Nursing (B.S.)

Nursing (B.S.)
Nursing Header

A supportive learning environment for nursing students in the classroom,
clinical arena, and the greater community.


The Department of Nursing’s mission is to provide nursing curricula that supports excellence in nursing education. We educate future nursing leaders to provide innovative, high quality, accessible health care to the geographic regions of Plymouth and beyond. With a 100% NCLEX pass rate and recognition as the #1 Nursing Program in New Hampshire by registerednursing.org, we teach practices that promote the health and well-being of diverse individuals, families, communities, populations, and systems. We graduate competent nurses who make sound clinical judgments, communicate effectively, and make decisions using the best evidence available, to practice in an interdisciplinary global healthcare environment.

Our vision is to prepare nurses to deliver patient-centered care as members of an interdisciplinary team, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration, safety, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.

Program Goals

Based on the Mission, Vision, and Philosophy of the Department of Nursing, the following program goals have been identified. The program goals of the nursing program are to:

  1. Prepare graduates to provide safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care that reflects ethical clinical judgement and inter-professional collaboration.
  2. Provide an innovative program of study that is responsive to the changes in the healthcare environment.
  3. Promote collaboration and partnerships within the communities of New Hampshire and the world beyond.
  4. Develop students’ critical thinking skills, to solve problems encountered on the work unit, considering the health care system’s technological resources, agency policies, and client/family needs, to deliver quality care.
  5. Promote effective communication across all nursing practice settings, considering psychosocial, physiological, developmental, spiritual, cultural and educational concerns, in order to support positive client outcomes.

Program Philosophy

The Nursing Program derives its philosophy from the mission statement of Plymouth State University Ut Prosim: That I May Serve. The Department of Nursing embraces innovative and creative approaches to interdisciplinary, culturally-sensitive nursing practice. The faculty believe the purpose of a collegiate undergraduate education is to prepare the professional nurse whose practice is informed by theory and research to positively impact communities. The philosophy is further rooted in the competencies defined by the Nurse of the Future literature (MA Dept. of Higher Education, 2010) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Baccalaureate Education.


Educational Philosophy

The PSU Nursing Department provides a supportive learning environment for nursing students in the classroom, clinical arena, and the greater community. The pursuit of a career in the profession of nursing implies a spirit of life-long learning; in that vein, the Nursing Department seeks to partner with students to create a mutual teaching and learning continuum wherein we all learn from each other. This spirit of inquiry is encouraged through discovery of the arts and sciences of nursing, using a problem-solving approach, whereby students and faculty alike find meaning in their nursing practice, within a framework of mutual respect.   The essence of nursing lies in service to people in need; the PSU motto embraces this spirit of service to our community.

Allied Health Sciences Pre-Nursing Option

Plymouth State’s Allied Health Sciences Pre-Nursing Option is a great pathway for applicants lacking appropriate grades for acceptance in PSU’s highly competitive nursing major. Pre-nursing students who complete and earn a minimum of B- in all prerequisite courses will automatically move into the nursing program entering their sophomore year. Alternatively, students can choose from three additional options as an allied health science major: pre-athletic training; pre-professional; or healthcare administration.

RN to BS in Nursing Option

This new option enables working nurses to earn their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Prospective students who already have an associate degree and are licensed as registered nurses (RN) in any state can transfer between 60 to 90 credits toward the 120 total credits required to graduate at PSU.

While nursing classes will be held in-person at the PSU campus, there is also an option to attend remotely via Zoom, which will provide flexibility for working nurses and out-of-state students. Certain general education courses are also available as online courses.

Requirements are listed below in CURRICULUM & REQUIREMENTS (click on Requirements for the Program, then cursor down to the RN-BSN BS in Nursing Option). “RN to BSN Program Launched” has additional information.


The Plymouth State University Nursing program is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. The Baccalaureate degree program in Nursing at Plymouth State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE).

