College of Saint Mary Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Program
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students complete a curriculum that includes a combination of nursing, general education and supporting courses. Laboratory and clinical practice, which is a part of the curriculum, begins in the first semester and extends throughout the program. A variety of healthcare agencies in the community are used for clinical experience. The BSN program is designed as a day program and is to be completed through full-time study over 3 years. All BSN graduates are required to complete a minimum of 128 hours, at least 30 of which must be completed at College of Saint Mary. Graduates of the BSN program are eligible to take the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCLEX-RN) examination for registered nurses. The BSN program is approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing.
Read the BSN Student Manual
Required Courses in Your Major
Program of Study
NUR 100: Introduction to Nursing – Theory
2 credit hours
Students are introduced to the profession of nursing as a lifelong career in health care. A historical perspective of nursing will include significant individuals and their contribution to the profession. College of Saint Mary Nursing Philosophy will serve as a basis for discussion related to curriculum concepts of patient-centered care, communication, leadership, safety and professional role. Classroom discussion related to time management, personal commitment, educational requirements, and career opportunities will allow the student to identify a personal plan for academic success. Students will also be introduced to basic nursing skills in the skills laboratory.
NUR 101: Fundamentals of Nursing – Theory/Clinical
9 credit hours
This nursing course will provide the theoretical framework upon which subsequent nursing courses will build. Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of patient-centered care, nursing process, communication, safety, and leadership. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for the general population with a focus on aging individuals and their families in the clinical laboratory and long-term care settings.
NUR 102: Pharmacology - Fundamentals of Nursing
1 credit hour
Students are introduced to basic pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of selected drug categories. The concepts of patient centered-care and drug management with a focus on the geriatric population will be included.
NUR 103: Health Assessment
3 credit hours
The course is designed to help students refine history taking, along with physical, psychosocial, and spiritual assessment skills. Students will synthesize knowledge from general education and nursing courses during a health assessment of individuals throughout the lifespan from multicultural and diverse backgrounds.
NUR 200: Psychiatric - Mental Health Nursing – Theory/ Clinical
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of psychiatric-mental health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, and groups in a variety of psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings.
NUR 201: Population Based Community Health Nursing
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of public health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of outpatient and public health settings.
NUR 202: Psych/Public Health Pharmacology
1 credit hour
Students are introduced to principles and practice of psychotropic medication treatment of major mental disorders. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications and the reason medications are prescribed for individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. Emphasis is also placed on the role of herbal, homeopathic, and over-the-counter medications in the community.
NUR 203 : Maternal Newborn Nursing
4 credit hours
Nursing Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of maternal/newborn health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care and will focus on health maintenance, health promotion, and the study of diseases and disorders affecting women, neonates, families, groups, communities, and populations along the health-illness continuum in a variety of maternal/newborn inpatient and outpatient settings.
NUR 204: Pediatric Nursing
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of pediatric nursing. This course will focus on health promotion, health maintenance, and the study of diseases and disorders affecting infants, children, adolescents, and families along the health-illness continuum. Concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of pediatric inpatient and community-based settings.
NUR 205: Maternal/Child Pharmacology
1 credit hour
Students will explore principles and practice of medication therapy, drug classification and patient-related variables for the maternal/child patient. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications, and indications of medication prescribed for maternal/child patients. Nursing assessment and evaluation of patient responses to medications in relation to health, age, lifestyle, gender, ethnicity, and other cultural factors is explored.
NUR 206: Cultural and Spiritual Care in Nursing (GCD)
3 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts regarding culture and strategies for providing culturally competent nursing care in a multi-cultural society. The student will develop awareness of cultural and spiritual beliefs that impact behavior and life choices of individuals seeking health care. Cultural concepts and principles are discussed as related to provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable patients, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of inpatient, outpatient, and public health settings. This course provides a balance between acquiring some background knowledge of select cultural groups encountered in clinical practice, and developing attitudes and skills that are not specific to any particular culture but are universally relevant.
NUR 207: Introduction to Nursing Research/ EBP
3 credit hours
The focus of this nursing course is to provide an overview of nursing theories, prepare the student to critically evaluate nursing research, and discuss the importance of evidence-based practice at the baccalaureate level. This course will examine the basic components of qualitative and quantitative research as well as the ethical considerations in nursing research. The course emphasizes correlations between patient-centered care, safety, professional role, evidence-based practice, and patient outcomes.
