Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
- General Information
- Distance Education Track
- Application Process
- Completion Requirements
- Clinical Requirements
- Sample Completion Plan
- FAQs
New Student Information
BSN Program Orientation
Congratulations on your acceptance into the BYU-Idaho RN to BSN program!
As you read through the following information you will gain a better understanding of how to get started and how to navigate through the RN to BSN program. This orientation page is an important resource for your success in the program.
In order to have a great BYU-Idaho RN to BSN program experience, please familiarize yourself with all the information presented in the Fequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below:
- How do I set up my E-mail and Net ID?
- How do I register for classes?
- How do I review my accounting information?
- Do I qualify for financial aid and scholarships?
- What are Escrow credits and why are they important to me?
- How do I sign up for graduation?
- What student support services are offered for me from BYU-Idaho?
- What is Blackboard and how do I use it?
- What classes do I need to take to complete my BSN degree?
- Are all the nursing classes offered each semester?
- How do I obtain my RN to BSN books?
- How can I get a description of the nursing classes and which classes have clinical hours?
- Who do I contact for questions about the program?
- What is APA format?
- What is the internship agreement form and why do I need it?
- I am planning on completing clinical hours in an IHC facility, what do I need to do?
- I am planning on completing clinical hours at the University of Utah , what do I need to do?
- I am a distance education student wanting to do clinical time at EIRMC, what do I need to do?
Setting up E-mail and Net ID
The first thing you need to do is obtain an identification number (ID#) and set up your BYU-Idaho e-mail. The identification number will be the number you use to access blackboard and other school services. In the acceptance letter from BYU-Idaho you should have been given directions on how to obtain your net ID number and an e-mail address.
If you are unable to locate that information then click here to request your NetID.
To find out your e-mail address click on student directory, type in your name, then your e-mail address should appear on the screen. (Return to Questions)
Registration
To register for on-line distance education classes click on the BYU-Idaho Continuing Education Nursing Page and select your classes . To register for on campus classes click on registration then the BYU-Idaho home page. Make sure you register for the correct class, on-line or on campus. On-line classes have a 930 section. (Return to Questions)
Account Information
To view your account information click on the accounting office link, then click on Personal Account. Remember that classes taken on-line through distance education are charged an additional continuing education fee. Nursing classes are currently $115 per credit on campus and $180 per credit on-line through distance education. (Return to Questions)
Financial Aid / Scholarships
For information regarding eligibility for financial aid and/or scholarships through BYU-Idaho please contact financial aid at (208) 496-1094. (Return to Questions)
Escrow Credits
Escrow or vertical credit is a method of academic adjustment that allows a block of credit to be granted for previous learning. (See Vertical Credits in catalog). At BYU-Idaho, escrow credit allows lower division credits already earned to be awarded as upper division credits upon successful completion of specified course work. These credits are required for completion of the BSN program. When the BSN student successfully completes Nursing 327 and 330, six vertical credits will be awarded. After successful completion of Nursing 327 and Nursing 330, complete and submit a Vertical Escrow Credit Application Form obtained from the BYU-Idaho Department of Nursing. The form is submitted to the Registrar's Office and 6 Escrow Credits will be granted, listed as Nursing 331 on the transcript. (Return to Questions)
Graduation
Each student will need to apply for graduation during the beginning of one's last semester. Please visit BYU-Idaho's Graduation page for specific information regarding graduation dates, checklists and activities. (Return to Questions)
Student Support Services
As a BYU-Idaho student you have the ability to access resources provided by BYU-Idaho. There are a number of support services for Nursing Students both on campus and at distance locations. Please see Student Support Services. (Return to Questions)
Blackboard
You will be accessing ALL of your nursing classes through blackboard. You will need to become familiar with blackboard. Blackboard provides a detailed orientation but a brief orientation is provided below:
- How to get to Blackboard? From your computer go to your search button and type in BYUI, hit enter or click go. You are now at BYUI home page. The Blue Bar has Students, Employee, Alumni/Friends, etc. in it. Click on Students for the drop down bar. At the bottom is Web, Internet, & Email, click on that tab and Blackboard will appear, click on Blackboard. You are now at BYU-Idaho Blackboard Page.
- How do I access Blackboard? To the left of the Black Board page there is a tab/button which states login - Click on it (Login) a page will appear which asks you for your username and you password. The username has been given you by the university and you have selected your password. If you do not know these two items, call the BYU-Idaho nursing secretary at 208-496-1325, then select 4 and they will assist you.
- Ok, I am now in my course in Blackboard, how do I navigate in Blackboard to find what I want? The Golden Tabs to the left are your keys of how to get you where you need to go.
| Golden Tabs | What You Will Find |
|---|---|
| ANNOUNCEMENTS | Any announcements from your professor. |
| STAFF INFORMATION | Information about your Teacher and Secretary of the Department of nursing |
| COURSE INFORMATION | Short Orientation to the course and to Blackboard |
| SYLLABUS | The complete syllabus is located here divide into units and appendixes. N330 and N338 Syllabi's are not complete on blackboard. You will need to request those from the nursing secretary 208-496-1325. |
| ASSIGNMENTS | Each assignment for the units. |
| LECTURES | Lectures for each Unit - Learners need to read the book or watch the video for additional information. |
| COURSE DOCUMENTS | Overhead used in the on campus class, power points used for the on-line class. |
| DISCUSSION BOARD | Also can be entered though this tab. Used for group work presentations |
| EXAMS | You will find the exams, listed as Unit Exams. |
| BOOKS | The book for the course is listed here, it can be bought online through the BYUI Web Page at the bookstore or at Amazon.com |
| COMMUNICATION | Communication has the following tabs:
You will probably use the Discussion Board tab, Messages Tab (Where the instructor may send a message specific to you) and the Send Email Tab. |
| EXTERNAL LINKS | Not being used at this time. |
| TOOLS | Tools have the following tabs:
Use the Digital Drop box to send assignments and the, My Grades Tab, to review and check current scores/grades. |
| PROJECTS | Not being used at this time |
Sample Completion Plan
To make sure there is no confusion on what classes need to be completed for the RN to BSN program please see the Sample Completion Plan for a list of all classes, general education and nursing, required to graduate from the RN to BSN program at BYU-Idaho. If you have any questions regarding transferring credits from another university or what classes you may still need to graduate contact the registrars office at (208) 496-1002. (Return to Questions)
Course Schedule
To better help you plan what nursing classes are offered each semester on campus or on-line through distance education please see the Course Schedule. (Return to Questions)
RN to BSN Books
To order books for the RN to BSN classes from BYU-Idaho see the BYU-Idaho Bookstore.
Note: N327 - Advanced Physical Assessment has a special code to access blackboard that comes with the book. You must buy the book from the BYU-Idaho bookstore to receive the code.
Nursing Class Descriptions
To help you better understand each nursing class a description is provided below. This will help you plan ahead by knowing which classes require clinical time.
NURS 316 Professional Seminar (BSN) |
2 credits |
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This course applies the conceptual model to help the student explore differences in ASN and BSN education and practice levels, nursing theorists, and professional responsibilities. No required clinical time. |
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NURS 327 Physical Assessment (BSN) |
4 credits |
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This course uses the conceptual model to help the student gain advanced assessment skills to improve patient care. The class requires you to complete 3 hours a week of clinical time with a Nurse Practitioner if taken through distance education. Students are responsible for setting up their own clinical time with a Nurse Practitioner. |
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NURS 330 Advanced Med/Surg (BSN)* |
5 credits |
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This course offers the learner knowledge and experience applying the conceptual model in the education of and caring for the adult patient with specific attention to the wellness continuum as it relates to clinical changes in the critical care areas. There are 60 clinical hours required in the semester. At least 50% of the 60 clinical hours must be in an adult ICU and the other 50% can be done in another critical care area (ER, NICU, etc). Students are responsible for setting up their own clinical spots at the hospital of their choice. |
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NURS 338 Nursing Research (BSN) |
3 credits |
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Prerequisite: Math 221 - Statistics |
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This course offers the learner knowledge and experience in using the conceptual model and the relationship of inquiry, including quantitative and qualitative processes, with the advancement and structuring of nursing knowledge. It provides a forum for discussion of the development, application and evaluation of various types of nursing research and allows the learner opportunity to examine research credibility. No required clinical time. |
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NURS 449 Community Nursing (BSN) |
5 credits |
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This survey course uses the conceptual model to help the student explore the nursing process in community health nursing practice for the purpose of preventing disease and disability, and promoting, protecting, and maintaining a healthy community. Time is spent in the community with various community projects. There is not a specific amount of clinical hours required but the projects and assignments outside of class take time to complete. |
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NURS 450 Nursing Leadership (BSN) |
5 credits |
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This course utilizes the conceptual model to help the student explore the principles of leadership and management as they apply to nursing practice. There is not a specific amount of clinical hours required but does require you to spend time someone in a leadership position. |
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NURS 331 Vertical Escrow Credits (BSN) |
6 credits |
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Vertical Escrow Credits *Note: Escrow credit is a method of academic adjustment that allows a block of credit to be granted for previous learning. (See "Vertical Credits" in catalog). At BYU-Idaho, escrow credit allows lower division credits already earned to be awarded as upper division credits upon successful completion of specified course work. These credits are required for the BSN program. When the BSN student successfully completes Nursing 327 and 330, six vertical credits will be awarded. After successful completion of Nursing 327 and Nursing 330, complete and submit a Vertical Escrow Credit Application Form. The form is submitted to the Registrar's Office. 6 Escrow Credits will be granted, listed as Nursing 331 on the transcript. The granting of vertical escrow credits documents previous learning. |
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Contact Numbers
In order to help you contact the right person for the right problem or question please be familiar with the list below.
BYU-Idaho RN to BSN Coordinator - (208) 496-2580
*Questions regarding the RN to BSN Distant Education Track. Advising and graduation questions, concerns or comments about the RN to BSN Distant Education Track.
Registrar- (208) 496-1002
*Evaluation of transcripts and transferring of credits from another school.
Religion Department Chair - (208) 496-1503
*Questions religion credits and taking religion classes from another University/ Institute.
Continuing Education Secretary- (208) 496-2332
*Trouble registering for on-line classes.
Department of Nursing Chair - (208) 496-1327
*Questions regarding the on campus RN to BSN track.
Department of Nursing Secretary- (208) 496-1385 ext: 4
*General Questions. Applying for Escrow credits.
APA Format
Students are required to write all papers in APA format. If you are not familiar with this style of writing please use the helpful links for APA format and/or secure an APA format book. (Return to Questions)
Internship Agreement Form
Learners are required to have a Master Internship Agreement Form signed by the clinical agency where they are completing their clinical. This is an internship agreement between BYU-Idaho, the learner and the clinical provider which enables you to complete clinical practice at that particular health care facility. It is the learner's responsibility to have this agreement signed prior to beginning any of the following courses: Nursing 327, 330, 449 or450
Note: Some hospitals may already have a contract with BYU-Idaho. Please check with the hospital or the Department of Nursing Secretary 801-496-1325 to confirm presence of a contract. (Return to Questions)
Students Interested in Completing Clinical Hours in an IHC Hospital
Students who want to complete clinical hours for N330 or N450 in an IHC hospital must follow the right steps in order to ensure a clinical spot. Just a reminder that even though the student may be an employee at the IHC hospital, where they choose to do their clinical, still need to fill out all paper work. The employee role and student role are treated differently. IHC hospitals are located in Utah and Idaho.
