School of Nursing
Lander University’s School of Nursing is committed to providing holistic health care education to advance optimal evidence-based care for all. Our graduates will use clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills to be competent, flexible, transformative professionals who meet the complex healthcare needs of the 21st century. The Lander University School of Nursing will be recognized for programs of excellence that value diversity, integrate technology, and provide a welcoming, supportive community in health care education.
The graduate of the baccalaureate nursing program will be prepared to:
1. KNOWLEDGE FOR NURSING PRACTICE
Apply and integrate knowledge from nursing, the sciences, and liberal arts as the foundation for clinical judgement and innovation for professional practice.
2. PERSON-CENTERED CARE
Provide holistic, individualized, coordinated care based on best evidence and clinical judgement in the planning and delivery of care across time, spheres of care, and developmental levels.
3. POPULATION HEALTH
Participate in advocacy, development, and implementation of policies that support improvement of equitable population health outcomes.
4. SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE NURSING DISCIPLINE
Contribute to evidence-based nursing practice by participating in the advancement of nursing scholarship and promoting ethical conduct to guide practice decisions.
5. QUALITY AND SAFETY
Employ principles of safety and improvement science to enhance quality and minimize risk of harm to individuals, populations, and providers.
6. INTERPROFESSIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Foster intentional collaboration across professions and with care team members to optimize healthcare delivery and outcomes.
7. SYSTEMS-BASED PRACTICE
Support innovative solutions to optimize system effectiveness, promote an ethical practice environment, and advocate for the needs of diverse populations.
8. INFORMATICS AND HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES
Utilize information and communication technologies to manage and improve the delivery of healthcare services.
9. PROFESSIONALISM
Incorporate ethical principles and standards of professional nursing to guide decision-making and actions.
10. PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL, AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Engage in activities that promote personal health and well-being, lifelong learning, and professional growth.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing for South Carolina (110 Centerview Dr. Suite 202, Columbia, SC 29210; telephone number: 803-896-4550) and the baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at Lander University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Curriculum
The prelicensure nursing curriculum is designed for completion in four academic years. Registered nurses may complete an RN-BSN option (see requirements for admission as RN-BSN student). Progression through the nursing education program occurs in two stages: Lower Level and Upper Level. Lower level includes all prerequisite courses, all general education courses, NURS 165, NURS 235, and NURS 304.
Eligibility requirements to become licensed as a registered nurse in South Carolina may be found at: https://llr.sc.gov/.
Admission and Progression
Students enrolled as nursing majors must meet specific requirements to progress through the nursing education program. Progression through the nursing education program occurs in two stages: Lower Level and Upper Level. Lower Level includes all prerequisite courses, all general education courses, NURS 165, NURS 235, NURS 304, NURS 110, and NURS 111. It is recommended that students complete minor courses prior to progressing to the Upper Level. Progression is explained below. Transfer and second-degree students, please note special sections.
Progression Requirements
Nursing education is a cumulative process in which the prerequisite course sequence establishes a foundation for subsequent content mastery in nursing courses and successful entry into practice.
• Meet the university requirements for admission.
• Successful completion (“C” or better) of the following nine required prerequisites and
five Lower Level NURS courses is required for progression to Upper Level:
• All required prerequisite Math and Science courses* must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Across all seven required prerequisite Math and Science courses combined, only one grade of D+, D, or F may be earned. The course must be repeated and completed with a minimum grade of C prior to progressing to Upper Level. A second D+, D, or F in any required prerequisite Math or Science course results in dismissal from the program. See the Math, Science, and NURS Course Failure/Withdrawal Policy Table.
• Withdrawal from required prerequisite Math and Science courses*: Students may not exceed a total of four withdrawals from the seven required prerequisite Math and Science courses combined, including total withdrawals from the University. Withdrawals from the University will count as multiple individual course withdrawals. Students who exceed these limitations on required prerequisite Math or Science course withdrawals will be dismissed from the nursing major. See the Math, Science, and NURS Course Failure/Withdrawal Policy Table.
• Nursing majors must be successful when enrolling in the individual Math or Science course the third time. Students may NOT enroll in an individual required prerequisite Math or Science course more than three times.
