JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing

The Lamar University JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program is fully approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. (The Texas Board of Nursing does not review Master's programs.)

The BSN and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs are fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), located at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326.

ACEN last visited Lamar University in October 2017 to review the BSN and MSN degree programs for continuing accreditation. Accreditation for both programs has been affirmed through 2025.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Undergraduate pre-licensure nursing students meet course requirements through didactic courses, laboratory and simulation activities, and clinical experience in healthcare facilities under the supervision of university faculty.  Licensed Registered Nurses (R.N.s) in the articulation tracks and graduate program meets course requirements through didactic courses, laboratory activities, practicum and projects.
Pre-licensure graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses® (NCLEX-RN®) in order to obtain a license to practice as a Registered Nurse. Graduates are required to meet criteria established by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) in order to take the NCLEX-RN® examination.

Program Goals and Outcomes

1. Goal: Provide excellent learning opportunities to prepare graduates to meet national standards for entry into practice as competent, professional registered nurses.

Outcome:

Performance on Licensure Exam: 88% or more of the pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates will pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) on the first attempt.

2. Goal: Provide relevant education and resources for students to graduate in a timely manner.

Outcomes:

Program Completion (100%): 40% or more of the students entering the BSN program will earn the BSN degree within 100% of the time of the published program length

Program Completion (150%): 70% or more of the students entering the BSN program will earn the BSN degree within 150% of the time of the published program length.

3. Goal: Prepare graduates to function in role-related nursing employment.

Outcome:

Job Placement: 90% or more of BSN graduates contacted report employment in nursing 9-12 months post-graduation.

BSN End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Practices safe, compassionate, and effective holistic/multidimensional patient-centered care to diverse patients/clients* in multiple settings from a global perspective by incorporating theories and evidence-based findings.

2. Supports patients/clients in preventing disease, maintaining wellness, promoting and restoring health and advocating for death with dignity.

3. Evaluates patient-centered care for patients/clients across the lifespan based on common and complex health needs and compromised multiple health states when considering multiple determinants of health.

4. Synthesizes clinical reasoning and judgment in nursing practice utilizing critical thinking, nursing process, informatics, research, and evidence-based findings.

5. Employs safe, effective, compassionate patient-centered care in collaboration with patients/clients and members of the interprofessional and intraprofessional healthcare team.

6. Differentiates multiple role dimensions and practices within ethical, legal and regulatory frameworks when caring for diverse patients/clients as a member of the interprofessional and intraprofessional healthcare team.

7. Demonstrates professional integrity, effective communication, active inquiry and service to the community.

Students seeking admission to the pre-licensure baccalaureate (BSN) nursing program must apply for admission to the nursing program. Admission to the nursing program is very competitive. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in pre-requisite courses and in required science courses, and be in good standing in the university with an overall career GPA of no less than 2.0.

Students not enrolled at Lamar University must submit two separate applications: one for admission to Lamar (ApplyTexas), and a separate application for admission to the nursing program (obtained from the Forms page of the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing website).

Applications for admission to the nursing programs must be received by February 15 for Fall semester admission and September 1 for Spring semester admission (if the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date will be the next business day). The following items must accompany the application:

· Receipt for payment of application fee (payment made online)

· Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended

· Pre-admission test scores (HESI™ A2)

· Proof of advising appointment (transfer students only).

Applicants are encouraged to follow application instructions carefully to ensure processing by the Admissions Committee. Students are responsible for assuring that their applications are complete; incomplete applications will not be considered. Admission is limited by available space.

All core and pre-requisite courses, with the exception of Political Science, must be completed prior to entering the BSN program.

An official transcript evaluation by Lamar University is required for all transfer credits. Transfer credits that are not equivalent to Lamar credits must be evaluated on an individual basis by the appropriate department chair. Technical credits will not transfer to Lamar University. Students should monitor Degree Audit and contact their pre-nursing advisor regarding course equivalency questions.

Applications for admission to the pre-licensure BSN program are evaluated competitively. To be considered for admission to the BSN program, the following is required:

1. Admission to Lamar University (See Undergraduate Admissions section of this catalog.)

2. Completion of all pre-requisite courses and science courses with a minimum grade of "C".

3. Minimum 2.5 GPA in pre-requisite courses and a minimum science GPA of 2.5.

4. Overall academic career GPA of 2.0 or higher.

5. Have a minimum grade of "C" in Nursing Pathophysiology from an accredited university that was earned no more than 3 years prior to admission. Students will be allowed a maximum of three attempts to pass Nursing Pathophysiology within a 3-year period prior to admission. Course equivalency must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies.