NUR 300: Acute Medical/Surgical Nursing
8 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of acute medical/surgical nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in medical/surgical settings. Emphasis is on skill development in systematic assessment utilizing the nursing process, developing competency in selected nursing therapies, and developing a role as professional nurse.
NUR 301: Acute Medical/Surgical Pharmacology
2 credit hours
Students continue to develop an understanding of pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice with application of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly encountered in the acute medical/surgical population.
NUR 303: Multisystem Medical/Surgical Nursing–Theory/Clinical
8 credit hours
This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in caring for individuals with multi-system alterations. Students will integrate and expand on previously learned skills and theories. Students will have opportunities to apply principles of prioritization, delegation, and coordination of care as part of the interdisciplinary care team.
NUR 304: Multisystem Medical/Surgical Pharmacology
2 credit hours
Student will build upon previously learned pharmacological concepts and principles with synthesis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly used for adults with multi-system alterations.
NUR 305: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
2 credit hours
This course focuses on knowledge and skills that professional nurses need to effectively respond to challenges in the rapidly changing healthcare system. Students examine issues regarding access to care, affordability, equity, and social justice along with select social, political, legal, and organizational communication factors which influence professional nursing practice and the healthcare system. Topics include organizational communication, legal issues, healthcare policy, regulatory influences, professional advocacy, use of technology in the professional environment, and transition into practice.
NUR 306: Nursing Management and Leadership
2 credit hours
This baccalaureate nursing course provides students with the opportunity to apply leadership/management and quality improvement principles to professional nursing. The course is designed to enhance leadership self-awareness as students examine how leadership/management and quality improvement affects patient-centered care, safety, professional role, and communication. Synthesis of content will be demonstrated through a capstone project.
NUR 307: Professional Nursing Preceptorship
6 clinical credit hours
In this course, students will provide and manage care for patients in selected clinical settings under the supervision of a baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurse preceptor. This preceptorship experience is structured to foster synthesis of theoretical concepts, refinement of clinical skills, organization of patient care activities, development of sound clinical decision-making skills, and demonstration of the ability to work effectively as a team member. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to deliver safe, patient-centered care, as members of an interdisciplinary team, emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement approaches and informatics, consistent with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) core competencies and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) guidelines. This course also incorporates a virtual and live review to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
The BSN program requires the completion of 128 credit hours. Of that, 69 credit hours are major program courses, 41 credit hours are general education, 15 credit hours are supporting courses, and three credit hours are electives.
Program Licensure Requirements
After graduating from the BSN program at College of Saint Mary, graduates must apply for licensure and successfully complete the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The requirements for licensure may vary by state. The link below will provide the state requirements for a RN license.
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at College of Saint Mary located in Omaha, Nebraska is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the BSN program is continued accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm.
Admissions Requirements
Admission Criteria
Applicants will be reviewed for admission into the CSM BSN 3-year program once 24 program-required academic credits have been earned. Of these 24 credits, the following courses must be successfully (C or better) completed:
• 2 program-required science courses (CHM and/or BIO courses), and
• An Intermediate Algebra or Statistics (MTH 112/242),course and
• An English Composition(ENG 101/102) course.
Once the prerequisites have been completed, admission requirements to the BSN program include:
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 including all program-required science and math credits (including transfer credits if applicable).
• No more than one unsuccessful completion (C-, D, F, or withdrawal) of a program-required science and/or math course.
• Program-required science courses must have been completed within the 5 years prior to matriculation semester.
Details about High School, Transfer, and PreNursing applicants are as follows:
• All high school applicants will be admitted into Pre-Nursing, unless BSN program admission requirements are met through dual enrollment. Transfer applicants who do not meet admission standards will be admitted into Pre-Nursing. Students may remain in the Pre-Nursing pathway for one academic year. After one year, students must meet admission requirements to progress into the BSN program or choose an alternate major. Pre-Nursing students are guaranteed a spot in the program assuming admission requirements are met.
Academic Description
College of Saint Mary Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing Program
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students complete a curriculum that includes a combination of nursing, general education and supporting courses. Laboratory and clinical practice, which is a part of the curriculum, begins in the first semester and extends throughout the program. A variety of healthcare agencies in the community are used for clinical experience. The BSN program is designed as a day program and is to be completed through full-time study over 3 years. All BSN graduates are required to complete a minimum of 128 hours, at least 30 of which must be completed at College of Saint Mary. Graduates of the BSN program are eligible to take the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCLEX-RN) examination for registered nurses. The BSN program is approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing.
