Nursing

The Harris College, Nursing, enabled by a trust fund established by the late Dr. Charles Houston Harris, was organized as an academic unit of TCU in 1946. The nursing program is accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), P.O. Box 430, Austin, TX 78767-0430; 512.305.7400. Graduates are eligible to sit for the examination for licensure as a registered nurse (R.N.) in Texas or any other state in the United States. Successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in one state qualifies graduates to apply for licensure in any other state. Harris College, Nursing, achieved national accreditation in 1952 and has remained accredited since that time. In addition to the BON accreditation, the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE),655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, D.C. 20001 (http://ccneaccreditation.org)

In compliance with the policy of the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), all applicants are informed that completion of the BSN degree offered through Harris College does not guarantee eligibility for the registered nurse licensure examination. Professional character is necessary for an individual to conform to the requirements of the Nurse Practice Act. Individuals should seek special advising prior to enrolling in any professional nursing program in Texas if they have a personal history involving conditions that may endanger the health and safety of a person. Such conditions include but are not limited to a felony conviction involving acts likely to affect professional practice; a misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude; or physical or mental disability/illness, including prior or continued drug or alcohol abuse that influences the ability to practice professional nursing. (Texas Board of Nursing, excerpts from the Rules and Regulations Relating to Professional Nurse Education, Licensure, Peer Assistance and Practice, Texas Administrative Code, Title 22, Part 11, Chapters 215 and 217). Clinical facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area require criminal background checks and drug screenings of students. A positive drug screen or criminal background may prevent the student from practicum course enrollment or completion. Further licensure information is available at:

Office of the Director, Undergraduate Nursing

TCU Nursing

Texas Christian University

TCU Box 298620

Fort Worth, TX 76129

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a description of the abilities required for admission to and completion of the BSN curriculum is available upon request from the Director, Undergraduate Nursing

Nursing Program of Study

The Nursing program is designed to meet the needs of those interested in obtaining the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Mission

TCU Nursing is dedicated to professional nursing education based on a foundation of liberal arts, sciences, and humanities, and to the promotion of an environment that encourages lifelong learning.

TCU Nursing further affirms to enhance the human condition by preparing graduates who think and practice as ethical leaders, and advance knowledge of health and human development within the global community. The Nursing program is designed to meet the needs of those interested in obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Masters of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, a Post-Graduate certificate, and a Post-Graduate APRN Certificate.

The Program endorses the Mission, Vision and Core Values of Texas Christian University.

TCU Nursing Vision

To advance the health of all.

TCU Nursing Mission

To lead nursing education, practice and scholarship.

TCU Nursing Values

Collaboration

Human Dignity

Innovation

Integrity

Social Justice

Baccalaureate Nursing Program Outcomes

Demonstrate values and behaviors that support the vision, mission, and core values of TCU and TCU Nursing.
Meet complex health needs of individuals, families, populations, and communities.
Apply leadership and management principles to achieve safe, high quality, person-centered care.
Use information management systems and technology to provide care and optimized patient outcomes.
Engage in scholarship, leadership, and service.

Nursing Degrees

TCU offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Nursing Major Admission

Prior to beginning nursing coursework, each student must complete the criminal background check as required by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) and submit proof of eligibility to take the NCLEX. Four pieces of documentation are accepted:

Blue postcard from the BON stating that the criminal background check is clear
An Operations Outcome Letter
An Enforcement Outcome Letter
An Eligibility order from the BON

Students may take the TEAS test one time in a 12-month period. Students whose scores are invalidated due to misconduct during the TEAS test

have the opportunity to appeal the decision through ATI
may be found in violation of the TCU Academic Conduct Policy and be sanctioned according to the policy https://deanofstudents.tcu.edu/student-handbook/academic-policies/academic-conduct-policy/
will not be eligible to begin nursing coursework until the 12-month period ends and the TEAS is taken a second time
will be re-evaluated for admission into nursing upon submission of the second TEAS test results.

TCU Continuing Students (entered TCU as a first-year student; major-nursing)

Continuing TCU nursing majors should submit an intent to enroll in first nursing courses by Oct. 1 for the spring semester and Feb. 1 for the fall semester.

Students who enter TCU as a first-year nursing major are scheduled to begin the five-semester nursing sequence during their fourth semester at TCU. Any student wishing to begin the five-semester nursing sequence earlier must notify the Harris Academic Resource Center (HARC) by October 1 of their first-year.

