Nurses serve on the front lines of the health care industry. They work in emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, inpatient facilities, schools and private homes. As the cornerstone of the medical team, nurses assess and monitor patients' body systems, symptoms and vital signs; administer prescribed medications; and provide routine care, such as bathing, dressing, and wound care. Working closely with clients and their families, nurses are often the first to alert doctors of changes in the patient's medical condition.
However, nursing is a profession that requires more than book knowledge and medical skills. Nurses must also act as compassionate caregivers, supportive advocates and thorough educators to improve and preserve the health and quality of life of their patients. Nurses must be flexible, attentive and demonstrate strong critical thinking skills. They must be prepared to act quickly and competently in order to save lives.
A career in nursing opens many doors and allows nurses to shape their own unique career path. Some nurses choose to specialize in specific clinical areas such as pediatrics, mental health or critical care, while others move into case management, education, research, insurance or administrative roles. In this exciting field, every day is truly different, but each one is rewarding.
You Might Like This Program If...
Do you love people and want to make a difference by helping people during some of the best and most vulnerable times of their lives? If so, Nursing may be the major for you! You might like this major if you enjoy learning about the human body and how it functions and heals. Nurses must be flexible, patient, and have a strong work ethic. They work closely with clients and their families while providing respectful and compassionate healthcare. Nurses must be adaptable, quick on their feet and demonstrate good critical thinking and communication skills. Students pursuing this degree should strive to be leaders in the healthcare field and exhibit professionalism and ethical integrity.
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (B.S.N.) prepares professional practitioners in areas of health promotion and maintenance, illness care, and rehabilitation. The program has three options; two options (GNURS and SCND) prepare prelicensure students and one option (NURN) prepares post-licensure (RN) students. BSN majors will choose one of the three options.
After earning the BSN degree, prelicensure students are qualified to take the registered nurse examination for licensure (NCLEX) by the State Board of Nursing.
Graduates of BSN Program may qualify for admission to a graduate nursing program.
B.S.N. Nursing majors will choose one of the following options:
General Nursing Option (NURS GNURS)
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Erie, Fayette, Mont Alto, Schuylkill, Scranton, University Park
Students start and remain at the campus of admission for the entire program.
The General Nursing Option admits first year students directly to the major at seven Penn State campuses (University Park, Altoona, Erie, Fayette, Mont Alto, Schuykill, or Scranton) for Summer or Fall entry. Non-nursing students may not transfer or change major into the 4-year nursing program at University Park; however, students may apply through a competitive Entrance to Major Review process at the six other campuses offering the General Nursing Program.
Nursing students start and remain at the campus of admission all four years. University Park students spend one full academic year at Penn State Hershey Medical Center campus, which requires students to reside at the location.
Clinical experiences occur at clinical facilities within approximately a 50-mile radius of campus.
All transportation and expenses related to clinical are the responsibility of the student. Students must carry professional liability insurance, complete an annual health examination, criminal background (State and Federal) and child abuse history clearance and drug testing, maintain CPR certification, and adhere to any additional requirements of the clinical facilities. Students may need the use of a car.
RN to BSN Option (NURS RNBSN)
Available at the following campuses: Abington, Fayette, New Kensington, Shenango, Schuylkill, University Park, World Campus
Students start and remain at the campus of admission for the entire program.
The RN to BSN option admits registered nurse students directly to the major at eight Penn State campuses (Abington, Fayette, New Kensington, Shenango, Schuylkill, University Park, and World Campus). The University Park site is a blended program, which includes resident instruction and online nursing courses. The World Campus site is completely online.
For the RN to BSN option, a minimum of 120 credits is required.
Senate legislation 42-97 Credit by Portfolio Assessment enables students to receive credit for certain prescribed nursing courses based on their R.N. licensure which go toward the required minimum of 120 credits.
All transportation and expenses related to clinical are the responsibility of the student. Clinical requirements may include CPR certification, professional liability insurance, health examination including required vaccinations, drug testing, criminal background check (State and Federal) and child abuse history clearances. Students may need the use of a car.
Second Degree Option (NURS SCND)
Available at the following campuses: Altoona, Harrisburg
Students start and remain at the campus of admission for the entire program.
The SCND degree option admits students who have successfully completed a bachelor's degree in another discipline to the Nursing major through a competitive Entrance to Major Review process. Students must have met all prerequisite course requirements.
The SCND degree option is available at Penn State Altoona and Penn State Harrisburg.
This option admits students, who have successfully completed a bachelor's degree in another discipline, to the Nursing major through a competitive Entrance to Major Review process. Students must have met all prerequisite course requirements.
Students start and remain at the campus of admission for the entire program.
Clinical experiences occur at facilities within approximately a 50-mile radius of the campus.
All transportation and expenses related to clinical are the responsibility of the student. Students must carry professional liability insurance; complete an annual health examination, criminal background (State and Federal) and child abuse history clearance and drug testing; maintain CPR certification; and adhere to any additional requirements of the clinical facilities. Students may need the use of a car.
