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Nursing

TEAS Exam Request

02/21/2020 6:14 pm

TEAS Exam Testing Information:

  • At this time ATI TEAS exam scores from an online exam will not be accepted. TEAS exams must be taken in person by appointment only.
  • Testing will only be offered on dates listed on the Spring 2024 – How to Register to take the TEAS Exam.
  • Testing will be held in the Howard Colman Library, Main Floor. Check-in will be at the Circulation Desk.
  • The exam will begin promptly at the time designated on the exam schedule. Students must check in no later than 15 minutes before the exam start time to allow for the onboarding process.
  • On testing day, you are required to bring a valid ID (i.e. RU ID, driver’s license, passport) with a current photograph.
  • Use of electronic devices of any kind are prohibited including during examination breaks. Devices include but are not limited to, cell phones, digital or smart watches, fitness bands, and any other device with recording, internet, or communication capabilities. All devices must be powered off and stored outside of the testing environment. If a student is found with any unapproved items after testing begins, the testing session will be terminated immediately. Additionally, you will be asked to show your exam environment by using your device’s camera to scan the room in which you are testing.
  • Personal items of any kind, including but not limited to purses, computer bags, backpacks, and duffle bags are prohibited in testing spaces. All items must be stored outside of the testing environment.
  • Apparel, including jackets, hoodies, sweaters, coats, hats, and sunglasses are not permitted in the testing environment. Discretionary allowances may be made for religious apparel. All apparel is subject to inspection by the proctor.
  • Food and drink of any kind are prohibited in the testing environment.
  • For more information about testing rules and procedures, please see the CLS Testing Regulations and the RU Academic Integrity Policy in the embedded links.
  • Dictionary use and the use of course books or notes are prohibited. Also, students may not browse the Internet or access any outside websites.
  • ATI log-in information: For the online TEAS test create a student account at https://www.atitesting.com/ before the test date and have your log-in information with you.
  • TEAS Exam results are valid for 6 months from the date the exam is taken.
  • Payment information: Before taking the exam, $65 is to be made payable to Rockford University SAS. Proof of payment is required before the administration of the exam. Rockford University Student Administrative Services (SAS) are located on the main level of Nelson Hall. SAS can be reached at 815.394.3700, email sas@rockford.edu. The cost of the TEAS exam will increase to $70 starting June 1, 2024.
  • There are several resources to help prepare for the TEAS Exam. TEAS Exam Preparation Materials
  • For additional questions, you may directly contact the College of Math, Science, and Nursing Office at 815.226.4126, or the Center for Learning Strategies at CLSExams@rockford.edu.

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The In-Person TEAS Exam onboard for Spring 2024 begins at 12:15 p.m. Testing is 12:30 to 4 p.m. on the exam date options.
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Nursing Student Organization

08/05/2016 6:58 pm

NURSING STUDENT ORGANIZATION AT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

The purpose of the Nursing Student Organization (NSO) is to provide students opportunities to participate in local, state, and national affairs. The organization is concerned with the role of the nursing student, the role of the nurse in the community, and the future of nursing. The NSO meets regularly during the semester and publishes meetings for any nursing students to attend. NSO provides opportunities for student leadership positions and volunteer work.
 
Like us on Facebook to see where the meetings will be held.

Nursing Department
Starr Science Building
5050 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4059
Fax: 815-394-5166

Sarah Urban, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Department Chair of Nursing
Associate Professor of Nursing

surban@rockford.edu
815 226-4126

Frequently Asked Questions

08/05/2016 6:57 pm

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What is a BSN degree?
A: The bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) is a four-year, full-time program. Students complete approximately 2 years of prerequisite and degree requirement courses followed by 2 years in the nursing program if the student stays on track with course completion. Upon program completion, students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam (Registered Nurse [RN] Exam). This program is intended for students who do not hold an RN license.

Q: Is there a time limit on how long ago prerequisite science support courses have been taken and can still be used to meet the entrance requirements to the program? 
A: Yes, science support courses (anatomy, microbiology, and chemistry) must be completed within 5 years of admission to the nursing program.

Q: How do I know if a course that I’ve previously taken will meet the entrance requirements for the program? 
A: Transferology is a quick and easy way to find out if the college credit you’ve earned will transfer to Rockford University. Simply visit the Transferology page and enter your courses to find equivalent courses at RU. The Admissions Department can also help with reviewing transfer courses.

