Nursing Undergraduate

Holzer School of Nursing
College of Professional & Technical Studies
McKenzie Hall
740-245-7302 or 740-245-7415 office; 740-245-7177 fax
schoolofnursing@rio.edu

Accreditation

Assessment is an ongoing process within the Holzer School of Nursing. A variety of activities is used to assess students throughout the program. The Holzer School of Nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, 404-975-5000. www.acenursing.org

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing Technology is regulated by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN), 17 S. High St., Suite 660, Columbus, OH 43215, 614-466-3947. www.nursing.ohio.gov/ The OBN regulates nursing education programs in Ohio that prepare students for initial licensure as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. The OBN accomplishes this regulation by assuring that new and existing programs meet and maintain the requirements set forth in Chapter 4723-5 Ohio Administrative Code, as evidenced by the Board’s granting of its approval.

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing Technology

Programs Offered and Lengths:

Traditional Associate Degree - 5 semesters
On-Campus Advanced Placement Track for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN-RN) - 3 semesters
Hybrid Advanced Placement Track for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN-RN) - 6 semesters

Mission Statement

The mission of the Holzer School of Nursing is to provide the learner with the opportunity to attain a high quality and high value education. To this end, the Holzer School of Nursing provides the learner the knowledge and skills necessary to meet challenges and opportunities encountered in the nursing profession. An emphasis on the unique lifelong learning needs of the learner in the Holzer School of Nursing will promote successful careers and professional citizenship.

Admission Requirements and Procedures for Traditional AAS

Students are admitted into the traditional (5) five-semester Associate Degree Nursing Program sequence only in the Fall Semester of each year. Applications for the Traditional AAS nursing program are accepted from September 1st until February 1st; it is advisable to apply early. Space may be limited, and students must meet all the qualifivations required to be accepted.

Requirements for admission into the School of Nursing Traditional AAS are:

Official acceptance to the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College. The Admissions Application (https://www.rio.edu/admissions/apply/), all official high school and college transcripts must be submitted directly to the Admissions Office.
An additional Application Form for the School of Nursing must be completed. This application form is available online (https://www.rio.edu/academics/find- your-program/nursing), as well as in the University Admissions Office. The completed application must be submitted directly to the Admissions Office by the announced application deadline. There will be one review of nursing applicants yearly. Nursing applications are accepted from September 1st through February 1st.
High School or College cumulative Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) (most recent): a minimum of 2.5 cumulative G.P.A. for high school is required OR a minimum 2.5 cumulative G.P.A. with a minimum of 12 semester hours of college-level coursework is required if the college cumulative G.P.A. is used.
Completing the HESI A2 Entrance Exam with a score of 70 is required for traditional associate degree students. The exam fee is $60.00. This fee is the applicant’s responsibility.
Graduation from high school or a G.E.D.
High school or college-level courses are required to have a final grade of “C” or better for each course: Algebra, Biology (with lab), and Chemistry (with lab).
Students must be able to pass a drug screen and FBI/BCI background checks.
Students must be at least 18 to enter the nursing program.

Final acceptance into the School of Nursing will be contingent upon the above-stated criteria and maintenance of a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher at the beginning of the entrance Semester. Acceptance into the School of Nursing will also be contingent upon a criminal background check (FBI/BCI) and a negative drug screen. A qualified, specialized agency must conduct both background checks and drug screens. The criminal background check and drug screen must be conducted within the specified time frame for each program cohort. Results are to be sent directly to the Clinical Coordinator at Holzer School of Nursing one month before the start of the entrance semester.

Admission Requirements and Procedures for Advanced Placement LPN-RN Tracks

L.P.N./L.V.Ns are accepted and admitted into the Advanced Placement Track only in the Summer Term of each year for the on-campus offering and the Fall Semester of each year for Hybrid offering

Requirements for admission into the School of Nursing for Advanced Placement LPN-RN Tracks are:

