Information sessions are open to the public and do not require a reservation. Please come on one of the above scheduled dates. Admissions Representatives will be available to answer questions

All sessions are held at:
Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing
8550 Magellan Pkwy, Suite 1100
Richmond, VA 23227

NOTE: The deadline for Spring applications has been extended to October 1, 2008.

Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing enrolls entry level students twice a year. The application deadlines are January 15 for Fall and October 1for Spring. Applications may be accepted after these dates at the School's discretion if the class is not full.

Qualified applicants are considered for admission regardless of age, gender, race, color, religion, national origin, marital or veteran status or physical or mental condition(s), so long as the condition(s) does not limit the applicant's ability to perform the essential functions of a nursing student with or without reasonable accommodation.

The School of Nursing reserves the right to modify, delete or amend statements on our website at any time and to make changes in the curriculum, calendar, financial aid and policies as deemed necessary.

Basic Admission Requirements
Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive. An applicant who meets all requirements is not guaranteed admission to the program. Below are the basic educational admission requirements for all applicants.

• Graduation from an accredited high school, preferably in the upper one-third of class.
• GED certification in lieu of a high school diploma.
• Completion of 11 academic units in grades 9-12 as follows:
  

  English	4 Units
  Biology	1 Unit
  College Prep Chemistry	1 Unit
  Algebra I	1 Unit
  Social Sciences	2 Units
  Electives*	2 Units

  * Recommended electives include: computer science, psychology, physics, sociology, advanced biology or foreign language.
• Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above from high school courses and a minimum grade of C in Algebra I, Biology and College Prep Chemistry. Courses taken after high school may satisfy these requirements based on the decision of the Admissions Committee.
• Achievement of a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or above for all college courses taken. Transfer credit is given for a grade of C or above in comparable college non-nursing courses. All math and science courses must be less than or equal to five years in age at the time of the application deadline to be considered for transfer credit.
• Official transcripts are required from high school, Graduate Education Development (GED) program, professional schools, and all colleges attended.
• Results of Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) scores are required. (Applicants 22 years of age and older or who have taken a minimum of 18 college credits on or before the January 15 / October 1 deadline are exempt).
• Placement test results from JSRCC, if applicable.
• The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is taken after submitting an online application. An applicant must receive a score of 60 or above on both the math and science sections of the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) in order to be considered for admission. Applicants who have a bachelor's degree or higher are exempt from taking the TEAS.
• Notice to the school of any convictions or present indictment for any felony or misdemeanor offense other than traffic violations which have not been expunged.
• Three letters of reference are required. These should be from professional contacts only. References from friends and relatives are not acceptable. References should be obtained from each of the following: A teacher, an employer, and volunteer experience, preferably in a health care setting.
• If you have previously or are currently enrolled in a school of nursing, a letter from the Director of the program verifying academic standing and clinical competence is required.
• Completed online application and $50.00 application fee received.

Application Process

1. Application Instructions
2. Apply Online Now
3. Check My Application Status
4. Information Sessions
5. Reference Forms

Admission Process for Qualified Candidates

1. Take Test of Essential Academic Skills/TEAS (applicants with bachelor’s or master’s degrees exempt)
2. Await letter of acceptance or denial

Requests for application materials, school tours and for information not addressed on this website contact:

Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing
Director of Admissions
8550 Magellan Parkway, Suite 1100
Richmond, Virginia 23227
Phone: 804/627-5300
Map and Directions

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The philosophy of the faculty of the Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing is based on our beliefs about the nature of an individual, the environment, health, nursing, the community, nursing education, learning, the School, faculty, students, and our community responsibility.

We believe that individuals are unique, complex beings with physical, emotional, cognitive, sociocultural, and spiritual dimensions. Dignity and worth are inherent within individuals. Individuals strive to meet human needs and have the right to be treated with care and respect.

Health is a dynamic state of optimal physical, emotional, cognitive, sociocultural, developmental and spiritual well-being of an individual, group or community. Health is conceptualized on a continuum from wellness to illness, with wellness being a self-perceived integrated process toward fulfillment of one’s potential. We believe that health requires ensuring that the basic right of all individuals, especially the poor and the dying, to have equitable access to the health care system.

We believe that nursing is both an art and a science, with a focus that is spiritual, holistic, caring, inquiring, and unifying. Nursing applies critical thinking to a body of knowledge through the nursing process in the holistic support of health for consumer and the community reaching beyond the walls of tradition to improve our community.

We define community as a group of individuals who share a commonality within the environment. Community is multicultural and diverse. The community provides opportunities for individual and family growth, livelihood, socialization, education, safety, security, and spiritual fulfillment.

Nursing education is a progressive program, which prepares caring, reflective practitioners who can function in a variety of settings within the community. We believe that nursing education is a process whereby knowledge, competencies, and attitudes needed for professional nursing practice are coached and empowered (Billings & Halstead, 2005). A facilitative relationship exists between students and faculty, which results in the development of professional ideals and clinical proficiency.

Learning is a continuous, life-long process that is enhanced when the learner is an active participant. We believe that optimal learning occurs through discovery.

School is comprised of a climate and culture of freedom to inquire, paired with facilities and resources for learning.

Faculty enhance the personal and professional development of students by acting as facilitators and role models. We believe that faculty respect students’ individual learning needs, model the value of caring, and validate students as individuals with intelligence, worth, and dignity.

Students are responsible for their learning and are self-directed and goal-oriented. We believe that students are able to self-evaluate and act on that evaluation.

Our community responsibility encompasses the Bon Secours mission of “good help to those in need,” which requires our involvement as change agents. We believe that our community responsibility is demonstrated in mission outreach activities, which foster faculty and student growth in the values of integrity, justice, stewardship, innovation, respect, quality, and compassion.

Reference:
Billings, D., Halstead, J. (2005). Teaching and nursing: A guide for faculty, (2nd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, Inc. May 31, 2006

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The curriculum is designed to fulfill the philosophy and goals of the School of Nursing. In 30 months of progressive, sequential work, students are taught to use the nursing process by correlating theory with clinical experience.

Concurrent with nursing courses at our school, most students take the required foundational college courses in the biological sciences, social sciences and humanities at J. Sargent Reynolds Community College (JSRCC). Prior to admission, comparable courses may also be taken at any other accredited college. The School of Nursing determines the acceptability of course credit for transfer.
At the completion of the curriculum, the student has attained 66 credits in nursing courses and 44 credits in college courses, for a total of 110 credits. The acceptability and transferability of the School of Nursing and JSRCC, credits depend upon the receiving institution's admission and placement policies.

Course Descriptions
All courses must be attempted according to the time frame designated in the curriculum plan. Courses may be taken earlier than designated, but may not be taken later unless the student is repeating the course. All prerequisites must be met before the student progresses each semester. Courses at the School of Nursing are taught within a 16-week semester unless otherwise noted. Courses at JSRCC are also taught within a 16-week semester.

First Level
Biology 101 and 102 General Biology I and II - 4 credits each - 3 lecture hours per week - 3 recitation and lab hours (total 6 hours per week). Explores fundamental characteristics of living matter from the molecular level to the ecological community with emphasis on general biological principles. Introduces the diversity of living organisms, their structure, function, and evolution. Prerequisite: satisfactory score on Reading Placement Test.

Biology 205 General Microbiology - 4 credits - 3 lecture hours - 3 recitation and lab hours (total 6 hours per week). Examines morphology, genetics, physiology, ecology, and control of microorganisms. Emphasizes application of microbiological techniques to selected fields. Prerequisites: one year of college biology and one year of college chemistry or divisional approval.

Chemistry 111 General Chemistry - 4 credits - 3 lecture hours per week - 3 recitation and lab hours (total 6 hours per week). May be taken in place of Biology II. Explores the fundamental laws, theories, and mathematical concepts of chemistry. Designed primarily for science and engineering majors. Requires a strong background in mathematics. Prerequisite: CHM 03 or acceptable score on chemistry placement test.

English 111 College Composition I - 3 credits - 3 lecture hours per week. Develops writing based on experience, observation, research, and reading of selected literature. Guides students in learning writing as a process: understanding audience and purpose, exploring ideas and information, composing, revising, and editing. Prerequisite: Department Placement Recommendation.

Natural Science 161 and 162 Health Science I-II - 4 credits - 3 lecture hours per week, 3 recitation and lab hours (total 6 hours per week). Presents an integrated approach to human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and pathology. Includes chemistry and physics as related to health sciences. Prerequisites: CHM 01 and BIO 01 or equivalents.

Psychology 201 Introduction to Psychology I -3 credits - 3 lecture hours per week. Examines human and animal behavior, relating experimental studies to practical problems. Includes topics such as sensation/perception, learning, memory, motivation, emotion, and intelligence.

Nursing 100 Foundational Concepts for Professional Nursing - 5 credits - 3 class hours, 6 clinical hours per week. Provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and theories necessary for professional nursing practice. An overview of the history of nursing leading to the role of the nurse today is presented. Students study and discuss legal and ethical issues, communication, teaching and learning aspects, culturally diverse populations, and the use of nursing process as a model for critical thinking and practice. Students study common human problems: pain, sleeplessness, stress, disability, and loss. Students have opportunities to practice nursing skills and to relate theoretical principles to clinical situations in both simulated and clinical agency experiences.

Nursing 101 Health Assessment and Clinical Therapeutics - 5 credits - 3 class hours, 6 clinical hours per week. Emphasizes the theory related to data collection, health assessment, and nursing skills. Students practice these skills in the laboratory setting and apply them in the clinical arena.

Nursing 102 Clinical Applications of Nursing Concepts - 4 credits - 2 lecture hours, 6 clinical hours per week. Expands on the student’s knowledge of basic nursing principles with emphasis on nursing process. Perioperative experiences including patient teaching, pre-operative through post-operative nursing care, and wound care are covered. Gastrointestinal, immobility and nutritional issues are emphasized. Students will have opportunities to promote, maintain, and help restore health to clients who have both acute and chronic illnesses. The clinical component includes direct patient care, simulation in the clinical lab, and participant/observational experiences.

Nursing 105 Transcultural Nursing - 2 credit elective, 16 week course. Taught during the first eight weeks culminating in a mission trip to Haiti and followed by class and presentation to the body of the School of Nursing after the mission trip.

Second Level
The following prerequisites must be completed before progression to the Second Level: Natural Science 161 and 162, General Biology 101 and 102 (or Chemistry 111), English 111, Psychology 201, and Nursing 100, 101, and 102.

Dietetics 121 Nutrition I - 3 credits - 3 lecture hours per week. Studies food composition, dietary guidelines, and nutrients essential to healthy human life. Analyzes nutrient function and metabolism.

English 112 College Composition II - 3 credits - 3 lecture hours per week. Second semester of English requirement. Focuses on writing by integrating experiences in thinking, reading, listening, and experiencing.

Math Elective - 3 credits - 3 lecture hours per week. College level math course. Statistics is recommended but not required.

Psychology 230 Developmental Psychology - 3 credits - 3 lecture hours per week. Studies the development of the individual from conception to death. Follows a life-span perspective on the developmental tasks of the person’s physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth.

Sociology 200 Principles of Sociology I - 3 credits - 3 lecture hours per week. Introduces basic concepts and methods of sociology. Presents significant research and theory in areas such as socialization, group dynamics, gender roles, minority group relations, stratification, and culture.

Nursing 201 Nursing Care of Adults - 5 credits - 6 lecture hours, 12 clinical hours per week. Focuses on the adult with alterations in homeostasis secondary to changes in the immune response, cell growth, metabolism, tissue perfusion, cardiac output, nutrition, mobility, cognition, sensation, and oxygenation. Experiences are directed toward application of theoretical concepts of nursing practice in the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and compassionate care of the dying in the medical/surgical setting.

Nursing 202 Nursing Care of Childbearing Families - 5 credits - 6 lecture hours, 12 clinical hours per week. Introduces the concept of family-centered nursing care to promote positive outcomes for culturally-diverse childbearing families. Emphasis is placed on the educational and health care needs of the family as it experiences the birth process.

Nursing 203 Nursing Care of Diverse Populations - 5 credits - 6 lecture hours, 12 clinical hours per week. Examines the health care needs of special populations. Men and women’s healthcare needs, geriatrics, rehabilitation, and cultural aspects of care will be explored.

Nursing 204 Nursing Care of Clients with Behavioral Issues - 5 credits - 6 lecture hours, 12 clinical hours per week. Introduces the student to holistic nursing care of the mentally ill client.
This course incorporates the biopsychosocial and behavioral sciences and nursing and communication theories to enable the student to care for individuals, families, and groups experiencing alterations in mental health. Learning experiences help the student to understand human behavior on a wellness-illness continuum. The nursing process guides nursing care, with emphasis on the interdisciplinary approach. The student will increase self-awareness and establish therapeutic relationships with clients in the clinical setting.

Nursing 205 EKG Interpretation (elective) - 2 credits. Introduces students to basic electrocardiography, dysrhythmia interpretation and nursing interventions for the client experiencing cardiac rhythm disorders. This course is encouraged for students expressing interest in the telemetry and critical care areas.

Nursing 210 Pathopharmacology I - 3 credits. A systems approach is used to examine pathophysiologic concepts as a basis for nursing practice. This course focuses on the cellular aspects of disease, alterations in organ and system functioning and dynamics of body defenses. The effects of the disease states are explored through the response patterns of human functioning. Therapeutic and pharmacologic regimens for selected pathophysiologic disorders are examined.

Nursing 211 Pathopharmacology II - 2 credits. A systems approach is used to examine pathophysiologic concepts as a basis for nursing practice. This course focuses on the cellular/tissue aspects of disease alterations in organ and system functioning as well as the dynamics of body defenses. The effects of disease states are explored through the response patterns of human functioning. Pharmacology is discussed using a proto-type medication method to emphasize therapeutic management of clients with particular altered health states.

Third Level
The following prerequisites must be completed before progression to the Third Level: English 112, Dietetics 121, Psychology 230, Sociology 200, Biology 205, Nursing 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 210, and 211.

Philosophy 220 Ethics - 3 credits - 3 lecture hours per week. Provides a systematic study of representative ethical systems.

Nursing 300 Nursing Care of Children and Families - 6 credits - 6 lecture hours, 18 clinical hours per week. Introduces students to the developmental, psychosocial, health promotion, and medical needs of children. Emphasis is placed on the care of children within the context of family. Opportunities are provided in a variety of institutional and community-based settings.

Nursing 301 Nursing in the Community – 6 lecture hours, 18 clinical hours per week. Provides foundational concepts and theories of community health, with the focus on the community as the client. The application of the nursing process to the community is explored. Independent nursing interventions of assessment, education, and collaboration are experienced along the wellness-illness continuum during the clinical experience. The student applies nursing skills to individuals in the community setting.

Nursing 302 Transition to Professional Practice – 6 credits – 6 lecture hours, 18 clinical hours per week. Focuses on the role of the nurse as manager of patient care. The knowledge and skills necessary to make decisions, set priorities, delegate, and evaluate care delivery are emphasized. Clinical experiences provide opportunities to implement these skills.

Nursing 303 Nursing Care of Clients with Physiologic Crisis – 6 credits – 6 lecture hours, 18 clinical hours per week. Introduces students to the essential elements of critical care nursing. Clinical judgment and collaboration are emphasized while meeting the needs of the patient with acute, multi-system alterations. Clinical experiences are provided in the acute care setting.

Nursing 304 Trends and Issues in Nursing – 3 credits – 3 lecture hours per week. Provides an overview of current trends in healthcare that impact the nurse in providing care. The framework for the course is multidimensional, global, and demonstrates the interdependency of the nurse in the delivery of care. Students participate with the instructor to discover the components of the issues and how they become trends. The components include history, government involvement, legal, ethical, technology, financial, nursing and care delivery.

Sample Curriculum Plan

Level I		Credits
*NAS 161	Health Science I w/Lab	4
*BIO 101	Gen Biology I w/Lab	4
*ENG 111	College Comp. I	3
NUR 100	Foundational Concepts w/Lab	5
	Total Credits	16
*NAS 162	Health Science II w/Lab	4
*BIO 102	Gen Biology II w/Lab or	4
*CHM111	Gen. Chemistry w/Lab	4
*PSY 201	Intro to Psychology	3
NUR 101	Health Assessment w/Lab	5
	Total Credits	16
*BIO 205	Gen. Microbiology w/Lab	4
NUR 102	Clinical Applications w/Lab	4
	Total Credits	8
Level II		Credits
*PSY 230	Developmental Psych	3
NUR 210	Pathopharmacology I	3
NUR	(2 Level II Rotations) 5 credits each	10
	Total Credits	16
*DIT 121	Nutrition	3
*SOC 200	Intro to Sociology	3
NUR	(2 Level II Rotations) 5 credits each	10
	Total Credits	16
Level II Rotations (all w/lab):
NUR 201	Nursing Care of Adults
NUR 202	Nursing Care of Childbearing Families
NUR 203	Nursing Care of Diverse Populations
NUR 204	Nursing Care of Clients with Behavioral Issues
*MTH	Elective	3
*ENG	112 College Comp. II	3
NUR 211	Pathopharmacology II	2
	Total Credits	8
Level III
*PHI 220	Ethics	3
NUR	(2 Level III Rotations) 6 credits each	12
	Total Credits	15
NUR 304	Trends and Issues in Nursing	3
NUR	(2 Level III Rotations) 6 credits each	12
	Total Credits	15
Level III Rotations (all w/lab):
NUR 300	Nursing Care of Children and Families
NUR 301	Nursing in the Community
NUR 302	Transition to Professional Practice
NUR 303	Nursing Care of Clients with Physiologic Crisis
	Number of Credits Required:
	School of Nursing	66
	J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College	44
	Total	110
*Indicates courses that are taken through J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College or that were transferred in from an accredited institution prior to beginning the program according to the transfer guideline of the School of Nursing.

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Nursing is a practice discipline. The professional practice of nursing draws upon the cognitive ability, psychomotor skills, interpersonal skills, emotional stability and physical endurance of those persons engaged in the discipline. Given the nature of the curriculum at Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing, a student must be prepared to meet the basic requirements of a practicing professional nurse.

A student accepted into this program must demonstrate competence in the areas of cognitive ability, psychomotor skills, interpersonal skills, emotional stability, and physical endurance. The individual student must not pose a significant risk or direct threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the individual or others. In addition, the student must demonstrate suitability for the practice of nursing as follows:

• Demostrates integrity and honesty.
• Exercises safe, rational judgments.
• Demonstrates a high degree of sensitivity and caring.
• Behaves in a responsible manner.
• Effectively responds to the evaluation process.
• Follows directions.
• Maintains self-control.
• Demonstrates flexibility.
• Accepts the presence of different cultures, beliefs, values, and lifestyles.
• Commits a reasonable amount of time and effort to meet the educational objectives.

The following essential functions, behaviors, physical requirements, skills, and abilities are requirements for the nursing student. The student must be able to:

• Deliver nursing care to all types of clients in a variety of settings. Note: Students may be exposed to infectious body fluids, toxic drugs and solutions, or radiation. Clinical experiences will take place in community and hospital settings.
• Think critically while acting, analyze data, perform mental calculations, act in emergency situations, make discriminating judgments, assume leadership roles, and teach.
• Assess, collect and interpret patient data, and incorporate this data into a plan of care. Note: Collection of data requires the ability to see, hear, smell, and feel when performing functions such as physical assessment, neuro checks, and wound care. Also includes the ability to transfer information from one document to another without error.
• Implement and evaluate nursing care based upon a plan of care for an individual or group of individuals. Note: This includes the ability to prioritize, focus on patient outcomes, utilize standards of care, and operate standard nursing equipment.
• Deliver nursing care to conscious and unconscious patients such as bathing, toileting, feeding, ambulation, transfers, positioning, and transportation. Note: These functions may involve walking, standing, sitting, lifting, bending, stooping, kneeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, and twisting.
• Perform manual procedures such as administer medications, obtain vital signs, and perform sterile procedures. Note: Coordination and dexterity are required.
• Perform complex technical skills such as regulating intravenous fluids, performing venipuncture, and operating electronic monitoring equipment. Note: Demonstration of precise eye/hand coordination with visual acuity is essential.
• Perform emergency measures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and suctioning. Note: This requires emotional control and immediate response. CPR certification and re-certification is required.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with patients, faculty, peers, staff, and physicians. Note: The ability to read, write, see, and hear sufficiently is required to obtain, document, and communicate patient data and academic work.
• Complete assignments and examinations within the specified time limitations. Note: This includes clinical and skill lab functions as well as classroom.
• Demonstrate professional conduct and responsibility with accountability. Note: This requires behavior which reflects honesty and integrity, sensitivity and respect, functioning within safe ethical and legal standards, self-evaluation, and ongoing commitment to the learning process.

This description of essential functions, behaviors and abilities of nursing students is intended to provide examples of areas of responsibility.

Federal regulations require that educational institutions provide specific information about the school and about financial aid to enrolled and prospective students. The following notice provides the information required to be disclosed pursuant to the Higher Education Act amendments and pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) that governs access to student educational records maintained by educational institutions and the release of information from those records. Please take a moment to review this notice as well as the School’s website located at: www.mrmcnursingschool.org.

Non-Discrimination Policy
Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing prohibits unlawful discrimination in employment and in its educational programs and activities, including internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, relationships with outside vendors, use of contractors and consultants and in its admission or access thereto, on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin or descent, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability (including physical, disease, psychiatric or psychological disability), medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, or physical characteristics. The School will conduct its program, services and activities consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and orders.

This policy is governed by Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the regulations implementing these statutes, and applicable federal and Virginia law.

Although educational institutions are obligated to make a statement confirming nondiscrimination, Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing practices non-discrimination as a matter of choice and philosophy.

Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing has implemented grievance procedures concerning cases of alleged discrimination, including those of alleged sexual harassment, for faculty, staff and students. It is the policy of the School that harassment on the basis of sex among employees constitutes an impermissible employment practice, which is subject to disciplinary action and shall not be tolerated. Sexual harassment involving students and School personnel or among students is equally impermissible and shall not be tolerated. The School is committed to providing an environment to study free of sexual harassment. Grievances or complaints that are based on one of these areas needs to be reported to the Human Resources Department.

Title IX Notice
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits schools from discriminating on the basis of sex. In 1971, Congress passed this law to ensure that educational programs and activities will be open to all students.

Inquiries or complaints regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations may be referred to the Director of Admissions 8550 Magellan Parkway, Suite 1100, Richmond, Virginia 23227 or the Office of Civil Rights (U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100).

Annual Notification of Rights Under FERPA Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (referred to as “FERPA”). This law was enacted to protect the privacy of students’ personally identifiable information and education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or otherwise misleading information. Student rights covered by this Act include the right to:

• Inspect and review information contained in educational records.
• Request amendment of educational records.
• Consent to disclosure, with certain exceptions specified by the Act.
• Secure a copy of the College (School) policy. File complaints with the Department of Education concerning alleged failure to comply with this Act.

The School’s FERPA policy may be found at: http://www.bonsecours.com/schools/pdf/FERPA_BSMSON.pdf

Designed Directory Information
The Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing designates the following items as Directory Information: student name, address, valid email address, major field of study, past and present participation in officially recognized activities, dates of attendance (past and present), honors and awards (including Honor’s List), degrees conferred (including dates), most recent previous institutions attended, and enrollment status.

The School may disclose any of the directory information items without prior written consent, unless notified in writing during registration during each academic year.

Student Handbook Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing publishes a Student Handbook. The handbook may be found electronically on the School’s website noted above. Please take some time to review the handbook. The handbook contains important information regarding the School’s policies pertaining to matters such as student services and activities, services for students with disabilities, student codes of conduct, official withdrawal, communication and information dissemination, campus safety and computer labs and services. The handbook also contains procedures for filing grievances in the event informal dispute resolution is not successful.

Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing Information
You will learn more about the following areas on our website and at the links listed below:

Accrediting Agencies
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission - http://www.nlnac.org/Forms/directory_search.htm

Graduation and Retention rates - http://www.nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool

Virginia Board of Nursing - http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/nursing_edprogs.htm

NCLEX-RN Test Results - http://www.virginia-nursing-schools.com/NCLEX.htm

Information on the following can be found at www.mrmcnursingschool.org or through the link.

• Admissions Criteria
• Campus Security:
  • Campus Crime Report
  • http://ope.ed.gov/security/search.asp
  • Safety Policy
  • Security Checklist at Windsor Park
  • Sexual Assault
• Clinical Sites
• Constitutional Day Presentation
• Curriculum of Nursing Program
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program
• Essential Functions, Behaviors, Abilities of the Nursing Student
• Faculty and Institutional Personnel
• Guidence, Counseling and Academic Advisement
• Refund Policy
• Special Facilities and Services Available to Disabled Students

The acceptability and transferability of nursing credits from Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College depend upon the receiving institution’s admissions and placement policies.

Student Financial Aid
The following information regarding student financial assistance at Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing is available on the School’s website at http://www.mrmcnursingschool.org (click on right tool bar - Consumer Information, Financial Aid).

• A description of Federal, State, local, private and institutional financial aid programs available to enrolled students;
• Percentage of students receiving financial aid and student loan indebtedness at graduation;
• How to apply for student financial aid;
• The methods by which financial aid awards and distribution will be made;
• Student eligibility requirements, including standards for satisfactory academic progress;
• The rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial aid, including the terms of any loans received, the terms and conditions of employment provided as part of a student’s financial aid, and the terms and conditions under which students receiving Federal Family Educational Loans (FFEL) may obtain deferrals;
• The cost of attendance at the institution, including tuition and fees, and estimates of the costs of room and board, books and supplies and transportation; (www.bonsecours.com/schools/pdf/Cost_of_Attendance.pdf)
• The requirements for refunds of tuition, fees and costs, for the return of federal funds, and for officially withdrawing for the institution; (www.bonsecours.com/schools/pdf/Policy_Statement.pdf)

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At the conclusion of the program, the Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing graduate will be able to:

1. Integrate a systematic process of inquiry and reflection to analyze information for effective decision making.
2. Practice outcome and evidence-based nursing interventions that reflect caring behaviors and responsiveness to cultural differences.
3. Exchange accurate and congruent information, ideas and feelings so that individuals and groups can understand, perform activities, and/or change behaviors.
4. Manage the delivery of healthcare to individuals, families, and groups.

Critical Thinking:

• At the conclusion of the third level, the student will: interpret data, provide evidence, and make clinical judgments which integrate theory, skills, and experience.
• At the conclusion of the second level, the student will: compile data and show evidence of inquiry, reflection, and problem-solving in clinical decision making.
• At the conclusion of the first level, the student will: collect and interpret data and utilize standards and guidelines while participating in clinical decision making.

Therapeutic Nursing Interventions:

• At the conclusion of the third level, the student will: modify outcome and evidence-based nursing practice to meet established goals.
• At the conclusion of the second level, the student will: construct an individualized, holistic plan of care to include clinically competent, theoretically-based nursing interventions while collaborating with the multidisciplinary team.
• At the conclusion of the first level, the student will: use the nursing process to meet the healthcare needs of selected clients.

Communication:

• At the conclusion of the third level, the student will: communicate effectively with individuals, groups, and communities.
• At the conclusion of the second level, the student will: utilize collaborative and therapeutic communication skills with clients, families, groups, and members of the healthcare team.
• At the conclusion of the first level, the student will: engage in various forms of communication to process accurate information.

Management:

• At the conclusion of the third level, the student will: utilize management principles to coordinate care of clients and groups across the continuum of care.
• At the conclusion of the second level, the student will demonstrate collaboration skills in the management of client care.
• At the conclusion of the first level, the student will: participate in the management of self and care of the client.

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Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing believes the primary responsibility for the cost of a student's education rests with the student and/or family. The School has a financial aid program designed to assist the qualified student in meeting educational expenses. Financial need is defined as the difference between the cost of the educational program and the amount of money the student and/or family can reasonably pay, as determined by the Department of Education calculations.

A student's financial aid award will not be large enough to cover living expenses and school expenses. Therefore, students will need additional resources to support themselves and their education while enrolled in the School of Nursing. Advance planning by the student is essential if financial needs are to be adequately met.

Pre-requisites to apply for financial aid
To apply for financial aid offered through Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing, the applicant must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application must be completed over the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

The applicant will be asked for the school code of the institution you are planning on attending. Our school code is 010043. This application procedure can take up to six weeks to complete, so it is in the best interest of the applicant to begin this process as early as possible.

Loans and scholarships are available to qualifying students after full acceptance into the School of Nursing. Amounts awarded depend on verified need, academic standing, credit ratings, and the number of credit hours to be taken. Click here if you want details about the kinds of financial aid packages we offer.

• Pell Grant - The Federal Pell Grant is for students who have not earned a baccalaureate degree or first professional degree. For the academic year 2008-2009 awards range from $400-$4,731 and are awarded to those students who have an expected family contribution below 4042. Eligibility is determined from the information you submit on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Part-time students are also eligible for these funds on a prorated basis.
  
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Additional gift assistance awarded to undergraduate students who also qualify for the Pell Grant, FSEOG is available to students who would not be able to attend college without this assistance. Funds are limited and awarded on a "first come" and "highest need" basis. These funds are also available to part-time students. Awards may range from $200 -$4,000.
  
• Federal Work Study (FWS): The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides jobs for BSMSON students with financial need. FWS encourages students to perform community service and work related to their courses of study to help pay for education expenses.
  
  FWS hourly wage will depend on the type of work and required skills needed for the position. The total Work-Study award depends on the application date, the level of the student’s need, and BSMSON’s FWS allocation. Work-Study money is not paid until earned. Students are paid on the same schedule as employees at the School of Nursing (Bi-weekly) Positions are available on-campus and off-campus. On-campus versus off-campus jobs:
  • On-campus work is usually done for the school.
  • Off-campus work is usually provided by a private nonprofit organization or public agency, and the nature of the work must be in the public interest.
  See job descriptions for location, duties, responsibilities, and hourly wage of FWS positions.
• Student Loans: Loans can be awarded to a student regardless of need. A student must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for a loan under the Stafford Loan Program. Amounts are based on the student’s filing status and grade level. Repayment begins six months after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time in any college or university. Interest rate is variable not to exceed 8.25%. First-time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Loan Counseling. All student loan borrowers are required to submit a loan data sheet to the Office of Financial Aid confirming their loan amount and lender.
• Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan: This loan is need based and eligibility is determined from the results of the Free Application for Student Aid. Interest payments are made by the federal government while the recipient is at least a half-time student. A student must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for this loan.
• Federal Unsubsidized Staffort Load: This loan is not based on financial need, although a Free Application for Student Aid must be filed. The student is responsible for the interest. Interest starts when the first disbursement is made by the lender. The student can choose to pay the interest or have it capitalized with the principal. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive funds from this program.
• Borrowing Limits for Federal Stafford Loans:
  

  	Dependent Student	Independent Student
  Level I Nursing Student	$5,500 No more than $3,500 in may be subsidized loans.	$9,500 No more than $3,500 in may be subsidized loans.
  Level II Nursing Student	$6,500 No more than $4,500 in may be subsidized loans.	$10,500 No more than $4,500 in may be subsidized loans.
  Level III Nursing Student	$7,500 No more than $5,500 in may be subsidized loans.	$12,500 No more than $5,500 in may be subsidized loans.
  Students may access the following website to apply for Federal Stafford Loans: http://ww.ecmc.org/link/01004300/stafford.htm

• Aggregated Loan Limits for Federal Staffor Loans:
  

  Dependent Student	Independent Student
  $31,000	$57,000
  No more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.	No more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

  
  To qualify for Title IV funding, a student must:
  1. Complete the FAFSA
  2. Meet the requirements of the program (Pell, FSEOG, FSW, and Stafford)
  3. Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  4. Not owe a refund to a Title IV Program.
  5. Not in DEFAULT on a Title IV Loan.
  6. If a male, registered with Selective Service.
  

Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing has the following scholarships available:
Most scholarship criteria and applications are located on BSMSON Blackboard under Financial Aid.

• Glenn LeBlanc Men in Nursing Scholarship
  1. A $250 non-need based scholarship awarded to a deserving BSMSON male nursing student during the spring semester of the current academic year.
  2. Applicants are required to have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (provide copy of transcript) and must submit a written essay expressing “How men can make a contribution in nursing?”.
  3. All scholarship materials are to be forwarded to the BSMSON Office of Financial Aid. Deadline date to apply: December 15th.
• Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarships
  The number and amount of Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarships (LPWS) awarded are limited by the funds available each year. Application for a scholarship is to be made as soon as the applicant is accepted into the program and once per academic year thereafter. Scholarships are awarded semester by semester. Freshmen are eligible after completing one full semester. Scholarships are not awarded for repeat courses. The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation (which provides the funds) and Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing (which administers the funds) set eligibility requirements. To be eligible for a scholarship, the student must:
  1. Be a southern, Christian female in financial need. Need is determined by utilizing the FAFSA need analysis and the number of credit hours to be taken.
  2. Maintain a GPA of 2.3 or better.
  3. Attend required classes and clinical experiences in the preceding semester.
  The student must:
  1. Complete a FAFSA form. The FAFSA can be completed on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The School of Nursing code is 010043.
  2. Obtain a LPWS application from the School of Nursing, Blackboard.
  3. Complete in pen (not pencil) the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Application and submit it to the School. DO NOT leave any section blank. An incomplete application will not be processed. Identify any other sources of income such as Pell Grants and outside scholarship funds.
  4. Attach a typed narrative statement addressing your financial need and scholastic standing. Continuing students are required to write a new statement with each application.
  5. Sign and submit the application by April 1st for the following academic year.
  6. Complete all scholarship applications accurately, honestly, and without false or misleading information.
  Awards will vary based upon funds available and the number of qualified applicants. The potential maximum amount awarded to a student over the length of the program is $4,500.
• Elaine Malloy Scholarship For Minority Students
  1. Given periodically.
  2. Made known to students when available.
  3. Requires student to be in financial need (FAFSA), promote Bon Secours values of respect, justice, integrity, compassion, stewardship, innovation, quality and growth.
  4. Does not require payback.
• Modlin Scholarship
  1. A partial scholarship awarded annually, towards tuition and fees, when there is a rising Level II student or current Level II student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership and community service prior to and throughout the program.
  2. Eligibility is based upon merit and not need.
  3. Application is made by submitting a typed essay to the Office of Financial Aid by April 1st, at 3:00 p.m.
  4. The essay should address in detail with examples how the applicant has met the criteria of academic excellence, leadership and community service prior to, and during enrollment in the School of Nursing.
  5. The scholarship is renewable annually based upon maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or more each semester and demonstrating leadership and continued community service.
  6. Funds are issued semester by semester for Fall and Spring semesters.
  7. Does not require payback.
  
• LeReve Mallory Peluso Scholarship
  1. Given annually in honor of Mrs. Peluso by her family and friends
  2. Requires the rising Level II or Level III student to have financial need, be in good academic standing, and exhibit a desire to work in the newborn care nursery.
  3. Application is made by submitting the application and a typed narrative by April 1, at 3:00 p.m. The narrative should address in detail with examples how the applicant has met the criteria of academic excellence, financial need, and a desire to work in the newborn care nursery.
  4. Applicants are interviewed by a committee and the recipient is selected by the family.
  
• Jean Ritz Scholarship
  1. Given annually in honor of Ms. Ritz-See by her family.
  2. Requires the rising Level II or Level III student to have academic excellence and leadership.
  3. Application is made by submitting an application and a typed narrative by April 1; at 3:00 p.m. The narrative should discuss in detail how the applicant has exhibited leadership and academic excellence.
  4. Applicants are interviewed by a committee, who select the recipient.
  
• Mary Marshall Nursing Scholarships
  1. Are awarded by the Virginia Board of Health (VBH).
  2. Require recipients to be Virginia residents enrolled in a School of Nursing who demonstrate need and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 in required courses, not electives.
  3. Financial need is determined by the Student Aid Report (SAR) submitted to the School of Nursing. D. Applications must be submitted to the School prior to June 1.
  4. Awards vary depending upon the funds available.
  5. Must be repaid through work cancellation within the State of Virginia or through repayment to the Virginia Board of Health.(See General Assembly Criteria.) G. NCLEX must be taken within 60 days of graduation.
  6. Funds are issued upon receipt from the VBH.
  
• Other Scholarships:
  1. Periodically are awarded to qualifying students by other state and local groups.
  2. Are made known to students when available by the Financial Aid Office or Office of Student Services and are posted on Blackboard under Financial Aid.
  
  Bon Secours Memorial School of Nursing does not participate in the Virginia Student Assistance Authorities (VSAA) Financial Aid Programs.
• Veterans Educational Benefits
  The School of Nursing is approved to certify students who are eligible to receive Veterans Educational Benefits. Contact the BSMSON Registrar for additional information.
• Alternate (Private) Credit-based Loans are available to BSMSON students for all enrollment statuses to cover the cost of education. Please research these loans because the terms and conditions vary from lender to lender. To apply: http://www.ecmc.org/link/01004300/alternative.html

Administrative
ADM	General	ADM 1.10	Establishing and Maintaining School Policies
		ADM 1.20	Confidentiality (FERPA)
		ADM 1.21	Criminal Background check/Child protective services verifications
		ADM 1.22	Drug and Substance Abuse
		ADM 1.23	Students with Disabilities
		ADM 1.24	Student Records
		ADM 1.30	Recruitment
		ADM 1.32	Definitions - Academic Terms
		ADM 1.33	Basic Life Support Requirements
		ADM 1.40	Grievance Procedure
		ADM 1.41	Grade Review
		ADM 1.50	Address Change
		ADM 1.51	Wireless internet
		ADM 1.60	Enrollment Agreement
		ADM 1.70	Records Management
	Faculty	ADM 2.20	Orientation, New Faculty
		ADM 2.21	Professional Development
		ADM 2.23	Teaching & workload
		ADM 2.24	Faculty Hours of Work
		ADM 2.25	Faculty Dress code
		ADM 2.30	Honor Code - Faculty
		ADM 2.31	Role of Faculty Advisor to Student Organizations
		ADM 2.40	Employee Status
		ADM 2.41	Employee Records
	Fiscal	ADM 3.1	Tuition/Fees and Expenses
		ADM 3.2	Refund Policy
		ADM 3.23	Institutional Charges Refund Policy
		ADM 3.301	Philosophy-Office of Financial Aid
		ADM 3.30	Federal Financial Aid Programs
		ADM 3.31	Verification Policy
		ADM 3.32	Systems Operations
		ADM 3.33	Scholarships
		ADM 3.34	SAP Policy
		ADM 3.35	Release of Funds to Students
		ADM 3.36	Rights & Resp. of Accepting Aid
		ADM 3.37	Return to Title IV Policy
		ADM 3.38	Prior Financial Aid
		ADM 3.40	Needs Analysis
	Safety	ADM 4.10	Campus and Environmental Safety
		ADM 4.12	Fire Safety
		ADM 4.13	Parking
		ADM 4.14	Smoking Policy
		ADM 4.15	Security Alerts
		ADM 4.16	Inclement weather
		ADM 4.20	Infection Control
		ADM 4.21	HIV/Blood-Borne pathogens
		ADM 4.22	Latex Allergy
		ADM 4.23	Student Injury or Illness
		ADM 4.30	Sexual Assult
		ADM 4.31	Sexual Harassment
Admissions Progression Graduation
(APG)	Admission	APG 1.0	Admission requirements
		APG 1.1	GED Applicants
		APG 1.2	International Applicants
		APG 1.3	Advanced Nursing Placement Applicants
		APG 1.4	LPN Advanced Placement Applicants
		APG 1.5	Pre-Admissions Requirement for Conditionally accepted applicants
		APG 1.6	Pre-Admission Requirements for Fully Accepted Applicants
		APG 1.7	High School GPA less than 2.5
		APG 1.71	LPN with GPA less than 2.5
		APG 1.8	TEAS, Math & Science requirements
	Progression	APG 2.0	General Progression Information
		APG 2.1	Grading System
		APG 2.12	Academic Probation Policy
		APG 2.13	Readmission
		APG 2.14	Separation from the school
		APG 2.15	Add/Drop Period
		APG 2.16	Testing and Gradeable Work
		APG 2.20	Transcripts
		APG 2.21	Transfer Credit
	Graduation	APG 3.0	Graduation Requirements
Curriculum
(CUR)	Learning Content	CUR 1.10	Textbook adoption
		CUR 1.11	Prerequisite courses
		CUR 1.12	Student Health Stream Requirements
		CUR 1.13	Curriculum Plan
		CUR 1.20	Medication Calculation and Administration Test (MCAT)
		CUR 1.3	ATI testing
	Documentation	CUR 2.10	Student Performance Documentation
		CUR 2.20	Grade Reports
		CUR 2.21	Annual course report
	General	CUR 3.00	Curriculum - general information
		CUR 3.2	Course Schedules
		CUR 3.21	Credit and Clock Hours - Defnitions
		CUR 3.22	Clinical Contact hours
		CUR 3.30	Preparation of Course Syllabus
		CUR 3.5	Preceptor Program Guidelines
Student Academic Policies
(SAP)	Behavior Expectations	SAP 1.10	Essential Functions, Behaviors, and Abilities for Nursing Students
		SAP 1.11	Honor System
		SAP 1.12	Dress Code
		SAP 1.13	Attendance - class & clinical
		SAP 1.14	Confidentiality -HIPAA