Q: I have completed university coursework or a degree outside of the United States. How do I know which of these credits will be accepted at Rockford University?
A: First, you’ll need to have this coursework evaluated by an independent evaluation company. Here is a link to an evaluation company that applicants with international documents can use.http://www.ierf.org/ We will not evaluate foreign transcripts which have not first been evaluated by an independent evaluation company.

Q: Do you accept 2nd bachelor degree students for nursing at Rockford University?
A: Yes, 2nd bachelor degree students can be admitted to the University as undeclared students (area of interest nursing) and can apply to the nursing program. Please contact the Office of Admission for admission criteria.

Q: How many entry points are there per year into the nursing program?
A: Two: spring and fall semester.

Q: Who has to take the TEAS exam?
A: The TEAS is designed as a predictor of success for nursing program applicants. This exam is required for transfer and traditional applicants; it is not required for Early Decision option students.

Q: Does work experience in a healthcare facility better an applicant’s chances of being selected?
A: No. However, working in a healthcare facility gives you valuable experience that can help as you complete nursing program coursework and clinical experiences. However, academic preparation, especially in high school  chemistry, algebra, and other science and math courses, are critical to prepare for college level courses.

Q: If I want to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), what do I have to do?
A: Students that have successfully completed NURS 201 – Foundations of Person-Centered Care can apply to take the CNA certification exam. The student should contact the nursing department chair for their information to be submitted to take the CNA exam. For all information related to becoming a CNA, including testing dates and locations, go to the following Web site, http://www.nurseaidetesting.com.

Q: If I took a nursing prerequisite course and received a grade that I didn’t like, and took that same class again, what grade will you accept?
A: If the course is taken at another institution, no course with a grade of less than a “C” will be accepted. A student who receives a grade lower than a C- in any required natural and social science support course may repeat the course and have the repeated course grade counted toward the CGPA. Only one of the required natural and social science support courses may be repeated. If a student receives a grade lower than a C- grade in more than one of the required natural and social science support courses, they will not be considered for admission to the program.

Q: What is provisional acceptance?
A: When a student is notified of a provisional acceptance, this means that a space has been reserved for that student in the nursing program for the following class. This becomes a full acceptance upon successfully completing any remaining prerequisites and maintaining progression requirements.

Q: Once admitted to the nursing program, how long will it take to complete nursing course requirements?
A: Nursing course work is sequenced over 4 semesters. Students who retake a course or take courses out of sequence may need longer to complete the program.

Q: Can a student take nursing courses without being enrolled in the School of Nursing?
A: Currently one nursing course, NURS 150 – Contemporary Nutrition, can be taken without having been accepted into the nursing program.

Q: Is there a Student Nurses Association at Rockford University?
A: Yes. Contact the nursing department for meeting times and places for the Nursing Student Organization (NSO). First-year and new students are encouraged to join.

Q: Once I’ve been admitted to the nursing program, must I always maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA)?
A: Yes. At the completion of the first nursing semester, students are required to achieve a nursing GPA of 2.3 calculated for all NURS courses and a cumulative GPA for all Rockford University courses of 2.7. At the completion of the second, third and fourth nursing semesters, students are required to achieve a nursing GPA of 2.5 calculated for all NURS courses and a cumulative GPA for all Rockford University courses of 2.7.

Q: What if I fail a nursing course?
A: You must immediately discuss your academic issues with your academic faculty advisor. The nursing student handbook outlines the complete policy for program progression and dismissal policies. Note: You may repeat a nursing course only once. Two withdrawals and/or failures in any combination of nursing courses will result in dismissal.

Nursing Department
Starr Science Building
5050 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4059
Fax: 815-394-5166

Sarah Urban, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Department Chair of Nursing
Associate Professor of Nursing

surban@rockford.edu
815 226-4126

For those interested in the Nursing Program, please contact Admissions at 815-226-4050.

NURSING DEGREE PROGRESSION & RETENTION REQUIREMENTS

Nursing Degree Progression & Retention Requirements

To maintain good standing in the program, students must meet the requirements listed. Also see the Nursing Program Handbook for full descriptions.

  • Minimum CGPA: Maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.7. CGPA is calculated at the end of spring for progression into the fall semester and at the end of the fall semester for progression into the spring.
  • Nursing GPA Requirements:
    • Completion of the first semester: Achieve a nursing GPA of 2.3, calculated for all NURS courses, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 for all Rockford University courses.
    • Completion of the second, third, and fourth semesters: Maintain a nursing GPA of 2.5 for all NURS courses and a cumulative GPA of 2.7 for all Rockford University courses.
  • Academic Probation: Failure to meet required nursing GPA or cumulative GPA at the end of a semester results in academic probation. A student may only be placed on academic probation once during their time in the nursing program. If requirements are not met by the end of the following semester, dismissal from the nursing program occurs.
  • Course Completion: All registered courses must be completed with a posted grade. Progression in the nursing curriculum plan is not allowed until incompletes (including medical incompletes) are removed from the transcript.
  • Minimum Grade Requirement: Earn at least a “C” in each nursing course. Failure to achieve a “C” in a required nursing course requires successful repetition of that course before progressing in the program.
  • Course Repeats: No more than one required nursing course may be repeated throughout the nursing curriculum, with exceptions as noted in the Nursing Student Handbook.
  • Re-Enrollment Limit: A student may only re-enroll in one nursing course, except when granted a medical withdrawal for all nursing courses in a single semester. Re-enrollment is subject to space availability.
  • Program Completion Time: Students have four (4) years to complete the nursing program from the start of the first nursing course.
  • Grade Appeals: If questioning a final grade, students must first seek an explanation from the course instructor. If dissatisfied, they may appeal the grade following Rockford University’s Academic Catalog guidelines.
  • Re-Entry After Dismissal: To re-enter after dismissal, students must follow the nursing program appeal process outlined in the Nursing Student Handbook.

Medical:

  • Students granted a medical incomplete or withdrawal must notify the Nursing Department Chair by March 1st for fall semester entry or October 1st for spring semester entry to retake a nursing course.
  • A student may re-enroll in one nursing course, except when granted a medical withdrawal for all nursing courses in a single semester.
  • Retaking courses occurs on a space-available basis.
  • A student has four (4) years to complete the nursing program from the start of the first nursing course.
  • Students who have a documented medical condition, such as a communicable disease, that prevents them from attending clinical should communicate with their instructors and Lang Health Center per the guidelines in the nursing student handbook.

Immunization and Health Compliance:

  • Students must keep health requirements, CPR certification, and health insurance up to date for the duration of the program.
  • Failure to comply may result in removal from clinical or course withdrawal.
  • All nursing students are required to have current immunizations and provide necessary documentation.

Nursing Department
Starr Science Building
5050 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4059
Fax: 815-394-5166

Sarah Urban, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Department Chair of Nursing
Associate Professor of Nursing

surban@rockford.edu
815 226-4126

Rockford University Nursing Program Admissions and Requirements

This page guides you through the various admission pathways, prerequisites, and special requirements for the nursing program at Rockford University. 

Exploring the Different Admissions Paths

Early Action

The Early Action option is specifically for high school seniors looking to secure their place in the nursing program before starting college. This option is your chance to get ahead if you are still in high school and know that nursing is the career path for you!

  • Eligibility: High school seniors
  • Application Period: During senior year of high school
  • Requirements:
    • Acceptance to Rockford University.
    • Application to the nursing program before senior year ends.
    • ACT score of at least 22 or SAT score of at least 1100.
    • Interview with the nursing department chair.
    • High school transcripts showing a 3.25 GPA in biology, chemistry, English, and math.

Students will be notified of admission decision by April 1st of their senior year. Actual enrollment is contingent on receipt of an official high school transcript by July 1st of the year of enrollment, verifying that all admission criteria have been met. Students must successfully meet the nursing prerequisite course and GPA requirements before starting the nursing program. Accepted Early Action students do not need to take the TEAS entrance exam.

Standard Admission

Admission to Rockford University does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. In order to be successful as a Rockford University nursing student, the Nursing Department has established minimum entrance requirements prior to enrolling in courses with the intent of pursuing a major in nursing.

Eligibility: Current Rockford University students and transfer students.

  • Priority Application Deadlines: March 1st for fall semester, October 1st for spring semester. (Note: Students who apply after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.)
  • Requirements
    • If not a current RU student, complete an application to Rockford University and be accepted for admission.
    • Meet the prerequisite and GPA requirements (see the Understanding the Required Prerequisites section below).
    • Apply to the nursing program by one of the priority application deadlines.
    • Take the ATI TEAS nurse entrance exam and pass with a score of proficient or higher within six months of completing the nursing program application. Sub-scores for reading, math, science, and English language usage must be a score of proficient or higher.
  • Admission
    • Admissions decisions will be emailed to applicants within two weeks of the application deadline.
    • Applicants who are accepted will be sent information regarding orientation meetings and other program requirements.

