05-06 Graduate Student Handbook.pdf - University of Kentucky
05-06 Graduate Student Handbook.pdf - University of Kentucky
05-06 Graduate Student Handbook.pdf - University of Kentucky
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R.N.-M.S.N. Bridge Options - <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kentucky</strong> College <strong>of</strong> Nursing<br />
http://www.mc.uky.edu/nursing/StuResources/grads/handbook20<strong>05</strong>-<strong>06</strong>/msn_bridge.htm<br />
Page 1 <strong>of</strong> 2<br />
2/24/2011<br />
R.N.-M.S.N. Bridge Option<br />
Nursing <strong>of</strong>fers numerous routes for career advancement, including programs that bridge the<br />
associate degree and masters degrees. This is particularly important as health care delivery and<br />
the science underpinning care delivery become increasingly complex. Scientific<br />
advancements, technologic changes, demographic shifts and the legal and ethical<br />
considerations associated with an increasingly global and diverse society make it especially<br />
important to provide nurses with opportunities for advanced learning. With the nursing<br />
shortage, it is important for nurses to have flexible scheduling options available for<br />
coursework. Bridge options are designed with the needs <strong>of</strong> working nurses in mind.<br />
<strong>Student</strong>s in the R.N.-M.S.N. Option are graduate students who take several B.S.N.-level<br />
courses while in the masters program and "double count" selected M.S.N. courses for B.S.N.<br />
credit. This makes it possible for them to earn a B.S.N. more quickly while simultaneously<br />
completing degree requirements for an M.S.N..<br />
Goal <strong>of</strong> R.N.-M.S.N. Bridge Option<br />
The goal <strong>of</strong> the R.N.-M.S.N. Option is to provide nurses with diplomas or associate degrees in<br />
nursing with an opportunity to gain graduate educational preparation as advanced practice<br />
nurses. This option aims to recognize the experience and background skills <strong>of</strong> registered nurse<br />
students and to provide flexible learning opportunities specially tailored to the needs <strong>of</strong> these<br />
students. The objectives <strong>of</strong> this option are the same as those for the M.S.N. degree program<br />
because these students are in the M.S.N. program.<br />
R.N.-M.S.N. Advising<br />
Because the plan <strong>of</strong> study is somewhat different than for M.S.N. students who already hold a<br />
B.S.N., students in the R.N.-M.S.N. option have two advisors available to assist them. In the<br />
beginning <strong>of</strong> the program (prior to B.S.N. completion) students work primarily with the R.N.-<br />
M.S.N. coordinator, Sherry Warden, especially for matters related to R.N.-M.S.N. progression.<br />
As students move toward their specialty courses, they work more closely with the faculty<br />
advisor in their specialty track.<br />
General Policies and Academic Progression<br />
All <strong>University</strong>, medical center and College <strong>of</strong> Nursing general policies apply to R.N.-M.S.N.<br />
students as described elsewhere in this handbook. All academic progression policies for the<br />
M.S.N. degree program apply to R.N.-M.S.N. students as well. This includes the policy that<br />
students may not progress to the next clinical course nor be certified as having completed the<br />
plan <strong>of</strong> study with a grade lower than a “B” in any clinical course.<br />
Sample Plan <strong>of</strong> Study
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