Read the BSN Student Manual
Accreditation
The Assurance of Accreditation
The assurance of regional accreditation means that our degrees have been evaluated for their outcomes — including how well they prepare you to meet the needs of your employers, yourself and our global society. College of Saint Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at College of Saint Mary located in Omaha, Nebraska is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the BSN program is continued accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions Requirements
Admission Criteria
Applicants will be reviewed for admission into the CSM BSN 3-year program once 24 program-required academic credits have been earned. Of these 24 credits, the following courses must be successfully (C or better) completed:
• 2 program-required science courses (CHM and/or BIO courses), and
• An Intermediate Algebra or Statistics (MTH 112/242),course and
• An English Composition(ENG 101/102) course.
Once the prerequisites have been completed, admission requirements to the BSN program include:
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 including all program-required science and math credits (including transfer credits if applicable).
• No more than one unsuccessful completion (C-, D, F, or withdrawal) of a program-required science and/or math course.
• Program-required science courses must have been completed within the 5 years prior to matriculation semester.
Details about High School, Transfer, and PreNursing applicants are as follows:
• All high school applicants will be admitted into Pre-Nursing, unless BSN program admission requirements are met through dual enrollment. Transfer applicants who do not meet admission standards will be admitted into Pre-Nursing. Students may remain in the Pre-Nursing pathway for one academic year. After one year, students must meet admission requirements to progress into the BSN program or choose an alternate major. Pre-Nursing students are guaranteed a spot in the program assuming admission requirements are met.
Curriculum
Required Courses in Your Major
Program of Study
NUR 100: Introduction to Nursing – Theory
2 credit hours
Students are introduced to the profession of nursing as a lifelong career in health care. A historical perspective of nursing will include significant individuals and their contribution to the profession. College of Saint Mary Nursing Philosophy will serve as a basis for discussion related to curriculum concepts of patient-centered care, communication, leadership, safety and professional role. Classroom discussion related to time management, personal commitment, educational requirements, and career opportunities will allow the student to identify a personal plan for academic success. Students will also be introduced to basic nursing skills in the skills laboratory.
NUR 101: Fundamentals of Nursing – Theory/Clinical
9 credit hours
This nursing course will provide the theoretical framework upon which subsequent nursing courses will build. Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of patient-centered care, nursing process, communication, safety, and leadership. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for the general population with a focus on aging individuals and their families in the clinical laboratory and long-term care settings.
NUR 102: Pharmacology - Fundamentals of Nursing
1 credit hour
Students are introduced to basic pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of selected drug categories. The concepts of patient centered-care and drug management with a focus on the geriatric population will be included.
NUR 103: Health Assessment
3 credit hours
The course is designed to help students refine history taking, along with physical, psychosocial, and spiritual assessment skills. Students will synthesize knowledge from general education and nursing courses during a health assessment of individuals throughout the lifespan from multicultural and diverse backgrounds.
NUR 200: Psychiatric - Mental Health Nursing – Theory/ Clinical
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of psychiatric-mental health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, and groups in a variety of psychiatric inpatient and outpatient settings.
NUR 201: Population Based Community Health Nursing
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of public health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of outpatient and public health settings.
NUR 202: Psych/Public Health Pharmacology
1 credit hour
Students are introduced to principles and practice of psychotropic medication treatment of major mental disorders. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications and the reason medications are prescribed for individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. Emphasis is also placed on the role of herbal, homeopathic, and over-the-counter medications in the community.
NUR 203 : Maternal Newborn Nursing
4 credit hours
Nursing Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of maternal/newborn health nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care and will focus on health maintenance, health promotion, and the study of diseases and disorders affecting women, neonates, families, groups, communities, and populations along the health-illness continuum in a variety of maternal/newborn inpatient and outpatient settings.
NUR 204: Pediatric Nursing
4 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of pediatric nursing. This course will focus on health promotion, health maintenance, and the study of diseases and disorders affecting infants, children, adolescents, and families along the health-illness continuum. Concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of pediatric inpatient and community-based settings.
