Nursing, Bachelor of Science
Department Chair:
Interim Department Chair-Jodi Krzyston, Interim Assistant Department Chair-Patricia Manocchi
Faculty: Jodi Krzyston; Kathleen Ash; Melody Best; Lisa Depperman; Chelsea Fassett; Alicia Jones; Linda Lofrumento; Miya McCann; Patricia Manocchi; Lorena Marra; Betsy Rodgers; Kim Smith; Lisa Wehner
Staff: Kathy Eichhorn; Erica Holoquist; John Janitz Jr.; Donna Moore; Vanessa Sheldon; Greta Holt
Office of Academic Affairs Liaison to Nursing
Geneen Bolton
Major
Nursing
About
Preparation for a career in nursing requires more than the specialized scientific knowledge necessary for licensure. Nursing is an applied human science; therefore, in order to promote, maintain, or restore health a nurse must be able to apply critical thinking to a broad range of health concerns. The nurse must understand how individuals, families, communities, and/or populations experience health or health concerns and the myriad of conditions giving rise to health and health risk. Completion of Hartwick’s baccalaureate nursing program, as part of a broader liberal arts and sciences education, enables the graduate to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to make a difference in the lives of others and the health care system.
Unlike most other baccalaureate nursing programs, Hartwick’s professional nursing curriculum begins in the first year with a solid foundation in the biological, natural, social, and behavioral sciences. Electives in the humanities and social sciences, required throughout the academic program, complement the scientific and technical competencies required to apply a humanistic approach to professional practice. The professional component of the program, woven throughout the curriculum, helps students to gain essential knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to meet the increasingly complex and diverse needs of patients in today’s healthcare environments. Study and experiential opportunities foster the student’s ability to communicate effectively, intervene therapeutically, critically think and clinically reason, and act as a responsible member of society and the profession. Clinical practice centers on health promotion, risk reduction, and illness and disease management across the lifespan and continuum of care. In the senior year, the focus is on transitioning into the professional practice role with an emphasis on the development of systems thinking and skill in the management and coordination of care, clinical leadership, and the translation of evidence into practice.
Courses in the first and sophomore years are sequential and are focused on the role of the nurse as a medical-surgical generalist. Courses in the junior and senior year focus on nursing care of special populations; course work at the junior level must be completed prior to entry in the senior year. Many courses within the major are prerequisites to other courses; this means the prerequisite course must be successfully completed in order for the student to enter subsequent courses in the curricular sequence.
Because of the relationship between safe professional nursing practice and academic performance, nursing majors must meet departmental progression policies, academic standards within the College, and standards for professional accountability and ethical behavior. Nursing majors must earn a minimum grade of C in all courses required for the major to progress within the major. First year students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better to progress in the major; at the completion of the first 200 level clinical course (NURS 234) and beyond, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better to progress in the major.
Nursing is an applied science; as such, students must demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and competency in the application of theory to the skillful practice of nursing. Nursing majors must successfully complete both the theoretical, laboratory, and clinical portion of each nursing course in order to receive credit for the course .
Upon successful completion of Hartwick’s major in nursing, students receive a B.S. degree and are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN examination for licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse (RN). The baccalaureate degree in nursing program at Hartwick College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/). The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing at Hartwick College are registered by the New York State Education Department.
Requirements for the Nursing Major:
Students must hold current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association or The American Red Cross.
Professional Liability Insurance Policy (available through the college for pre-licensure students).
Health Requirements: each student must complete and submit:
- a pre-entrance physical examination and subsequent annual physical examination
- completed immunization records including documentation of the annual influenza vaccine
- specific requirements for the nursing major, e.g., annual Mantoux test for Tb
Some clinical sites may require the COVID-19 vaccine.
*The required forms can be found on the Hartwick website: https://www.hartwick.edu/campus-life/health-wellness/health-center/health-forms/
*** Health requirements submission deadline is guided by the clinical agencies and Perrella Health Center and is firm at July 15 ***
Health requirements are subject to change at the request of the New York State Department of Health and/or our clinical affiliates; students will be expected to comply with those changes. The Department of Nursing is under no obligation to make special accommodations for those students who cannot comply with the health requirements.
Licensed RNs who are students must submit a copy of their NY State Nurses License, their professional liability policy, and current CPR card. Students who arrive on campus without meeting all health requirements are not eligible to attend clinical.
A Criminal Background Check is required prior to the first nursing course, and annually thereafter. Completion of screening will coincide with annual health and immunization forms, CPR, and other required documentation which is to be submitted prior to the onset of the new academic year. The student is responsible for all costs associated with these requirements.
Students who do not meet findings from a criminal background check or health requirements may be precluded from practicing in the clinical facility; in such cases, the Department and the College are not responsible for providing the student with an alternate learning experience. Students with previous criminal records must disclose this information at the time of consideration for licensure and should be aware that this may preclude them from being granted a license to practice. Should the student have any questions related to their future eligibility they should consult with the New York State Department of Education, Office of Professions.
Applicants should be aware that some states, such as New York, may restrict or deny professional licensure for people with felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, or actions taken against them by a professional organization. Students in these circumstances would benefit from consulting with their state's licensing board before starting the program.
Drug testing and criminal background checks, including fingerprinting, may be required by clinical facilities. Findings from such inquiries may preclude the student from practicing in the clinical facility; in such cases, the Department and the College are not responsible for providing the student with an alternate learning experience. Students with previous criminal records must disclose this information at the time of consideration for licensure and should be aware that this may preclude them from being granted a license to practice. Should the student have any questions related to their future eligibility they should consult with the New York State Department of Education, Office of Professions.
Transportation
**Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to a clinical site/experience. In cases where the College provides van service, transportation fees may apply.**
Uniforms and Supplies
Identification badges are ordered in the student’s first year in the nursing program. As well, students are required to purchase scrubs, a clinical kit (available in the campus bookstore), as well as a non-digital watch with second hand, books, and electronic subscriptions. Each nursing student will be billed for professional liability insurance, ATI Complete Partnership learning modules, and a lab fee of $50 for each of the 10 clinical courses in the program.
Disclaimer
While the College and the Department recognize and respect the cultural, spiritual, and religious beliefs and practices of others, nurses and, by extension, nursing students are required by the ANA’s Code of Conduct (American Nurses Association, 2015) to provide care to diverse persons and groups. Students will not be excused from participating in the care of any persons and/or groups with diverse needs if it is a required element of the program.