Nursing

Interim Chairperson/ Associate Dean: Shirley Girouard, PhD, RN, FAAN

Phone: (773) 995-3992

Location: BHS 2^nd floor 200A

Department Overview

The School of Nursing offers a traditional, upper division bachelor’s degree program. Consistent with the mission of the University, the School is committed to graduating future nurses with a commitment to practice, educate, and lead in a complex healthcare system and world. The Bachelor of Science in nursing builds upon a sound base of liberal arts and sciences for developing the knowledge and skills needed for the nursing curriculum and to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and holistic care. It provides comprehensive education in nursing theory, practice, and research/evidence-based-practice. Throughout the program, learning takes place in the classroom, lab, and a variety of clinical sites.

CSU and transfer students will have completed University and pre-nursing requirements prior to starting their nursing course work. The five- semester, 60 credit nursing degree program prepares graduates to take the registered nursing licensure exam (NCLEX) required to obtain state licensure to practice nursing. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of health and health-related settings, assume progressive practice and leadership roles, and pursue advanced study in the profession.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) https://www.acenursing.org/acen-programs-05202024/chicago-state-university and approved by the State of Illinois (Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Vision

The CSU School of Nursing seeks to be recognized locally and regionally as a leader in contributing to a diverse nursing workforce of excellent practitioners, leaders, and advocates who will improve health and healthcare for diverse populations.

Mission

The CSU School of nursing, through its education and support of nursing students, endeavors to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for excellence in practice, community service, advocacy, and leadership, grounded in a commitment to life-long learning.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the nursing program, students will:

Demonstrate clinical judgment that is derived from nursing, biophysical and behavioral sciences, and the humanities in the care of patients, families, and populations.
Provide person-centered nursing care using the nursing process and care coordination; engaging the patient in a caring relationship focused on achievement of self-care management.
Collaboratively engage in population health services that address social determinants of health, emergency preparedness and equitable health policy.
Using standardized processes for conducting evidence-based practice, evaluate research findings in nursing and healthcare research for the improvement of nursing practice.
Incorporate an understanding of patient safety principles and quality improvement practices to enhance the care of patients on a healthcare unit, agency or in a community setting.
Demonstrate respectful, effective communication and team performance skills in interactions with patients, nursing colleagues, and interprofessional partners.
Apply an understanding of healthcare systems to facilitate effective nursing care across units and agencies.
Utilize technology in managing information to meet the healthcare needs of clients in a variety of healthcare settings.
Show consistent accountability, legal practice, and ethical comportment as part of a deep understanding of the nature of professional nursing practice that includes valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Engage in the pursuit of personal health and well-being, demonstrating leadership behaviors that show professional maturity.

Professional Nursing Opportunities

The current shortage of registered nurses will continue. The US Department of Labor Statistics (April 2025) reports that the demand for nurses is expected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, higher than for all other occupations. Many employers are seeking baccalaureate prepared nurses for a variety of roles. The opportunities for BSN prepared registered nurses are many and varied- caring for people of all ages and with different health concerns in hospitals, clinics, communities, homes, schools, long-term care, rehabilitation, emergency services. With advanced degrees, nurses can assume advanced leadership roles, function as primary and specialty care advanced practice nurses, engage in independent practice, and serve as nurse educators. The opportunities are limitless!

The Admissions Process

There are several things to do before applying to the nursing program:

All applicants including transfer students must be admitted to the University AND complete necessary placement exams
Complete or be enrolled to complete the University General Education Requirements
Complete or be enrolled to complete the nursing pre-requisite requirements for the Nursing, BSN
To ensure appropriate preparation to apply for the nursing program, students should consult with advisors in admissions to assist with transcript assessment and course selection.

Prerequisite nursing courses

In addition to meeting the University’s general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree, prospective nursing students are required to take specific courses that provide a foundation for the nursing course of study. These include courses in psychology, statistics, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and chemistry. In addition, students are encouraged to take electives that relate to health and healthcare.

Applying to the Nursing Program

Students -current and transfer students-apply for admission to the nursing program through a process separate from their application to the University. This process takes place once a year in the spring semester for admission to the class beginning in the fall.

Early in the spring semester, the School will provide specific instructions, deadline dates, and forms for submitting applications
The following documents are to be submitted electronically:

Nursing application form
Letter describing interest in BSN and profession/goals
Two letters of reference (on form provided)
TEAS scores if taken or date planned to be taken (have test results sent to CSU)

Application Criteria

Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on 4.0 scale

No more than two courses to complete before fall entrance into the nursing program
C or better in all nursing pre-requisite courses
Applications are reviewed by a committee
The review process includes an assessment of: overall grades; science course grades; standardized test scores; applicant letters; and references
Standardized test (TEAS -Test of Essential Academic Skills) score ranges are divided into academic preparedness levels: Basic, Proficient, Advanced, and Exemplary. Although students will not be excluded from consideration based on these scores, higher scores will make the student’s application more competitive

Program Expectations/Requirements

The nursing program, given classes, assignments, study time, and clinical days, is a full-time commitment. Prospective students should be sure to consider this as they plan their time over the five semesters of the program
Professional behavior including dress, mandatory and on-time class and clinical attendance, etc. will be outlined in the student handbook provided to students accepted into the program
Once accepted into the program, students will receive specific information about special requirements for clinical practice including health requirements that extend beyond the university ‘s health requirements (vaccines, etc); CPR certification; and criminal background checks
Students will need to assume responsibility for transportation for clinical and other off campus activities; CPR certification; books, resources, and program fees; and health care expenses
Additional information about background checks: the State of Illinois department responsible for RN licensure (IDFPR) has a specific policy re felony convictions (as may some of the clinical sites). A hearing is required prior to licensure. For additional information: Microsoft Word - Nursing profession FAQs 9.9.2019.docx
Progression through the program:

Fulfill expectations identified in the student handbook and syllabi
Individual plans of study are required for students who are not doing well at mid-term or at any time faculty believe extra support is needed
Meet clinical site requirements to pass the associated course
Complete courses in sequence semester by semester
Course failures: Students who receive a D or F in a course may retake the course the next time it is offered; only one course may be repeated; failure of a second course results in dismissal
Failure in the clinical component of a course will result in a course failure and the course will need to be repeated

Dismissal: the School reserves the right to terminate a student’s continuation in the nursing program when their academic or clinical performance does not meet required standards. This includes incidences of unprofessional behavior. Further details about the review and hearing process are described in the student handbook.
Readmission: students admitted to the program, including those who have completed some course work, have stepped out, or taken a leave of absence (up to one year), may seek readmission by providing a letter to the School specifying the circumstances surrounding withdrawal or dismissal, activities and justification of readmission requested; plan to promote success if readmitted. Readmission is contingent upon space available.

Graduation Requirements:

Completion of all University requirements
Successful completion with C or better of all nursing courses

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Nursing, BSN