Progression/Readmission Policy

Nursing Course Grading Policy

Students must earn a grade of a B- (minimum numeric score of 80) or higher in all nursing (NR) theory courses and a PASS in all nursing (NR) clinical courses in order to progress in the program.

Nursing Department Grading Criteria for all nursing (NR) theory courses is as follows:

Letter Grade Numeric Grade
A 94-100
A- 90-93
B+ 86-89
B 83-85
B- 80-82
C+ 76-79
C 73-75
C- 70-72
D+ 66-69
D 63-65
D- 60-62
F 59 and below

Student Progression

  • Students must earn a grade of a B- (minimum numeric score of 80) or higher in all required nursing prerequisite courses and required nursing (NR) courses and a PASS in all nursing (NR) clinical courses in order to progress in the program.
  • Students must earn and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.67 (B-) in both the major GPA and the cumulative GPA in order to progress in the program.
  • If a student receives a grade lower than a B- in a prerequisite course, they may retake that course one time to earn a grade of B- or higher. Only one prerequisite course may be retaken in the nursing curriculum.  If the student does not earn a B- in a second prerequisite course, they will be dismissed from the Nursing major.  
  • If a student does not meet the required minimum grade in any nursing (NR) course, the student is dismissed from the Nursing major and may petition, in writing, for readmission if applicable (see Readmission Policy).
  • Students must complete the program of all required nursing courses within five years of commencing nursing (NR) courses (barring significant extenuating circumstances such as medical issues, family issues, etc.).

Readmission

Nursing students requesting readmission to the PSU Nursing Program following dismissal for any reason are required to apply to the Admissions, Progression, and Retention Committee (APR) to be considered for readmission. Potential readmit students must reapply by submitting a letter to the Committee, formerly requesting readmission to the program, which should address the reasons(s) for their dismissal, and identify a plan(s) for successful completion of the program, should the student be readmitted. The Committee will then require an interview with the potential student to review their proposals and explore the potential for the student’s future success in the Program.

If the student is granted readmission to the PSU Nursing Program, certain conditions may apply. If the APR Committee deems it necessary for the readmitted student to audit previously taken courses to support future success, the student will be expected to complete the required audited courses(s) with a grade of at least an 80.00 (passing grade for nursing courses), with all course requirements completed as described in the course syllabus. Readmitted students will be required to agree to all terms of readmission as stated in their readmission letter, prior to readmission. Should the readmitted student fail to achieve a passing grade in any audited courses, including a clinical course, or fail to meet other stipulations for readmission, the student will be permanently excused from the Program.

In addition to the above, the following conditions must be met:

  • A course in which the student does not meet the minimum progression grade (B-) must be successfully repeated with a B- or higher before enrolling in any subsequent nursing course.  Only one course may be retaken one time to earn a B- or higher. 
  • Students who are granted readmission and subsequently fail to progress in the program will be permanently dismissed from the Nursing Program.
  • A student reapplying to the Nursing Program may additionally need to reapply to the University. Please see University readmission policies found in the Academic Catalog.
  • Students must enroll in both the theory and clinical components of all courses with identified corequisites as determined by Admission, Progression, and Retention Committee upon readmission.
  • Students may reapply to the Nursing program one time.

Admission to the Nursing Program

Admission to the Nursing program is competitive and is not guaranteed. Students must be admitted to the University and to the Nursing program.

The following criteria must be met in order to be considered for admission into the Nursing Program:

  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater.
  • Completion of high school chemistry and biology.
  • Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater in High School science courses.
  • Demonstration of math proficiency: courses in Algebra I, II, and Geometry.
  • Average to strong writing skills, demonstrated in the application essay.

Clinical Practicum Nursing Requirements Policy

  1. Student Fees:
    Students incur the costs associated with clinical requirements.  Please see the Nursing Student Handbook.
  2. Clinical Requirements & Background Review:
    Please see the Nursing Student Handbook.

