Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
The Colorado State University Pueblo School of Nursing offers an undergraduate program that confers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The undergraduate program offers several options for the nursing student. The Basic BSN is an option developed for the student who has completed prerequisite courses and has no degree, certificate or license. The RN-BSN option is developed for an associate degree or diploma nurse with a license, or a student enrolled in a Colorado community college ADN program to complete their BSN. The student with another baccalaureate or masters degree may apply to the Degree Plus to BSN option or the Basic BSN.
The Basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing Option (Basic BSN)
The Basic BSN program assists the new student who has completed their prerequisite courses to enter a dynamic ever-changing profession of nursing by completing their BSN degree requirements. The program is based on a philosophical approach to nursing that includes the caring and the Quality and Safety Education for Nursing (QSEN) competencies. The Colorado State University Pueblo offers the ideal foundation for the development of the professional nurse.
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Option (RN-BSN or RN-MS)
The RN to BSN courses are offered in an online format. Two types of students are eligible to enroll in this option: Those who are licensed RN’s and those enrolled in a Colorado community college associate degree nursing program (ADN). A licensed RN includes both an associate degree and a diploma nurse. Those enrolled in the community college have an opportunity to concurrently enroll in the RN to BSN program and begin taking select bachelor level courses. This allows them to move seamlessly from the associate degree program to the bachelor’s degree program. These students must pass the NCLEX-RN and be licensed in order to take the final BSN course. A RN to MS option is available for students wanting a BSN and Masters degree. See the RN (ADN) to MS (Nursing-Nurse Educator) concentration in the catalog.
Colorado Community College System or Compact State Dual Enrollment/ADN to BSN
BSN courses may be taken concurrently while enrolled in a Colorado compact state or a Colorado Community College System ADN program. In addition, pre-requisite courses may be taken while concurrently enrolled. Upon receiving RN licensure and completion of all BSN courses students are eligible for escrow credits through articulation.
Degree Plus to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Accelerated (BSN) Option
The Degree-Plus Accelerated Option is for students with a previous non-nursing baccalaureate degree. The applicant must have completed the necessary prerequisites prior to starting the program. The Accelerated Option offers students an intense, challenging approach that enables students to complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 14 months.
Acceptance of Transfer Credit
Transfer credit will be awarded per the published Academic Policies section of this catalog. Credit will be awarded for a course in which a grade of C or better was earned. Grades of C- are not accepted for any nursing or nursing prerequisite course. Requests for transfer of nursing credit are evaluated on an individual basis.
Academic Standards
Students are responsible for all academic standards policies per the published Academic Policies section of this catalog. In addition to those policies, the following applies:
- Students must complete all nursing courses with a grade of B or better. Failure of any nursing courses will result in dismissal from the program. The student may be eligible for re-admission on a one-time basis only. If readmission is granted, subsequent failure will make the student ineligible for re-admission to that option.
- Students must follow their appropriate program option nursing course sequence plan. Exceptions are only by permission of the undergraduate nursing program director.
- All nursing courses with corresponding labs must be completed in the same semester. Exceptions are only by permission of the undergraduate nursing program director.
Licensure Examination
Students must complete all of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing requirements in order to be qualified to sit for the National Certification Licensure Examination.
Specific Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission Policies & Procedures
Students are responsible for all undergraduate admissions policies and procedures as outlined in the Academic Policies section of this catalog.
The BSN program is very competitive. If a student is not admitted to the BSN program they can complete the BS in Health Science which will prepare them for an accelerated nursing program, entry level Master degree in Nursing or graduate degrees in several other heath science oriented professions such as Public Health, Athletic Training, Nutrition, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Healthcare Administration.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
There are two ways to apply for admission to the Nursing Program.
Admission as a High School Senior to Nursing Program as a Freshman
Slots for admission as a freshman are limited. Admission is not guaranteed as students with the highest GPA’s and ACT/SAT scores will have priority selection. Preference is given to students graduating from Southern Colorado high schools and/or Health Academy programs. In order to be admitted directly in to the program as a freshman, students must:
- Demonstrate proof of high school diploma. Students must show proof of 3 years of science, including biology and chemistry and proof of algebra or equivalent.
- Have a cumulative high school GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Have minimal math scores for enrollment in MATH 156.
- Remain a full-time CSU Pueblo student and maintain a 3.0 cumulative average and 3.0 nursing prerequisite average while taking courses at CSU Pueblo.
- Have prerequisites and general education completed by the start of the second semester sophomore year.