• Students must also complete all General Education requirements and electives prior to progression to Upper Level.
• Students must have a Lander Institutional GPA of at least 2.8 and must earn at least 2.8 on the nine required prerequisites to progress to the Upper Level.
• Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all NURS courses to progress in the major.
• All NURS courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Across all NURS courses combined, only one grade of D+, D, or F may be earned. The course must be repeated and completed with a minimum grade of C prior to progressing. A second D+, D, or F in any NURS course results in dismissal from the program. This does not include NURS 110, NURS 111, NURS 310, or NURS electives. See the Math, Science, and NURS Course Failure/Withdrawal Policy Table.
• Withdrawal from Nursing Courses: Students may not exceed a total of four withdrawals from all NURS courses combined, including total withdrawals from the University. Withdrawals from the University will count as multiple individual course withdrawals. Students who exceed these limitations on NURS course withdrawals will be dismissed from the nursing major. This does not include NURS 110, NURS 111, NURS 310, or NURS electives. See the Math, Science, and NURS Course Failure/Withdrawal Policy Table.
• Nursing majors must be successful when enrolling in the individual NURS course for a third time. Students may NOT enroll in a NURS course more than three times.
• Following successful completion of NURS 232 and upon progression to the second semester of the Upper Level, each student is required to pass a Medication Calculation Test (MCT) to assess medication administration competency. Students must complete a Medication Calculation Test with 95% accuracy at the beginning of Upper Level II, III, and IV. The student has a maximum of three attempts to pass the competency exams. A student who is unable to meet the 95% competency by the third exam will not be allowed to remain in major program nursing courses (NURS) for that semester, with the exception of NURS 303 and NURS 499. The student must drop the nursing course(s) by the University Drop/Add date. It is the student’s responsibility to determine if they need to add other classes.
• Upper Level students must achieve competency (level II or III) on proctored ATI tests or successfully complete the ATI remediation plan to progress in the major.
• Students must have completed their required prerequisite science and math courses (listed above) within 7 years prior to progressing to Upper Level nursing courses (NURS). This includes courses taken at ANY institution of higher education.
• Math, Science, and NURS Course Failure/Withdrawal Policy Table:
| Required Science and Math: |
|
NURS Courses: |
| Gen Ed Math, MATH 211, CHEM 105/CHEM 111, CHEM 106/CHEM 112, BIOL 215/BIOL 216, BIOL 204 |
|
NURS 165, NURS 235, NURS 304 and Upper Level NURS courses |
| Total # of combined Course Withdrawals from Math/Science |
4 |
|
Total # of combined Course Withdrawals from NURS Courses. |
4 |
| Total # of combined Course Failures (D+, D, F) from Math/Science |
1 |
|
Total # of combined Course Failures (D+, D, F) from NURS Courses |
1 |
| Total attempts in an individual Math/Science course |
3 |
|
Total attempts in an individual NURS course (including NURS 110 and NURS 111) |
3 |
| 5th Withdrawal from Math/Science Course |
Dismissal |
|
5th Withdrawal from NURS course. |
Dismissal |
| 2nd Math/Science Course Failure (D+, D, F) |
Dismissal |
|
2nd Math/Science Course Failure (D+, D, F) |
Dismissal |
To meet the standards of the Lander University School of Nursing, the South Carolina Board of Nursing, and clinical agency requirements, Lander University nursing students must present the following to progress to the Upper Level:
• Current clear criminal background check and drug screening
• Health screening
• Current immunization status
• Current student nurse liability and health/accident insurance
• CPR certification for adult, child, infant, and obstructed airway (The only course accepted is American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS)
Evidence of the requirements listed above must be submitted, and the approved vendor profile must be compliant by the first day of class each semester. The documentation must be valid throughout the academic year and not subject to expire during clinical rotations. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in forfeiture of space in clinical nursing classes. Students denied access to clinical sites will be ineligible to continue in the nursing major. The student is responsible for submitting completed documentation and keeping a copy of the documentation for personal use.
Transfer Students
Follow the progression requirements listed above with these exceptions:
• Successful completion of at least 30 hours of college-level coursework, including 12 credit hours at Lander.
• Must have a GPA of at least 2.8 in the nine required prerequisites:
• To progress to Upper Level, students must successfully complete the following nine required prerequisites and five Lower Level NURS courses with a “C” or better:
• Students must also complete all General Education requirements.
• Students must have completed their required prerequisite science and math courses (listed above) within 7 years prior to progressing to Upper-Level nursing courses (NURS). THIS INCLUDES COURSES TAKEN AT ANY INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
• *Students who have previously completed a nursing course may exempt NURS 110.
Students wishing to pursue a nursing degree from Lander University with any nursing courses from other nursing programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the following considerations:
• Students with any unsuccessful nursing courses (grade less than “C”) from any other institution will be required to complete ALL of the nursing curriculum at Lander.
• Students may be asked to furnish a letter from the previous nursing school’s dean or chair speaking to their eligibility for readmission or progression in their program.
• Students may be asked to participate in an interview with the Lander nursing faculty.
• Providing requested documents or participating in an interview does not guarantee admission into the Lander University School of Nursing.
Students Who Already Possess a Baccalaureate Degree
Follow the progression requirements listed above with these exceptions:
• Must have at least a cumulative GPA of 2.8 (not rounded) on previous baccalaureate degree coursework.
• Must have a GPA of at least 2.8 in the nine required prerequisites:
• To progress to Upper Level, students must successfully complete the following nine required prerequisites and five Lower Level NURS courses with a “C” or better:
• *Students who have previously completed a nursing course may exempt NURS 110.
• Students must have completed their required prerequisite science and math courses (listed above) within 7 years prior to progressing to Upper Level nursing courses (NURS). THIS INCLUDES COURSES TAKEN AT ANY INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
Students wishing to pursue a nursing degree from Lander University with ANY completed nursing courses will be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the following considerations:
• Students who are eligible for Upper Level will start with Upper Level 1 courses.
• Students with any unsuccessful nursing courses (grade of less than “C”) from any other institution will be required to complete ALL the nursing curriculum at Lander.
• Students may be asked to furnish a letter from the previous nursing school’s dean or chair speaking to their eligibility for readmission or progression in their program.
• Students may be asked to participate in an interview with the Lander nursing faculty.
• Providing requested documents or participating in an interview does not guarantee admission into the Lander University School of Nursing.
Additional Guidelines for Admission & Progression (Prelicensure)
The following policies will be used to clarify and supplement the above admission and progression guidelines.
Out-of-Sequence Students
Students seeking readmission to a major program nursing course(s) will be classified internally as “out-of-sequence”. Students who are out of sequence will need to submit an Application for Readmission to Nursing Classes Form. Students will not be allowed to repeat a course without submitting the Application for Readmission to Nursing Classes Form. Completion of the form does not guarantee a seat in the class. Applications will be reviewed by the Dean after final grades are posted and seats granted based on availability. Students will be notified by email if their application is approved or denied. In the case of a greater number of applications than seats, students will be ranked by institutional GPA.
Students admitted to the nursing major are required to take all nursing courses at Lander University.
A progression decision record will be maintained in the School of Nursing.
Requirements for Graduating with a BSN Degree (Prelicensure)
Completion of LANDER UNIVERSITY requirements for graduation.
Must complete NURS courses, mathematics requirements (a general education math AND MATH 211), writing requirements (ENGL 101 AND 102), and science requirements (CHEM 105 or 111 AND CHEM 106 or 112 AND BIOL 215, 216, & 204) with a minimum grade of “C”. This minimum grade requirement includes courses taken at any institution of higher learning.
Must complete Upper Level NURS courses within five years of starting them.
All NURS courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Only one D+, D, or F in a NURS course is permitted throughout the duration of the nursing program. The course must be repeated and completed with a minimum grade of C prior to progressing. A second D+, D, or F in any NURS course results in dismissal from the program. This does not include NURS 110, NURS 111, NURS 310, or NURS electives. See the Math, Science, and NURS Course Failure/Withdrawal Policy Table.
Nursing program graduation requirements exceed those of the university as indicators that the student has developed a current and comprehensive nursing knowledge base supported by an adequate foundation in science and mathematics.
Eligibility requirements to become licensed as a registered nurse in South Carolina may be found at: https://llr.sc.gov/