Nursing: RN/ADN to BSN

The Bachelor of Science with a Major in Nursing: RN/ADN to BSN maximizes the strong foundation of associate degree and diploma education and the clinical experience of the nurse-student. The core nursing discipline courses of the program have been developed to meet the Essentials for  Entry-Level Professional Nursing Education (AACN, 2021)^ using the Massachusetts Nurse of the Future Core Competencies as a curricular framework (MA NOFCC, 2016). The Massachusetts Nurse of the Future Core Competencies have been endorsed by CT’s nursing practice and academic communities since 2013 to prepare nurses for practice within the healthcare systems of today. The COSC Nursing: RN/ADN to BSN program positions RNs for professional advancement and increased earning potential while the flexibility of online education matches the busy lifestyles of today’s nurses.

Dedicated COSC faculty and expert nursing practitioners draw on the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Practice (AACN, 2008)^ to help students enhance their competency with respect to healthcare policy, evidence-based practice, population health, continuous quality improvement, patient safety, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership within the healthcare system.

The Nursing: RN/ADN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program is licensed and accredited by the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education. 

Currently the college may enroll students in the Nursing program from all US states except GU, IA, MI, MS, SD, TN, VT, WA, WI, and WY. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the boards of nursing in these states require specific approval of any RN to BSN program that enrolls RNs from their state. 

CCNE Accredited programs must demonstrate that students are provided with opportunities to demonstrate the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they are acquiring. Thus, completing the Charter Oak State College Nursing: RN/ADN to BSN program requires successful completion of practicum experiences in two courses. Documentation of specific health requirements is mandatory prior to participation in any practicum experience. In addition, students are subject to a criminal background check and drug screening prior to placement in any practicum setting. Students who have been convicted of a felony and/or misdemeanor may not be able to complete practicum experiences. The college requires students to establish an account with an external vendor to track requirements upon entry into the program.

This major is 27 credits. Applicants may transfer up to two (2) nursing courses from another RN-BSN program with grades of ‘C’ or better, if from a regionally accredited institution with Nursing Program Accreditation (ACEN, CCNE). The credits must be equivalent to the content and credit amount of courses required for completion of the Charter Oak State College Nuring: RN/ADN to BSN program and are subject to approval by the Nursing Director.

In order to earn a Bachelor's degree at Charter Oak, all Major, General Education, Liberal Arts , elective, and Upper Division credit must equal 120 or more credits.

^The AACN released the re-envisioned Essentials in April 2021. AACN acknowledges that the pathway to fully implementing the new Essentials will be an extended process that may take three years or longer. The COSC nursing faculty are immersed in this revision at this time. 

Major Requirements

* Students must complete all Major, Liberal and General Education requirements prior to enrolling in NUR 495.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a Major in Nursing: RN/ADN to BSN will be able to:

• demonstrate a strong foundation in evidence-based nursing practice through purposeful, informed, outcome-oriented thinking and action that reflects a commitment to lifelong learning;
• utilize and apply knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making skills to make sound clinical judgments that identify and address individual, population, and organizational challenges;
• integrate leadership skills of systems thinking, communication and change facilitation to meet patient care and organizational needs across the continuum of care;
• guided by the acquisition of a liberal arts education, utilize an ethical framework to advocate for patients amid economic, political, social, and demographic forces affecting the delivery of regional, national, and global health care;
• integrate determinants of health and patients’ cultural beliefs and practices into the delivery and management of care to promote health across the lifespan;
• interact using effective communication skills with patients, families, and interprofessional team members that fosters mutual respect and shared decision making to enhance patient satisfaction and health outcomes;
• apply evidence-based practice models to identify and integrate scientific evidence to address practice issues and assure quality nursing care outcomes;
• advocate for and participate in patient safety and quality initiatives as a member of the interprofessional healthcare team;
• utilize informatics and patient care technology to enhance communication in the provision and management of safe, effective patient care; and
• incorporate professional nursing standards and accountability into practice as a member of the interprofessional healthcare team.