Nursing Major Progression Policies (after enrollment in practica)

Students must have a TCU cumulative GPA of 2.5 to progress to the next semester of practicum coursework.

Students may repeat one nursing course if less than a "C" or a "No-Credit" (NC) grade is earned.

Students are discontinued from the major if grades of "D," "F" or "NC" are earned in two or more nursing courses (excluding NURS 10303, 10043 and 20033).

Students may be discontinued from the nursing major when their academic, practicum or personal performance is determined to be inconsistent with professional responsibility and accountability. In rare instances, the safety of patients may necessitate removal of a student from practicum and/or the nursing program. Faculty members are responsible for recommending this action to the director of nursing when indicated.

As a minimum requirement for participating in a practicum, students' performance must be in compliance with the Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice published by the ANA and the Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, including "… not accepting an assignment when one's physical or emotional condition prevents the safe and effective delivery of care … ." When in the opinion of the instructor a student is not prepared for the educational activity or is in violation of these rules for any reason, including but not limited to, impairment by reasons of alcohol and/or drug abuse, the student is dismissed from practicum for the day by the instructor. The instructor may recommend further action to the director.

Requirements for Graduation

For the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a student must have

  • A 2.0 cumulative GPA for all coursework completed at TCU;
  • Completed 124 credits including all nursing courses required for the major with grades of "C" or higher or "Pass"; and
  • Completed all core curriculum requirements.

Multiple Majors

Nursing students may, with prior approval of appropriate academic deans, pursue an additional major concurrent with nursing. Such students must declare nursing as the first major and complete all degree requirements for both nursing and the additional major. Students interested in this option are encouraged to meet with advisers from both majors as soon as possible to develop an academic plan.

Finances

Students enrolled in the nursing program are responsible for all related fees. Each practicum course carries a laboratory fee. Fees are charged for standardized achievement tests per semester. All students planning licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Texas are required to submit the required fee directly to the Board of Nursing and to the national company who administers the test during the last semester of nursing coursework. Purchase of uniforms is required. Professional liability insurance is generally required each year the student is enrolled in practicum coursework. Students are responsible for the cost of the urine drug screen and the criminal background check.

Transportation

Limited city bus service is available for transportation to some practicum facilities. Plans should be made for the use of a car beginning with the first practicum nursing course.

Employment

Students may be employed on or off campus, as opportunities are available and the course load and schedule permits. Work schedules should allow sufficient time for study. Because nursing is a demanding academic major, students are cautioned to carefully balance the number of work hours with the nursing course requirements. Students employed in clinical agencies may not wear the name tag or Harris College patch during such employment. Students who are employed in a clinical setting must not sign their names as nursing students.

Learning Center

The Learning Center in the Annie Richardson Bass Building is available to nursing students to enhance independent learning and provide access to computers, audiovisual materials and a practice lab for mastering clinical skills. In the Learning Center, students become an active participant in an environment that facilitates both individual and small-group learning situations. Computer-assisted instruction and practical learning experiences enhance the students' knowledge gained through classroom lectures. Students are required to use the labs for practice and demonstration of nursing skills.

Testing Program

Students are required throughout the program to sit for standardized achievement tests. Results of these tests provide a basis for review of individual student achievement as well as program effectiveness.

Honors Program

Nursing majors who plan to pursue departmental honors must be members of the University Honors Program and are advised carefully for such achievement. Harris College, Nursing, supports and encourages participation in the Honors Program.





Texas Christian University
© Copyright 2007. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer