Salve Regina University Nursing Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

Salve Regina University offers a variety of nursing programs designed to meet the needs of aspiring and practicing nurses. These programs are characterized by a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, fostering leadership skills, and promoting social justice. The university's nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring that they meet rigorous academic standards and align with the needs of the healthcare industry.

Undergraduate Nursing Programs

Salve Regina University offers two options for undergraduate nursing students: a pre-licensure track for high school graduates and a degree completion track for registered nurses.

Direct-Admission (Pre-Licensure) BSN Program

The direct-admission Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed for high school graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in nursing. This four-year program allows students to begin nursing courses in their first semester.

Key Features:

Direct Admission: Students begin nursing coursework in their first semester.
CCNE-Accreditation: The program is accredited by the CCNE.
Hands-on Learning: Students develop essential skills in state-of-the-art classrooms and simulation labs, recreating everyday hospital situations. They use actual clinical equipment to check vital signs, give medications, and evaluate patient response to treatment in a safe and stress-free setting.
Clinical Rotations: Students gain practical experience through clinical placements in hospitals and healthcare facilities, providing appropriate, safe, and holistic care for patients from diverse backgrounds.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Nursing majors can gain international experience through a summer study abroad program in Ireland, focusing on public health.
Comprehensive Curriculum: The curriculum covers a range of conditions, including acute and chronic illnesses, childbearing and childrearing families, mental health challenges, and end-of-life care.
Eligibility for NCLEX: After graduation, students are eligible to take the NCLEX exam to become licensed registered nurses.
Limited Enrollment: Due to site requirements for experiential learning, the number of students accepted into the nursing program is limited to ensure clinical placement. The application deadline is November 1.

Admission Requirements:

Completion of four years of high school science, including biology, chemistry, and an upper-level science such as anatomy and physiology, physics, AP biology, or AP chemistry.
Strong standardized test scores (SAT or ACT optional).
Competitive high school GPA and class rank.

RN to BSN Program

Salve Regina University’s fully online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree is designed for licensed registered nurses who graduated from an accredited program awarding an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The program builds upon the knowledge and experience of registered nurses, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance their careers.

Key Features:

Fully Online: The program is offered fully online, providing flexibility for working nurses.
Flexible Start Dates: With six different start dates per year, students can begin the program at their convenience.
Credit for Prior Learning: Upon admission, students are awarded 58 credits for work completed in their educational preparation as a registered nurse. Other coursework taken during the licensing process or more recently may also be eligible for transfer.
Holistic Approach: The program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to positively impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Patient-Centered Care: With a focus on patient-centered care, Salve's nursing program prepares students to address the future health needs of various populations.
Preferred Tuition Rates: The program offers preferred tuition rates for nurses from partner institutions.
Curriculum: To earn the B.S. in nursing, students complete 125 credits.
Minimum Credits at Salve Regina: Students must take a minimum of 36 credits at Salve Regina to earn the bachelor's degree.

Graduate Nursing Programs

Salve Regina University offers graduate nursing programs for nurses seeking advanced education and specialization. These programs include Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers specializations in family nursing (MSN-FNP) and psychiatric mental health (MSN-PMHNP), which provide the didactic and experiential learning necessary for certification as a nurse practitioner. The MSN-FNP program is designed to be completed in as little as 28 months with six different start dates per year.

Key Features:

Online Format: The program is offered fully online, allowing students to balance their studies with work and other commitments.
CCNE Accreditation: The online MSN with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration and Post Graduate FNP Certificate are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Specializations: Students can choose to specialize in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
Flexibility: Complete the MSN-FNP program in as little as 28 months with six different start dates per year.
Preferred Tuition Rate: Preferred tuition rates for nurses at partner institutions extends to spouses and family members as well as members of the military.
Curriculum: The coursework explores innovative learning opportunities that ensure future is focused on making a positive impact on others.
Leadership Development: Working toward the MSN-FNP highlights leadership skills and empowers students to encourage others to embrace healthy living and social justice.
Minimum Credits at Salve Regina: A minimum of 39 credits must be taken at Salve Regina University to obtain the master’s degree.
Transfer Credits: Students can only transfer a maximum of 9 credits.

Admission Requirements:

An RN license that is current and in good standing.
A GPA of 3.0 or higher.
A BSN from an accredited program.

Required Courses:

NUR503: Advanced Physiology & Pathophysiology
NUR505: Foundations of the APRN
NUR506: Comprehensive Care for Gender, Women, and Children
NUR511: Global Influences in the Advanced Management of Care
NUR512: Advanced Health Assessment
NUR514: Advanced Health Informatics
NUR520: Research for Evidence-Based Practice
NUR535: Pharmacologic Principles for Advanced Practice Nursing
NUR540: Application of the Advanced Practice Nurse Role I
NUR550: Advanced Practice Care I
NUR552: Advanced Practice Care II
NUR555: Application of the Advanced Practice Nurse Role II
NUR565: Application of the Advanced Practice Nurse Role III

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed for graduate nurses to earn a terminal degree in nursing. There are two pathways to a DNP at Salve Regina: a BSN-DNP program and a post-master's program for advanced practice registered nurses. The doctoral-level coursework has a focus on systems and leadership.

Key Features:

Two Pathways: The program offers pathways for both Bachelor's-prepared nurses (BSN-DNP) and Master's-prepared nurses (post-master's DNP).
Part-Time, Hybrid Format: The program is offered part-time, in a hybrid format.
Focus on Systems and Leadership: The doctoral-level coursework has a focus on systems and leadership.
BSN-DNP Program: Requires 78 credits, 48 graduate-level courses, and 600 clinical hours.
Post-Master's DNP Program: Requires completion of 30 credits of doctoral-level courses for nurses who hold an advanced practice degree.

Additional Opportunities and Resources

Salve Regina University provides various opportunities and resources to support nursing students' academic and professional growth.

Technologically Advanced Simulation Labs: These labs recreate everyday hospital situations, allowing students to practice their skills in a safe and stress-free environment.
Prestigious Affiliated Hospitals: Salve Regina partners with prestigious affiliated hospitals to provide students with valuable clinical experiences.
Student Nurse Organization: The Student Nurse Organization is dedicated to professional growth, academic excellence, and community engagement.
Building Animal Research Connections (BARC): BARC explores the benefits of animal-assisted therapy by organizing research projects that evaluate how interacting with therapy dogs impacts stress levels in college students.
Health and Wellness Community Outreach Program: This program helps to educate the next generation of health care and mental health professionals while serving Rhode Island communities in need.
Career Paths: Graduates are highly sought after by hospitals and health care systems and are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees.

Reputation and Outcomes

Salve Regina University's nursing program is recognized for its quality education, dedicated faculty, and focus on holistic care and social justice. The program is accredited by the CCNE, ensuring that it meets rigorous academic standards and aligns with the needs of the healthcare industry. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to work in a variety of healthcare settings and are highly sought after by employers. The program also boasts a high first-time pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Employers frequently mention that Salve Regina graduates come well-prepared, thanks to their thorough education, strong clinical experiences, and commitment to holistic and ethical care.

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