6. Have a minimum grade of "C" in Theories of Nursing taken at Lamar University that was earned no more than 3 years prior to admission. Students will be allowed a maximum of three attempts to pass Nursing Pathophysiology within a 3-year period prior to admission. Course equivalency must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Nursing Studies.

7. To be considered eligible to apply for admission to the School of Nursing, students may have no more than 6 unsuccessful prerequisite course attempts. An unsuccessful course attempt is defined as not meeting the minimum required grade “C” or “D” as required by the nursing program. Failure in courses not required by the nursing program do not count toward this eligibility criteria.

8. Pre-admission exam scores (HESI™ A2). A minimum score of 79 is required on the Reading Comprehension section of the admission exam (Contact the Nursing Information Center for information).

As part of the admission process, students are required to complete a criminal background screening and drug screening. Students admitted to the nursing program are required to obtain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, submit proof of immunizations and other health essentials requirements, and obtain liability insurance. Details about these additional requirements will be provided to students upon admission to the nursing program.

Students accepting admission into the pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing program (BSN) must meet the Standards for Nursing Students. The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) requires students to report significant mental health diagnoses and treatment to TBON, as well as any involvement in criminal activities, including convictions.

Curriculum

For progression in the program, a minimum grade of "C" must be earned in all nursing courses, and an overall academic GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in all coursework.

The grading scale for nursing didactic and lab courses is as follows:

A= 100-90 Excellent

B = 89-80 Good

C = 79-75 Satisfactory

D = 74-60 Failure

F = 59-0 Failure

The grading scale for nursing practicum courses is as follows:

S = Satisfactory (Pass)

U = Unsatisfactory (Fail)

Students are required to earn a passing grade in each nursing course while following the sequence identified in the program of study. A BSN student who earns a “D” or “F” in one nursing course must submit a readmission application for approval to continue in the program. Re-admission to the program is not guaranteed and is based on space availability.

If re-admitted, the BSN student must repeat all designated co-requisite courses. BSN students may be readmitted only one time. Failing two nursing courses results in program failure and the student will be ineligible for readmission for four years.

See the Baccalaureate Nursing Student Handbook for specific policies. The handbook is available on the School of Nursing website.

Students seeking to transfer from another nursing program are admitted on a space-available basis. Students who have been unsuccessful ("D" or lower) in one or more nursing course(s) at another nursing program are not eligible for transfer.

Additional costs above tuition and fees are involved in nursing programs. Uniforms, equipment, instruments, liability insurance, health examinations, immunization costs, CPR certification, special testing fees, course packet fees, additional laboratory/clinical fees and transportation to clinical facilities are the student's responsibility. Financial aid is available for eligible students (see the Financial Aid and Awards section of this catalog).

Liability insurance, CPR certification, health examinations and immunizations must be renewed each year of the nursing program. Students may be assigned to clinical experiences during the day, evening, night or weekend hours. Clinical agencies may require additional health examinations, dress codes or conformity with other policies. Students will be informed in advance of such requirements.

Eligibility for Graduation: In addition to the university graduation requirements and compliance with the written degree plan, pre-licensure students must pass a national standardized examination designated by the School of Nursing in order to graduate from the program. The courses of the final semester of the program constitute the capstone experience. The School of Nursing requires that all other course requirements are completed prior to entry into the final capstone semester. Further explanation is provided in the Baccalaureate Nursing Student Handbook.

RN to BSN applications are processed through ApplyTexas.  Follow the instructions carefully so that the correct major is chosen. If the wrong major is selected, there can be a delay in the admission decision.
Admission to Lamar University is required as well as admission to the RN-BSN Articulation Track in the Dishman School of Nursing. Official transcripts from other colleges or universities must be evaluated by Lamar University.

To be considered for admission to the RN-BSN Track, the student must:

1. Have an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree (AASN or ADN) or Diploma in Nursing from an approved program.

2. Apply and be admitted to Lamar University.

3. Have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Students with a cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 2.49 may be admitted on a conditional basis, allowing them to enroll in 6 hours of nursing courses and must earn a grade of "B" or better to progress in the RN-BSN Track.

4. Must have a "C" or better in ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, MATH 1314, MATH 1342/PSYC 2317, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2421, PSYC 2315, and NUTR 1322 to be accepted in the program.

5. Have a current, unencumbered license to practice professional nursing (RN) in the U.S. or an approved U.S. territory.

The admission process is as follows:

1. The student should follow the instructions for Apply Texas, selecting the correct degree code and the semester in which the student wants to enroll.

