Nursing BSN
Looking for a career where you can make a positive difference in the lives of others by caring for the suffering, addressing social injustice, and helping fill the gaps in healthcare? Nursing may be the best major for you.
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Why Saint Martin's University?
Saint Martin’s is building a BSN program that will prepare nurses to practice in the 21st century.
Healthcare is dynamic and complex, therefore BSN students will develop critical thinking skills in the Saint Martin’s liberal arts core, and layer on the knowledge and skills of the rigorous nursing program to be prepared to practice in an ever-changing care environment.
To meet the challenges of preparing the 21st century nurse, Saint Martin’s has:
- A newly constructed science building, classrooms and labs for pre-requisite courses
- State-of-the-art wing dedicated to nursing studies, including a dedicated simulation lab
- Dedicated nursing student study lounge near nursing learning labs
- Clinical experiences at local acute care facilities, including Providence St. Peter’s hospital and Capital Medical Center, as well as community sites including skilled nursing facilities, schools, home health, hospice and public health.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares you for a career as a professional registered nurse. The coursework in the BSN program enables you to take the NCLEX-RN exam in any state in the US, and prepares you for life-long learning including graduate education. BSN graduates are prepared to work across the care continuum, in hospitals, community agencies, home health care, hospice, skilled nursing facilities, mental health facilities and more.
Saint Martin’s nursing students and BSN graduates will live out the university core values of faith, reason, service and community, by being committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others by alleviating suffering, addressing social inequities and eliminating health disparities.
Important dates for applications and admission
- Aug. 1, 2023: Application opens for first-year, transfer, and LPN-BSN applications for 2024
- Feb. 1, 2024: Application deadline for first-year, transfer, and LPN-BSN applications for 2024
Criteria for first-year direct admission to Nursing
First-year undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing applicants must meet the general entrance requirements of the University as outlined in the university catalog and at the first-year admissions website.
Applicants seeking admission to the nursing program are required to have 3 years of high school or higher science courses, including one year of laboratory science and mathematics including college preparatory algebra, with grades of “B” (3.0) or higher.
Progression into the upper-division nursing courses are dependent on the following:
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the end of the second (sophomore) year at Saint Martin’s.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in the prerequisite sciences taken at Saint Martin’s University.
- All pre-requisite courses must be passed with a grade of B or higher.
- Students may repeat one pre-requisite science course one time if they receive a grade of lower than a B.
- Satisfactory completion of all clinical entry requirements, including background clearance, drug screen and immunizations.
- COVID-19 vaccination is required for all nursing students - no exemptions are permitted.
Transfer application and admission requirements
Transfer student applicants to the upper division of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program must meet the transfer admission requirements of the University as outlined in the university catalog and at the Transfer (undergrad) website. Transfer applicants may state their preference for fall or spring entry into the upper-division nursing program.
Application materials needed:
- Completed Saint Martin’s application form
- Complete nursing-specific questions found on the Saint Martin’s application
- Transcripts from ALL previously attended colleges
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably both from a current or past professor
Acceptance into the upper-division nursing program for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is dependent on the following:
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Transfer student GPA is computed from all college-level coursework taken.
- A minimum of 3.0 GPA in all required prerequisite science courses.
- Completion of all nursing prerequisite courses. Prerequisite courses may be taken at any accredited college or university.
- Students may repeat one prerequisite science course one time if they receive a grade of lower than a B.
- Satisfactory completion of all clinical entry requirements, including background clearance, drug screen and immunizations.
- COVID-19 vaccination is required for all nursing students - no exemptions are permitted.
- Transfer applications to the BSN program are due Feb. 1. Students will be notified of admission, wait list or denial for the BSN program in March.
Internal transfers
Current Saint Martin’s student requests for internal transfer to the nursing major will be considered on a space available basis. Qualified applicants who wish to change their major to nursing must meet the freshman admission criteria outlined above and have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher in courses taken at Saint Martin’s. Students wishing to transfer to the BSN major must meet with the Director of Nursing to apply for transfer into the major and to develop a plan of study.
Nursing BSN Requirements
In addition to the undergraduate requirements, please submit completed nursing paperwork by email, fax or mail.
DOWNLOAD ADMITTED NURSING STUDENTS PACKET
healthcenter@stmartin.edu
Fax: 360-486-8404
5000 Abbey Way SE
Burton #102
Lacey WA 98503
Deadlines:
Fall start - May 1
Spring start - Nov. 1
All nursing students must meet the Technical Standards of the nursing program, with or without reasonable accommodation to successfully complete the nursing program. Students interested in applying to the nursing program are encouraged to review the Technical Standards to be familiar with the performance abilities required to be successful in a clinically based nursing program.
- BIO 121: Human Biology
- BIO 228/328: Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- BIO 229/329: Human Anatomy & Physiology II
- BIO 251: Microbiology for Applied Health
- CHM 121: Introduction to Chemistry
- MTH 101: Intermediate Algebra (may be waived if student tests into higher level math)
- MTH 201: Introduction to Statistics
- NUR/EXS 203: Human Nutrition
- PSY 101: Psychology
- PSY 215: Lifespan Development
Sophomore year or pre-requisite courses
NUR 203: Human Nutrition
(Cross-listed with EXS 203) - 3 credits
An introduction to the fundamentals of human nutrition as they relate to the individual across the lifespan and the community. Includes an exploration of nutrient identity, acquisition and utilization. The links between nutrition, diseases, environment and social context are examined. Students apply concepts to real-world circumstances. Equivalent to BIO303 and EXS303.
Prerequisites: BIO121 or BIO141
Junior I courses
NUR 301: Introduction to Professional Nursing
3 credits
An introduction to the discipline of nursing, nursing theories, professional values, standards, nursing history and culture, health care delivery systems, the scientific basis for nursing, and the role of nursing in the delivery of health. Critical thinking and active inquiry into healthcare issues are introduced. Students will examine health from different perspectives, social justice in healthcare, care of self and the practice of nursing from a holistic, caring framework.
NUR 302: Foundations of Nursing Practice: Prevention and Promotion of Health
5 credits
Foundational knowledge, skills and attitudes in preparation for reflective nursing practice to promote and protect health across the lifespan. Includes 2 credits didactic, 2 credits lab and 1 credit (50 hours) of clinical experience.
Prerequisites: All nursing prerequisite courses
NUR 303: Health Assessment
3 credits
Foundational knowledge, skills and attitudes about health assessment across the lifespan, respecting diverse cultures, ethnicities and social backgrounds. Includes 1 credit didactic and 2 credits lab.
NUR 304: Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nursing Practice
3 credits
Concepts of pathophysiology and pharmacology essential to nursing practice.
COR 110: Religious Studies
3 credits
A foundational course that introduces students to the academic study of religion, with a focus on traditional and emerging beliefs and practices that shape individuals and communities both locally and globally.
Junior II
NUR 310: Health Policy
3 credits
Examination of health policy and its significance to practice. Overview of policy analysis, legislative and regulatory processes and issues such as health care reform, health care costs, Medicare and Medicaid, and health insurance. Principles of access, equity, affordability, and social justice in health care delivery. Students participate in the legislative, regulatory and political processes.
NUR 311: Nursing Management of Chronic Diseases
4 credits
Nursing management of common chronic diseases across the lifespan. Includes nursing assessment, diagnosis, care planning, nursing interventions and symptom management, and evaluation of care. Emphasis on principles of safe and effective care for patients with chronic disease, injury or disability. Taken concurrently with NUR 312.
Prerequisite courses: NUR 302, NUR 303, NUR 304
NUR 312: Nursing Management of Chronic Disease Practicum
3 credits
Clinical experience in the nursing management of common chronic diseases across the lifespan. Taken concurrently with NUR 311. Includes 3 credits clinical practicum (150 hours).
NUR 313: Nursing Skills and Simulation Lab
2 credits
Skills and procedures associated with managing patients with chronic disease in the community. Lab simulation of selected clinical nursing skills.
Core 340: Ethics
Co-designed core class to focus on healthcare ethics.
Senior I
NUR 350: Translating Research into Evidence Based Practice
4 credits
Integration of the research process and methods with elements of evidence-based practice to promote patient-centered, safe and effective care. Incorporation of informatics into the research process and the delivery of patient care.
NUR 401: Nursing Management of Acute or Complex Conditions
4 credits
Nursing management of common, complex, or exacerbations of chronic conditions seen in acute care settings.
Prerequisite: NUR 311
NUR 402: Nursing Management of Acute or Complex Conditions Practicum
3 credits
Clinical experience in the nursing management of common or complex conditions seen in acute care settings. Includes 3 credits clinical practicum (150 hours).
Co- or prerequisite: NUR 401
NUR 403: Advanced Nursing Skills and Simulation Lab
2 credits
Advanced nursing skills and procedures utilized in caring for complex patients, including maternal-child patients. Lab simulation of selected advanced nursing skills.
NUR 420: Nursing Management of Childbearing and Childrearing Families
4 credits
Family-focused nursing management of the normal physiological and developmental changes, and disease processes encountered when caring for childbearing and childrearing families. Taken concurrently with NUR 421.
NUR 421: Childbearing Family Clinical Practicum
1 credit
Clinical experience in the nursing management of childbearing families. Taken concurrently with NUR 420. Includes 50 hours of clinical practicum.
Senior II
NUR 430: Nursing Leadership
3 credits
Application of leadership theories to develop skills, competencies and a personal leadership style required to advance health and the nursing profession. Strategies for collaboration with healthcare professionals to redesign healthcare systems and diffuse change.
NUR 410: Promoting Population Health in the Community
3 credits
Examination of population health and community health nursing concepts for the promotion of individual, family, group, community and population health through the lens of social justice. Must be taken concurrently with NUR 411 (RN to BSN student) or NUR 412 (traditional BSN student).
NUR 412: Promoting Population Health in the Community Practicum
2 credits
Application of population health and community health nursing concepts for the promotion of individual, family, group, community and population health through the lens of social justice. Partnerships with community members, agencies and health systems are emphasized. Must be taken concurrently with NURS 410. Includes 100 hours of practicum for traditional BSN students.
NUR 495: Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
2 credits
Students will reflect on successful completion of all Nursing Program Outcomes, and role transition to professional nursing practice.
NUR 499: Capstone & Synthesis Clinical Practicum
5 credits
Students in this course will realize the full scope of baccalaureate nursing practice working with multiple clients or a population typical of those that would be assigned to a beginning professional nurse. Students select a practice or policy problem, design a project to remedy the problem and, when possible implement the project. Includes 150 hours of clinical practicum.
Prerequisites: NUR 401, NUR 402, NUR 420, NUR 421
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES OF NURSING (AACN) SCHOLARSHIPS
The American Association of College of Nursing maintains a database of scholarships, grants and loan forgiveness programs that are specific to nursing.
View scholarships and financial aid opportunities from AACN
HEALTH RESOURCES & SERVICES ADMINISTRATION NURSE CORPS SCHOLARSHIPS
As a student accepted or enrolled in a diploma, associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree nursing program, you can receive funding for tuition, fees, and other educational costs. In exchange, you must work at an eligible facility with a critical shortage of nurses—a Critical Shortage Facility (CSF)—upon graduation.
Award
We give funding preference depending on your financial need.
Eligibility
You must be:
- a U.S. citizen (born or naturalized), a national, or a lawful permanent resident;
- enrolled—or accepted for enrollment—in a professional nursing degree program at an accredited school of nursing in the U.S.;
- beginning classes no later than September 30;
- free from any federal judgment liens;
- free from an existing service commitment;
- not overdue on a federal debt.
Apply for the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
NATIVE HAWAIIAN HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP
The Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program (NHHSP) addresses access to health care by developing a Native Hawaiian health care workforce of professionals committed to serve the unique health needs of Hawaiian communities. The program recruits and nurtures professionals in-training for primary health care disciplines and specialties most needed to deliver quality, culturally competent health services to Native Hawaiians throughout the State of Hawai‘i.
The merit-based program awards generous scholarships to eligible individuals that appear to be dedicated to providing primary health services to Native Hawaiians and their families in Hawai‘i.
Apply for the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship
NURSING FUND SCHOLARSHIP
Nursing scholarship funds are set aside each year to assist students with nursing school finances.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an award, a student must be in good academic standing in the RN-BSN or BSN program.
Apply for the Nursing Fund Scholarship
PIERCE COUNTY NURSES ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
PCNA offers four different types of scholarships to nursing students. Scholarship funds are sent directly to the accredited school.
Eligibility
PCNA scholarships are available to students living or attending school in Pierce County as well as within our expanded jurisdictional boundaries of Thurston, Kitsap, Grays Harbor, Mason, Clallam and Jefferson counties.
Apply for the Pierce County Nurses Association Scholarship
PROVIDENCE SAINT PETER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Providence Foundation scholarship is from the Foundation’s Greatest Need Fund.
Amount
Amount of the awards are based on a combination of need (FAFSA) and overall potential contribution to the nursing profession.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an award, students must meet employment criteria at Providence Southwest Region, submit an essay addressing specified criteria, and be enrolled, at least half-time as a student in Saint Martin’s University RNBSN program, and be in good standing in the program.
Apply for the Providence Saint Peter Foundation Scholarship
WASHINGTON STATE NURSES FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Washington State Nurses Foundation (WSNF) awards scholarships annually to qualified students who meet the eligibility requirements as outlined on the application website.
Amount
The minimum amount of each scholarship is $1,000.
Apply for the Washington State Nurses Foundation Scholarship
Nursing BSN at a Glance
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Program Type
- Major
- Campus
- Main (Lacey)
- Type of Instruction
- In Person
- School
- College of Arts and Sciences
