Nursing

Trocaire nursing students reviewing a patient’s medical chart.

Certificate Program | Practical Nursing
The Catherine McAuley School of Nursing

Trocaire College has been educating compassionate, knowledgeable and devoted nurses to serve the greater Buffalo community for more than 50 years.  Our nursing students are grounded in Mercy traditions and armed with real-world clinical experiences at hospitals and healthcare facilities all over Buffalo, where they learn how to apply their hands-on laboratory skills and complex classroom fundamentals to situations they’ll face every day as they help heal Western New Yorkers. Nursing is a calling, and backed by their challenging, comprehensive and engaging Trocaire educations received in the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing, our students are empowered to answer that calling and find careers where they make a difference every single day.

Our Certificate in Practical Nursing prepares students to work as an integral part of a healthcare team in just 18 months. LPNS perform a variety of tasks and responsibilities within the framework of case finding, health teaching, and health counseling, and support patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and/or physicians. They are often employed in settings such as long-term care and rehab facilities, physician’s offices or home health care.

AAS Associate Program | Registered Nursing
The Catherine McAuley School of Nursing

Trocaire College has been educating compassionate, knowledgeable and devoted nurses to serve the greater Buffalo community for more than 50 years.  Our nursing students are grounded in Mercy traditions and armed with real-world clinical experiences at hospitals and healthcare facilities all over Buffalo, where they learn how to apply their hands-on laboratory skills and complex classroom fundamentals to situations they’ll face every day as they help heal Western New Yorkers. Nursing is a calling, and backed by their challenging, comprehensive and engaging Trocaire educations received in the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing, our students are empowered to answer that calling and find careers where they make a difference every single day.

BS in Nursing – Bachelor of Science Degree with Major in Nursing (BS)
The Catherine McAuley School of Nursing

Trocaire College has been educating compassionate, knowledgeable and devoted nurses to serve the greater Buffalo community for more than 50 years.  Our nursing students are grounded in Mercy traditions and armed with real-world clinical experiences at hospitals and healthcare facilities all over Buffalo, where they learn how to apply their hands-on laboratory skills and complex classroom fundamentals to situations they’ll face every day as they help heal Western New Yorkers. Nursing is a calling, and backed by their challenging, comprehensive and engaging Trocaire educations received in the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing, our students are empowered to answer that calling and find careers where they make a difference every single day.

Accreditation Information

Accreditation Information

Trocaire College’s Practical Nursing Certificate program is registered by the New York State Education Department and is accredited by the New York State Board of Regents, a specialized accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

New York State Education Department
89 Washington Ave.
Board of Regents, Room 110 EB
Albany, NY 12234
518-474-5889

At the completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurse licensure.

 

Resources
Program Requirements
Admission Requirements:
  • Trocaire College evaluates students for admission using the academic benchmarks of GPA and HESI A2 scores.
  • All items below are required for admission consideration:
    • Official Transcripts from high school or GED; and, all post-secondary colleges/universities attended
    • High School Diploma (minimum 75% average) or GED Diploma with a minimum score of 2500
    • A cumulative college-level Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 is the benchmark
    • A minimum grade of “C” in Biology (high school or college level)
    • Academic preparedness will be considered based on past courses and success in past courses
    • Attain a successful score of 73% on the HESI A2 Nursing entrance exam. Applicants should meet with an admissions counselor or their current Trocaire student service advisor to discuss readiness to take the A2 entrance exam.
Minimum Requirements:
  • A total of at least 48 semester hours with a Quality Point Average of 2.0
  • General Education:*
    • Social Sciences (PSY101, SOC101)
    • College Seminar (GS100) or College Success
    • (GS102), Humanities
    • (EN 101), Natural Science
    • (BIO130/130L, BIO131/131L)
  • Program Specific Requirements:*
    • NU114, NU115, PN104, PN105, PN106, PN107
    • A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) is required in all courses
Graduation Requirements:

 

Courses
  • Semester 1
    14/16
    English Composition
    3

    The course seeks to aid the communication process by developing the ability to write clear, concise, expository prose, with emphasis on pre-writing and revision. It assists the student in finding a voice and an audience. A research paper is required, thus techniques of writing a formal research paper are reviewed. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

    OR
    Advanced Composition
    3

    The course develops critical thinking, reading, and writing skills as they apply to the analysis of primary and secondary non-fiction books, articles, and essays from a range of academic and cultural contexts. The course emphasizes the techniques and principles of effective research-bases writing.

    Anatomy and Physiology I
    3

    An introduction to the general principles of human anatomy and physiology with emphasis on the structure and function of the cell, tissues, and the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, and lymphatic systems. Three lecture hours. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semester)

    Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory
    1

    Laboratory experience coincides with lecture topics. Two laboratory hours.

    College Seminar*
    1

    The College Seminar is a course designed to provide students strategies for successful learning in college and beyond. Topics in the course include: learning styles, learning and study strategies, cognitive strategies, time management, goal-setting, note-taking, test-taking strategies, overcoming test anxiety, cultural diversity, and other issues that focus on enabling students to become better achievers.

    The course is one credit with a one hour laboratory. Students are requires to take this course in their first semester at Trocaire College. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semester)

    *Students must receive a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher to pass this course.

    OR
    College Success*
    3

    The College Success is a course designed to provide students strategies for successful learning in college and beyond. It is part of the Transitional Studies curriculum. Central to the course is students’ intensive work in learning strategies and the use of the diagnostic tool, Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI). Topics in the course include: learning styles, learning and study strategies, cognitive strategies, time management, goal-setting, note-taking, test-taking strategies, overcoming test anxiety, cultural diversity, and other issues that focus on enabling students to become better achievers.

    This course is three credits and is open only to new Trocaire students who participate in Transitional Studies. They are required to take this course their first semester at Trocaire College. (Fall and Spring Semesters)

    *Placement is based on participation in Transitional Studies
    *Students must receive a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher to pass this course.

    General Psychology
    3

    An introduction to the basic concepts, research methods and applications of psychology. The major theoretical perspectives are presented through such areas as sensation, perception, intelligence, cognition, personality, and abnormal behavior. The course requires a research paper. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

    Principles of Sociology
    3

    A basic survey of the history and fundamental principles of Sociology. Examines several of the important contributors to the discipline, its operative concepts, and its terminology. Also, studies human groups and interactions, social institutions, and the role of the group in human socialization and development. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

  • Semester 2
    19
    Anatomy and Physiology II
    3

    A continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. Study of the respiratory, nervous, endocrine, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Fluid and electrolyte balance also studied. Three lecture hours. (Fall, Spring and Summer)

    Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory
    1

    Laboratory experience coincides with lecture topics. Two laboratory hours.

    Medication Essentials I
    1

    The theory component of this course will focus on pharmacological principles that the professional nurse applies in the administration of medications. The nursing process will be used as a framework to identify nursing responsibilities related to medication administration. The campus laboratory component will provide students with the opportunity to accurately calculate, prepare, and administer oral, topical, and injectable medications. Critical thinking situations and clinical application will be emphasized throughout the course. (Fall and Spring Semester – Day and Evening)

    Ten classroom hours and fifteen laboratory hours.

    Fundamentals of Practical Nursing
    7

    This course is designed to familiarize students with the historical development of nursing, nursing education, and the roles and responsibilities of the nurse and the healthcare team.  Development throughout the life cycle and basic nutrition and diet therapy will be discussed. A structured campus laboratory setting assists students in learning and integrating technical skills.  Clinical experiences will be provided in long-term and sub-acute health care settings.  (Fall and Spring semesters)

    Fourteen clinical hours per week (half semester)

    Sixty classroom hours and thirty laboratory hours.

    Practical Nursing II
    7

    This course focuses on the basic concepts of nursing. Psychomotor skills are demonstrated and practiced in the structured campus laboratory before they are applied in the clinical setting. Clinical experiences will be provided in acute care and sub-acurate health care settings.  (Fall and spring semester)

    Fourteen Clinical Hours per week (half semester)

    Sixty Hours and thirty laboratory hours.

  • Semester 3
    15
    Medication Essentials II
    1

    The theory component of this course will focus on the pharmacological principles that the professional nurse applies in the administration of medications and intravenous fluids. The nursing process will be used as a framework to identify nursing responsibilities related to major drug classifications, intravenous therapy and the use of intermittent infusion devices and pumps. The campus laboratory component will provide students with the opportunity to accurately calculate, prepare and administer medications via the intravenous route. Critical care and pediatric medication calculation will also be presented. (Fall and Spring Semester – Day and Evening)

    Twelve classroom hours and nine laboratory hours.

    Practical Nursing III
    7

    This course focuses on common health deviations which affects individuals of various ages.  The nursing process will continue to be utilized to provide care for patients along the continuum with an emphasis on material, child adolcent and family health.  Assisting children and adults with a  variety of health deviations will be discussed.  Advanced psychomotor skills are practiced and evaluated in the laboratory.  Clinical experience will be provided in maternal, family pediatric, and community settings.  (Fall and Spring Semesters)

    Seven clinical hours per week

    Sixty classroom and thirty laboratory hours

    Practical Nursing IV
    7

    This course focuses on common health deviations which affects the geriatric population.  The nursing process will continue to be utilized to provide care for patients in various health care settings, which include mental health, extended care, ambulatory, and community care health settings.  Leadership and management skills as it relates to the LPN scope of practice will be discussed.  Advanced psychomotor skills are practiced and evaluated in the laboratory.  Clinical experiences will be provided in acute, longterm and community care settings.  (Fall and Spring Semesters)

    Seven clinical hours per week .  Sixty classroom hours and thirty laboratory hours.

Accreditation Information

Accreditation Information

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Trocaire College located in Buffalo, NY is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 1400| Atlanta, Georgia, 30326.
Phone: (404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing Program is Continuing Accreditation with Conditions.
View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program here

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Trocaire College is registered with the:
New York State Education Department, Division of Professional Education (SED)
89 Washington Ave. , 2nd floor, West Wing
Albany, NY 12234
(518)-486-2967
https://www.op.nysed.gov/

 

Resources
Program Requirements
Admissions Requirements in Effect prior to Spring 2024 (current students)

Trocaire College evaluates students for admission using the academic benchmarks of GPA and HESI A2 scores.

All items below are required for admission consideration:
Academic Metrics

  • Official transcripts from high school or GED; and, all post-secondary colleges/universities/educational institutions attended
  • High School Diploma (minimum 85% average) or GED Diploma with a minimum score of 2750
  • A cumulative college-level Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 is the benchmark
  • A minimum grade of “C” in Biology (high school or college level) and Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab (college level)
  • Academic preparedness will be considered based on past courses and success in past courses
  • Attain a successful score of 75% on the HESI A2 Nursing entrance exam. Applicants should meet with an admissions counselor or their current Trocaire student service advisor to discuss readiness to take the A2 entrance exam.
Admissions Requirements in Effect for Spring 2024 (new students)

Trocaire College evaluates students for admission using the academic benchmarks of GPA and HESI A2 scores.

All items below are required for admission consideration:
Academic Metrics

  • Official transcripts from high school or GED; and, all post-secondary colleges/universities/educational institutions attended
  • High School Diploma (minimum 85% average) or GED Diploma with a minimum score of 2750
  • A cumulative college-level Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 is the benchmark
  • A minimum grade of “C” in Biology (high school or college level)
  • Academic preparedness will be considered based on past courses and success in past courses
  • Attain a successful score of 75% on the HESI A2 Nursing entrance exam. Applicants should meet with an admissions counselor or their current Trocaire student service advisor to discuss readiness to take the A2 entrance exam.
Application Review:

The priority application deadline for a Fall start is March 1st and for a Spring start is November 1st; however, applicants after those dates will continue to be reviewed until the program is full. Applications are reviewed by application date, continuously, and on a space-available basis. Admissions decisions are final.

