RN to BSN Application and Information Packet 2015 RN to BSN Degree Completion Program Program start: Summer 2015 Application Period: December 9, 2013 February 28, 2014 UPDATE: Deadline extended thru March 31, 2014. All documents need to be received by March 31 for consideration. University of Great Falls Admission Office RN to BSN Admission Processing 1301 20th Street South Great Falls, MT 59405 www.ugf.edu/greatnurses (406)791-5202 UGF Admission Office (406)791-5234 Nicole Brandt, RN to BSN Admission Liaison Fax (406)791-5209 rn2bsn@ugf.edu or nbrandt01@ugf.edu.
Contents University of Great Falls RN to BSN Degree Completion Program Information Packet Program Information. 3 Application Requirements.. 4 Application Steps.. 5-6 Readiness Profile.. 7 Self-Evaluation of Credits Worksheet. 8 Recommendation Forms 9-14 2
University of Great Falls RN to BSN Degree Completion Program Program Information Information Packet Accreditation The University of Great Falls (UGF) RN to BSN Nursing Program has received five-year, full accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for its baccalaureate degree program. The Board of Commissioners of CCNE determined that the baccalaureate program at the University of Great Falls meets all four accreditation standards with no compliance concerns. Those four standards are 1) program quality: mission and governance, 2) program quality: institutional commitment and resources, 3) program quality: curriculum and teaching-learning practices and 4) program effectiveness: student performance and faculty accomplishments. CCNE is an autonomous accrediting agency contributing to the improvement of the public s health and serving the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. Accreditation is a voluntary process and a reaffirmation of the quality and integrity of the programs evaluated Academic Information The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program is a selective program offered to licensed, practicing Registered Nurses in the Providence Health & Services System (and Affiliates). The program is a unique five semester program: - Includes a two week session at the UGF Campus in Great Falls, MT the first summer of the program - Additional semesters are taught via distance learning at a designated site once a week - This program uses a cohort model, allowing the students to move through each class with the same group of students Employees of Providence Health & Services (and Affiliates) may be eligible to receive scholarship support through the PH&S Programmatic Support program. More information about the program can be found at www.ugf.edu/greatnurses. 3
University of Great Falls RN to BSN Degree Completion Program Admission Requirements Information Packet The University of Great Falls RN to BSN Degree Completion Program is a highly competitive program with 125 slots available for the 2015 program. The follow items must be met to be eligible for the program: Graduate of an Associate Degree program in Nursing (or diploma program) Active and unencumbered RN license 3 Years of experience as a RN Employed at a Providence ministry(and/or Providence affiliate) for 3 years and in good standing o Providence/affiliate hire date on or before December 9, 2010 Update: Hire Date on or before February 28, 2011 Employees must be in a benefited position working either part-time or full-time. Per diem employees are not eligible to apply for this program. Submit all required documents as per application instructions by February 28, 2014 o Application documents include the online application with a typed written essay, recommendation forms, and transcripts o Current Application Instructions and Deadlines can be found at www.ugf.edu/greatnurses *te: More information regarding your readiness for the program can be found on the Readiness Profile located at www.ugf.edu/greatnurses This is a competitive program, not all candidates that meet eligibility requirements will be accepted. Additionally, students are ranked on the following: GPA Completion of program pre-requisite coursework with a C or better o Program pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Nutrition Letters of Recommendation Personal Essay *te: information regarding completion of program pre-requisite and core coursework can be found on the Self-Evaluation Worksheet
University of Great Falls RN to BSN Degree Completion Program Information Packet Application Steps DEADLINE EXTENDED: All materials must be submitted by March 31, 2014 (Late applications will not be accepted. If you have previously submitted official transcripts, these will remain on file and need not be resubmitted only if additional coursework has been completed.). 1. Submit the online admission application and nursing supplement (including personal essay) a. This is completed online. Click here to be taken to the online application or visit www.ugf.edu and clicking the Apply Online link. b. List your Program as Nursing (PH&S) and list Term of Enrollment as Summer 2015 c. Application is for: Select UGF Main Campus d. Complete all questions on the Nursing Supplement, including the essay question. e. There is a Personal Statement in the regular application and an Essay section of the Nursing Supplement Form, please list the same essay in each section. Your essay should answer the question: Why do you wish to complete your baccalaureate degree? The essay should not exceed one page, double-spaced. i. If you are applying to the RN to BSN Degree Completion Program and have previously applied to UGF using the online application, you will need to create a new Application Account. Click here to be taken to the online application or visit www.ugf.edu and clicking the Apply Online link. ii. If you have issues submitting an online application, please contact the Admission Office for a Downloaded Printable Paper Admission Application. 2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. Official transcripts must arrive at UGF Admissions office in a sealed envelope by or before February 28, 2014, Deadline Extended to March 31, 2014 i. If you have previously submitted official transcripts to UGF within the last 2 years, these will not need to be resubmitted unless additional coursework has been completed. ii. If you have completed additional coursework, a new official transcript MUST be submitted. iii. Transcripts can arrive prior to the application period. These will be held until your application is received.