2. Send official transcripts to the Admissions office at Lamar University Admissions Office, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas, 77710.

3. The Lamar University Admissions Office will then determine the student's admission status, and what courses will transfer. Admissions will send an email with the decision regarding the student's acceptance to Lamar University.

4. After Lamar University admits the student, the School of Nursing will be notified.

5. The School of Nursing will review the student’s file and transcripts to determine if the student meets the admission requirements for the RN-BSN Track.

6. Accepted students will receive a packet by email from the School of Nursing providing them with details regarding their degree plan and the requirements necessary to progress in the track. Students will need to review the packet and their degree plan through their degree audit on Self-Service Banner.

7. After students have reviewed the acceptance packet, they must email their advisor confirming their acceptance and notify the advisor of the course(s) in which they would like to enroll.

Curriculum

Full-time students can complete the RN-BSN Track in 14 months (if all core courses are fulfilled prior to admission). All nursing courses in the RN-BSN Track are 8 weeks long (10 weeks during summer sessions). General education courses are either 8 weeks or 15 weeks long and may be completed concurrently with nursing courses.

Students are required to consult with an RN-BSN Articulation Track Advisor (409-880-8872) before each semester to discuss the best option for their academic progress. Students may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis and financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Progression in the RN to BSN Track

Students are required to earn a grade of “C” or better in each nursing course while following the sequence identified for the program of study.

The grading scale for nursing courses in the RN-BSN Track is as follows:

A= 100-90 Excellent

B = 89-80 Good

C = 79-75 Satisfactory

D = 74-60 Failure

F = 59-0 Failure

In order to progress in the RN-BSN Track students are required to:

· Maintain a current unencumbered nursing license

· Complete a criminal background screening

· Obtain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification

· Submit to a physical exam completed by their physician

· Provide documentation of required immunizations

· Obtain nursing liability insurance

These requirements are the responsibility of the student and are not included in Lamar’s tuition and fees. Students are required to renew immunizations, CPR certification, and liability insurance annually.

Escrow Courses for RN-BSN Students:

RN-BSN students will be awarded 30 hours of Nursing credits via escrow, which will be added to the student's transcript once the nursing capstone course, NURS 4580, has been completed.

Transfer Credits

Credit earned at other regionally accredited institutions will be considered for transfer to Lamar University based on the policies outlined in the Transfer Credit Evaluation section of the Lamar University Admissions Requirements for College Transfers section of this catalog for more information. Lamar University is unable to transfer credits for technical credit courses earned at another institution. Please speak with an advisor regarding questions about technical credit courses.

1. The JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing offers two graduate tracks leading to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and one dual track (administration track) in nursing and business. Persons seeking admission may pursue the degree on a full or part-time basis.
   
   MSN Program Goals and Outcomes
   
   1. Goal: Program demonstrates evidence of students’ achievement in completing the nursing program.
   
   Outcome: 40% of students will graduate within 100% the length of the program
   
   2. Goal: The program demonstrates evidence of graduates’ achievement in job placement
   
   Outcome: 80% of those seeking employment will be involved in role-related professional practice at 6-12 months post-graduation.
   
   3. Goal: The program demonstrates evidence of students' achievement of each End of Program Student Learning Outcome/role-specific professional competency.
   
   Outcomes:
   
   1. Student Learning Outcome Indirect Method: 90% of MSN graduates are expected to respond, “agree or “strongly agree” (4.0 or higher) to each end of program SLO.
   
   2. Student Learning Outcome Direct Method: All MSN graduates are expected to achieve end of program SLOs by a combined score of 75% or higher on the culminating Synthesis Project using a standardized rubric.
   
   4. Goal: The program demonstrates evidence of students’ achievement of role-specific professional competencies
   
   Outcomes:
   
   1. Professional Competency Indirect Method: 90% of MSN graduates are expected to respond “agree” or “strongly agree” (4.0 or higher) to each end-of-program role-specific professional competency by graduation.
   
   2. Professional Competency Direct Method: Practicum courses
   
   MSN End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes
   
   Graduates of the Nurse Educator or Nurse Administrator Tracks of the MSN program will demonstrate the following program outcomes:
   
   1. Analyze issues in the context of healthcare policy and finance, including economic, legal, and political factors, to address the healthcare needs of a diverse society.
   
   2. Analyze strategies to improve healthcare outcomes equitably across the health continuum for diverse populations in a global setting.
   
   3. Utilize research methods, evidence-based practice, and informatics to investigate problems, evaluate outcome data, promote changes, promote safety and health outcomes, and improve nursing practice.
   