Current Trocaire students seeking admissions to Nursing should submit their program transfer form no later than March 1st for Fall and November 1st for Spring.

Applications will continue to be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Minimum Degree Requirements:

Minimum degree requirements for students enrolled prior to the Spring 2024 semester

  • A total of at least 67 semester hours with a GPA of 2.0
  • General Education Requirements:*
    • Basic Communications: English Composition (EN101), Introduction to Literature (EN102), and College Seminar (GS100) or College Success (GS102)
    • Humanities: Philosophy Elective (PH000), Ethics in Healthcare (PH205)
    • Natural Science: Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab (BIO130/130L), Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab (BIO131/131L) and Microbiology and Lab (BIO223/223L)
    • Social Science: General Psychology (PSY101), Developmental Psychology (PSY102), and Principles of Sociology (SOC101)
    • Anatomy & Physiology I and Anatomy & Physiology I lab are prerequisites for the Nursing Program
  • Program-Specific Requirements:*
    • NU110, NU112, NU114, NU115, NU116, NU122, NU 124, NU214, NU217, NU220, NU222
    • *A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) is required in all courses. A “C-” grade is not acceptable.

 

Minimum degree requirements for students enrolled beginning the Spring 2024 semester

  • A total of at least 64 semester hours with a GPA of 2.0
  • General Education Requirements:*
    • Basic Communications: English Composition (EN101) and College Seminar (GS100) or College Success (GS102)
    • Humanities: Ethics in Healthcare (PH205)
    • Natural Science: Anatomy and Physiology I and Lab (BIO130/130L), Anatomy and Physiology II and Lab (BIO131/131L) and Microbiology and Lab (BIO223/223L)
    • Social Science: General Psychology (PSY101), Developmental Psychology (PSY102), and Principles of Sociology (SOC101)
    • Quantitative Reasoning:  Logical Reasoning and Decision Making (MA107)
  • Program-Specific Requirements:*
    • NU110, NU112, NU114, NU115, NU116, NU122, NU 124, NU214, NU217, NU220, NU222
    • *A minimum grade of “C” (2.0) is required in all courses. A “C-” grade is not acceptable.
Graduation Requirements:
Courses
  • Semester 1
    19/21
    Anatomy and Physiology II
    3

    A continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I. Study of the respiratory, nervous, endocrine, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Fluid and electrolyte balance also studied. Three lecture hours. (Fall, Spring and Summer)

    Anatomy and Physiology II Laboratory
    1

    Laboratory experience coincides with lecture topics. Two laboratory hours.

    English Composition
    3

    The course seeks to aid the communication process by developing the ability to write clear, concise, expository prose, with emphasis on pre-writing and revision. It assists the student in finding a voice and an audience. A research paper is required, thus techniques of writing a formal research paper are reviewed. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

    OR
    Advanced Composition
    3

    The course develops critical thinking, reading, and writing skills as they apply to the analysis of primary and secondary non-fiction books, articles, and essays from a range of academic and cultural contexts. The course emphasizes the techniques and principles of effective research-bases writing.

    College Seminar*
    1

    The College Seminar is a course designed to provide students strategies for successful learning in college and beyond. Topics in the course include: learning styles, learning and study strategies, cognitive strategies, time management, goal-setting, note-taking, test-taking strategies, overcoming test anxiety, cultural diversity, and other issues that focus on enabling students to become better achievers.

    The course is one credit with a one hour laboratory. Students are requires to take this course in their first semester at Trocaire College. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semester)

    *Students must receive a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher to pass this course.

    OR
    College Success*
    3

    The College Success is a course designed to provide students strategies for successful learning in college and beyond. It is part of the Transitional Studies curriculum. Central to the course is students’ intensive work in learning strategies and the use of the diagnostic tool, Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI). Topics in the course include: learning styles, learning and study strategies, cognitive strategies, time management, goal-setting, note-taking, test-taking strategies, overcoming test anxiety, cultural diversity, and other issues that focus on enabling students to become better achievers.