Official acceptance to the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College. The Admissions Application (https://www.rio.edu/admissions/apply/) must submit all official high school and college transcripts directly to the Admissions Office.
An additional application for the School of Nursing must be completed (Allied Health & Nursing Admissions | University of Rio Grande). Students choose the On-Campus LPN-RN application or the Hybrid LPN-RN application. The completed application must be submitted directly to the Admissions Office by the announced application deadline. There will be one review of nursing applicants yearly. Nursing applications for on-campus or hybrid cohorts are from September 1st through February 1st.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. The admission representative will review the applicant’s LPN school transcript. Transcripts using clock hour format will be converted to semester hours (Calculation: clock hours divided by 15).
Applicants must complete the specialized entrance Hesi exam for the LPN-RN Program as required for the program admission consideration. A score of 70 is required. Payment of the $60 Hesi exam fee is the applicant’s responsibility and must be made before the admission exam can be taken.The exam questions are similar to the NCLEX-PN for the advanced placement track applicants.
Final acceptance into the School of Nursing’s Advanced Placement Track LPN-RN program option will be contingent upon the above-stated criteria and maintenance of a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the beginning of the entrance semester.
Applicants must complete criminal background checks (FBI and BCI) and have a negative thirteen-panel drug screen.The criminal background checks and drug screening must be conducted within the specified time frame for each program option cohort by a qualified, specialized agency.
Students must have an active LPN/LVN license before taking the LPN admission Hesi exam.

Readmission

All readmission students wishing to re-enroll at the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College (after an absence of one or more academic terms, excluding Summer Term) need to contact the Admissions Office and will be required to complete an Application for Readmission and identify the appropriate program as the intended field of study. Readmission guidelines will apply to the Holzer School of Nursing. If a student is out of the program for longer than a year, the student will be required to restart the nursing program. Contact the Holzer School of Nursing for additional information (740-245-7302).

Health Requirements

Vision Capabilities: Normal or corrected refraction within the range of 20/20 to 20/60 and the ability to identify and distinguish colors
Hearing Capabilities: Possess normal or corrected hearing abilities within 0-45 decibel range.
Motor Capabilities: Maneuver hospital equipment without assistance. Assist in lifting patients in excess of 100 pounds using proper body mechanics. Stand for extended periods of time. Walk long distances without assistance while maneuvering/transporting patients. Possesses hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills to provide adequate patient care.
Language Capabilities: Communicate effectively with patient and other medical personnel. It is recommended that a second language is possessed or attempted.
Mental Capabilities: Think and act quickly in emergencies. Cope effectively with stress. Comprehend daily work activities and understand all pathology needed to present care plan or needs to members of the health care team. Possess the ability to work under close supervision, achieve deadlines, as well as adjust to irregular activity schedules. Applicant must also have the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail while performing patient care, patient assessments, completing required documentation, and preparing and administering medications.
Exposure to Hazards: Occasionally exposed to dust, odors, bodily fluids, toxic substances, unpleasant patient care activities, and infectious diseases. May frequently be exposed to noise.

Length of Program

While the traditional Nursing Program is designed to be completed in five (5) semesters on a full-time basis, many students may choose to take more time for a variety of reasons. Those students who wish to progress in school at a slower pace may do so by electing to complete some or all of the General Education course requirements prior to applying for admission and being admitted into the Nursing Program. Prior to a student’s official acceptance into the Nursing Program, the student is highly encouraged to clarify the process that is required for possible acceptance into the Program by contacting the Admissions Office. Enrollment in University or Community College courses neither implies nor guarantees a student’s eventual acceptance into the Nursing Program.

The L.P.N. /L.V.N. Advanced Placement Track Program is designed to be completed in two (2) semesters and a fifteen-week summer term for on-campus students (total of one year),

The L.P.N./L.V. N. Hybrid Program is designed to be completed in four (4) semesters and two (2) ten-week summer terms (a total of two years) or 6 (six) semesters.

Once a student is admitted into the Nursing Program, all General Education courses and required nursing courses must be taken in sequence and be successfully completed before enrolling in the next semester.

Continuation in the Nursing Program requires a grade of “C” or better in theory for all required nursing courses and a “satisfactory” (average of a 2.0) designation for the clinical experience in nursing courses and a “C” or better for the following required general education courses.

