Nursing Department

Department Chair: Associate Professor Angie Smith

The Mission of the Nursing Department is to provide evidence-based baccalaureate nursing education to diverse learners through programs that prepare nurses as lifelong nurses who provide safe, quality, patient-centered care; continuously work to improve care; collaborate as a member of the interdisciplinary team; and lead within the profession.

The nursing program at Castleton University is approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001; 202-887-6791.

The nursing curriculum is designed to prepare a diverse population of learners to engage in evidence-based practice in a complex health care environment. This (preparation) occurs through integration of liberal arts education, contemporary nursing science, health-related science and the compassion, interconnectedness and appreciation for the individual that characterizes holistic nursing care. The pursuit of lifelong learning and practice excellence is cultivated through evidence-based teaching and learning pedagogies, faculty role modeling, and supportive faculty-student relationships. A commitment to the health of local communities and an awareness of one's role related to global health issues is promoted. Locally, service learning activities allow students to partner with community agencies to meet the identified needs of groups, aggregates or populations.

Admission Criteria: In addition to the university's general admission requirements, admission to the above listed programs is selective and based on the following criteria:

1. Combined Critical Reading and Math SAT scores of 1000 or above.
2. Graduation from high school in the upper quarter of class.
3. Evaluation of prior post-secondary course work.
4. Interview with a faculty member from the Nursing Department student affairs committee.
5. All candidates applying for admission to the RN to BS Completion Program should submit a resume and one letter of recommendation written by his or her supervisor.

Students matriculating into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program are required to undergo a criminal background check and drug screen after acceptance into the program and prior to enrollment. Final acceptance to the program is conditional upon receipt of appropriate clearances. Individuals who do not meet health requirements or have a positive criminal background check or drug screen will be reviewed and may not be admitted to the program. Additional checks and/or screenings may also be required by a specific clinical affiliation site. The cost of any background check will be paid by the student.

Internal Transfer

Students enrolled in other academic programs within the university are eligible for consideration for internal transfer into nursing. Details regarding the application process are available from the Nursing Department upon request. The selection process takes place at the end of the fall and spring semesters. The most qualified applicants will be accepted on a space available basis. The following criteria must be met in order to be considered for admission into a nursing program:

A minimum GPA of 2.8
A minimum 9-credit load in the prior semester, or semester of the application
Submission of a complete application prior to the designated deadline
Approval by the Nursing Department student affairs committee.

Fees

Some nursing courses require payment of a laboratory fee. For a summary of these fees please consult individual course descriptions. All nursing students are required to buy an identification badge. AS degree nursing students are also expected to have a working watch with a second hand and are required to purchase uniforms, a lab coat, nursing shoes, stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and bandage scissors.

Clinical and lab requirements for all programs of nursing

Several nursing courses require a clinical and lab component taught by nursing faculty either on campus in the Simulation Center or in hospitals and other health agencies.

RN-BS clinical experiences include partnerships between faculty and practice-based preceptors to facilitate learning with nursing faculty as the evaluator of student learning. All RN-BS students are required to hold active unencumbered RN licensure in the state of Vermont and in any other state where their clinical experiences occur.

Unsatisfactory Performance

The Nursing Department reserves the right to request that the academic dean require withdrawal from the nursing program of any student whose health, academic record, performance and/or behavior in nursing is judged unsatisfactory. Unsatisfactory performance in the clinical environment negates academic grade performance.

For more information please go to our website at www.castleton.edu/nursing

Programs

Major