Completion Requirements

  • The nursing courses are completed in sequence in a cohort model. A maximum of 57 transfer credits may be applied to the degree.
  • Credits in the major: 89 semester hours, which includes 66 credits of nursing (NR) courses.
  • 120 credit hours are required to complete the BS in Nursing, with a grade of a B- (minimum numeric score of 80) or higher in all nursing (NR) theory courses and a PASS in all nursing (NR) clinical courses.
  • Students must earn and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.67 (B-) in both the major and the cumulative GPA in order to progress in the program.
  • Once students begin their nursing courses at PSU [courses with the designation of NR preceding the course number], they have five years to complete their degree. This includes the degree requirements/completion of the degree.
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From the Director

Welcome! You have made an excellent decision to join a profession that provides tremendous opportunities. As a nurse, you are choosing to spend your life helping others by using skills that blend scientific knowledge with compassion and caring. There are few professions that offer such a rewarding combination of high tech and high touch.

The nursing faculty at Plymouth State University is committed to educating and preparing future nursing leaders for practice and service to meet the growing health care demands of the community and the world.

On behalf of the nursing faculty and staff, I wish you success as you pursue your nursing education. If you have any questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to meeting you.

Dr. Donna Driscoll, DNP, RN, CEN
Office Location: Samuel Read Hall Rm 313
Office Phone: (603) 535-2120
Mail Stop: MSC 58
E-mail: dldriscoll@plymouth.edu

Curriculum & Requirements

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
BI 2110
BI 2130
Human Anatomy and Physiology I
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I
4
BI 2120
BI 2140
Human Anatomy and Physiology II
and Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II
4
BI 2340Microbiology for Nurses4
MA 2300Statistics I (QRCO)3
PS 2015Introduction to General Psychology4
PS 2055Life-Span Developmental Psychology4
NR 2100Foundations of Professional Nursing3
NR 2550Health Assessment3
NR 2750Pathophysiology4
NR 3020Introduction to Patient-Centered Care (DICO)3
NR 3035Nursing Care of Children2
NR 3052Clinical Applications of Patient-Centered Care4
NR 3070Health and Wellness of Older Adults (WECO)3
NR 3095Evidence-Based Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing2
NR 3135Clinical Applications of Pediatric Wellness and Illness1
NR 3150Pharmacology4
NR 3550Clinical Application of Health and Wellness for the Older Adult and Chronic Illnesses2
NR 3700Clinical Evidence-Based Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing1
NR 4000Evidence-Based Practice in Medical Surgical Nursing4
NR 4015Maternal and Newborn Care2
NR 4020Global Health and Population-Based Health Care (GACO)3
NR 4060Research Process and Evidence-Based Practice (QRCO,WRCO)3
NR 4100Clinical Evidence-Based Practice in Medical Surgical Nursing 3
NR 4150Clinical Application Maternal Newborn Care1
NR 4500Nursing Leadership for Acute Care Nursing (INCO)3
NR 4600Leadership, Collaboration & Quality Health Care Systems (TECO)3
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 14-8
IS 4220Signature Project (INCO,INCP)4
Electives 0-8
Choose either Pre-licensure or RN-BSN Option13-15
Total Credits120
1

Directions should total 16-17 credits because SIDI is waived for BS Nursing.

Pre-licensure BS in Nursing Option

This option is designed for those seeking to earn a BSN and be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN upon successful completion of the program.  Pre-licensure students must earn a minimum grade of B- in all prerequisite courses. Students must earn a grade of a B- (minimum numeric score of 80) or higher in all nursing (NR) theory courses and a pass in all nursing (NR) clinical courses in order to progress in the program. Students must earn and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.67 (B-) in both the major and the cumulative GPA in order to progress in the program.

Course Title Credits
NR 2300Biochemistry for Nurses3
NR 3077Clinical Applications of Community Based Care1
NR 4082Leadership and Quality Improvement in Clinical Settings6
NR 4310NCLEX-RN Success 11
NR 4360NCLEX-RN Success II2
Total Credits13

RN-BSN BS in Nursing Option

Students with an earned Associate Degree in Nursing and licensure as an Registered Nurse may apply to PSU to earn a BS in Nursing.  Once admitted, students must earn a grade of a B- (minimum numeric score of 80) or higher in all nursing (NR) theory courses and a pass in the nursing (NR) clinical course to progress in the program. Students must earn and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.67 (B-) in both the major and the cumulative GPA to progress in the program. 