University of Great Falls RN to BSN Degree Completion Program Applications Steps, continued Information Packet 3. Ask your Nurse Manager to complete the 2015 Recommendation Form and submit directly to the University of Great Falls. These forms will not be accepted if sent by the student. a. Letters of recommendation can be scanned and emailed to rn2bsn@ugf.edu by the manager recommending the student only (not from the student themselves). b. The original letter of recommendation is still required to be mailed to UGF by the manager even if the form was sent by email to UGF. c. Recommendation forms by U.S. mail are due by February 28, 2014 Deadline Extended to March 31, 2014 d. Previously submitted letters of recommendation will NOT be accepted. 4. Ask a Nursing Director or Physician (not a friend or family member) to complete the 2015 Recommendation Form and submit directly to the University of Great Falls. These will not be accepted if sent from the student. a. Letters of recommendation can be scanned and emailed to rn2bsn@ugf.edu by the person recommending the student only (not from the student themselves). b. The original letter of recommendation is still required to be mailed to UGF by the recommender even if the form was sent by email to UGF. c. Recommendation forms by U.S. mail are due by February 28, 2014 Deadline Extended to March 31, 2014 d. Previously submitted letters of recommendation will NOT be accepted. Applicants can expect to receive notification of their selection to the program by August 1, 2014. E-mail updates regarding the admission process will be sent to students in the interim from the end of the application close dates thru the selection process. iv.
University of Great Falls RN to BSN Program Readiness Profile The UGF RN to BSN program admits new undergraduate students once each year, summer semester. The following readiness profile is a tool to determine if this program is the right one for you and whether or not you are ready to apply. READINESS PROFILE Graduate of an Associate s Degree program in Nursing (or diploma program) Active and unencumbered RN license 3 years nursing experience Employed at a Providence ministry for 3 years Employed in a benefited position working part-time or full-time only (not per diem) Employee in good standing. (Applicants will be required to provide 2 letters of recommendation) Ability to complete course pre-requisite coursework with a C or better: Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Nutrition Ability to be at 7 or less outstanding core (general education requirements) can be determined by a transcript self-evaluation (waived if already have a Bachelor s degree in another field) If you agree with the following statements this program is looking for applicants like you. I am looking for a program that encompasses the Mission and Core Values of Providence I am looking for a compressed, sequential program lasting 18 months, with an average credit load of 9 credits per semester (nursing courses cannot be challenged) I like the idea of attending class with my cohort, once a week. The class is delivered through a Poly Com videoconferencing system. (Classroom space is allocated by PH&S for a select group of ministries each year) or via Lync on your personal computer. Moodle is the e-learning platform used to support the distance learning classroom. I have a personal computer or laptop. I can attend a 2 week summer intensive on the University campus in Great Falls in May, June or July. I agree to take healthcare statistics course and professional, role development course while on campus (this requirement cannot be waived or challenged). I have a supportive manager and work team. (Students must attend class at a broadcast site once a week on either Wednesday or Thursday) My family situation allows me the opportunity to study and work on assignments approximately 20 hours/week I am financially able to handle the cost of books, travel to Great Falls, and the $500/semester tuition. (Federal Financial Aid eligibility can be determined by completing the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov using UGF School Code 002527 and most Providence employees have some tuition assistance or reimbursement available) My computer skills are adequate and I am comfortable in the Windows environment. I have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word Suite. (Additional skills in Excel and Power Point are helpful). I am excited and motivated about this opportunity to enter an RN to BSN completion program. I realize that obtaining a bachelor degree will allow me to advance my career.