Associate Degree Graduation Requirements

Meet all Rio Grande graduation requirements
Earn a minimum “C” grade in all required NUR courses
Earn a minimum “C” grade in AHC 13101 , MTH 11903 , BIO 10104 , BIO 10204 , BIO 10302 (traditional track only)

Facilities

Various clinical agencies are utilized as clinical experience sites for Associate Degree Nursing students (ADN) each semester for various nursing courses. Some of those with which the School of Nursing and the University have entered into formal contractual agreements (with telephone numbers) are listed below (the list is not all-inclusive):

Adena Health Systems, Chillicothe, OH (740-772-7500)
Appalachian Behavioral Health Care, Athens, OH (740- 594-5000)
Cabell-Huntington Hospital, Huntington, WV (304-526- 2000)
Camden Clark Medical Center, Parkersburg, WV (304-424-2111)
Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV (304- 388-4170)
Gallia County Health Department, Gallipolis, OH (740- 441-2018)
Gallipolis City Schools, Gallipolis, OH (740-446-3211)
Holzer Health Systems, Gallipolis, OH (740-446-5000)
Ironton City Schools, Ironton, OH (740-532-4133)
Jackson County Health Department, Jackson, OH (740- 286-5094)
King’s Daughters’ Medical Center, Ashland, KY (606- 327-4000)
Lakin Hospital, West Columbia, WV (304-675-0860)
Memorial Health Systems, Marietta, OH (740-374- 1400)
Meigs Local School District, Pomeroy, OH (740-992- 7814)
Oak Hill Union Local School District, Oak Hill, OH (740-682-6616)
Ohio Health- Multiple Locations
Pleasant Valley Home Health, Pt. Pleasant, WV (304- 675-4340)
Scioto County Health Department, Portsmouth, OH (740-355-8358)
Southern Ohio Medical Center, Portsmouth, OH (740- 356-5000)
St. Mary’s Medical Center, Huntington WV (304-526- 1234)
Symmes Valley Local Schools, Willow Wood, OH (740-643-2371)
University of Rio Grande Health Services, Rio Grande, OH (740-245-7350)
Vinton County Schools, McArthur, OH (740-596-5258)
Wellston City Schools, Wellston, OH (740-384-2152)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN-BSN

Mission Statement

The School of Nursing strives to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges and opportunities in nursing. Recent emphasis on the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and advances in caring for the ill has opened new areas of employment and has created added responsibilities for practicing nurses. The Holzer School of Nursing offers students many opportunities to develop individual interests in varied healthcare settings. Today’s nurses may work in a hospital, a nursing home, a clinic, an industry, the community, a physician’s office, and in the Armed Forces. Within these settings, there are many opportunities to care for persons with varied age groups in various medical, surgical, maternal-newborn, pediatric, and mental health needs. Nursing today offers many possibilities for nurses to develop and progress into leadership roles. The Holzer School of Nursing provides a foundation for lifelong learning and professional development. The Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing is designed specifically for registered nurses. The RN-BSN program is consistent with the Philosophy and Mission of the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College and the Holzer School of Nursing. Through didactic academic courses and a community clinical rotation, each student is expected to develop knowledge and competency in critical thinking, effective decision-making, using the nursing process in applying and evaluating nursing care for patients through the life cycle, and using fundamental research to explore current healthcare issues. As adult learners, students are expected to bring a unique set of life and educational experiences, values, beliefs, attitudes, expectations, and goals to the learning environment. As a result, the faculty expects the student to actively partner with the faculty in creating a learning atmosphere that stimulates individual creativity, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.

Admissions Procedures and Requirements of the RN-BSN Program

Complete the required admission procedures and policies for the University of Rio Grande as follows:

New Students must submit:

A complete application form for admission and the $25.00 application fee (contact the Admissions Office for the Application Form).
A complete University Medical Record Form (General form required of all students).
Send official transcripts from all schools of nursing, colleges, or universities attended (a high school transcript is not required for RN- BSN applicants).
Identify the “BSN Program” as the intended major field of study on the University Application Form.
Incoming students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA to be accepted into the RN-BSN program. If the student does not have a cumulative 3.0 GPA, the student can be entered with a 2.8 to 2.99 cumulative GPA and will be admitted on a probationary status. To continue with the RN-BSN program, the student must meet the 3.0 GPA by the end of their first BSN term (first 16 weeks). If the student does not meet the required 3.0 GPA by the end of the first BSN term. The student will be administratively dropped by the nursing administration. The student may continue to complete BSN general education courses to help achieve the 3.0 BSN GPA requirement.
Incoming students must be able to pass an FBI/BCI background check and a drug screen panel.