   4. Translate current and emerging evidence from nursing theoretical frameworks and other sciences to guide decision-making that demonstrates best practices.
   
   5. Demonstrate advanced nursing practice roles from professional, organizational, and personal perspectives within an ethical and legal framework.
   
   6. Communicate effectively using multiple modalities with diverse individuals, groups, and populations in a global health care environment.
   
   7. Contribute to system-level planning, decision-making, and evaluation for disasters and public health emergencies.

Graduate Admission

Applications are made through ApplyTexas. Nurses seeking admission to the MSN program at Lamar University, JoAnn Gay Dishman School of Nursing must meet the following requirements:

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from a nationally accredited undergraduate program (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)).
2. Current, unencumbered licensure as a Registered Nurse (must be maintained throughout the duration of the program without lapse).
3. GPA of 3.0 or higher for the last 60 hours of college course work.  This includes any graduate hours that may have been acquired.
4. College statistics course with a grade of “C” or better.  Conditional admission without a statistics course is allowed, but statistics must be completed PRIOR to enrollment in MSNC 5311 (Nursing Research). Students are strongly recommended to repeat college statistics if more than five years have elapsed since the course was taken.
5. Clear criminal background check

The Admission Process is as follows:

1. The student should follow the instructions for ApplyTexas, selecting the correct degree code and the semester in which the student wants to enroll.
2. Send official transcripts to the Admissions office at Lamar University Admissions Office, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas, 77710.
3. Only after all transcripts have been received, advisors will determine the student's admission status, whether and what courses will transfer, and will send an email as to the student's admission acceptance.
4. An advisor will contact the student to arrange a mandatory advising appointment, discuss a plan of study, and mail an official letter of acceptance to the student.
5. Following the mandatory advisement, the students will be responsible for enrolling in the specified courses for their accepted term by using their Self-Service Banner accounts

Curriculum

Nursing Administration Track

The Nursing Administration Track provides registered nurses with preparation for advanced roles as Nurse Administrators. The primary focus is placed on advanced knowledge central to the organization, management, leadership, and healthcare policy. Research and theory are used to explore issues related to patient outcomes. Nursing Administration courses prepare leaders for a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Practicum experiences provide administrative learning and opportunities.

Nursing Education Track

The Nursing Education Track provides registered nurses with the theoretical knowledge and skills necessary to become educators in academic and healthcare settings. Particular focus is placed on teaching-learning strategies and theories, curriculum development, measurement and evaluation, and role development as an educator. Practicum experiences provide the student with expert teacher mentors in the nursing education environment.

Dual Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration (MSN/MBA)

This dual degree provides the nurse executive with leadership skills for complex healthcare organizations. Advanced knowledge from nursing administration, business, finance, and the managerial arena prepares a well-rounded nurse leader.

Students should reference the Graduate Nursing Studies Student Handbook for additional policies.

Progression

Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible to graduate. If three Cs are earned in any MSNC, MSNA, and/or MSNE courses, that student will be dismissed from the program.

 The grading scale for nursing courses in the MSN program is as follows:

A= 100-90  Excellent
B = 89-80  Good
C = 79-75  Satisfactory
D = 74-60  Failure
F = 59-0  Failure

Transfer Credits

Transfer of graduate-level credits is addressed under the Academic Policies of the College of Graduate Studies of the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

Applications are made through Apply Texas. Follow the application instructions carefully so that the correct major is chosen. If the wrong major is selected, there can be a delay in the admission decision.

Requirements for Admission to the RN-MSN Track:

1. Have an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree (AASN or ADN) or Diploma in Nursing from an approved program.
2. Acceptance to Lamar University.
3. Overall grade point average of 3.0 or above. If grade point average is between 2.85 and 2.99, see requirements for conditional admission allowing them to enroll in 9 hours of nursing courses and must earn a grade of "B" or better to progress in the RN-MSN Track.
   
   4. Must have a "C" or better in ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, MATH 1314, MATH 1342/PSYC 2317, BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420, PSYC 2315, and NUTR 1322to be accepted into the program.
   
   5. Current unencumbered RN license to practice professional nursing in the United States or an approved U.S. Territory.

If the grade point average is between 2.85 and 2.99, students may be admitted on a conditional basis, provided:

1. Students must take the Miller Analogies Test (MAT).  A successful MAT score is calculated as follows: GPA x 200 + MAT > 950.  We do not make exceptions for international students.
2. Upon receiving a successful score the application will be re-evaluated for admission to the R.N.-M.S.N. track.
3. If admitted, students will be allowed to enroll in the first nine (9) credit hours of nursing courses.
4. Students must pass each course with a “B” or better to progress in the R.N.-M.S.N. Track. See the Lamar Graduate Catalog for more information regarding GPA status and academic probation.
5. If the student is unsuccessful in achieving a “B” or better, he/she will be removed from the Dishman School of Nursing R.N.-M.S.N. Track.

