Nursing Major and Learning Outcomes

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School of Nursing Mission Statement

The mission of the DeSales University School of Nursing is to prepare nursing graduates who improve domestic and global health outcomes among diverse populations incorporating Salesian core values and traditions of gentleness, humility, gratitude, and wisdom. Graduates are prepared to assume clinical and leadership positions, contributing to the advancement of nursing, healthcare, academia, interprofessional collaboration, and lifelong learning.

BSN Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate from DeSales University with a major in nursing will be able to:

exemplify Christian humanism through valuing and facilitating full human development;
assist persons to make ethical and moral health care decisions;
integrate best evidence into clinical practice;
demonstrate intellectual curiosity, rational inquiry, problem-solving, and creativity when applying the nursing process to individuals, families, aggregates, communities, and populations with health needs;
advocate for changes in the practice of nursing and the delivery of health care that promote improved health outcomes;
coordinate and manage interdisciplinary and community resources to meet changing health needs of individuals, families, aggregates, communities, and populations;
demonstrate leadership and flexibility by assuming multiple roles in order to facilitate the competent delivery of health care;
safely and effectively integrate technological and scientific advances into cost-effective nursing care;
provide culturally competent nursing care to persons with diverse backgrounds and needs;
communicate effectively and therapeutically using a variety of media and methods.

Philosophically, the nursing program adheres to the University’s belief that there is a Christian way of being human. Nursing as a caring, comforting, and nurturing art and as a science based on inquiry and established principles reflects Christian beliefs. Nursing courses are rooted in the tenets of Salesian Christian humanism in which persons are viewed holistically and nursing action aims to foster each person’s full physical, intellectual, moral, social, aesthetic, and spiritual/religious development. The goals of nursing include health promotion, maintenance, restoration, and palliation.

The undergraduate nursing major prepares the graduate for general practice at a beginning professional level in nursing and provides a knowledge base for graduate study and an awareness of the need for life-long learning. Upon successful completion of the undergraduate nursing program of study, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is granted. A four-year academic program is offered in a traditional day format and in an evening-weekend format. An Accelerated BSN Program is offered for students who have already completed a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing major.

Academically qualified students may be eligible for direct admission into one of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs through the Nurse Scholars Program or Accelerated Direct Entry BSN + MSN Program (Accelerated BSN Plus). Traditional students must fulfill all requirements for the BSN degree before attaining status as graduate students. MSN programs prepare students to pursue advanced practice nursing specialties, including family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist, or adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. MSN degree options also include forensic nursing with certification in investigative forensics, MSN/MSIS in Data Analytics, and nurse executive via the dual MSN/MBA program (students interested in the dual MSN/MBA program must apply separately to the MBA program for admission consideration; acceptance into the MBA program is not guaranteed).

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at DeSales University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Admission into the nursing major following the first year assures placement in clinical nursing courses, provided that the student remains in “Acceptable Academic Standing ” as outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Internal Transfer Policy: BSN to BSN Programs

The following guidelines are designed to provide smooth transfer between BSN programs for students, when necessary, for individual academic progression:

All students are accepted either into the Traditional day BSN program, the Accelerated BSN program, or the Evening-Weekend BSN program.

Students may take nursing courses only in the program to which they are originally accepted.
Students desiring to transfer between BSN programs must be in acceptable academic standing as described under “Acceptable Academic Standing ” in the Undergraduate Catalog. For nursing students, acceptable academic standing also includes meeting the BSN progression policies.
Students desiring to transfer between BSN programs will seek approval and advisement from their School of Nursing academic advisor.
The academic advisor will communicate the student’s plan and its rationale to the Associate Dean for Nursing for transfer consideration.
Students desiring to transfer will be advised by their academic advisor to formally apply to the desired BSN program.
Acceptance into any nursing program will be contingent upon meeting program-specific criteria, BSN clinical requirements, availability of clinical sites, and space in existing clinical groups.
- Candidates to the Traditional Day BSN, Evening-Weekend BSN, or Accelerated BSN program will formally apply under University guidelines and directives.
Students accepted into any BSN program as a result of the above process will continue to matriculate in that program for the remainder of their undergraduate nursing studies.
Students will be charged the standard tuition associated with the specific BSN program they have transferred into.
A student may be permitted to transfer to a different BSN program only one time during their undergraduate studies; the request must be approved by the Chair of Undergraduate Nursing and the Associate Dean for Nursing, and the Dean of the College of Healthcare Professions.