NUR 205: Maternal/Child Pharmacology
1 credit hour
Students will explore principles and practice of medication therapy, drug classification and patient-related variables for the maternal/child patient. Emphasis is on drug classifications, pharmacological action, dosage, side effects, nursing implications, and indications of medication prescribed for maternal/child patients. Nursing assessment and evaluation of patient responses to medications in relation to health, age, lifestyle, gender, ethnicity, and other cultural factors is explored.
NUR 206: Cultural and Spiritual Care in Nursing (GCD)
3 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts regarding culture and strategies for providing culturally competent nursing care in a multi-cultural society. The student will develop awareness of cultural and spiritual beliefs that impact behavior and life choices of individuals seeking health care. Cultural concepts and principles are discussed as related to provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable patients, families, groups, communities, and populations in a variety of inpatient, outpatient, and public health settings. This course provides a balance between acquiring some background knowledge of select cultural groups encountered in clinical practice, and developing attitudes and skills that are not specific to any particular culture but are universally relevant.
NUR 207: Introduction to Nursing Research/ EBP
3 credit hours
The focus of this nursing course is to provide an overview of nursing theories, prepare the student to critically evaluate nursing research, and discuss the importance of evidence-based practice at the baccalaureate level. This course will examine the basic components of qualitative and quantitative research as well as the ethical considerations in nursing research. The course emphasizes correlations between patient-centered care, safety, professional role, evidence-based practice, and patient outcomes.
NUR 300: Acute Medical/Surgical Nursing
8 credit hours
Students are introduced to theoretical concepts and principles of acute medical/surgical nursing. The concepts and principles are integrated in the provision of holistic nursing care for vulnerable individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in medical/surgical settings. Emphasis is on skill development in systematic assessment utilizing the nursing process, developing competency in selected nursing therapies, and developing a role as professional nurse.
NUR 301: Acute Medical/Surgical Pharmacology
2 credit hours
Students continue to develop an understanding of pharmacological principles as related to nursing practice with application of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly encountered in the acute medical/surgical population.
NUR 303: Multisystem Medical/Surgical Nursing–Theory/Clinical
8 credit hours
This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse in caring for individuals with multi-system alterations. Students will integrate and expand on previously learned skills and theories. Students will have opportunities to apply principles of prioritization, delegation, and coordination of care as part of the interdisciplinary care team.
NUR 304: Multisystem Medical/Surgical Pharmacology
2 credit hours
Student will build upon previously learned pharmacological concepts and principles with synthesis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Emphasis is placed on medications commonly used for adults with multi-system alterations.
NUR 305: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
2 credit hours
This course focuses on knowledge and skills that professional nurses need to effectively respond to challenges in the rapidly changing healthcare system. Students examine issues regarding access to care, affordability, equity, and social justice along with select social, political, legal, and organizational communication factors which influence professional nursing practice and the healthcare system. Topics include organizational communication, legal issues, healthcare policy, regulatory influences, professional advocacy, use of technology in the professional environment, and transition into practice.
NUR 306: Nursing Management and Leadership
2 credit hours
This baccalaureate nursing course provides students with the opportunity to apply leadership/management and quality improvement principles to professional nursing. The course is designed to enhance leadership self-awareness as students examine how leadership/management and quality improvement affects patient-centered care, safety, professional role, and communication. Synthesis of content will be demonstrated through a capstone project.
NUR 307: Professional Nursing Preceptorship
6 clinical credit hours
In this course, students will provide and manage care for patients in selected clinical settings under the supervision of a baccalaureate-prepared Registered Nurse preceptor. This preceptorship experience is structured to foster synthesis of theoretical concepts, refinement of clinical skills, organization of patient care activities, development of sound clinical decision-making skills, and demonstration of the ability to work effectively as a team member. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to deliver safe, patient-centered care, as members of an interdisciplinary team, emphasizing evidence-based practice, quality improvement approaches and informatics, consistent with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) core competencies and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) guidelines. This course also incorporates a virtual and live review to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Degree Requirements
Requirements for Graduation from College of Saint Mary
The BSN program requires the completion of 128 credit hours. Of that, 69 credit hours are major program courses, 41 credit hours are general education, 15 credit hours are supporting courses, and three credit hours are electives.
Program Licensure Requirements
After graduating from the BSN program at College of Saint Mary, graduates must apply for licensure and successfully complete the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The requirements for licensure may vary by state. The link below will provide the state requirements for a RN license.