The Admission Process is as follows:

1. The student should follow the instructions for ApplyTexas, selecting the correct degree code and the semester in which the student wants to enroll.
2. Send official transcripts to the Admissions office at Lamar University Admissions Office, P.O. Box 10009, Beaumont, Texas, 77710.
3. The Lamar University Admissions Office will then determine the student's admission status, and what courses will transfer. Admissions and will send an email with the decision regarding the student's acceptance to Lamar University.
4. After Lamar University admits the student, the School of Nursing will be notified.
5. The School of Nursing will review the students’ files and transcripts to determine if the student meets the admission requirements for the RN-MSN Track.
6. Accepted students will receive a packet by email from the School of Nursing providing them with details regarding their degree and the requirements necessary to progress in the track. Students will need to review the packet and their degree plan through their degree audit on Self-Service Banner.
7. After students have reviewed the acceptance packet, they must email their advisor confirming their acceptance and notify the advisor of the course(s) in which they would like to enroll

Curriculum Plan for RN to MSN Track

Students are required to begin with MSNC 5310 Theoretical Foundations as their first nursing course in this track and may be taken with or before NURS 4316. NURS 4316 has 3 pre-requisites:  Anatomy and Physiology I and II (BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402) and Microbiology (BIOL 2420). The remaining B.S.N.-level courses (NURS 4540, NURS 4550, and NURS 4620) and MSNC 5311 Nursing Research must be completed before enrolling in MSNC 5319 Advanced Nursing Issues and Health Policy. Statistics (PSYC 2317 or MATH 1342) must be taken before Nursing Research (MSNC 5311). Students are required to earn a passing grade in each nursing course while following the sequence identified for the program of study.

The final, capstone course for the B.S.N. portion of the track is MSNC 5319 Advanced Nursing Issues and Health Policy, and upon successful completion of the course, students apply to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (provided all other course requirements are complete) before continuing to the remaining graduate-level nursing courses in the track.

Students are required to consult with an RN-MSN Articulation Track Advisor (409-880-8872) before each semester to discuss the best options for their academic progress.  Students may enroll on a full time or part-time basis.

Progression in the RN to MSN Track

Students in the RN-MSN track must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. RN-MSN Track students with GPAs between 2.9 and 2.0 will no longer qualify for the RN-MSN Track but may continue in the RN-BSN Track if they meet the RN-BSN progression policy requirements.

The grading scale for nursing courses in the RN-MSN Track is as follows:

A= 100-90  Excellent
B = 89-80  Good
C = 79-75  Satisfactory
D = 74-60  Failure
F = 59-0  Failure

To remain in the RN-MSN Track, students must earn a grade of “B” or above in the following courses:

• MSNC 5310 Theoretical Foundations
• MSNC 5311 Nursing Research
• MSNC 5319 Advanced Nursing Issues and Health Policy

Students are required to earn a grade of “C” or better in each of the following courses:

• NURS 4316 Comprehensive Holistic Health Assessment
• NURS 4540 Nursing Practice: Care of Communities
• NURS 4550 Nursing Practice: Leadership and Management
• NURS 4620 Nursing Practice: Multiple Health States

In order to progress in the RN-BSN Track students are required to:

• Maintain a current unencumbered nursing license
• Complete a criminal background screening
• Obtain Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
• Submit to a physical exam completed by their physician
• Provide documentation of current immunizations
• Obtain nursing liability insurance

These requirements are the responsibility of the student and are not included in Lamar’s tuition and fees. Students are required to renew immunizations, CPR certification, and liability insurance annually

Escrow Courses for RN to MSN Students

R.N.-M.S.N. students will be awarded 30 hours of undergraduate Nursing credits via escrow, which will be added to the student's transcript once all nursing coursework from the B.S.N. portion of the curriculum has been completed.

Transfer Credits

Credit earned at other regionally accredited institutions will be considered for transfer to Lamar University based on the policies outlined in the Transfer Credit Evaluation section of the Lamar University Undergraduate Admissions Process and Requirement section of this catalog for more information. Transfer of graduate-level credits is addressed under the Academic Policies of the College of Graduate Studies of the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog. Lamar University is unable to transfer credits for technical credit courses earned at another institution. Please speak with an advisor regarding questions about technical credit courses.