    This course is three credits and is open only to new Trocaire students who participate in Transitional Studies. They are required to take this course their first semester at Trocaire College. (Fall and Spring Semesters)

    *Placement is based on participation in Transitional Studies
    *Students must receive a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher to pass this course.

    Health Assessment and Promotion
    1

    This course is designed to assist students in acquiring knowledge of basic physical and psychosocial skills related to nursing practice and health promotion. Emphasis will be on normal assessment findings and recognizing deviations from normal. The campus laboratory provides the opportunity for instruction and practice of related nursing techniques. (Fall and Spring Semester – Day and Evening)

    Ten classroom hours and fifteen laboratory hours.

    Nursing Concepts
    5

    This course will focus on the nurse’s role in health assessment, health maintenance, and health promotion across the life span. Students are introduced to basic principles, skills, and concepts of nursing practice. A structured campus laboratory setting assists students in learning technical skills. Students will begin to integrate the roles of the Associate Degree Nurse as provider of care, manager of care, and member within the discipline of nursing through classroom, laboratory and hospital and community experiences. (Fall and Spring Semester – Day and Evening)

    Three classroom hours and six clinical/laboratory hours per week.

    Medication Essentials I
    1

    The theory component of this course will focus on pharmacological principles that the professional nurse applies in the administration of medications. The nursing process will be used as a framework to identify nursing responsibilities related to medication administration. The campus laboratory component will provide students with the opportunity to accurately calculate, prepare, and administer oral, topical, and injectable medications. Critical thinking situations and clinical application will be emphasized throughout the course. (Fall and Spring Semester – Day and Evening)

    Ten classroom hours and fifteen laboratory hours.

    Professional Issues I
    1

    An overview of the historical development of nursing and nursing education will be presented. Emphasis will be placed on the nurse’s role in the delivery of health care and the ethical and legal responsibilities relevant to the nurse in today’s society. Lecture, discussion and computer assignments will be utilized to promote student learning. (Fall and Spring Semester – Day and Evening)

    Seven and one half classroom hours.

    General Psychology
    3

    An introduction to the basic concepts, research methods and applications of psychology. The major theoretical perspectives are presented through such areas as sensation, perception, intelligence, cognition, personality, and abnormal behavior. The course requires a research paper. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

  • Semester 2
    16
    Microbiology
    3

    The study of scientific principles of Microbiology emphasizing the isolation and identification of pathogenic organisms to man in areas of bacteriology, mycology, virology and parasitology. The culture, morphology, general physiology, immunology and applied aspects of the representative micro-organisms will be studied. Three lecture hours. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

    Microbiology Laboratory
    1

    Laboratory experience coincides with lecture topics. Two laboratory hours.

    Medication Essentials II
    1

    The theory component of this course will focus on the pharmacological principles that the professional nurse applies in the administration of medications and intravenous fluids. The nursing process will be used as a framework to identify nursing responsibilities related to major drug classifications, intravenous therapy and the use of intermittent infusion devices and pumps. The campus laboratory component will provide students with the opportunity to accurately calculate, prepare and administer medications via the intravenous route. Critical care and pediatric medication calculation will also be presented. (Fall and Spring Semester – Day and Evening)

    Twelve classroom hours and nine laboratory hours.

    Health Restoration I
    6

    In this course, the Nursing Process will be used to identify nursing care needs of patients experiencing acute and chronic cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, fluid and electrolyte and acid-base health deviations and diabetes. Assessment skills, basic concepts and health promotion will be incorporated. On-campus laboratory experiences will provide instruction and practice of advanced clinical skills. Clinical experience will be provided in an acute care hospital setting. (Fall and Spring Semester – Day and Evening)

    Three classroom hours, one seminar hour, two laboratory hours, and six clinical hours per week.

    Maternal Newborn Nursing
    2

    Classroom theory and clinical experiences will provide a foundation for nursing care of childbearing women through pregnancy, labor and birth, the post-partum period and newborn stage. The nurse’s role in health promotion, health maintenance and health restoration will be emphasized. Independent and supervised clinical experiences, lecture, discussion, seminars, simulation lab and computer assignments will be utilized to promote student learning.

    (Fall and Spring Semesters – Day and Evening) Classes begin early August for Fall semester and the first week in January for the spring semester. One and one half (1 1/2) classroom hours/week and twenty-three clinical hours per semester.

    Developmental Psychology
    3

    A study of the life span approach, from pre-natal development to aging and death. This course emphasizes physical, cognitive, intellectual, social, cultural and personality factors. Major theoretical perspectives and research findings, including cross-cultural studies, are applied throughout the course. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

  • Semester 3
    16
    Introduction to Literature
    3

    A study of the basic elements of short fiction, poetry and drama. By exploring form and design in the arts, this course provides opportunities for students to discover inter-relatedness of theme and type, to develop critical analysis skills, and to make connections with elements in other disciplines. Critical reading and analysis papers are required. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

    Health Restoration II
    5

    In this course, the Nursing Process will be used to identify nursing care needs of patients experiencing acute and chronic endocrine, hematological, musculoskeletal, respiratory, shock, sensory, and immunological health deviations. Concepts related to cancer will also be introduced. Clinical experiences will be provided in acute care hospital settings. (Fall and Spring Semesters – Day and Evening)

    Three classroom hours and six clinical hours per week.

    Pediatric Nursing
    2

    Classroom theory and clinical experiences will provide a foundation for nursing of children and their families from birth through adolescence. The nurse’s role in health promotion, health maintenance, and health restoration will be emphasized. Supervised clinical experiences, lecture, discussion, research and computer assignments will be utilized to promote student learning. (Fall and Spring Semesters – Day and Evening)

    Classes begin early August for fall semester and the first week in January for the spring semester.

    One and one half (1 1/2) classroom hours/week and twenty-three clinical hours per semester.

    Philosophy Elective
    3
    Principles of Sociology
    3

    A basic survey of the history and fundamental principles of Sociology. Examines several of the important contributors to the discipline, its operative concepts, and its terminology. Also, studies human groups and interactions, social institutions, and the role of the group in human socialization and development. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

  • Semester 4
    12
    Mental Health Nursing
    2

    This course utilizes the nursing process when providing care to patients experiencing psychosocial problems. The focus will be on health promotion, health maintenance, and health restoration. Roles of the Associate Degree Nurse as provider and manager of care and member within the discipline of nursing as they relate to mental health will be explored and applied. Lectures, seminars, and selected clinical experiences in hospital and community settings will be utilized as learning modalities. (Fall and Spring Semester – Day and Evening)

    Classes begin early-August for Fall semester and first week in January for Spring semester.

    One and one half classroom hours per week and twenty-three clinical hours per semester.

    Health Restoration III
    7

    In this course, the Nursing Process will be used to provide students with learning activities for patients experiencing acute and complex health deviations. Topics related to acute cardiovascular, neurological and renal health deviations, burns, women’s health, and disaster preparedness will be presented. Students are expected to function more independently, using previous knowledge and experience in assuming the role of educator, manager of care and provider of care for clients in a variety of clinical and community settings. (Fall and Spring Semester – Day and Evening)

    Three classroom hours and twelve clinical hours per week.

    Ethics in Health Care
    3

    Modern medicine and health care have created new human ethical problems. This course will explore a number of medical ethical dilemmas, such as end-of-life decisions, defining the concept of death, ordinary versus extraordinary means of treatment, reproductive issues, informed consent, confidentiality, truth-telling, withholding treatment, and the distribution of scarce medical resources, in the light of the principles of autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. One semester of clinical experience is strongly recommended. (Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters)

Accreditation Information

Accreditation Information

Trocaire College’s BS in Nursing program is registered by the New York State Education Department and is accredited with conditions by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326.
Phone: (800) 669-1656, Ext. 153

Online Education GraphicTrocaire College has been educating compassionate, knowledgeable and devoted nurses to serve the greater Buffalo community for more than 50 years. The online RN to BS in Nursing (Bachelor of Science with a major in nursing program) is designed to prepare registered nurses with expanded role competencies and the leadership skills needed in today’s complex healthcare system. The program’s philosophy emphasizes the National League for Nursing (NLN) Framework (http://www.nln.org) identifying four competencies (2010).  These are Human Flourishing, Nursing Judgment, Professional Identity, and Spirit of Inquiry.

As a bachelor’s degree-prepared nurse, you will be required to use critical reasoning and clinical judgment every day. Students will base their practice on evidence, from research and best practice standards of nursing. Additionally, you will demonstrate unwavering compassion and respect for human life. Some nurses see this as a calling to the profession of nursing. The Catherine McAuley School of Nursing program empowers students to answer that calling and find careers where they make a difference every single day.

Registered nurses looking to gain the leadership and management skills needed for advanced careers in nursing and increase their salary potential can turn to Trocaire’s Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Nursing (BS). We emphasize nursing expertise beyond the clinical, such as patient education, health promotion, community health, healthcare across the lifespan, and technology integration. The program is flexible and convenient for the working nurse and is available online.

Resources
Program Requirements
Program Requirements:

Trocaire College evaluates students for admission using the academic benchmarks outlined below.

All items below are required for admission consideration:

Academic Metrics

  • Applicants must hold an associate’s degree in Nursing from an accredited institution.  Applicants who have graduated from a program that is not accredited, but that is approved and registered with the New York State Education Department, are also eligible for admission.
  • Applicants must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in their prior nursing program, and must have earned a minimum grade of “C” in all nursing courses. Applicants who have a GPA below 2.50 may be considered for the BS program if they have extensive clinical experience or extenuating circumstances.
  • Students who have graduated from an associate’s degree in nursing program, but have not obtained their nursing license, may be admitted to the program and allowed to take any or all courses offered in the first semester of study only. Students may not progress to the second semester of study without an RN license, which must be submitted to the Registrar.
Graduation Requirements:

 

Courses
  • Semester 1
    19
    Pathophysiology
    3

    (Formerly SC 210)

    A conceptual approach to the dynamic aspects of disease and how it affects normal physiology in relation to alterations, derangements, and mechanisms involved in disease. (Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters)

    Humanities Elective
    3
    Statistical Methods
    3

    This introductory statistics course focuses on several topics: population and samples; data organization and representation; measures of central tendency, variation, and position; basic probability and probability distribution; normal distribution; confidence interval; hypothesis testing of one population: z-test and t-test; type I and type II errors; linear regression; and non-parametric statistics. Statistics applications are drawn from several disciplines such as sociology, business, economics, ecology, health science, and psychology. This course uses a graphing calculator and computer statistical software.

    Comprehensive Health Assessments for Nursing Practice
    4

    Focuses on developing and utilizing comprehensive caring for individuals and population units across the lifespan.   Olans intervention strategies relative to the needs, problems, and level of wellness of the population unit. Emphasizes systematic and comprehensive health assessments will be emphasized as a database for identifying nursing diagnoses and nursing intervention plans.  Combines lecture and on-campus simulation laboratory experiences to develop advanced skills in assessment of physical, cognitive, spiritual, socioeconomic, genetic and environmental domains.

    Nursing Theory and Practice Issues
    3

    Students will explore selected nursing theorists and the concepts of person, health and environment as a basis for implementing and evaluating nursing care. Issues and trends that influence professional nursing practice will be discussed. How the practice of nursing has adapted to change throughout the years and how today’s health care delivery impacts professional nursing practice will be addressed.

    Social Science Elective
    3
  • Semester 2
    17
    Social Science Elective
    3
    Introduction to Nursing Care Informatics
    2

    Teaches the use of information technology to access, retrieve, organize and evaluate information related to evidence based nursing practice. Using a problem-based approach, students will use information technology resources to examine health related problems, obtain and organize pertinent information, and professionally communicate findings.

    Research Procedures in Nursing Practice
    3

    Emphasis is on accessing, analyzing and critiquing research in scientific literature to determine implications for practice. The importance of evidence based practice in relation to patient outcomes is examined.  Specific elements of the research process including problem identification, literature review, variables, research design, sampling concepts, data collection, data analysis and interpretation are explored.  Critical evaluation of research studies and the development of a research proposal including a review of the literature and design method will be included.

    Family Nursing Care Across a Lifespan
    3

    This course focuses on the family as a basic unit of society and promotion of family health across the lifespan. The role of the professional nurse as teacher, counselor and advocate will be emphasized in health promotion as well as dealing with the family unit challenged by acute, episodic illness/injury or chronic conditions/disabilities. The student will develop the skills to provide family-centered, outcome oriented nursing care to care for the needs of diverse families. Major theories related to family nursing will be explored. Topics include variables affecting families, family assessment, cultural diversity, anticipatory guidance, multigenerational families and family as care giver. The impact of adding, separating and dealing with the death of family members will be included.

    Pharmacology for the Registered Nurse
    3

    This course correlates knowledge of human physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology as they relate to the RN’s role in the administration of medication therapies across the lifespan.  The basic concepts of pharmacokinetics, metabolism, therapeutic and toxic effects, and drugs with multiple indications are discussed. Particular focus is given to the major neurological receptors. Prototypes of the major drug classes are used as a model to give a comprehensive view of pharmacological treatment of the major disease categories.

    Epidemiology
    3

    An introduction to epidemiology, this course covers the principles and methods of epidemiologic investigation including describing the patterns of illness in populations and research designs for investigating the etiology of disease. The course introduces quantitative measures to determine risk, association and procedures for standardization of rates. 

    Cross listed with SOC300. Credit will not be granted for both BIO300 and SOC300.

  • Semester 3
    9
    Community Health Nursing: Individual and Family
    3

    This course examines the nurse’s role in delivery of primary health/community based services focusing on health promotion, disease prevention and management of episodic illnesses. Addresses health risks of age groups across the lifespan within the context of family, culture, and socioeconomic level. Epidemiological considerations apply to community settings; public health mandates will be considered. Healthy People goals and other national initiatives provide direction for developing nursing strategies.

    Leadership and Management for Professional Practice
    3

    Focuses on the role of the professional nurse as a leader in today’s health care environment. Students will identify various leadership styles and compare and contrast leadership and management behaviors. Class discussions will include organizational structure and behavior, work place issues important to the nurse manager, delegation and change theory. Motivational and decision making strategies, conflict management principles, and quality care for positive patient outcomes and patient safety will be addressed.

    Organizational Psychology
    3

    Organizational Psychology attempts to understand and explain human behavior in organizational settings, including culture, structures, and communications. This course will introduce the methods, practices, theories, and research, which includes the psychological aspects such as work attitudes and motivation, as well as group dynamics, organizational communication, and structures. This course requires a research project.

  • Semester 4
    15
    Capstone: Identity and Social Justice
    3

    This interdisciplinary course, grounded in the framework of social justice, to address diversity and identity. Learners’ cultural competence will be enhanced through deepening reflection on values, assumptions, biases and cultural norms with the goal of preparing for engagement in diverse communities.

    Clinical Seminar
    2

    Preceptor guided seminar in an area of student choice with an emphasis on the application of baccalaureate level nursing knowledge. Integrates evidence-based practice, clinical judgment, interprofessional perspectives and patient preferences to improve patient care. Differences between pedagogy and andragogy will be explored. Content derived from clinical situations will be encountered. Students will share clinical reports and raise critical questions regarding practice issues.

    Professional Nursing Syntheses / Clinical Capstone
    4

    This course will allow students to demonstrate integration of baccalaureate nursing knowledge and practice in professional systems and settings. Students will be provided opportunities for synthesis and evaluation of professional nursing role behaviors essential to care of clients experiencing complex care needs in a variety of settings. Emphasis is on critical thinking, communication, leadership, management and evaluation. The student is provided with a clinical immersion experience in a practice setting of their choice, with a professional nurse preceptor.

    Humanities Elective
    3
    Social Science Elective
    3