Re-admission Students:

All re-admission students wishing to re-enroll at the University of Rio Grande (after an absence of one or more academic terms, excluding Summer Sessions) need to contact the Admissions Office and will be required to complete an Application Form for Re-admission and identify “BSN Program” as the intended major field of study on the University Re-admission Form. (This also applies to all Associate Degree Nursing Program graduates from the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College.)

*Note: Depending on the length of time a student is out of the RN-BSN online program, some courses may need to be repeated to meet the current ACEN accreditation curriculum program guidelines.

Complete the required admission procedures and policies for the Holzer School of Nursing Program as follows:

Submit evidence of graduation from a State Board of Nursing approved pre-licensure R.N. associate degree or diploma program in nursing, in addition to all course transfer prerequisites (official transcripts).
Present evidence of original, current, and valid R.N. License from the state of residence and the state where the student will do their clinical experiences. Students must be licensed R.N. before they can apply to the RN-BSN program.
Present evidence of original, current nursing professional liability insurance coverage (before NUR 30404).
Present evidence of original, current, and valid CPR certification card (before NUR 30404).
Submit the completed confidential medical history form to the School of Nursing.

*Licensure, liability insurance, CPR certification, and immunizations must remain current throughout enrollment in the Nursing Program, or the student will be dismissed.

** Online RN-BSN students are required to have access to a computer and the Internet to complete their distance learning requirements. The computer needs to be able to utilize Firefox, Chrome, and Microsoft Office. It is recommended that computers have a minimum of 500GB Hard Drive and 8GB of RAM to function effectively in the distance education environment.

Health Requirements

Vision Capabilities: Normal or corrected refraction within the range of 20/20 to 20/60 and the ability to identify and distinguish colors
Hearing Capabilities: Possess normal or corrected hearing abilities within 0-45 decibel range.
Motor Capabilities: Maneuver hospital equipment without assistance. Assist in lifting patients in excess of 100 pounds using proper body mechanics. Stand for extended periods of time. Walk long distances without assistance while maneuvering/transporting patients. Possesses hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills to provide adequate patient care.
Language Capabilities: Communicate effectively with patients and other medical personnel. It is recommended that a second language is possessed or attempted.
Mental Capabilities: Think and act quickly in emergency situations. Cope effectively with stress. Comprehend daily work activities and understand all pathology needed to present care plans or needs to healthcare team members. Possess the ability to work under close supervision when required, achieve deadlines, and adjust to irregular activity schedules. Applicant must also be able to concentrate and pay close attention to detail when performing patient care, patient assessments, completing required documentation, and preparing and administering medications.
Exposure to Hazards: Occasionally exposed to dust, odors, bodily fluids, toxic substances, unpleasant patient care activities, and infectious diseases. They may frequently be exposed to noise.

Length of Program

A student may enroll in the RN-BSN Program full-time or part-time.The required nursing courses for the Online RN-BSN program may be completed within two semesters and one summer term.General Education courses are required in addition to the required nursing courses.Enrollment in the University or Community College courses neither implies nor guarantees a student’s eventual acceptance into the RN-BSN Nursing Program.

NOTE: A grade of “C” (*80%) or higher in the BSN didactic course is required. for all NUR courses and a “satisfactory” designation for the clinical experience in nursing courses where this is a requirement.

RN-BSN Grade Scale:

A= 92-100%

B= 85-91%

C= 80-84% *

D=70-79%

F= 69% and below

BSN Graduation Requirements

Meet all Rio Grande graduation requirements
Earn a minimum “C” grade in all required NUR courses

Facilities

RN-BSN students reside in a variety of different states. RN-BSN students will determine the location for their clinical experiences during their community health capstone course. The School of Nursing and the University of Rio Grande will enter into a contractual agreement before the student begins their preceptor clinical experiences.

Programs

Associate of Applied Science

Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Registered Nurses (R.N. - B.S.N. Program, 2+2 program)

Nursing - Online RN-BSN, B.S.N.

Courses

Nursing