If students do not have these requirements, they will lose their opportunity to progress directly into the nursing program.
Students denied admission as freshman are eligible to apply as second semester sophomores.
Admission as a Second Semester Sophomore from CSU Pueblo or Transfer from an Accredited School
All pre-nursing students will be Health Sciences majors with a pre-nursing concentration. Admission to the University does not imply acceptance to the nursing program. The undergraduate program is very competitive and applicants are assigned an admission score based on their GPA for the general education and prerequisites required by the program and holistic admission components such as first generation status. Completion of all pre-requisite courses at CSU Pueblo will also be given special consideration for admission. Fifty percent of the prerequisites and general education courses must be completed by the application deadline. Only students admitted to the Nursing or Health Sciences majors are eligible to take nursing courses as indicated in their degree plan. For the basic nursing option student admission:
- Requirements are a minimum GPA of 3.00 for all required general education and prerequisites. All prerequisites must be passed with a C or better (C- is not acceptable) and be completed prior to the term of entrance into the nursing program. Students receiving a grade less than C in a nursing prerequisite course are not eligible for admission. Prerequisite courses may be repeated one (1) time only for admission eligibility.
- All general education must be completed prior to the term of entrance into the nursing program.
- The student needs to be admitted to CSU Pueblo first, and then submit a separate application to the nursing program the year prior to the spring (basic) or summer (accelerated) term they plan to start the program. During the pre-nursing phase of the application process, students will be advised by the pre-nursing advisor.
Students will be notified via email of their admission status to the program. Those students who are accepted to the program must return receipt of acceptance by the stated deadline or the admission status will be revoked.
Students who are residents of another country must have a TOFEL of 550 or have completed the University requirements of English and Speech skills.
Undergraduate Nursing Program Application Process
Applications to the nursing program may be obtained at http://ceeps.csupueblo.edu/nursing or in the nursing department. The completed applications must be submitted to the School of Nursing by the scheduled deadline. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Applicants should contact the School of Nursing with questions regarding applications.
Undergraduate Post Acceptance Requirements
Before a student starts the nursing program they must attend a mandatory orientation.
The following must be submitted through the nursing tracking system after receiving a Net ID number from the University and instructions from the Department of Nursing prior to orientation. Failure to do so by the stated deadline will result in loss of admission status.
- Background check per Colorado Law. (House bill 97-1084).
- A urine drug screen.
- Current certification in CPR (Health Care Provider-C or equivalent).
- Current physical examination within the last year and current immunizations including, hepatitis B series, TB test or two step if necessary, measles, mumps, rubella, influenza, covid-19, tetanus and varicella and/or titers.
- Proof of current health insurance.
- Proof of current nursing student malpractice insurance from organization specified by School of Nursing.
The following must be submitted to the School of Nursing prior to orientation by the stated deadline:
- Current unofficial transcripts showing completion of all prerequisite and general education classes.
- Return receipt for program acceptance.
In order to register for undergraduate nursing courses, students must have unconditional acceptance into the nursing program and follow their option degree plan, or register by permission of the nursing undergraduate program coordinator.
RN-BSN Admissions Requirements
- Complete application to the nursing program.
- Proof of active, unrestricted Colorado Registered Nurse license by the end of the first semester of the program. (or current enrollment in a Colorado Community College or a compact state ADN program)
- Residency in a Colorado Nursing Compact State.
- All prerequisites must be passed with a C or better (C- is not acceptable) Students receiving a grade less than C in a nursing prerequisite course are not eligible for admission.
Degree Plus to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Accelerated (BSN) Option
Students will be notified by email of their admission status to the program. Those students who are accepted to the program should acknowledge acceptance by return email.
The degree-plus student is expected to meet with the pre-nursing advisor for advisement and plan development. The student must have a cumulative nursing prerequisite GPA of 3.0 and follow all admission and post acceptance requirements set forth in the Basic Nursing Option. Due to the intensity of the curriculum, it is advised that the student not work and be able to attend to their studies full-time. Students must maintain a cumulative nursing 3.00 GPA to progress.
Admission to this option is very competitive and applicants are assigned an admission score based on their GPA for the prerequisites required by the program and holistic admission components such as first generation status. Completion of prior degree at CSU Pueblo will also be given special consideration for admission.
Time Limits
For applicants to all options (except registered nurses), Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Intro to Human Development, and Pathophysiology completed (5) years or more before applying to the nursing program will not be accepted as satisfying the prerequisite requirement.