Change of Major Students (entered TCU as a first-year student; major other than nursing)

A TCU student may change to the nursing major after completing two semesters of coursework at TCU and maintains a 2.5 TCU cumulative GPA. It is strongly recommended that the change of major be completed as soon as possible, but at least one semester prior to the first semester of nursing courses. Change of major requests must be completed by April 1. Students who enter nursing after the first semester of their first-year year may only begin the nursing program during a fall semester and will be on a 4 1/2 year plan of study or longer depending upon when the change of major occurred. Students wishing to change into the nursing major are strongly encouraged to attend a Change of Major Workshop. Workshops are held in March and October.

Transfer Students (out of high school at least one full semester and attempted college or university work elsewhere for credit)

Transfer applicants use Nursing CAS (Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs). The deadline for application for initial entry into nursing courses by transfer students is Feb. 1 for the fall semester. Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) entrance examination scores are required with the application. Transfer applicants are advised to contact the Harris Academic Resource Center (HARC) as early as possible in the application process.

The number of transfer students admitted to nursing courses is determined by the availability of faculty, facilities and the number of qualified continuing and change of major TCU students. Selection of transfer students for initial entry into nursing courses is based on indicators of the applicant's likelihood of success in the program and in professional practice.

Transfer students who were enrolled in another nursing program may apply to become a nursing major at TCU if they were in good standing with the University and the nursing program at the time they left the program. All transfer student applicants who have been previously enrolled in a nursing program must submit a letter from the dean or director of that program indicating eligibility status for readmission. If a transfer student is unable to obtain a letter stating they are in good standing with their previous program, the student will be eligible to apply to TCU Nursing three years after leaving their previous program.

Additional Bachelor Degrees

A student with a previous undergraduate degree from TCU must meet the same enrollment requirements as other TCU students. A student with a bachelor's degree from another university is considered a transfer student.

Accelerated BSN

TCU Nursing offers an accelerated BSN track. Applicants with a bachelor's degree must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher in their first degree or science prerequisites. Applicants without a bachelor's degree, including current TCU students with declared major other than nursing, must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher in their current coursework or science prerequisites. The 19-month course of study is full time with coursework beginning in June of each year. Admission is competitive based on academic record, entrance exam scores and completion of all prerequisite courses and core curriculum. Students must also comply with other admission requirements listed above. Those interested should contact TCU Nursing for admission requirements unique to this track.

Nursing Re-enrollment

A student who has been a nursing major and leaves TCU for a leave of absence must apply for re-enrollment after an absence of a full fall or spring semester. If the student meets enrollment criteria, the Office of the Registrar will contact TCU Nursing to receive approval for the student to re-enroll as a nursing major. The student must meet the requirements for graduation based on the published TCU catalog at the time of re-entry into the nursing major. Re-entering students may be required to pass comprehensive mastery exam(s). Re-enrollment is dependent on clinical space availability in practicum courses.

Readmission to Nursing

If a student is dismissed from nursing due to failure to progress, they may reapply to the nursing program after three years. If accepted into the nursing program, the student will enroll in the traditional track starting with NURS 2000 level courses. If a student is dismissed form nursing due to academic misconduct or ethical violations, the student is ineligible to reapply.

Nursing Major Progression Policies (after enrollment in nursing coursework)

Students must have a TCU cumulative GPA of 2.5 to progress to the next semester of coursework and each semester must be completed prior to progression into the next semesters courses.

Students may repeat one nursing course if less than a "C" or a no-credit (NC) grade is earned.

Students are discontinued from the major if grades of "C-", "D," "F" or "NC" are earned in two or more nursing courses (excluding NURS 10303).

A “C” grade is obtained by earning a 73%. Students are responsible for knowing how to obtain a minimum of a 73% in nursing coursework. Some classes require a 73% test average in order to receive quiz, project, or participation points. Information about grading is found in the course syllabus.

Students may be discontinued from the nursing major if there is not consistent progress towards program completion.

Students may be discontinued from the nursing major if their academic, practicum or personal performance is determined to be inconsistent with professional responsibility and accountability. In rare instances, the safety of patients may necessitate removing a student from a practicum and/or the nursing program. Faculty members are responsible for recommending this action in writing to the Director, Undergraduate Nursing.

