JMU and Nursing CHOICES September 18, 2010 1

Nursing Attributes *Responsibility *Integrity *Critical Thinking *Altruism and Empathy *Responsibility *Integrity *Critical Thinking *Initiative *Leadership and Advocacy Skills *Value Life-long Learning

Employment Opportunities for JMU Nursing Graduates Patient Education Administration Pediatrics Flight & Trauma Long-Term Care Public Health Doctors Office Traveling

JMU Nursing Mission: To provide quality, professional undergraduate and graduate nursing education that prepares nursing leaders to influence a changing profession, society, health care system, and global health needs.

Sources of Information Nursing Department: Office Staff Contact–Kelly Brown Freshman Advisors Undergraduate Academic Counselor-Charles West, M.Ed., NCC BSN Program Director-Vicki Martin, PhD, RN Department Head – Merle Mast, PhD, RN, ANP Web page – www.nursing.jmu.edu Phone – 540-568-6314

Nursing at JMU 4-year program 2 years General Education & Nursing Pre-reqs 2 years (61 credits) Nursing Accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) BSN  NCLEX  RN NCLEX national; States license RNs Resources throughout curriculum to help prepare for NCLEX

JMU BSN Program prepares YOU as . . . As a generalist Adult Health Pediatrics Mother-Baby Psychiatry Community Health Ways to specialize prior to graduation Summer externship Capstone Experience Nursing Electives

About the Program Classroom courses Varied practicum activities Health Assessment & Skills labs Simulation Lab Experiences Learning: Theory, Skills, Application

Nursing semesters: SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 Mainly Classroom: 14 Classroom Credits 1 Practicum Credit (approx. 3 hours per week) SEMESTER 2 Mainly Clinical 6 Classroom Credits 8 Practicum Credits (approx. 24 hours per week)

Nursing semesters: SEMESTER 3 SEMESTER 4 Mainly Classroom 13 Classroom Credits 2 Practicum credits (approx. 6 hours per week) SEMESTER 4 Mainly Clinical 3 Classroom Credits Capstone! 9 Practicum Credits (approx. 27 hours per week)

Now…… if this sounds good to you so far……

How do you get admitted to Nursing? Enter program at Junior level 60 students admitted each fall 60 students admitted each spring Supplemental application to program due After you have completed 36 total credit hours Completed Chemistry, Statistics, and at least two of the required Biology courses September 30th for the following fall February 15th for the following spring Reapply each time that you wish to be considered for admission HIGHLY competitive!! Average GPA for fall 2010 was 3.6, fall 2011 was 3.54 Approx. 125 qualified applicants for 60 spots (fall 11) Average GPA for spring 2011 was 3.34 Approx. 153 qualified applicants for 60 spots

Nursing Prerequisite Courses: Chem 120 Math 220 statistics Bio 270 Physiology Bio 280 Microbiology Bio 290 Anatomy Nutrition 280 Psych 160 Human Growth and Dev Sophomore Level NSG 270

What if I don’t get accepted the first time that I apply….NOW WHAT? Pick up a Minor Chronic Illness Medical Spanish ETC, ETC, ETC Study Abroad Leave of Absence for a semester

How Can You Be More Competitive NOW ? Take your AP courses seriously and strive for 4’s on each test! Consider taking an elementary statistics course at your local community college this summer! Get some experience NOW for nursing Shadow a nurse Volunteer at a local nursing home Come into JMU with a mindset to work hard and to succeed!

Heads up…. Transportation to practicum sites Documentation required by agencies: Criminal check Drug Screen Various immunizations TB testing CPR certification Costs: Uniforms, equipment, NCLEX prep, professional organization dues and conference attendance, etc.

Once at JMU . . . Balance fun with learning Continue to develop critical reading and writing skills Organize and prioritize your time Get to know your nursing advisor Join the JMU Student Nurses Association EARLY! Find study partners or study groups Use campus resources: Writing center Counseling center for test taking skills and test anxiety Free tutoring for pre-requisite classes Explore opportunities to serve your community through campus organizations and nursing

Questions?