Undergraduate Program Outcomes
- Eighty percent of graduates will:
- Express satisfaction with the program.
- Pass national licensure exam the first time.
- Be employed in role related professional practice within six months to one year.
- Sixty percent of graduates will:
- complete their program on-time starting from enrollment day one of the first class of their nursing option.
Expected Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate caring through advocacy for patients by providing compassionate care based on respect for patient’s preferences, values, and needs.
- Collaborate effectively within health care team, to achieve safe, quality patient care in a variety of health care settings.
- Use nursing judgment based on best current evidence to ensure optimal outcomes for patients and families.
- Demonstrate professional identity, integrity, and leadership as the coordinator of patient care.
Outcome Assessments
The outcome assessments will be evaluated through or by:
- Assessment of clinical competencies through multiple strategies including simulations and clinical evaluation tools.
- Individual and course evaluations.
- Survey of nursing graduates.
- Licensure Examination (NCLEX) first-time pass rates.
- A survey of graduate employment.
- Graduation rates.
Specific Program Requirements
Elective Concentrated Clinical Practicum
The elective concentrated clinical practicum allows the student enrolled in the Basic BSN option to choose an area of clinical concentration during their progression through the program. The student will meet with their advisor and course coordinator to develop their plan. The elective concentrated clinical practicum is not an option for students enrolled in the accelerated BSN option.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | ||
| Summer | ||
| NSG 372 | Clinical Practicum I | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Senior | ||
| Spring | ||
| NSG 472 | Clinical Practicum II | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Basic BSN Option Program Plan
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 223 & 223L | Human Physiology and Anatomy I (GT-SC2) and Human Physiology and Anatomy I Lab (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| CID 103 | Speaking & Listening | 3 |
| ENG 101 | Rhetoric & Writing I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| PSYC 151 | Human Development (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| World Language | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 224 & 224L | Human Physiology and Anatomy II (GT-SC2) and Human Physiology and Anatomy II Lab (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| ENG 102 | Rhetoric & Writing II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | Principles of Chemistry (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| CHEM 111L | Principles of Chemistry Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 206 & 206L | Introduction to Microbiology and Introduction to Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| NSG 207 | Nursing Pathophysiology | 3 |
| History 1 | 3 | |
| Humanities | 3 | |
| Social Science | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| NSG 231 | Concepts for Professional Nursing | 2 |
| NSG 232 & 232L & 232S | Fundamentals of Nursing Care and Fundamentals of Nursing Care Lab and Fundamentals of Nursing Care Sim | 7 |
| NSG 302 & 302L | Health Promotion and Assessment and Health Promotion and Assessment Lab | 3 |
| NSG 308 | Pharmacology in Nursing Practice | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| NSG 331 | HEALTHY AGING | 2 |
| NSG 351 | Evidence Based Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NSG 382 | Dynamics of Behavioral Health | 3.00 |
| NSG 382L | Dynamics of Behavioral Health Lab | 2.50 |
| NSG 382S | Dynamics of Behavioral Health Sim | 0.50 |
| One of the following will be assigned: | 6 | |
| Caring for Childbearing Family and Caring for Childbearing Family Lab and NSG Care Childbearing Family Sim | ||
| Caring for Children/Families and Caring for Children/Families Lab and Caring for Children/Families Sim | ||
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| NSG 322 & 322L & 322S | Caring for Adults I and Caring for Adults I Lab and Caring for Adults I Simulation | 8 |
| NSG 371 | Healthcare Informatics | 2.0 |
| One of the following will be assigned: | 6 | |
| Caring for Childbearing Family and Caring for Childbearing Family Lab and NSG Care Childbearing Family Sim | ||
| Caring for Children/Families and Caring for Children/Families Lab and Caring for Children/Families Sim | ||
| Credits | 16 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| NSG 420 & 420L & 420S | Caring For Adults II and Caring for Adults II Lab and Caring for Adults II Simulation | 8 |
| NSG 442 & 442L & 442S | Global Public Health and Global Public Health Lab and Global Public Health Simulation | 6 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| NSG 451 | Nursing Leadership and Issues | 3 |
| NSG 452 & 452L & 452S | Synthesis of Nursing Practice and Synthesis of Nursing Practice Lab and Synthesis of Nursing Practice Sim | 9 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
CID 221 Interpersonal Communication (3 c.h.) will be accepted in lieu of CID 103 Speaking and Listening (3 c.h.) but student must complete additional Gen Ed Humanities
- 2
May substitute CHEM 121 General Chemistry I ( 4.c.h.)/CHEM 121L General Chemistry Lab I (1 c.h.)