Course Title Credits
PBH 2000Foundations of Public Health4
Business Course (Choose one course):3-4
BU 2240
Business Statistics (QRCO)
BUS 1200
Business Law and Ethics (DICO)
BUS 1300
Digital Information Technologies (TECO)
BUS 1400
Principles of Economics (GACO)
BUS 2000
Financial & Managerial Accounting
Social Issues Course (Choose one course):3-4
AN 3605
Forensic Anthropology
ESP 3550
Environment and Health (WECO)
HE 3700
Drug Behavior (WECO)
HE 4100
Women's Health Issues (WECO)
PO 3255
Model United Nations (GACO,INCO)
PY 3325
Medical Ethics (INCO,WECO)
SW 3500
Health and Society (GACO,WECO)
NR 4083Clinical Applications of Leadership3
Total Credits13-15

Check all course descriptions for prerequisites before planning course schedule. Course sequence is suggested but not required.

To complete the bachelor’s degree in 4 years, you must successfully complete a minimum of 15 credits each semester or have a plan to make up credits over the course of the 4 years.  For example, if you take 14 credits one semester, you need to take 16 credits in another semester.  Credits completed must count toward your program requirements (major, option, minor, certificate, general education or free electives).

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
BI 2110 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 3
BI 2130 Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I 1
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
PS 2015 Introduction to General Psychology 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 3-4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 3-4
 Credits18-20
Spring
BI 2120 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 3
BI 2140 Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II 1
MA 2300 Statistics I (QRCO) 3
EN 1400 Composition 4
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 3-4
 Credits14-15
Year Two
Fall
PS 2055 Life-Span Developmental Psychology 4
NR 2100 Foundations of Professional Nursing 3
NR 2300 Biochemistry for Nurses 3
Directions (choose from CTDI, PPDI, SSDI) 3-4
 Credits13-14
Spring
BI 2340 Microbiology for Nurses 4
NR 2750 Pathophysiology 4
NR 2550 Health Assessment 3
Elective 3
 Credits14
Year Three
Fall
NR 3020 Introduction to Patient-Centered Care (DICO) 3
NR 3150 Pharmacology 4
NR 3052 Clinical Applications of Patient-Centered Care 4
NR 3095 Evidence-Based Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing 2
NR 3700 Clinical Evidence-Based Practice in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing 1
 Credits14
Spring
NR 3035 Nursing Care of Children 2
NR 3135 Clinical Applications of Pediatric Wellness and Illness 1
NR 3077 Clinical Applications of Community Based Care 1
NR 4020 Global Health and Population-Based Health Care (GACO) 3
NR 3070 Health and Wellness of Older Adults (WECO) 3
NR 3550 Clinical Application of Health and Wellness for the Older Adult and Chronic Illnesses 2
NR 4600 Leadership, Collaboration & Quality Health Care Systems (TECO) 3
Elective or INCP 3
 Credits18
Year Four
Fall
NR 4000 Evidence-Based Practice in Medical Surgical Nursing 4
NR 4015 Maternal and Newborn Care 2
NR 4100 Clinical Evidence-Based Practice in Medical Surgical Nursing 3
NR 4150 Clinical Application Maternal Newborn Care 1
NR 4310 NCLEX-RN Success 1 1
Elective 3
 Credits14
Spring
NR 4500 Nursing Leadership for Acute Care Nursing (INCO) 3
NR 4060 Research Process and Evidence-Based Practice (QRCO,WRCO) 3
NR 4360 NCLEX-RN Success II 2
NR 4082 Leadership and Quality Improvement in Clinical Settings 6
 Credits14
 Total Credits120