As a minimum requirement for participating in a practicum, a student's performance must be in compliance with Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice published by the ANA, and the Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, including "not accepting an assignment when one's physical or emotional condition prevents the safe and effective delivery of care." When in the opinion of the instructor a student is not prepared for the educational activity or is in violation of these rules for any reason- including but not limited to, impairment by reasons of alcohol and/or drug abuse- the student is dismissed from practicum for the day. The instructor may recommend further action to the Director, Undergraduate Nursing.

Dropping Nursing Classes

Students have increased opportunities for success in a nursing program when learning is supported by the associated clinical below courses are intended to enhance the content of one another therefore a student who is dropping a class, practicum, clinical, or simulation course will drop all associated courses related to that topic. Elective and nursing preparatory courses (course) are exempt from this policy. Students are required to meet with the Director, Undergraduate Nursing prior to dropping/withdrawing from course work. See the list of associated courses below.

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Retaking Nursing Classes

Students have increased opportunities for success in a nursing program when learning is supported by the associated clinical and/or practicum courses. TCU Nursing faculty support this practice. The below courses are intended to enhance the content of one another therefore a student who is retaking a class, practicum, clinical, or simulation course will retake all associated courses related to that topic. See the list of associated courses below.

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Requirements for Graduation

For the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a student must have:

2.5 cumulative GPA for all coursework completed at TCU
Completed 120 credits including all nursing courses required for the major with grades of "C" or higher or "P"
Completed all core curriculum requirements

Multiple Majors

Nursing students, with the approval of appropriate academic deans, may pursue an additional major concurrent with nursing. Such students must declare nursing as the first major and complete all degree requirements for both nursing and the additional major. Students interested in this option are encouraged to meet with advisers from both majors to develop an academic plan.

Computer Requirement

For all computer-based assessments, students are required to bring a Windows or Apple laptop that meets the software requirements of TCU’s learning management system.

Fees and Other Expenses

Each clinical course carries an additional fee. Fees are charged for testing and academic resources per semester. All students planning licensure as a registered nurse in Texas are required to submit the required fee directly to the Board of Nursing and to the national company which administers the test during the last semester of nursing coursework. Purchase of uniforms at the TCU bookstore is required. Professional liability insurance is required each year the student is enrolled in practicum coursework. Students are responsible for the cost of the urine drug screen and the criminal background check.

Transportation

Limited city bus service is available for transportation to some practicum facilities. Plans should be made for the use of a car, ride share or carpool beginning with the first practicum nursing course.

Employment

Students may be employed on or off campus, as opportunities are available and as the course load and schedule permits. Work schedules should allow sufficient time for study. Because nursing is a demanding academic major, students are cautioned to carefully balance the number of work hours with course requirements. Students employed in clinical agencies may not wear the TCU Nursing name tag or uniform during such employment. Students who are employed in a clinical setting must not sign their names as nursing students.

Health Professions Learning Center

The Health Professions Learning Center in the Annie Richardson Bass Building is available to nursing students to enhance independent learning and as a simulation and basic care lab for mastering clinical skills. In the Learning Center, students become active participants in an environment that facilitates both individual and small-group learning situations.

Testing Program

Students are required throughout the program to complete computer-based standardized assessments. Results provide a basis for review of individual achievement as well as program effectiveness.

Honors College

Nursing majors who plan to pursue departmental honors must be members of the Honors College and are advised carefully for such achievement. TCU Nursing supports and encourages participation in the Honors College.

Nursing Scholarships and Grants

A variety of scholarships and grants are available once students begin nursing coursework. Applications are made through the Office of Scholarships and Student Financial Aid.

Nursing Student Organization

The Texas Nursing Student Association and the National Student Nurses' Association provide an opportunity to participate in local, state and national affairs. These organizations are concerned with the role of the nursing student, the role of the nurse in the community, and the future of nursing. Meetings take place throughout the semester, and regional meetings.

Sigma Theta Tau International

Since 1970 the Beta Alpha Chapter of the International Honor Society for Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, has selected members on the basis of academic merit. Qualified students are invited to join during their junior or senior years.

Chi Eta Phi Sorority

Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. is a national organization of registered professional nurses and nursing students. All undergraduate nursing students are eligible to apply. Members are actively engaged in events on campus and the community. The organization serves to develop nursing leaders, encourage continuing education, and serve the community.