TRANSFERABILITY WORKSHEET HOW MANY OUTSTANDING CORE CREDITS DO I HAVE LEFT TO COMPLETE? 1. Have you completed a Bachelor s Degree? If yes skip to #6; do not count the 7 credits from question #5 in your total. If no, continue numerically. -Completion of a Bachelor s Degree waives the Core Curriculum; however, students must have completed the 3 prerequisite courses prior to program entry. **For the purpose of calculating transfer credit; please note our transfer policy requires that all transfer courses be completed with a C grade or higher AND be at least 100 level. Please answer the questions accordingly. Circle yes or no for each question. For each no circled, add credit amount (listed to right) to indicate total outstanding credits. 2. 3. Please circle yes or no for each question: Basic Skills Completed an introductory English course/ basic writing? Yes Completion of ENG 111 or its equivalent required 3 cr. Foundation Skills Completed an English writing course which includes research-based writing? Yes Completion of ENG 117 or its equivalent required 3 cr. Completed Computer Science course which includes the following topics: Yes hardware, software, file-sharing, and ethics? Completion of CPS 110 or its equivalent required 3 cr. 4. Exploring the Liberal Arts Completed a Fine Arts Course: Art, Music, Drama, Creative Writing? Completion of Art 112FA, ART 115FA DRM 112FA, DRM 120FA ENG 209FA MUS 110FA, MUS 115FA Yes 3 cr. Exploring the Liberal Arts Completed a Humanities Course: Lit., Hist., Philosophy, Logic, World Religions? Completion of Art 112FA, ART 115FA DRM 112FA, DRM 120FA ENG 209FA MUS 110FA, MUS 115FA Yes 3 cr. 5. ILC 330/ILC 350 Great Questions / ENG 300-319 Upper Division Writing ENG 300-319 encouraged to be taken through UGF; seek approval of any alternative upper division writing course in transfer prior to enrolling. Must complete ILC 330 or 350 at UGF. 7 cr. 6. Program Prereqs Completed Nutrition Course: Must be at least 3 credits, as a stand-alone course. YES BIO 271 or its equivalent NO 3 cr. Completed Anatomy & Physiology AND Microbiology (at least 4 credits each) YES NO circled for A&P or Micro, add 4 credits; If A&P and Micro are incomplete, add 8 credits NO 4-8 cr. Total Credits Outstanding: For each NO circled add credits from lines 2 6 The University has previously approved several courses for transfer into the BSN Program. Please use the following link to review acceptable transfer courses: http://www.ugf.edu/portals/1/pdf/registrar%20pdfs/nrs_transfer%20courses%20for%20core.pdf
UGF RN to BSN 2015 Application Letter of Recommendation Applicant s Information (To be Completed by Applicant) Name of Applicant: Job Title: I agree to waive my right to inspect this letter of recommendation. Applicant Signature: Date: *Please also complete the Applicant Name on the following page Dear Nurse Manager, Nursing Director or Physician: A nurse whom you supervise or interact with professionally at a Providence facility (or its affiliate) recently applied to the University of Great Falls (UGF) RN to BSN program. The University of Great Falls will determine whether the nurse is accepted into the program based, in part, on your recommendation. Please complete the form and return to University of Great Falls no later than February 28, 2014 Deadline Extended to March 31, 2014. If you have any questions, please contact University of Great Falls RN to BSN Liaison at 406.791.5234 or 406.791.5202 or rn2bsn@ugf.edu. After completing this two page form, please print and insert the completed form in a sealed envelope. Send the completed form to University of Great Falls Admission Office, 1301 20 th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405. Alternately, forms can be scanned and emailed to rn2bsn@ugf.edu directly from recommenders email (Emailed forms must have original form sent by mail). Recommendation forms must be received via the U.S. mail by February 28, 2014 Deadline Extended to March 31, 2014. (forms sent via email is acceptable, but the original document must follow via mail). Name of Recommender: Applicant s ministry & address: Recommender s Information Job title: Applicant Information (To be completed by Recommender) Applicant s areas of emphasis Ambulatory Care Acute Care Continuing Care How long have you worked with this applicant? Is nurse in a benefitted position (Manager to complete)? When was the nurse s PH&S date of hire? Is nurse in a manager or supervisor role? Yes Yes NOTE: This document will be reviewed by the University of Great Falls admission team only. The applying nurse will not review the completed form. 2015 Recommendation Form Page 1 of 2