Transfer Admission

Transfer students will follow the steps for standard admission. After applying to Rockford University, please submit transcripts from prior institutions for evaluation. Transfer students will be evaluated by the prerequisite course criteria, GPA requirement, and TEAS exam score described in the understanding prerequisite requirements section below. Transfer courses will count toward overall GPA for program admission.

Understanding the Required Prerequisites 

The science prerequisite courses, general education prerequisite courses, and GPA requirements listed below are required for nursing program admission. The nursing faculty reserves the right to consider the merit of individual cases, based on student petition. If a student is currently in progress with prerequisite courses during the semester when the student applies to the nursing program, the nursing department may consider that student’s application for provisional admission. Provisional admission indicates that a student is offered nursing program admission if the requirements in progress (prerequisite courses or TEAS exam) are completed satisfactorily prior to starting the nursing program.

Students who have been denied admission to the nursing program due to missing prerequisite requirements may submit an application requesting admission to the nursing program, if admission criteria are met, during the next application period. Automatic admission to the program for the next academic year is not guaranteed. Each student case will be considered individually and are handled on a space-available basis.

Prerequisite Course Requirements

Students must achieve a minimum of a “C” 2.0 grade in the prerequisite courses below. Although a “C” 2.0 is the minimum requirement, the overall natural science GPA must be a 2.5 and overall GPA must be 2.75.

  • Natural Sciences (must be completed within the last 5 years):
    • Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL 209)
    • Microbiology (BIOL 230)
    • Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 104 or 105)
  • General Education Courses:
    • RHET 101 (Intro Rhetoric/English 1)
    • RHET 102 (Intermediate Rhetoric/English 2)
    • PSYC 100 (Introduction to Psychology)
    • HDEV 215 (Human Development/Lifespan Development)
    • MATH 223 (Statistics)
  • Students must also demonstrate math competency by achieving one of the following:
    • ACT (or SAT equivalent of 520) math score of 20 or higher
    • Successful completion of college algebra (equivalent to MATH 120)
    • Math placement exam score of 3 or higher
    • TEAS math score of proficient or higher on overall score and subcategory scores.

GPA Requirements

To be eligible for nursing program admission, students must meet the following criteria for grade point average (GPA) and credit hours:

  • Minimum science course GPA: 2.5  (Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Inorganic Chemistry)
  • Minimum overall GPA: 2.75
  • Credit Hours: 60+ credit hours completed

TEAS Exam

The ATI TEAS exam must be completed within 6 months of the nursing application deadline that the student is applying for. To meet admission criteria, students must obtain a score of proficient or higher overall as well as on the reading, math, science, and English language usage subcategories. Applicants taking the TEAS will be allowed to retake the exam during the same admission process, however, there must be 45 days between tests. The TEAS can be taken twice in the same admission process. After two unsuccessful attempts the student will need to take the TEAS again the following semester. The maximum is three attempts.

Review all course requirements for the nursing program in the academic catalog.

Program Requirements

Once admitted into the program, students must meet several requirements to start the program and attend lab and clinical experiences. Please see the current Nursing Student Handbook for a detailed description of the requirements.

Background and Drug Screening Information

All students entering the nursing program are required to undergo a criminal background check and random urine drug/alcohol screen.

  • Purpose
    • 2004 Manual for Hospitals published by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of hospitals and Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the major accreditation body for hospitals, requires that all staff members, student, faculty and volunteers meet standards relating to criminal background checks and freedom from drugs.
  • Policy Overview
    • Students are responsible for costs associated with the criminal background check and drug screen. Students must further agree that all results are available to the nursing program and the clinical sites associated with the program. The program is responsible for ensuring that students comply with individual hospital policy regarding disclosure of results. Should a clinical agency refuse to place a student based on the outcome of the background check and/or drug/alcohol screen, the program has no responsibility for arranging an alternative clinical placement. This may result in the student being unable to complete program objectives and, therefore inability to complete the nursing program.
  • Criminal Background Check
    • Upon acceptance into the nursing program, students must clear a criminal background check. Failure to complete this process will result in dismissal from the program. If the background check indicates criminal behavior, the student’s admission to the nursing program may be rescinded.
  • Urine Drug/Alcohol Screening
    • The nursing program maintains a no tolerance policy regarding substance abuse. All students must clear a random urine drug/alcohol test. Failure to undergo this test, a positive drug/alcohol screen, or a tampered with urine sample will result in dismissal from the program. If the drug/alcohol screen comes back positive and a valid prescription exists, which is verified and the student is under the current treatment of a licensed medical professional, the test result will be deemed negative.

Health and Clinical Requirements

To be completed by January 1 (Spring entrance) or August 1 (Fall entrance):

  • Health Examination: All students must undergo a health examination.
  • Immunizations Required:
    • Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (within the last 10 years).
    • Annual flu vaccination.
  • CPR (Must be American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals): Must be renewed biennially.
  • Hepatitis B Immunization: Requires a three-injection series with a reactive titer (30-60 days after series completion). The full series and titer take a minimum of six (6) months.
  • TB Skin Test: An initial 2-step Mantoux TB skin test is mandatory. Yearly single TB skin test re-tests are required after the initial 2-step Mantoux. Positive TB skin test reactors must complete an annual questionnaire at Lang Health Center. The program also accepts yearly quantiferon gold TB blood tests.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella Immunity:
    • Laboratory evidence of immunity is required.
    • If titer is negative, two vaccines are required.
    • Option to have a titer drawn after one injection, and if not high enough, an additional injection is required.
  • Health Insurance: All students must carry current health insurance.

Additional Notes and Requirements

  • Students must purchase uniforms and equipment. More information will be given about this after admission.
  • Health and clinical requirements must remain current throughout the nursing program.
  • Transportation: Students must arrange their own transportation to clinical experiences. Most clinical experiences are in the Rockford area.
  • Results of drug screening and background checks may be shared confidentially with clinical agency partners according to the program affiliation agreements.
  • If a student refuses to attend a clinical placement, the program is not responsible for alternative placements.
  • There are essential capabilities necessary for admission and progression at Rockford University in the complex discipline of nursing. To enter or progress in the nursing curriculum, the candidate must be able to perform all of the essential capabilities (with or without accommodations). See the current Nursing Student Handbook for Essential Capabilities of Nursing Majors.
  • The nursing faculty reserves the right to consider the merit of individual cases in the admissions process.

Accreditation and Approval

08/05/2016 6:52 pm

Nursing Accreditation and Approval

The baccalaureate nursing program at Rockford University located in Rockford, Illinois is accredited by the:

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

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the baccalaureate nursing program is continuing accreditation with warning.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program on the ACEN website.

ACEN Accreditation Seal

 

The nursing program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

The nursing program is also a member of the Illinois Association of Colleges of Nursing.

 

 

Nursing Department
Starr Science Building
5050 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4059
Fax: 815-394-5166

Sarah Urban, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Department Chair of Nursing
Associate Professor of Nursing

surban@rockford.edu
815 226-4126

Nursing Program Outcomes

08/05/2016 6:50 pm

Nursing Program Outcomes

Department of Nursing Student Learning Outcomes: Based upon its mission, the goals of the Rockford University nursing program are to:

  1. Provide safe and effective care across the lifespan to culturally diverse individuals, groups, families, and communities (patient-centered care and safety)
  2. Incorporate clinical judgment, nursing theory, knowledge from other disciplines, and best current evidence as the basis of practice (critical thinking/clinical judgment, evidence-based practice)
  3. Utilize information technology and effective communication to collaborate with the healthcare team and provide care to clients (communication, informatics)
  4. Demonstrate accountability and leadership for nursing practice decisions, with a commitment to nursing core values, professional growth, and life-long learning (leadership, professionalism).

 

Nursing Department
Starr Science Building
5050 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4059
Fax: 815-394-5166

Sarah Urban, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Department Chair of Nursing
Associate Professor of Nursing

surban@rockford.edu
815 226-4126

Community-Based Learning

08/05/2016 4:26 pm

COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING FOR NURSING

Community-based learning promotes learning through active participation in service experiences. Community-based learning opportunities for nursing majors provides students the chance to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom setting in real-life situations. Students will experience a variety of community-based learning opportunities from working with individuals and families in acute care settings to working with families and groups in community settings.

Nursing faculty at Rockford University believe that learning takes place both in and out of the classroom. Community-based learning is a critical element in nursing education that extends learning beyond the textbook and classroom setting into the community at large. Community-based learning provides students with the opportunity to utilize reflective thinking, discussion with faculty and peers, and writing about the experience to expand the learning experience.

Community-based learning is an important means of fostering a sense of caring for others. Nurses “care” for members of their community and service learning facilitates the growth and development of caring behaviors in our nursing graduates.

Learn more about Rockford University’s Community-Based Learning program

Nursing Department
Starr Science Building
5050 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4059
Fax: 815-394-5166

Sarah Urban, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Department Chair of Nursing
Associate Professor of Nursing

surban@rockford.edu
815 226-4126