At the end of the baccalaureate nursing curriculum, graduates will…
  • Demonstrate accountability for practicing nursing within established moral, legal, ethical, regulatory, and humanistic principles.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care and the ability to effectively call on system resources to provide care that is of optimal quality and value.
  • Use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision-making.
  • Identify, evaluate, and use the best current evidence coupled with clinical expertise and consideration of patients’ preferences, experience and values to make practice decisions.
  • Function effectively within nursing and interdisciplinary teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, shared decision making, team learning, and development.
  • Minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through both individual performance and system effectiveness.
  • Use data to monitor outcomes and care processes and use improvement methods to design and test changes to continuously improve the quality and safety of health care.
  • Influence the behavior of individuals or groups of individuals within their environment in a way that will facilitate the establishment and acquisition/achievement of shared goals.
  • Deliver holistic nursing care and advocate for health promotion and disease prevention strategies at the individual, family, community, and global levels.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills with clients that foster mutual respect and shared decision making to enhance patient satisfaction and health outcomes.

• Students with college degrees in nursing (as opposed to basic technical or practical training) will be prepared for a wide variety of professional opportunities in the field. 100% of our graduates in the last 3 years have been hired upon graduation.
• Nurses are highly in demand in many different sectors of the health services industry. As you earn more advanced degrees in nursing, you will get increasingly specialized training and may be eligible for higher-paying jobs. All nurses need to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) in order to become Registered Nurses (RNs).
 
Most BS degrees will require students to successfully complete courses such as:
  • Microbiology
  • Nutrition
  • Human anatomy & physiology
  • Chemistry
  • Statistics
  • Variety of clinical experiences in different healthcare settings
    • Nursing care of women & children
    • Nursing care of the adults & elderly
    • Mental health nursing
    • Community and Public Health

BS graduates may go on to have successful careers in specialized fields such as:

  • Emergency room care
  • Home healthcare
  • Mental health
  • Critical care
  • Oncology
  • Geriatrics
  • Pediatrics
  • Obstetrics
  • International healthcare settings
  • Military healthcare

Explore Program Details

Approval

Office of Professional Licensure and Certification

7 Eagle Square

Concord, NH 03301

board.questions@oplc.nh.gov

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Plymouth State University has been granted Full Approval Status by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing


Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Plymouth State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
P: (202) 887-6791
F: (202) 887-8476

For questions about the approval and accreditation of the Nursing Program please contact: Donna Driscoll, DNP, RN, CEN, Director of Nursing Program, (603) 535-2120.

Transfer Student Requirements

Currently, each nursing cohort is limited; therefore, very few openings are expected yearly. Students requesting transfer into the program may apply to the nursing department following the guidelines outlined on the page linked below. 

More information

Program Fees – 2023/2024 Academic Year

The Nursing Program fee is assessed each semester a student is enrolled in the Nursing Program. The Program Fee replaces the Course Fees that were previously attached to the nursing courses. The Program Fee covers a multitude of goods and services previously billed directly to the student. The Program Fee structure provides the student the opportunity to spread the cost of the required program components over multiple years and take advantage of financial aid.

The fee for the current academic year per semester is $550.00 and covers the following required goods and services:

IDEA Ambassador Spotlight

Shandiin Clark ’25

Shandiin Clark, a nursing major, began working with the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Center  because she wanted to “bring more recognition to the Native American and Indigenous community.” She also believed this position would give her an opportunity to learn more about other cultures and their traditions. To her, diversity means appreciating and accepting other people’s cultures and values without being judgmental.

When not at work or studying, you can find Shandiin in her free time listening to music, reading, drawing, playing basketball, and hanging out with friends. The best part about being a social justice leader to her would be learning about the new cultures through programs that the center hosts, such as Empower Hours. “Being a SJL has given me more opportunities, whether it be within my educational career or not.”

If given the chance to be in a movie, you would find Shandiin in Percy Jackson & the Olympians.

Shandiin Clark ’25: Belonging on Campus

IDEA Ambassadors work hard to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and access across our campus and beyond.

Social Justice Leader Shandiin Clark
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