program conditionally. Students convert to classified standing in nursing upon completion of prerequisite courses, foundation courses in nursing, and a passing score on the Graduate Essay Test (GET). A passing score on the GET is required prior to enrollment in NURS 794. Foundation courses must be completed on a full-time basis. It is possible, through full-time study, to complete the seven semesters of study in three years (including two summer sessions). However, students may choose to study graduate-level courses on a part-time basis after completion of the foundation courses. The terminal degree for the program for the Generic MSN students is the Master of Science in Nursing. Students are eligible for RN licensure after completing foundation nursing courses. All RN-MSN students must be licensed as RNs before enrolling in NURS 802. Students receive an MSN and are eligible for California Public Health Nursing certification upon completion of the program.

RN-Master of Science in Nursing

Qualified applicants are accepted into the MSN program conditionally. Students convert to classified status in nursing upon a passing score on the Graduate Essay Test (GET). A passing score on the GET is required prior to enrollment in NURS 794.

Concentration/Emphases

Clinical Care Management Emphasis

This clinically focused emphasis enables students to select a specific client group and develop in-depth knowledge and skills for assessing, treating, and coordinating the care of the client in collaboration with the client, family, and the interdisciplinary health care team. Elective units selected with approval of adviser.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Option. This option offers the graduate student the opportunity to take additional courses for certification by the California State Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The clinical nurse specialist is an advanced practice nurse holding a master's degree with a concentration in a specific area of clinical nursing. The role of the CNS is defined by the needs of a select client population and clinical expertise of the nurse. The role demonstrates the advanced nursing component areas of expert clinical nursing practice, education, research, consultation, and clinical leadership. With adviser's guidance, the additional courses required for BRN certification include: NURS 730, NURS 731, NURS 711, and NURS 501. Please note that this option may require an additional semester of study.

Nursing Administration/Entrepreneurial Leadership Emphasis

This emphasis enables students to combine the nursing perspective and principles of business to become effective and successful entrepreneurs. The following courses are recommended for this emphasis: MGMT 831, MGMT 832, MGMT 833, MGMT 851, and MGMT 861 and/or units selected with approval of the adviser.

Public Health/Community Nursing Emphasis

This clinically-focused emphasis prepares nurses to develop, implement, manage, and evaluate health promotion programs and services for vulnerable populations in urban communities. Courses required in addition to the core include NURS 720, NURS 721, and/or elective units selected with approval of the adviser.

Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration

The family nurse practitioner (FNP) concentration requires 46 units for a total of 540 clinical hours and is designed to prepare FNPs for primary care practice. The following courses are required in addition to the core program.

CERTIFICATE IN FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

The Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate enables master's and doctoral prepared nurses to change roles and attain certification. The certificate is a 30-unit course of post-graduate study. Completion of the certificate verifies to the California Board of Registered Nursing that the students meet all requirements for licensure as nurse practitioners and also provides documentation to professional organizations that all requirements for national certification examinations were completed. The certificate program includes the courses listed under the concentration in family nurse practitioner and additional courses chosen in consultation with an adviser.

Graduates of the certificate program are eligible for positions as family nurse practitioners in primary care settings.

Admission Requirements

• Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.
• One year or 2,000 hours of recent relevant clinical nursing experience.
• Current RN licensure in the U.S.A. or eligibility for licensure in California.