Internal Transfer Policy: Non-BSN to BSN Program

Non-nursing major students desiring to transfer into a BSN program are encouraged to meet with the Program Associate, School of Nursing. In addition to fulfilling all admission requirements of a nursing major, the internal transfer applicant must:

Be in acceptable academic standing as described under “Acceptable Academic Standing ” in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Earn a minimum cumulative GPA equal to 2.75 or higher at the end of the spring semester of the year prior to nursing program enrollment. Cumulative GPAs are calculated to three decimal places and are not rounded.
Earn a grade of C or higher in each of the following courses:
- BI 263 : Anatomy & Physiology I (Fall)
- PS 109 Introduction to Psychology (Fall)
- BI 264 : Anatomy & Physiology II (Spring)
- CH 107 : Physiological Chemistry (Spring)

The BSN program’s prerequisite science, mathematics, and psychology courses are eligible for transfer consideration provided the courses adhere to the undergraduate transfer policy detailed in the Undergraduate Catalog, were completed with a grade of “C” or higher, and were completed within the last five years of the student’s matriculation into a DeSales BSN program.

The admission process is rigorous; demonstrating minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance or acceptance of transfer into a DeSales nursing program. Acceptance into any nursing program will be contingent upon meeting program-specific criteria, BSN clinical requirements, the availability of clinical sites, and space in existing clinical groups. Internal transfer students who are accepted into the Nursing major must abide by the progression requirements outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog that is in effect at the time of their acceptance into the Nursing major. As part of these requirements, students are expected to maintain continuous enrollment (fall and spring).

Protocol for Academic Due Process

Undergraduate Nursing students who feel that they have an academic grievance have the opportunity to appeal as described under “Academic Regulations  ” in the Undergraduate Catalog. Specifically, the student should first address the matter with the instructor. If the student is not satisfied with the outcome, the Chair of Undergraduate Nursing should be the next point of contact, followed by (if needed) the Associate Dean for Nursing, the Dean of the College of Healthcare Professions, and finally the Academic Affairs Committee, in that order.

Students must report the appeal to their academic advisor, the Chair of Undergraduate Nursing, and the Associate Dean for Nursing, within 72 hours of the grade post date

The appealing student will be allowed to attend class during the appeal process. Attendance will be prohibited in laboratory or clinical experiences until the appeal is finalized. If the appeal is accepted, the Schoo of Nursing will work with the student to get them back on track with the completion of program requirements.

Students will remain in all platforms utilized by the School of Nursing and University rosters until an appeal decision is reached.

Appeal decisions will be communicated by the Chair of Undergraduate Nursing and/or Head of the School of Nursing to the student and their academic advisor no later than the add/drop date and/or the end of the first week of class (Summer semester only)

BSN Clinical Requirements (Traditional Day BSN, Accelerated BSN, Adult Studies Evening-Weekend BSN):

1. The School of Nursing maintains a zero-tolerance policy for all BSN clinical requirements. No student will be allowed to participate in clinical or laboratory experiences without documentation that they satisfactorily meet all of the following BSN Clinical Requirements (as determined by the School of Nursing). Inability to satisfactorily meet one or more of the BSN Clinical Requirements will prohibit the student from attending required clinical and/or laboratory experiences. Inability to attend required clinical and/or laboratory experiences may result in course failure and/or dismissal from the nursing program. Some documents and clearances may need to be updated on a yearly basis at the student’s expense. Some documents and clearances may need to be updated yearly at the student’s expense.

Submit results and give evidence of good health (free from communicable diseases) and prophylaxis including, but not limited to:

Completed physical examination, including specified laboratory studies (Health requirements form and directions will be provided by DeSales University’s School of Nursing).
Proof of completed immunization series including: Tetanus (Tcdap), Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella & Hepatitis B (series of three injections).
Evidence of adequate immunity: Measles titer, Mumps titer, Rubella titer, Varicella (chickenpox) titer (if unable to provide documentation of having had the disease) & Hepatitis B surface antibody.
Hepatitis B vaccination (series of three injections) must be completed before April of the first year.
Additional vaccinations, including, not limited to, annual influenza vaccination, COVID-19 vaccinations, as required by clinical affiliated partners for clinical rotations.
Tuberculosis screening (blood or skin testing) completed at the appropriate time.

Matriculation in the Nursing Program is contingent upon negative background clearances which include the following:
1. Nationwide Criminal Background Check
2. FBI fingerprinting
3. Child Abuse History
4. All out-of-state students (students who are residents outside of Pennsylvania) must complete an additional PA Department of Aging clearance confirming that you are “eligible”.
5. Drug testing
Proof of current CPR certification
Proof of current Automobile insurance
Proof of current Medical/Health insurance
Any additional health documentation, criminal checks, drug testing, or certification requirements as set forth by the School of Nursing and/or affiliating clinical agencies
Completion of Orientation requirements (onboarding) specific to each affiliating clinical agency

All forms and instructions are available through the School of Nursing. Documents must be submitted to the School of Nursing each year while in the program. The student may be required to submit additional documentation as deemed appropriate. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain these forms and submit the documentation to the School of Nursing by the deadlines set forth for review.

2. Students are expected to notify the Director of Clinical Services/Undergraduate Clinical Liaison of the School of Nursing immediately of any changes in the following while in the nursing program:

Health Status
Background Clearances (term inclusive of all clearances such as Nationwide Background, Drug Screening, FBI fingerprints, Department of Aging, etc.)
Child Abuse History

All changes will be evaluated by the Director of Clinical Placement/Undergraduate Clinical Liaison. These changes may jeopardize a student’s progression in the nursing program and may result in a student’s dismissal from the program. Failure to notify the Director of Clinical Placement/Undergraduate Clinical Liaison of any changes may result in immediate dismissal from the Nursing Program. Pending court dates, pending charges, and arrests are considered a change to criminal history. Continued participation/acceptance in the DeSales University Nursing Program is dependent upon continuous negative results of all required documentation (as outlined above). Admission or participation in the Nursing Program may be revoked upon receipt of any positive results. The School of Nursing maintains a zero-tolerance policy should a student not notify the School of a change in their history, as noted above; failure to do so may lead to dismissal.

3. Affiliating clinical agencies (utilized for required student clinical experiences) reserve the right to deny a student’s participation in any clinical experience/rotation because of a positive drug test, a positive criminal record, a felony or misdemeanor conviction, a record of child abuse, pending charges, or the inability to produce appropriate documentation related to required health clearances. Inability to attend required clinical/laboratory experiences may result in course failure and/or dismissal from the Nursing Program.

4. Students who experience a change in their health status (including but not limited to an illness or injury) are required to obtain a healthcare provider’s note prior to the student’s return to class and clinical/laboratory. The healthcare provider’s note must specifically state the date(s) excused and state the date the student is cleared to return to normal class and clinical/laboratory experiences. In addition, the provider’s note must specifically state that the student has either no restrictions or specify the current restrictions. Students may be withheld from class or clinical/laboratory experiences if appropriate health clearance is not provided to the School of Nursing by the deadlines set forth and must adhere to the Clinical and Laboratory Attendance Policy.

5. Students must meet the Core Performance Standards for School of Nursing students, which can be found on the student portal.

6. Clinical site placements are a very important part of the Nursing education. Clinical experiences take place in a variety of settings in the tri-state area. Some placements are at area hospitals while others require travel. Currently, placements occur within a one-hour radius of the University. If circumstances change, Students may need to travel further distances to a clinical site to meet their clinical objectives. Clinical sites are based on the type and quality of the educational experience. The site location is not always the determining factor when reservations are made. An attempt will be made to keep travel to a minimum but unfortunately there is no guarantee of an assignment close to your residence. Students must assume responsibility for their own transportation. They are also responsible for any expenses incurred as the result of traveling to and from the clinical sites. Students will be assigned to sites and rotation times according to site availability and concurrently running nursing courses. Specific clinical placements and rotation times cannot be guaranteed to any student. All placements are made at the discretion of the School of Nursing.

*** Regardless of whether a student graduates from DeSales University, individuals who have a positive criminal record, a felony or misdemeanor conviction, pending charges, or a record of child abuse may be denied State Licensure as a health professional.

Computer and Equipment Requirements

All undergraduate nursing students are required to have a portable laptop computer (PC or Mac) with functioning camera/webcam and microphone that uses a Windows and/or Apple operating system with internet connectivity in order to receive the best compatibility and functionality when taking nursing courses at DeSales University. Tablets and iPads can be used as supplemental technology but will not have the same capabilities as a laptop computer. Students should refer to “Computers ” and “Distance Education and Instructional Technology ” information described in the Undergraduate Catalog. Additional University technology requirements can be located on the DeSales website Distance Education: Technical Requirements webpage and in the Pre-Licensure BSN Student Handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the computer video and audio are functioning properly and seek assistance from the DSU helpdesk and/or The Center for Educational Resources and Technology (CERT) if needed prior to the start of the classroom experience.

