Nursing (RN/BSN) Program, Bachelor of Science
The RN/BSN program is designed for RNs with an associate degree. Diploma certificate RNs may be accepted with approval. The RN/BSN program builds upon associate degree coursework to expand the level, complexity, and scope of RN practice to provide clinical leadership and care for individuals, families, and populations. RN students are admitted to the program at the upper division level. Coursework may be completed with full-time or part-time enrollment. Students who have completed their associate's degree at other institutions and wish to enroll in SKC's RN/BSN program may need to take additional courses to meet the program requirements. Advisors will work closely with students in order to develop an optimum program of study.
The Admission Process
The RN/BSN application packet and all supporting documents must be received by the SKC Nursing Department on the following dates annually to be considered for enrollment in RN/BSN courses. Fall admissions: June 1
Students may apply for:
- Full-time or part-time plans of study.
- Must have an unencumbered RN License.
Admission Documents
There are two separate departments on campus that you will need to send documentation to:
The first department is Enrollment Services:
- SKC application (found online at www.skc.edu)
- Official high school and college transcripts.
Please send to: SKC Enrollment Services PO Box 70 Pablo, MT 59855
The second department is the Nursing Department:
-
unofficial high school and college transcripts
- copy of unencumbered RN license
Please send to: SKC Nursing Department PO Box 70 Pablo, MT 59855
BSN advisors are available throughout the academic year for assistance with admission processes. Please call (406) 275-4922 for further information.
A GPA of 2.5 or greater for lower division general education and nursing coursework is required.
Application forms may be obtained online at nursing.skc.edu
The following information must be turned in to the Nursing Department after acceptance into the RN/BSN Program by August 1. Failure to do so will result in the student's forfeiting the acceptance/ admission status.
- A signed Admission Acceptance Disclaimer form that outlines student responsibilities.
- Documentation of health insurance, IHS beneficiary status, Medicaid, or Medicare coverage.
- Documentation of current Health Care Provider CPR certification.
- A legal document containing photo such as driver’s license or passport.
- A current criminal background check.
- RN/BSN students must attend a required orientation prior to the beginning of classes.
- A completed Health Form, documenting health status, immunizations, skin tests, and ability to meet physical and mental essential abilities criteria for nursing practice.
The Acceptance Process
Enrollment into baccalaureate level courses is based on availability of clinical facilities and faculty. The RN/BSN admission committee reviews all applications. Tribal members and American Indian descendants traceable to the second generation receive first preference for admission. RN/BSN students will be sent written notification of acceptance status into the RN/BSN program postmarked by July 1 for the Fall admission.
Expenses
In addition to SKC tuition and fees, RN/BSN nursing students have costs including program fees, textbooks, lab coat, nametag, program liability, health insurance, background checks, drug screens, and clinical travel.
Nursing Department Policies
Due to the unique nature of the nursing profession, the Nursing Department maintains policies in addition to those of the college. The policies are available in the BSN Student Handbook. Examples include admission, progression, readmission, professional behavior, and grading policies.
Program Delivery
BSN courses are offered as hybrid campus/online or online classes. General education courses are available online or on campus. Hybrid courses require weekly online activities and mandatory all day campus or online sessions scheduled one to three times a quarter. Students must have access to a computer equipped with a webcam and a microphone; high-speed Internet service is also required. Students are required to have a MS Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Clinical Practicum
Two senior nursing courses include clinical preceptorships in institutional or community-based agencies. Students are expected to identify a project either with a quality improvement or health promotion focus.
Student Learning Outcomes
Salish Kootenai College Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for both RN-BSN and BSN degree options include the following End of Program Student Learning Outcomes.
The graduate nurse will:
- Integrate theory and evolving knowledge from the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and nursing to guide nursing practice.
- Develop nursing care that integrates patient values and beliefs within the context of cultural congruence.
- Facilitate inter-and intra-professional collaboration and communication to promote safe, quality patient care.
-
Analyze research literature, incorporate information technology, and integrate evidence-based recommendations to inform nursing practice.
- Apply principles and competencies of quality improvement, leadership, and healthcare outcome disparities to improve health outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and populations.
- Integrate knowledge of current healthcare policy, healthcare finance, and regulatory agencies’ guidelines to positively influence nursing care across all healthcare settings.
- Participate in ethical decision making and subsequent actions in promoting social justice and reducing social injustice.
- Integrate self-reflection into one’s nursing practice and continually recognize one’s responsibility and accountability to self and others.
- Choose endeavors that facilitate professional growth and advances the nursing profession body of knowledge.
- Develop a nursing practice that demonstrates tolerance, respect, and civility to all.
RN/BSN Recommended Course Schedule for Part Time students
RN-BSN General Education and Elective Classes
*If student did not graduate from SKC with ASN, will need to take 3 of these 6 credits of open electives in NASD for a total of 9 NASD credits for a BSN.
Fall (BSN Year 1)
| NURS305 | Nursing Theory | 3 |
| NURS430 | Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
ELECTIVE
| Open Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
NURS 430 is designated as a course that emphasizes information literacy.
Winter (BSN Year 1)
| NURS354 | Issues in American Indian Health | 3 |
| NURS441 | Global Health | 3 |
| NURS449 | Pain Management | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Spring (BSN Year 1)
Fall (BSN Year 2)
Winter (BSN Year 2)
| NURS355 | Ethics and Issues | 2 |
| NURS444 | Health Promotion, Health Protection, and Disease Prevention | 3 |
| NURS450 | Genetics and Genomics for Nurses | 3 |
| NURS469 | Senior Capstone I | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 11 |
Spring (BSN Year 2)
| NURS472 | Population Focused Care | 3 |
| NURS499 | Senior Capstone II | 3 |
| NURS471 | Health Disparities | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
Total ASN Degree Credits: 104
Total RN-BSN General Education and Elective Credits: 20
Total Required RN-BSN Nursing Credits: 56
Total BSN Degree Credits: 185