UGF RN to BSN 2015 Application Letter of Recommendation Name of Applicant: Criteria Options (Select One Answer to Each Question) 1. In general, how would you rate this employee s overall work performance over the past 3 years? (quality, quantity, accuracy, organization, dependability, initiative, and flexibility) Low performer. On a discipline plan or could be in 6 months Meets performance criteria Exceeds performance criteria High performer, high potential 2. In relation to nursing peers, how would you rate this employee s potential to move into higher level positions, management or positions with greater accountabilities? Below peers Same as peers Above peers Far above peers 3. Based on this employee s specific skill sets and contribution to ministry goals, how critical is retention in relation to nursing peers? (Critical in terms of hard to recruit, hard to develop/train, etc.) RN is not in a hard to fill or specialized field RN is in a hard to fill or specialized field 4. RN practices in (check all that apply) Magnet Facility Critical Access Hospital or Rural Area Metro Area 5. Based on your knowledge, what career level is this employee? 1-3 years practicing 4-10 years practicing 11+ years practicing Late Career (will retire in 3-5 years) 6. Please select the following statement that you most strongly agree with: Do not recommend Weak recommendation I recommend this nurse for this program I strongly recommend this nurse for this program Recommender Signature: Date: Return completed form to the University of Great Falls no later than February 28, 2014 Deadline Extended to March 31, 2014 2015 Recommendation Form Page 2 of 2
UGF RN to BSN 2015 Application Letter of Recommendation Applicant s Information (To be Completed by Applicant) Name of Applicant: Job Title: I agree to waive my right to inspect this letter of recommendation. Applicant Signature: Date: *Please also complete the Applicant Name on the following page Dear Nurse Manager, Nursing Director or Physician: A nurse whom you supervise or interact with professionally at a Providence facility (or its affiliate) recently applied to the University of Great Falls (UGF) RN to BSN program. The University of Great Falls will determine whether the nurse is accepted into the program based, in part, on your recommendation. Please complete the form and return to University of Great Falls no later than February 28, 2014 Deadline Extended to March 31, 2014. If you have any questions, please contact University of Great Falls RN to BSN Liaison at 406.791.5234 or 406.791.5202 or rn2bsn@ugf.edu. After completing this two page form, please print and insert the completed form in a sealed envelope. Send the completed form to University of Great Falls Admission Office, 1301 20 th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405. Alternately, forms can be scanned and emailed to rn2bsn@ugf.edu directly from recommenders email (Emailed forms must have original form sent by mail). Recommendation forms must be received via the U.S. mail by February 28, 2014 Deadline Extended to March 31, 2014. (forms sent via email is acceptable, but the original document must follow via mail). Name of Recommender: Applicant s ministry & address: Recommender s Information Job title: Applicant Information (To be completed by Recommender) Applicant s areas of emphasis Ambulatory Care Acute Care Continuing Care How long have you worked with this applicant? Is nurse in a benefitted position (Manager to complete)? When was the nurse s PH&S date of hire? Is nurse in a manager or supervisor role? Yes Yes NOTE: This document will be reviewed by the University of Great Falls admission team only. The applying nurse will not review the completed form. 2015 Recommendation Form Page 1 of 2
UGF RN to BSN 2015 Application Letter of Recommendation Name of Applicant: Criteria Options (Select One Answer to Each Question) 1. In general, how would you rate this employee s overall work performance over the past 3 years? (quality, quantity, accuracy, organization, dependability, initiative, and flexibility) Low performer. On a discipline plan or could be in 6 months Meets performance criteria Exceeds performance criteria High performer, high potential 2. In relation to nursing peers, how would you rate this employee s potential to move into higher level positions, management or positions with greater accountabilities? Below peers Same as peers Above peers Far above peers 3. Based on this employee s specific skill sets and contribution to ministry goals, how critical is retention in relation to nursing peers? (Critical in terms of hard to recruit, hard to develop/train, etc.) RN is not in a hard to fill or specialized field RN is in a hard to fill or specialized field 4. RN practices in (check all that apply) Magnet Facility Critical Access Hospital or Rural Area Metro Area 5. Based on your knowledge, what career level is this employee? 1-3 years practicing 4-10 years practicing 11+ years practicing Late Career (will retire in 3-5 years) 6. Please select the following statement that you most strongly agree with: Do not recommend Weak recommendation I recommend this nurse for this program I strongly recommend this nurse for this program Recommender Signature: Date: Return completed form to the University of Great Falls no later than February 28, 2014 Deadline Extended to March 31, 2014 2015 Recommendation Form Page 2 of 2