All undergraduate nursing students are required to own and use a privacy screen for all computer-based testing administered on personal devices. The privacy screen attaches over the device’s display to make information visible to only the user and will only be used during computer-based testing sessions. Students should refer to the 3M Privacy and Screen Protectors webpage for examples.

In addition to technology equipment, all undergraduate nursing students are required to purchase the healthcare provider equipment. Appropriate order forms and instructions are available through the School of Nursing and are distributed to students upon and/or prior to program matriculation.

Stethoscope (Littmann Classic III)
Blood Pressure Cuff
Stop-watch, lapel watch, or wristwatch with a second hand
Pen Light
Medical/bandage Scissors
Clipboard
Shoes must be solid, no shapes or patterns, shades of white, grey, black, or navy, with smooth antimicrobial finish, no laces, and no mesh fabric
Scrub Top, wine color with DeSales logo
Scrub Pant, navy blue color
Lab Coat, white with DeSales logo
DeSales nursing student patch for scrub top
Any additional equipment set forth by the School of Nursing and/or affiliating clinical agencies.

The financial costs associated with equipment are the student’s responsibility.

Leave of Absence from the Nursing Program

All students accepted into the nursing major, whether they are full-time or part-time undergraduate Traditional Day BSN students, Accelerated BSN students, or Evening-Weekend BSN students completing their degrees, must be continuously enrolled until they are awarded their degrees. Each BSN program has a specific maximum time for program completion applicable from the date of enrollment in the first nursing course. This includes time associated with failure to progress. It may also include time elapsed due to an approved leave of absence, depending upon the student’s individual circumstances. Students should refer to the nursing progression requirements outlined in the Undergraduate Catalog in effect at the time of the student’s acceptance into the nursing program.

A student who wishes not to register for courses must apply to take a “Leave of Absence.” These forms must be signed by the student’s nursing faculty advisor and a “Program Plan” must be completed by the student’s nursing faculty advisor that clearly outlines when the student plans to take required courses and plans to graduate. This policy ensures that clinical placement for all students can be adequately planned in advance. Should a student not file a “Leave of Absence” and “Program Plan” by the mid-term period for the absent semester, he/she will be dismissed from the nursing program and may reapply for admission. “Program Plan” and “Leave of Absence” forms are available through the School of Nursing. The student must also follow University guidelines for a leave of absence according to University regulations noted in the Undergraduate Catalog. A student must reapply for a “Leave of Absence” if he/she wishes to take more than one semester break from the program of study.

An application for a “Leave of Absence” does not guarantee that the student’s request will be granted. Students granted a leave must submit a written request with their intentions for returning to the Associate Dean of Academic Life for Traditional Day BSN students, or to the Nursing Program Director for Accelerated BSN and Evening-Weekend BSN students. Students granted a leave due to a change in their health status, including but not limited to an illness or injury, are required to obtain a healthcare provider’s note prior to the student’s return to class and clinical/laboratory. The healthcare provider’s note must specifically state the date that the student is cleared to return to normal class and clinical/laboratory experiences. In addition, the provider’s note must specifically state that the student has either no restrictions or specify the current restrictions.

If the authorized period for the leave of absence has expired without an approved request to extend the leave, the student will be dismissed from the nursing program and may reapply for admission. Students must additionally be in compliance with the “Leave of Absence” policy detailed in the Undergraduate Catalog under Separation from DeSales University.

It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Bursar and/or the Financial Aid Office for additional information about the implications of a leave for their tuition or financial aid. Questions about housing should be addressed to the Residence Life Office.

Undergraduate Students Seeking to Take Graduate Courses

Select undergraduate (Traditional, Evening-Weekend, and Accelerated) students who have achieved senior status and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.000 may take one graduate level core course, with approval of their Undergraduate Faculty Advisor and the Chair of the Graduate Nursing Programs. The cumulative GPA of 3.000 must be achieved in the semester prior to taking an MSN course. Nurse Scholars and Accelerated Direct Entry BSN + MSN (ABSN Plus) students must also have achieved a grade of B or higher in all nursing courses. Nurse Scholar students with senior level status may take up to five graduate level core courses with approval of the Chair of the Graduate Nursing Programs. ABSN Plus students may take up to three graduate level core courses with approval of the Chair of the Graduate Nursing Programs. Course registration is dependent upon available space in the course; Nurse Scholar and ABSN Plus students are given priority for available course space. Students may take an MSN Core Course or an MSN Advanced Core Course, as long as pre-requisites are met. Students must retrieve, complete, and submit the required Registration Form to the School of Nursing by the semester designated due date.