Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Requirements l Progression in the Nursing Major l Faculty l
Professional Organizations l With this nursing major... l  Professor fulfills dream of staring a free health clinic | Nurses keep connection to patients alive and well l Teaching tool simulates real patient  l  "Not a dry eye in the house" during nurse pinning ceremony | Nursing Preceptor CE Activity

Accreditation
The Department of Nursing at Saint Joseph’s College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Accreditation is an indication of public approbation, attesting to the quality of the educational program and the continued commitment of Saint Joseph’s to support the program. The Maine State Board of Nursing also has approved the baccalaureate program at the College.

Goals
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program goals are to:
• prepare a generalist to practice professional nursing in a variety of settings

• provide each graduate with a foundation for continuing education and graduate study

Four major concepts of nursing theory comprise the framework of the curriculum: human beings, health-illness, nursing and environment. All nursing courses are organized around the Roy Adaptation Model of Nursing, which emphasizes stress and adaptation within every system.

Philosophy and Mission
Application of Roy’s theory ensures implementation of the philosophy and objectives of the Department, which are in accord with the philosophy and objectives of Christian humanism as set forth in Saint Joseph’s mission statement. Humans are viewed as holistic adaptive beings endowed by God with dignity and free will. Health is viewed as the harmonious interrelationship of body-mind-soul and the environment. Nursing is viewed as an art and a science that facilitates the mobilization of external and internal resources available to individuals, families and communities, so health is achieved, promoted, and/or maintained.

The professional nurse is deemed accountable to society and uses the processes of teaching-learning, communication, research, and leadership by applying the nursing process to meet needs of clients in all settings. The faculty supports the baccalaureate degree as the minimal educational preparation for the professional nurse and believes learning best occurs in an environment where mutual respect exists between teacher and learner. Students in the Nursing major must attain a “C” grade or better in professional courses and a “C-” or better in science.

The Nursing program enrolls a limited number of students each year. Admission is selective. The admission committee reviews applicants’ high school curriculum, grades, and SAT scores. A college preparatory curriculum is required with grades of “C” or better in biology and chemistry courses with laboratory components.

Transfer students are not considered for admission to the program. Students who enroll at the College in the Liberal Studies program for undecided majors and students admitted for study in another major area are not eligible to enroll in the Nursing program, unless an appeal is granted by the Nursing Department.

News
Margaret Hourigan has been named the 2009 Maine Nursing Leader by the Organization for Maine Nurse Executives (OMNE) for outstanding achievement in nursing leadership, communication and commitment to patient care. Read more

Patsy Thompson Leavitt has been chosen Volunteer of the Year by the Portland chapter of Altrusa International for her work in starting a free health care clinic for people without health insurance. Read more