Bluefield State College

Nursing Programs Offered

ADN Program Details

The two-year nursing program prepares individuals for nursing careers involving the delivery of direct client care in settings such as hospitals, physician offices, clinics, extended care facilities, and the client’s home. The curriculum includes a balance of nursing and non-nursing courses. Students must obtain a “C” grade or better in all nursing courses. Students must have a combined average in both sections of Anatomy and Physiology (210/212) and Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory (211/213) of at least a 2.0 or “C”. Students must have a combined average in Microbiology and Microbiology Laboratory of at least 2.0 or “C”. If a student makes an “F” in lab, he or she must repeat it, but will be allowed to continue in the nursing program if the average of the lecture and lab components of the course is “C” or better. However, the student must satisfactorily complete the lab course within one year. Students must make at least a “C” in lecture component of all biological science courses. Nursing courses are designed to provide learning opportunities for acquiring the necessary nursing knowledge and skill to practice nursing at the associate degree level. The focus is holistic health promotion and wellness.

RN to BSN Program Details

The BSN Program is designed for the employed registered nurse wanting to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Nursing classes are held one day/week and required programmatic courses are offered in block times. A number of programmatic courses are offered through distance learning modalities. Students should check academic course schedules each semester for these course offerings.

The mission of the BSN Program is to provide students an opportunity for quality baccalaureate nursing education that is both affordable and geographically accessible, and prepares students to meet the diverse health care needs of the community, state, and nation. The nursing faculty is committed to planning and implementing a quality baccalaureate program for registered nurses that promotes the students’ intellectual, personal, ethical, and cultural development in a caring environment. The scope of professional nursing education is one that enables and empowers the student to recognize the ethical, legislative, economic, regulatory and political aspects that define the scope of professional nursing practice. The roles inherent in the status of the professional nurse include but are not limited to: provider of care, designer/manager/coordinator of care, member of a profession, client advocate, and life-long learner.

The goal of the BSN Program is to provide registered nurses with learning opportunities to acquire the knowledge base and skills to practice nursing at the professional level. The program outcomes are:

1. Assess the health/illness status of individuals, families, and communities throughout the lifespan utilizing a holistic perspective.
2. Understand how components of diversity impact health and health care
3. Broaden advocacy skills for the nursing profession and the clients served.
4. Employ critical thinking skills as a basis for professional nursing practice.
5. Use effective communication skills consistent with the role of the professional nurse.
5. Understand how to read and critique nursing research for its applicability for evidence-based nursing practice.
6. Utilize professional nursing management and leadership skills to coordinate comprehensive health care.
7. Apply an ethical decision-making framework incorporating the ANA Professional Code of Ethics, professional standards, and an awareness of personal values in nursing practice.
8. Develop and implement health education programs for diverse populations in a variety of settings.
9. Apply an increased depth and breadth of knowledge in managing clients with acute complex health problems.
10. Utilize evidence-based nursing strategies in planning care for clients throughout the lifespan.
11. Understand the increased complexity of health wellness and health problems experienced by the older adult.