- 3
Per General Education Requirement
Degree Plus to BSN Accelerated Option
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||
| NSG 231 | Concepts for Professional Nursing | 2 |
| NSG 232 & 232L & 232S | Fundamentals of Nursing Care and Fundamentals of Nursing Care Lab and Fundamentals of Nursing Care Sim | 7 |
| NSG 302 & 302L | Health Promotion and Assessment and Health Promotion and Assessment Lab | 3 |
| NSG 308 | Pharmacology in Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NSG 331 | HEALTHY AGING | 2 |
| Fall | ||
| NSG 312 & 312L & 312S | Caring for Childbearing Family and Caring for Childbearing Family Lab and NSG Care Childbearing Family Sim | 6 |
| NSG 322 & 322L & 322S | Caring for Adults I and Caring for Adults I Lab and Caring for Adults I Simulation | 8 |
| NSG 332 & 332L & 332S | Caring for Children/Families and Caring for Children/Families Lab and Caring for Children/Families Sim | 6 |
| Spring | ||
| NSG 351 | Evidence Based Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NSG 382 & 382L & 382S | Dynamics of Behavioral Health and Dynamics of Behavioral Health Lab and Dynamics of Behavioral Health Sim | 6 |
| NSG 420 & 420L & 420S | Caring For Adults II and Caring for Adults II Lab and Caring for Adults II Simulation | 8 |
| NSG 371 | Healthcare Informatics | 2 |
| Summer | ||
| NSG 442 & 442L & 442S | Global Public Health and Global Public Health Lab and Global Public Health Simulation | 6 |
| NSG 451 | Nursing Leadership and Issues | 3 |
| NSG 452 & 452L & 452S | Synthesis of Nursing Practice and Synthesis of Nursing Practice Lab and Synthesis of Nursing Practice Sim | 9 |
| Total Credits | 74 | |
RN-BSN (Nursing) Degree Requirements (Online Only)
The student must confer with the RN-BSN advisor to develop a program of study. The RN-BSN option will include 33 credit hours through articulation, which will be posted the semester prior to anticipated graduation, 57 credit hours of prerequisite or co-requisite courses and 30 credit hours of nursing and approved elective courses for a total of 120 credit hours. Students must pass all nursing courses with a B or better and maintain a nursing 3.0 GPA. RNs transferring from community colleges can transfer in 57 prerequisite credits along with 33 RN credits of which 10 are considered upper division for a total of 90 credit hours. This applies only to the students in the RN to BSN option. Students must provide evidence of RN licensure in order to enroll in NSG 453 Synthesis for RN's (4 c.h.) NSG 453L Synthesis for RN's Lab (5 c.h.)
RN-BSN Specific Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Transfer/Credits through articulation | 33 | |
| Prerequisite Courses | ||
| ENG 101 | Rhetoric & Writing I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| ENG 102 | Rhetoric & Writing II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| CID 103 | Speaking & Listening | 3 |
| BIOL 206 & 206L | Introduction to Microbiology and Introduction to Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 223 & 223L | Human Physiology and Anatomy I (GT-SC2) and Human Physiology and Anatomy I Lab (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| BIOL 224 & 224L | Human Physiology and Anatomy II (GT-SC2) and Human Physiology and Anatomy II Lab (GT-SC1) | 4 |
| CHEM 111 & 111L | Principles of Chemistry (GT-SC2) and Principles of Chemistry Lab (GT-SC1) 2 | 4 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| PSYC 151 | Human Development (GT-SS3) | 3.0 |
| History 3 | 3 | |
| NSG 207 | Nursing Pathophysiology | 3 |
| World Language 3 | 3 | |
| Humanities 3 | 3 | |
| Social Science 3 | 3 | |
| Elective Credits | 11 | |
| NSG 309 | Professional Nursing Practice | 4 |
| NSG 311 | Integration of QSEN for Nurses | 3 |
| NSG 351 | Evidence Based Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NSG 371 | Healthcare Informatics | 2 |
| NSG 451 | Nursing Leadership and Issues | 3 |
| NSG 443 | Global Public Health Nursing for RN's | 3 |
| NSG 443L | Global Public Health Nursing Lab for RN's | 3 |
| NSG 453 & 453L | Synthesis for RN's and Synthesis for RN's Lab | 9 |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
CID 221 Interpersonal Communication (3 c.h.) will be accepted in lieu of CID 103 Speaking and Listening (3 c.h.) but student must complete additional Gen Ed Humanities
- 2
May substitute CHEM 121 General Chemistry I (4 c.h.)/CHEM 121L General Chemistry Lab I (1 c.h.)