Step 1 - The student must decide which IHC hospital they would like to complete their clinical hours for either N330 and/or N450. There are deadlines that students must follow in order to secure a clinical spot in the IHC hospital of their choice. Please see the deadlines below.
Fall semester - August 1st
Winter semester - December 1st
Summer semester - April 1st
Step 2 - Each hospital student placement coordinator has different requests on how a student should set up their clinical. Please review the list of hospitals below and the responsibility of the student in setting up their clinical.
Urban Central Region
Student Placement Coordinator - (801) 507-2810
(Student needs to contact BYU-Idaho Coordinator first)
- Alta View Hospital
- Intermountain Medical Center (IMC) Hospital
- LDS Hospital
- The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (TOSH)
Urban North Region
Student Placement Coordinator - (435) 716-5301
(Students need to contact the student placement coordinator first)
- Logan Regional Hospital
Student Placement Coordinator - (801) 387-8007
(Students need to to contact the BYU-Idaho Coordinator first)
- McKay-Dee Hospital
Urban South Region
Student Placement Coordinator- (801) 357-3437
(Students need to contact manager of desired area first then contact student placement coordinator)
- American Fork Hospital
- Orem Community Hospital
- Utah Valley Regional Medical Center
Southwest Region
Student Placement Coordinator
(Students need to contact BYU-Idaho coordinator first)
- Dixie Regional Medical Center (435) 251-2116
- Garfield Medical Center (435) 676-1256
- Valley View Medical Center (435) 868 -5496
Rural Community Hospitals
(Students need to contact BYU-Idaho coordinator first)
- Bear River Valley Hospital
- Cassia Regional Medical Center
- Delta Regional Medical Center
- Fillmore Community Medical Center
- Heber Valley Medical Center
Primary Children's Medical Center
Student Placement Coordinator - (801) 662-3520
(Students need to contact BYU-Idaho Coordinator first)
Step 3 - Once a student has their clinical spot set up at the hospital then the Instructor for either N330 or N450 works with the student and the preceptor throughout the clinical experience.
Student responsibilities prior to starting clinical at any IHC hospital
ALL student must obtain, fill out, and return to the IHC hospital where they will be doing clinical time, the following forms:
Student must obtain a student identification badge from the hospital where they will be completing their clinical time. The student identification badge is different then the hospitals employee identification badge. (Return to Questions)
Students interested in completing clinical hours at the University or Utah
Students who want to complete clinical hours for N330 or N450 in at the University of Utah must follow the right steps in order to ensure a clinical spot.
Step 1 - The student must decide which working area of the University of Utah they would like to complete their clinical hours for either N330 and/or N450. There are deadlines that students must follow in order to secure a clinical spot. Please see the deadlines below.
Fall semester - May 1st
Winter semester - September 1st
Summer semester - January 1st
Step 2 - Once the student decides where they would like to spend their clinical time they must contact the BYU-Idaho RN to BSN Distant Education Coordinator at 208-496-2580.
Step 3 - The BYU-Idaho BSN Coordinator will then contact the University of Utah's Student Placement Coordinator with the students information and request. The student will then be informed whether their request was granted or not.
University of Utah
Student Placement Coordinator - (801) 581- 2598
(Student must be employed at the University of Utah Hospital to perform any clinical time there. Student needs to contact BYU-Idaho Coordinator first before contacting the student placement coordinator)
Students interested in completing clinical hours at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center
Step 1 - The student must decide which working area of EIRMC they would like to complete their clinical hours for either N330 and/or N450 then contact the theory instructor of the class. Permission for the instructor is required for all clinical assignments.
Step 2 - The student needs to obtain a background check required by EIRMC. The back ground check takes about 6 weeks to clear. The student must also fill out an orientation packet provided by EIRMC.
Step 3 - The BYU-Idaho theory instructor will then contact EIRMC with the students information and request. The student will then be informed whether their request was granted or not. (Return to Questions)