- 3
Per General Education Requirements
Specific Graduation Requirements
The BSN degree will be granted to undergraduate nursing degree-seeking students who meet all of the published requirements plus the additional requirements below:
- Have a cumulative nursing GPA of 3.00 or better at graduation. All required prerequisite courses must be passed with a C or better. All nursing courses must be passed with a B or better or satisfactory (S).
- Complete the program’s minimum number of hours of approved nursing course work within five years.
Note: Nursing courses completed five (5) or more years before the date of graduation, either at CSU Pueblo or at some other institution, will not be accepted as satisfying graduation requirements without the approval of the nursing admissions committee.
Planning Sheet
Disclaimer: The Planning Sheet is designed as a guide for student's planning their course selections. The information on this page provides only a suggested schedule. Actual course selections should be made with the advice and consent of an academic advisor. While accurately portraying the information contained in the college catalog, this form is not considered a legal substitute for that document. Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect at the time in which they entered the institution.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
| ENG 101 | Rhetoric & Writing I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| CID 103 | Speaking & Listening | 3 |
| PSYC 151 | Human Development (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| BIOL 223 | Human Physiology and Anatomy I (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 223L | Human Physiology and Anatomy I Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENG 102 | Rhetoric & Writing II (GT-CO2) | 3 |
| CHEM 111 | Principles of Chemistry (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| CHEM 111L | Principles of Chemistry Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| BIOL 224 | Human Physiology and Anatomy II (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 224L | Human Physiology and Anatomy II Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 206 | Introduction to Microbiology | 3 |
| BIOL 206L | Introduction to Microbiology Lab | 1 |
| NSG 207 | Nursing Pathophysiology | 3 |
| General Education | 9 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| NSG 231 | Concepts for Professional Nursing | 2 |
| NSG 232 | Fundamentals of Nursing Care | 3 |
| NSG 232L | Fundamentals of Nursing Care Lab | 3.5 |
| NSG 232S | Fundamentals of Nursing Care Sim | 0.5 |
| NSG 302 | Health Promotion and Assessment | 2 |
| NSG 302L | Health Promotion and Assessment Lab | 1 |
| NSG 308 | Pharmacology in Nursing Practice | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| NSG 312 or NSG 332 |
Caring for Childbearing Family or Caring for Children/Families |
3 |
| NSG 312L or NSG 332L |
Caring for Childbearing Family Lab or Caring for Children/Families Lab |
2.5 |
| NSG 312S or NSG 332S |
NSG Care Childbearing Family Sim or Caring for Children/Families Sim |
0.5 |
| NSG 331 | Healthy Aging | 2 |
| NSG 351 | Evidence Based Nursing Practice | 3 |
| NSG 382 | Dynamics of Behavioral Health | 3 |
| NSG 382L | Dynamics of Behavioral Health Lab | 2.5 |
| NSG 382S | Dynamics of Behavioral Health Sim | 0.5 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| NSG 312 or NSG 332 |
Caring for Childbearing Family or Caring for Children/Families |
3 |
| NSG 312L or NSG 332L |
Caring for Childbearing Family Lab or Caring for Children/Families Lab |
2.5 |
| NSG 312S or NSG 332S |
NSG Care Childbearing Family Sim or Caring for Children/Families Sim |
0.5 |
| NSG 322 | Caring for Adults I | 4 |
| NSG 322L | Caring for Adults I Lab | 3.5 |
| NSG 322S | Caring for Adults I Simulation | 0.5 |
| NSG 371 | Healthcare Informatics | 2 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| NSG 420 | Caring For Adults II | 4 |
| NSG 420L | Caring for Adults II Lab | 3 |
| NSG 420S | Caring for Adults II Simulation | 1 |
| NSG 442 | Global Public Health | 3 |
| NSG 442L | Global Public Health Lab | 2.5 |
| NSG 442S | Global Public Health Simulation | 0.5 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| NSG 451 | Nursing Leadership and Issues | 3 |
| NSG 452 | Synthesis of Nursing Practice | 4 |
| NSG 452L | Synthesis of Nursing Practice Lab | 4 |
| NSG 452S | Synthesis of Nursing Practice Sim | 1 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |