Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
2009-2011
Master’s of Science in Nursing Program
College Catalog and Student Handbook
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Equal Opportunity/Non-Discrimination
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing does not practice or condone discrimination in any form against students,
employees, or applicants on the grounds of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, marital status,
veteran status, or disability to the extent required by law.
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Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing (the College) is a private, not-for-profit institution of higher learning
that offers a baccalaureate and masters degree in nursing.
The College offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN) through its own program as well as
through two joint programs. Basic students earn the degree through a partnership with Culver-Stockton
College or Quincy University. Both the College and the partner institution jointly confer the degree. The
College provides the nursing education. Partner institutions provide the general education and liberal arts
experience. Advanced placement students and RN-BSN students earn the BSN through the College’s own
program.
The advanced placement track is for individuals who have a baccalaureate degree (BA or BS) and/or
graduate degrees in other fields.
The RN-BSN track is for individuals who have successfully completed a diploma or associate degree
program in nursing and hold a valid professional registered nurse license.
The College’s confers the Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) through its own graduate
program. The purpose of this program is to prepare baccalaureate-educated nurses for roles in nursing
administration or nursing education.
The College accepts LPNs who have successfully completed a practical nursing program and hold a
current practical nurse license.
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Table of Contents
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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GENERAL INFORMATION
 Mission
 Philosophy
 Goals/Purposes
 Purpose of the MSN Program
 Overview of the Program and Curriculum
 Outcomes of the MSN Program
 President's Message
 History of the College of Nursing
 Accreditation/Institutional Memberships
 College of Nursing Board
 Administration
 Staff
 MSN Faculty
 College Address, Phone Number, Fax Number, and Web Address
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CURRICULM
 Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Degree Requirements- MSN Program for Students Entering
2009-2010
 Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Sample Schedule- MSN Program for Students Entering 20092010
 Course Descriptions
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ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES
 Admissions Requirements
 Transfer of Credit
 Licensure
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING PROGRESSION AND GRADUATION
 Progression Requirements and Policy
 Academic Standing
 Dismissal
 Graduation Requirements
 Continuous Enrollment
 Incomplete Grade
 Academic Advising
 Practicums
 Protection and Rights of Human Subjects and Participants in Research
 Application for the MSN Degree
 Enrolling as Non-degree Student/Auditing Courses
 Incomplete Thesis/Project Policy
 Request to Change Thesis or Project
 Continuous Enrollment to Complete the Thesis or Project
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MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Table of Contents, continued
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION, TUITION, FEES AND COSTS
 Payment and Refund Policy
 Pre-registration and Financial Aid
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING ACADEMIC LIFE
 Academic Honesty Policy and Honor Code
 Honor Code
 Access and Release of Student Records
 Access to Students with Disabilities
 Criminal Background Check
 Leave of Absence
 Maternity Leave
 Military Leave
 Petition for Exception to Policy
 Readmission to the Program
 Unsafe Student Practice
 Withdrawal
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APPEAL, GRIEVANCE, AND JUDICIAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
 Academic Grade Appeal
 Non-academic Appeal
 Hearing Procedures
 Communicating Student Concerns
 Bill of Rights for Students of Nursing
 Judicial Program
 Student Code of Conduct
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING STUDENT LIFE
 Alcohol/Drug Abuse Policy
 Computer, Internet, and E-mail Usage
 Confidentiality
 Scheduling Events
 Security
 Solicitation
 Student Assistance Program (SAP)
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STUDENT SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COLLEGE OF NURSING
 Advising and Counseling
 Copy and FAX
 Food Service
 Library and Computer Center
 Lost and Found
 Parking
 Spiritual Life
 Student Lounge
 Textbooks
 Voter Registration
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Table of Contents, continued
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AT THE COLLEGE OF NURSING
 State and National Student Nurse Organizations
 Alumni Association
 Sigma Theta Tau International
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STATEMENTS AND DISCLOSURES FOR THE COLLEGE OF NURSING
 Immuno-compromised-Student AIDS Policy
 NCLEX-RN Pass Rates, Graduation/Retention Rates, Crime Rates Disclosure Statement
 Equal Opportunity/Non-Discrimination
 Notice: Change in Catalog/Handbook Statement
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COLLEGE CALENDAR
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Notice: Change in Catalog/Handbook Statement
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing reserves the right to change courses, requirements, and policies that are stated
in this catalog and handbook without advance notice. Students will be informed of changes.
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MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
General Information
Mission
The mission of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing is to educate persons of diverse backgrounds to acquire
knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values needed for professional nursing practice and lifelong learning. This mission
is accomplished in a community of learning dedicated to excellence and caring in professional nursing education.
Philosophy
Students in the MSN program are expected to develop more sophisticated and complex skills than students in the
baccalaureate program. At the graduate level, more emphasis is placed on students critically analyzing facts and
theories, making independent judgments based on evidence, articulating what has been learned, and synthesizing
innovative solutions to problems. All MSN students are expected to:
 Critically and independently think.
 Master the skills demanded in their chosen role as nurse administrator or nurse educator.
 Understand current as well as traditional approaches to professional nursing and nursing administration or
nursing education.
 Become thoroughly familiar with the current literature in nursing, administration, and education by regular use
of standard references, current journals, and professional publications.
 Substantially contribute to their studies through discussion, projects, papers, practicums, and other learning
experiences.
 Apply concepts, principles, and ideas learned in courses to original work or application-oriented learning
assignments.
 Produce written work that demonstrates high standards of grammar, punctuation, organization, and APA style.
Goals/Purposes
The goals/purposes of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing are to:
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2.
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4.
5.
Prepare professional nurses to practice as a provider, designer, manager, and coordinator of care as part of an
interdisciplinary team in a variety of settings.
Prepare culturally competent graduates who will practice in an increasingly diverse society.
Develop abilities and skills necessary to become leaders and change agents in a dynamic global environment
that affects health and health care.
Enhance the personal and professional development of each learner.
Provide a foundation for advanced educational preparation.
Purpose of the MSN Program
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing offers a graduate nursing program that leads to the Master of Science Degree
in Nursing (MSN). The purpose of this program is to prepare baccalaureate-educated nurses for roles in nursing
administration or nursing education.
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Overview of the Program and Curriculum
The MSN program is part-time whereby students enroll in 5 to 7 credit hours of nursing courses per semester,
completing the program in approximately two calendar years. Students choose one of two advanced roles: nursing
administration or nursing education.
The curriculum incorporates two areas of core content: the graduate nursing core and the advanced role component.
All master’s degree nursing students complete the graduate nursing core regardless of their chosen advanced role.
The graduate nursing core is foundational content that is essential for all students who pursue a master’s education,
providing course work in nursing theory; nursing science; research; health policy; professional role development;
health promotion and disease prevention; and restoring, maintaining, and maximizing health. The advanced role
component is the content essential for students who are pursuing a role in nursing administration or nursing
education, providing didactic and hands-on learning experiences with these roles.
The curriculum reflects the College’s commitment to its curriculum framework and therefore the graduate nursing
core focuses on developing an in-depth understanding of Whole Person Nursing. The curriculum also incorporates
knowledge and skills identified in The Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (AACN,
1996).
Each student is expected to transfer into the program 6 semester hours of cognate courses. These courses can be
completed prior to or while enrolled in the program.
The required total number of semester credit hours to graduate is 44 for those students who chose to complete the
thesis. For those students who chose to complete a scholarly project, the required total number of semester credit
hours to graduate is 42.
Courses will be scheduled to facilitate the working student. While faculty may include some asynchronous learning
experiences, students are expected to attend all scheduled classes as learning experiences are enhanced by group
interaction. To increase diversity of experiences, students are encouraged to spend portions of their practicums in
locations other than the College’s primary clinical/educational setting.
Outcomes of the MSN Program
The following outcomes are based on the assumption that graduate education builds on the student’s baccalaureate
nursing education, expanding his or her knowledge in depth and scope. Therefore, at the completion of the program,
the student will:
1.
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4.
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Use research as a basis for making educational, clinical, and organizational decisions that lead to quality health
care and improved nursing practice.
Develop a comprehensive knowledge of how to formulate and evaluate the impact of health policy thereby
influencing decisions that affect clinical practice, health care delivery, and nursing education.
Make high quality, cost-effective choices when providing care, making clinical decisions, and using and
managing resources.
Use ethical decision-making to resolve conflicts of interest; deliver quality health care; and promote the health
and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Integrate new knowledge, functions, and activities into one’s professional nursing practice, implementing the
role of nurse administrator or nurse educator as well as the roles of advocate, change agent, researcher,
clinician, consultant, and collaborator.
Use a range of nursing and other related scientific theories to guide one’s role as a nurse administrator or nurse
educator.
Exert a leadership role with defining, designing, and implementing culturally sensitive care that meets the needs
of the population(s) served.
Incorporate theories and research into designing and monitoring wholistic plans of care as well as teaching and
counseling strategies that promote health, prevent illness, maintain and restore health, and maximize function of
individuals, families, and communities.
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Demonstrate a strong theoretical foundation in Whole Person Nursing when promoting health, preventing
illness, maintaining and restoring health, and maximizing the function of individuals, families, and
communities.
10. Facilitate a multidisciplinary approach that empowers the whole person be it the individual, family, or
community to attain, maintain, and restore health.
11. Function as a leader not only in the profession but in the health care system, advancing health and nursing care
as well as influencing regulatory, legislative, and public policy in the private and public sectors.
President’s Message
It is my privilege to welcome you to Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing. You will be part of a tradition of
excellence and uniqueness in nursing education, joining a nursing program that is over 100 years old.
You are joining a baccalaureate program that is distinct in its blend of tradition and innovation, offering several
options for earning the BSN degree. For basic and LPN-BSN students, tradition and innovation are blended by the
College jointly conferring the degree with one of two partners, Culver-Stockton College or Quincy University. Only
a few baccalaureate nursing programs in the country jointly confer a degree with a liberal arts college, and ours is
the only one that offers a choice of two partners. The unique benefit of a joint degree is that students experience a
liberal arts education and life on a typical college campus and nursing education on the campus of a medical
complex. Through our partnerships, you will experience over 250 years of quality education in liberal arts (CulverStockton College since 1853 and Quincy University since 1860) and nursing (Blessing School/Blessing-Rieman
College of Nursing since 1891). For advanced placement and RN-BSN students, tradition and innovation are
blended by the College offering its own degree program that meets their unique educational needs.
The College also offers its own masters program, conferring the Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. This
program, implemented in 2007, not only meets the career goals of the community’s professional nurses but also
meets the needs of area employers and nursing programs by offering nurse administrator and nurse educator tracks.
Our facilities are beautiful, located in the downtown historic district of Quincy, Illinois. Our building, built in 1991
and renovated in 1997, is on the north side of the Blessing Hospital complex. It provides classrooms, lounges, and
offices for comfortable studying, research, teaching, and learning. The library and computer center are outstanding,
providing an array of print and electronic resources. A nursing skills laboratory provides a quality practice setting
for students.
About 20 miles northwest of Quincy in Canton, Missouri is Culver-Stockton College. Located six blocks east of the
Blessing campus is the main campus of Quincy University. Both campuses offer intercollegiate sports and facilities
for academic and residence life. Quincy University also offers the Ameritech Center for Communications,
Franciscan Press, and WQUB public radio station.
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing faculty and staff, concentrating on creating a scholarly community, have a
genuine interest in the intellectual, physical, social, emotional and spiritual growth of every baccalaureate and
masters student. As a “family,” we strive to give individual attention to our students. Our goal is to graduate
committed and competent professional nurses who will make a difference in the health care field. You will find our
energy and resources directed to this goal.
This catalog and handbook is designed to inform and answer questions about Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing.
Please read the information carefully. If any area is unclear, contact me or a member or the faculty or staff. It would
be our pleasure to discuss it with you.
Pamela Brown, RN, PhD
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing President/CEO
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History of the College of Nursing
In October, 1873, several prominent citizens formed “The Charitable Aid and Hospital Association of Quincy.” This group had
originally organized as the “Relief Association” to help the poor in the winter of 1869. Gradually through their work with the
poor, it became obvious the sick needed a place to recover, and the goals of the Association became more centered toward the
care of the sick and the establishment of a hospital. Blessing Hospital was built and opened for patients in May, 1875.
A Resident Directress was appointed by the Board of Trustees. She admitted patients and took charge of all the domestic duties
in the hospital. In March of 1877, Miss Almira C. Davis came to Blessing. She was an 1876 graduate of Bellevue School of
Nursing in New York, one of the most famous hospitals in nursing history and the first Nightingale nursing school in the United
States. Miss Davis was in the third graduating class of Bellevue and after serving as their Assistant Superintendent, came to
Quincy to run Blessing Hospital. She was paid $500 per year and asked to give instruction to others in the duties of her
profession whenever requested by the Board. In 1878, the Board of Trustees formed a Board of Lady Managers to manage the
hospital.
From the very beginning of their tenure, The Board of Lady Managers was concerned about nursing and for many years
expressed a desire to have a training school at Blessing. There were several false starts, due to a lack of acute patients on which to
gain experience, lack of pupils, lack of money (the hospital was totally supported by donations) and a lack of properly-trained
staff to organize and run a school. These obstacles were overcome and the first students were accepted in 1891. Money was
raised and housing was secured for the pupils. The first class of three nurses graduated in September, 1894. Classes have
graduated every year since then with the exception of 1906 (because the program changed from two years to three years in 1904)
and 1988 (because the last diploma class graduated in 1987 and the first baccalaureate class graduated in 1989).
Blessing Nurses Alumni Association began in 1900, just a few years after the national organization, the American Nurses
Association, was formed. In 1909, the school was accredited by the Illinois Department of Registration and Education, which had
been organized in 1908. Blessing was on the first list of accredited schools in the state of Illinois. As an accredited diploma
school, Blessing graduates sat for the licensure exam and after passing the examination became registered nurses (RN).
Throughout the years of the training school, the age requirement for applicants was lowered and work hours were shortened
while the educational requirements increased and the class hours were lengthened. The school changed from the service-centered
education to the learning-centered education of today. General education classes were taught at Quincy College from 1946 to
1960 and at Culver-Stockton College from 1960 to 1985.
In 1985, Blessing Hospital School of Nursing and Culver-Stockton College agreed to form a program to jointly award a
baccalaureate degree in nursing. With a multi-million-dollar bequest for endowment from Cedric H. Rieman, in memory of his
wife, Lucille, a former member of the Advisory Committee of the School of Nursing, the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
was instituted to continue the tradition of excellence in education and care that had begun in 1891. In 1998, Blessing-Rieman
College of Nursing added Quincy University as a partner in a joint baccalaureate nursing program. An advanced placement track
for second degree students seeking the baccalaureate degree in nursing was added in 2003. The masters program, conferring a
master’s degree in nursing, was implemented in the summer of 2007. These degrees are conferred by Blessing-Rieman College of
Nursing.
Both partner institutions are independent, fully-accredited coeducational four-year liberal arts colleges. Both colleges have long
been recognized as outstanding private educational institutions in the Midwest. Culver-Stockton College was chartered in 1853 as
Christian University. Quincy University was chartered in 1873 as St. Francis Solanus College. Both institutions offer many of the
traditional elements of life on a small college campus—intercollegiate sports, fine arts, cultural events, and a small student-tofaculty ratio. Culver-Stockton College also offers sorority and fraternity housing.
Class work during the freshman year is done on the partner campus, where students have complete access to all college facilities,
social activities, and campus organizations. After admission into the major as sophomores, all nursing classes are held on the
Blessing-Rieman campus, with immediate access to the over $40 million, seven-city-block, multi-building Blessing Health
System complex.
Blessing Hospital School for Nurses and Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing have over 1900 graduate nurses since their small
beginning in 1891. New and prospective students can take pride in knowing they are part of a long tradition of excellence in
nursing education.
Arlis Dittmer, MS, MLS
Coordinator of Library Services
Blessing Health Professions Library
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MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Accreditation/Institutional Memberships
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing as an institution of higher education is
accredited by The Higher Learning Commission
and a member of the North Central Association (NCA)
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602
www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org
312-263-0456
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree programs are accredited by
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC
www.aacn.nche.edu
(202) 887-6791
National League for Nursing (NLN) Center for Excellence
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing is one of three nursing schools designated as a Center of Excellence in Nursing
Education for 2006-2009 in the area of Creating Environments that Advance the Science of Nursing Education.
National League for Nursing
Centers of Excellence
61 Broadway, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10006
www.nln.org
800-669-1656
The College is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, the Illinois Board of Higher
Education, and the Missouri Department of Education. The College is also fully approved by the Missouri State
Board of Nursing.
The College is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National League for Nursing, the
Illinois Council of Deans and Directors of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs in Nursing, the Missouri
Association of Administrators of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs in Nursing, and the American
Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers.
Culver-Stockton College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central
Association (NCA). The Culver-Stockton College is also accredited by the Missouri Department of Education. The
American Council of Education, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Association of American
Colleges, and the American Association of University Women include Culver-Stockton College on their lists of
approved colleges.
Quincy University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central
Association (NCA). Quincy University is a constituent member of the National Catholic Education Association of
American Colleges and is affiliated with the Catholic University of America. The University is approved by the
Illinois State Approving Agency for educational assistance benefits to veterans and veterans’ dependents and by the
Immigration and Naturalization Service of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Blessing Hospital is licensed by the State of Illinois and accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Health Care Organizations (JACHO). Clinical sites are licensed and/or certified.
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College of Nursing Board
Nancy Bluhm, RN-C, MS, Chair
Administrator, Adams County Health Department
D. Reaugh Broemmel
Community Leader
Pamela Brown, RN, PhD
President/CEO
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
Dr. Jean Disseler
Optometrist, Quincy Medical Group
Steven Ginos, MD
Family Practitioner
Family Medicine Associates
Lynn House
President, Blessing Hospital Board of Trustees
Maureen Kahn
CEO
Blessing Hospital
Lucinda Awerkamp McClain
Attorney
Norma McNay, RN
Retired Professional Registered Nurse
Community Leader
Charles Scholz
Attorney
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MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Administration
Pamela Brown
President/CEO, 1984
Diploma, Blessing Hospital School of Nursing
BSN, Quincy College
MS, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
PhD, Wayne State University
Brenda Beshears
Academic Dean, 1991
Advisor, Masters Program
ASN, Hannibal-LaGrange College
BSN, Hannibal-LaGrange College
MS, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Doctoral Candidate, University of Missouri-Columbia
Arlis Dittmer
Coordinator of Library Services, 1988
BA, University of Illinois
MA, Loyola University of Chicago
MALS, University of Missouri-Columbia
Karen Mayville, 1982
Administrative Coordinator, Program Evaluation and Instructional Design
Director of the Masters Program
BSN, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
MSN, Marquette University
PhD, Capella University
Ann O’Sullivan
Assistant Dean for Admissions, Registrar, and Student Services, 1989
BS, Northern Illinois University
MS, Northern Illinois University
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Staff
Administration
Academic Advising
Debbie Giesing
Receptionist/Secretary, 2002
John Wood Community College
Barb Taylor
Academic Advisor, Baccalaureate Program, 2008
BSN, Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
Donna Hedrick
Academic Assistant, 2001
Office of Academic Enhancement
Linda Riggs Mayfield
Associate Faculty, 1992
BA, Cedarville College
BSEd, Central State University
MA, Western Michigan University
Doctoral Studies, Liberty University
Doug Winters
IT Coordinator, 1997
AA, John Wood Community College
Candice Dean
Network Administrator, 2009
AAS, Community College of the Air Force
Blessing Health Professions Library
Matthew Kennedy
Help Desk, 2009
John Wood Community College
DeVry University
Julie Dietrich
Public/Design Librarian, 2002
BS, Quincy University
Melissa Brown
Technical Services Librarian, 2007
BS, University of Illinois- Springfield
Graduate Studies, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
Admissions
Jenna Crabtree
Admissions Counselor, 2008
BA, Concordia University Chicago
Student Services
Heather Mutter
Admissions Counselor, 1998
BS, University of Arkansas
Scot Geschwandner
Student Services/Alumni Officer, 2006
BA, Quincy University
Registrar
Sara Brehm
Financial Aid Officer, 1979
John Wood Community College
Rachel Cramsey
Registrar, 2004
BS, Culver-Stockton College
MBA, William Woods University
Nancy Campbell
Financial Aid Assistant, 2004
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MSN Faculty
Brenda Beshears
Associate Professor, 1991
ASN, Hannibal-LaGrange College
BSN, Hannibal-LaGrange College
MS, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Doctoral Candidate, University of Missouri-Columbia
Pamela Brown
President/CEO, 1984
Diploma, Blessing Hospital School of Nursing
BSN, Quincy College
MS, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
PhD, Wayne State University
Sheila Capp
Associate Professor, 1984
BSN, Olivet Nazarene College
MS, University of Missouri-Columbia
Doctoral Candidate, University of Missouri-Columbia
Karen Mayville
Associate Professor, 1982
BSN, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
MSN, Marquette University
PhD, Capella University
Corinne Fessenden
Associate Professor, 1986
BS, Northeast Missouri State University
Diploma, Blessing Hospital School of Nursing
BSN, Quincy College
MS, University of Missouri-Columbia
PhD, Wayne State University
Debra Walton
Associate Professor, 1995
Diploma, Blessing Hospital School of Nursing
BSN, Hannibal-LaGrange College
MS, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
PhD, St. Louis University
Margaret Williams
Associate Professor, 1983
BSN, University of Illinois-Chicago
MS, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
PhD, Rush University
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College Address, Phone Number, Fax Number, and Web Address
College Address
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
Broadway at 11th Street
PO BOX 7005
Quincy, Illinois 62305-7005
Phone Numbers
1-217-228-5520
1-800-877-9140
Fax Numbers
College: 1-217-223-4661
Financial Aid Offices: 1-217-223-1781
Registrar’s Office: 1-217-223-1781
Library: 1-217-223-6400
Student/Alumni Services Offices: 1-217-223-1781
Web Address
www.brcn.edu
Email Address Protocol
The email address protocol for most faculty and staff at the College is first initial followed by last name @brcn.edu,
using lower case letters. For example, Karen Mayville is mayville@brcn.edu. Notice that there is no period or
underscore separating the initial and last name.
Student Voice in the College
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing recognizes the student’s right to communicate input to the faculty and/or
administration and the College welcomes and plans for student voice in the assessing, evaluating, and improving the
program. The student may communicate input to their course instructor, the Master’s program committee, or the
president of the college.
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Curriculum
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
Degree Requirements – MSN Program
For Students Entering 2009-2010
Graduate Nursing Core Courses (25-27 credit hours)










Nsg. 501: Nursing Theory and Nursing Science
Nsg. 502: Nursing Inquiry I: Qualitative Methods
Nsg. 503: Professional Role Development
Nsg. 506: Quantitative Methods & Statistics for the Nursing Scientists
Nsg. 510: Advanced WPN I
Nsg. 512: Advanced WPN II
Nsg 515: Advanced WPN Practicum
Nsg. 601: Health Policy
Nsg. 690/692: Nursing Research Project/Thesis I
Nsg. 691/693: Nursing Research Project/Thesis II
Credits
3
2
3
5
2
2
2
2
2/3
2/3
Advanced Nursing Role Component (11 credit hours)
Nursing Administration Courses
 Nsg. 602: Nursing Systems and Models
of Care Delivery
 Nsg. 604: Economics in Health Care and
Nursing Services
 Nsg. 606: Organizational Cultural and
Behavioral Patterns
 Nsg. 615: Nurse Administrator
Practicum I
 Nsg. 617: Nurse Administrator
Practicum II
Credits
3
Nursing Education Courses
 Nsg. 603: Theoretical Foundations of
Teaching/Learning
 Nsg. 605: Theoretical Foundations of
Curriculum and Course Design with
Practicum
 Nsg. 607: Assessment and Evaluation
with Practicum
3
3
1
1
Cognate Course (6 credit hours)
Nursing Administration Courses
Related discipline courses such as:
 Psychology of People Management
 Communication; Conflict Management
 Managing Diversity
 Health Care Economics
 Information Management
 Sociology/Culture of Health Care
Nursing Education Courses
Related discipline courses such as:
 Philosophy of Education
 Behavioral Psychology/Counseling
 Socio-cultural Issues Trends
 Teaching and Diverse Populations
16
Credits
3
4
4
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
Sample Schedules – MSN Program
For Students Entering 2009-2010
MSN with the Nurse Administrator Role
Summer
Nsg. 501: Nursing Theory and
Nursing Science (3)
Year 1
Fall
Nsg. 503: Professional Role
Development (3)
Nsg. 502: Nursing Inquiry I:
Qualitative Methods (2)
Nsg. 506: Quantitative Methods and
Statists for the Nursing Scientist (5)
Cognate (2)
Cognate (2)
Spring
Nsg. 510: Advanced WPN I: Health
Promotion and Disease Prevention
(2)
Nsg. 512: Advanced WPN II:
Restoring, Maintaining, and
Maximizing Health (2)
Nsg 515: Advanced WPN Practicum
(2)
Summer
Nsg. 601: Health Policy (2)
Nsg. 602: Nursing Systems and
Models of Care Delivery (3)
Year 2
Fall
Nsg. 604: Economics in Health Care
and Nursing Services (3)
Spring
Nsg. 606: Organizational Cultural
and Behavioral Patterns (3)
Nsg. 615: Nurse Administrator
Practicum I (1)
Nsg. 617: Nurse Administrator
Practicum II (1)
Nsg. 690/692: Nursing Research
Project or Thesis I (2 or 3)
Nsg. 691/693: Nursing Research
Project or Thesis II (2 or 3)
Cognate (2)
MSN with the Nurse Educator Role
Summer
Nsg. 501: Nursing Theory and
Nursing Science (3)
Year 1
Fall
Nsg. 503: Professional Role
Development (3)
Nsg. 502: Nursing Inquiry I:
Qualitative Research (2)
Nsg. 506: Quantitative Methods and
Statistics for the Nurse Scientist (5)
Cognate (2)
Cognate (2)
Spring
Nsg. 510: Advanced WPN I:
Health Promotion and Disease
Prevention (2)
Nsg. 512: Advanced WPN II:
Restoring, Maintaining, and
Maximizing Health (2)
Nsg 515: Advanced WPN
Practicum (2)
Summer
Nsg. 601: Health Policy (2)
Nsg. 603: Theoretical Foundations
of Teaching/Learning (3)
Year 2
Fall
Nsg. 605: Theoretical Foundations of
Curriculum and Course Design with
Practicum (4)
Nsg. 690: Nursing Research I (2-3)
Cognate (2)
17
Spring
Nsg. 607: Assessment and
Evaluation with Practicum (4)
Nsg. 692: Nursing Research II (23)
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Course Descriptions
NSG 501: Nursing Theory and Nursing Science (3)
This course provides an overview of the relationship between philosophy, theories or conceptual frameworks, and
nursing science. Concepts will be analyzed relative to their use in theory building. Students are expected to conduct
an in-depth analysis of a major nursing theory or conceptual framework. Appreciation of the role nursing theory
development plays in providing a basis for scientific inquiry is emphasized.
Pre-requisites: Acceptance into the MSN Program or permission of the instructor as a non-degree seeking student.
NSG 502: Nursing Inquiry I: Qualitative Methods (2)
This course focuses on interpreting, designing, and conducting research studies based on qualitative methodology.
Students are expected to use qualitative criteria to evaluate qualitative studies. Critiquing phenomenological studies
in order to apply them within the evidence-based practice paradigm is emphasized. Qualitative methods are critically
analyzed with respect to their purpose, characteristics, and general features and with thought to the use of the
particular method to study nursing care phenomena. Students are expected to explore current nursing and related
phenomena and define a specific area of interest. Pre-requisites: Acceptance into the MSN Program or permission
of the instructor as a non-degree seeking student.
NSG 503: Professional Role Development (3)
This course provides an overview of social role theory and explores its relevance to professional role development.
Gender differences are explored within an historical context. A history of advanced nursing practice role
development is reviewed, and emerging roles in advanced practice are critiqued. Pre-requisites: Acceptance into the
MSN Program or permission of the instructor as a non-degree seeking student.
NSG 504: Nursing Inquiry II: Quantitative Methods (2)
This course focuses on interpreting, designing, and conducting research studies based on quantitative methodology.
Students are expected to use quantitative criteria to critique published quantitative research studies. Critiquing
studies in order to apply them within the evidence-based practice paradigm is emphasized. Students are expected to
explore current nursing and related healthcare problems, and define their personal area of interest. Pre-requisites:
NSG 501 and advanced or graduate level statistics.
NSG 506: Quantitative Methods and Statistics for the Nurse Scientist (5)
This course focuses on interpreting, designing, and conducting research studies based on quantitative methodology.
Students are expected to use quantitative criteria to critique published quantitative research studies. Critiquing
studies in order to apply them within the evidence-based practice paradigm is emphasized. Students are expected to
explore current nursing and related healthcare problems, and define their personal area of interest. A general
overview of statistical methods commonly used by the nurse scientist to conduct and analyze research is integrated
with the research component. The emphasis will be for the student to conceptually understand and apply the
statistical concepts and methods intuitively to the interpretation of research data. Specifically, the student will use
descriptive statistics and underlying principles of statistical inference; nonparametric techniques of Chi-Square,
McNemar, Kruskal-Wallis, the Wilcoxin, Friedman and the Mann-Whitney U; t-tests; ANOVA; Multifactorial
ANOVA; Analysis of Covariance; Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance; Correlation; and Regression to analyze
data using SPSS. Pre-requisites: Acceptance into the MSN program or permission from the instructor as a nondegree seeking student.
NSG 510: Advanced WPN I (2)
This course focuses on health assessment, health promotion, and disease prevention across the lifespan. Concepts of
information management within various patient-care settings are also included. Students are expected to incorporate
population specific health promotion and disease prevention strategies in their professional practice. Students are
expected to develop a health promotion plan for individuals, families or groups. Pre-requisites: NSG 501 and 503
or permission of the instructor as a non-degree seeking student.
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Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
NSG 512: Advanced WPN II (2)
This course focuses on restoring, maintaining, and maximizing health across the lifespan. Concepts of information
management within various patient-care settings are also included. Students are expected to incorporate population
specific strategies as well as case management theories and models into managing care for individuals, families
and/or groups. Students are expected to develop a comprehensive care plan, targeting a population specific health
problem, for an individual, a family, or a group of patients. Pre-requisites: NSG 501 and 503 or permission of the
instructor as a non-degree seeking student. Pre-requisite or concurrent: NSG 510 and 515.
NSG 515: Advanced WPN Practicum (2)
Students are expected to integrate theory related to NSG 510 and NSG 512 into advanced professional nursing
practice by managing the care of individuals, families, groups, or populations in various clinical settings. This
practicum also allows students the opportunity to test their comprehensive care plan and community health
promotion plan. Pre-requisites: NSG 501 and 503 or permission of the instructor as a non-degree seeking student.
Pre-requisite or concurrent: NSG 510 and 512.
NSG 601: Health Policy (2)
This course focuses on extant U.S. health policy and the broader aspects of policy process including strategies,
activities, and outcomes. Evaluation of health policy development and process of health policy analysis are
introduced. Use of health policy analysis and critique will allow the student to recognize the assumptions that are
inherent in specific health policies. The student will develop an action framework for challenging an existing health
policy or creating new policy. U.S. health policy will be placed in context with global health policy.
NSG 602: Nursing Systems and Models of Care Delivery (3)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of nursing systems and models of care delivery within the United
States and other countries. Critical assessment of nursing and healthcare outcomes management and assessment
provides a framework for the judicious use of current best evidence in making system and care delivery decisions.
Pre-requisite: NSG 501 and 503 or permission of the instructor as a non-degree seeking student.
NSG 603: Theoretical Foundations of Teaching and Learning (3)
This course provides an historical perspective on teaching and learning in nursing education. Various teaching
philosophies, instructional theories, and learning theories as well as the roles of the nurse educator and nursing
student are explored. The constructivist versus the instructionist debate will also be examined. Each student is
expected to develop a personal philosophy of nursing education and create learning experiences based on this
philosophy and the theories of instruction and learning. Pre-requisites: NSG 503 or permissions of the instructor as
a non-degree seeking student.
NSG 604: Economics in Health Care and Nursing Services (3)
This course provides an introduction to accounting and financial management, within the health-care industry.
Students are expected to critically read and/or analyze financial reports, cost behavior, profit analysis, cost
allocation, pricing and servicing decisions, managerial accounting, planning and budgeting, time value analysis and
financial risk. Pre-requisite: NSG 501 and 503 or permission of the instructor as a non-degree seeking student.
NSG 605: Theoretical Foundations of Curriculum and Course Design with Practicum (4)
This course provides a beginning theoretical foundation in curriculum and course design. Various curriculum and
course design theories as well as the role of the classroom, lab, Internet, and clinical are examined. The debate to
add or delete content and learning experiences will also be examined. Students are expected to compare and contrast
the philosophies, curricula, and outcomes of the associate and baccalaureate and higher degree programs. Each
student will design a one-hour nursing elective course, demonstrating his/her understanding of curriculum and
course design theory. The practicum portion of this course offers students the opportunity for an immersion
experience in the role of nurse educator, focusing on the responsibility of curriculum/course design. Pre-requisite:
NSG 503 or permission of the instructor as a non-degree seeking student. Note: the practicum is only for MSN
program students. Non-degree seeking students will earn 3 credits for the didactic potion of the courses.
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Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
NSG 606: Organizational Cultural and Behavioral Patterns (3)
This course provides insight into organizational culture and behavior patterns by analyzing individual and group
behavior within a variety of work place settings. Key issues such as perceptions, attitudes, stress, conflict,
negotiations, group dynamics, team building, and managing change are emphasized. Students are expected to
discern workplace dynamics, and plan change to enable organizational success through increasing job satisfaction
and productivity. Pre-requisites: NSG 501 and 503 or permission of the instructor as a non-degree seeking student.
NSG 607: Assessment and Evaluation with Practicum (4)
This course explores the variety of assessment and evaluation techniques that can be used in nursing education.
Issues such as identifying clinical competency, grade inflation, meeting accreditation standards, assessing critical
thinking, and evaluating safety will be examined. Students are expected to construct evaluative instruments such as
tests, clinical evaluation tools, and rubrics. The practicum portion of this course offers students the opportunity to
teach and evaluate the learning effectiveness and student outcomes of that teaching. Pre-requisites: NSG 603 and
605 or permission of the instructor as a non-degree seeking student. Note: the practicum is only for MSN program
students. Non-degree seeking students will earn 3 credits for the didactic potion of the courses.
NSG 615: Administration Practicum I (1)
This 45 hour practicum focuses on the nursing administrator’s role in providing quality nursing care in an
environment of reduced resources. Practicum faculty and students will develop individual plans to increase
knowledge and skills through a variety of experiences focusing on:
1. critically reading and analyzing financial reports,
2. cost behavior
3. profit analysis
4. cost allocation
5. pricing and servicing decisions
6. managerial accounting
7. planning and budgeting
8. time value analysis
9. financial risk.
NSG 617: Administration Practicum II (1)
This 45 hour practicum focuses on the nursing administrator’s role in assessing and leading cultural change within a
health care organization. Practicum faculty and students will develop individual plans to increase knowledge and
skills through a variety of experiences focusing on:
1. Healthy culture
2. Assessment of culture
3. Managing people in an evolving organization
4. Managing social and organizational processes
5. Ethical decision making
NSG 690: Nursing Research Project I (2)
During this directed study, each student is expected to develop a formal written proposal for an individual scholarly
project. Each student provides a brief overview of their scholarly project to the Committee they have constituted.
See the Thesis/Project policy for guidelines. Pre-requisites: MSN program student and completion of the graduate
core courses.
NSG 691: Nursing Research Project II (2)
Students will complete their individual project during this directed study. Each student will complete the project
according to the guidelines set forth in the Masters Thesis/Project Policy and the agreements made with their project
committee. Pre-requisites: NSG 690.
NSG 692: Nursing Research Thesis I (3)
During this directed study, each student is expected to develop a formal written proposal for an individual research
thesis and obtain IRB approval for the research. Pre-requisites: MSN program student and completion of the
graduate core courses.
20
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
NSG 693: Nursing Research Thesis II (3)
Students will complete their research thesis during this directed study and successfully complete the Thesis
Examination (See Thesis Guidelines). Pre-requisites: NSG 692.
NSG 694: Nursing Research Thesis/Project Continuous Enrollment (minimum 1)
Students who need to be continuously enrolled in either thesis or project to complete degree requirements are to be
enrolled in this course.
21
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Admissions Requirements, Policies, and Procedures
Admission Requirements
Acceptance into the MSN program is contingent on meeting the following admission requirements:
 Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) from a program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate
Nursing Education (CCNE) or the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).
 Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate course
work.
 Official transcripts of all prior collegiate academic work.
 Evidence of satisfactory completion of introductory courses in statistics, nursing research, and health
assessment, or their equivalent, with a grade of "C" or better at the baccalaureate level.
 Basic computer skills.
 Two years of recent full time or equivalent professional nursing experience.
 Two letters of reference from persons qualified to assess the applicant's potential to succeed as a graduate
student.
 2-3 page essay outlining the applicant’s professional and educational goals.
 Evidence of licensure as a registered professional nurse in any state or territory of the United States.

Evidence of liability insurance.
 Current CPR certification.
 Evidence of the following immunization: Hepatitis, MMR, tetanus, and diphtheria.
 Evidence of an annual TB skin test.
 Evidence of health insurance.
 Criminal background check within 90 days prior to the first practicum experience.
Acceptance into the program for any student who speaks English as a second language is also contingent on meeting
the following admission requirement:
 TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.
o Students for whom English is a second language may be referred to an ESL program of study as a
condition for enrollment into the program.
Transfer of Credit
Students can transfer a maximum of 15 semester credit hours of previous graduate level course work. Only courses
with a grade of B or better will be transferred.
Licensure
Students in the MSN program practice professional nursing during their practicums and therefore must have a
current registered nurse license from a state or territory of the United States and liability insurance. All students
must submit proof of licensure and insurance when applying for the program and whenever their license and/or
insurance are renewed.
The names and origin of license of all “out-of-state” professional nurses are filed with the Illinois Division of
Professional Regulation at the beginning of each semester, allowing these students to practice nursing during their
practicums. According to the Illinois Nurse Practice Act, students who have a license from another state or territory
can practice in the state as a graduate student when under the supervision of faculty. Students who wish to work in
the State of Illinois while enrolled in the program must apply to the Illinois Department of Financial and
Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation, for an Illinois registered professional nurse license.
22
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Policies and Procedures Governing Progression and Graduation
Progression Requirements and Policy
Students in the Masters program at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing are expected to maintain a 3.0 grade point
average. A student may earn one “C” in a Masters level nursing course or cognate course if they maintain the 3.0
GPA. Students who earn in excess of one “C” in either a nursing or cognate course may be dismissed. All issues
regarding student’s academic progress will be decided by the MSN committee.
Academic Standing
Students in the MSN program are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students who fail to
meet this standard will be subject to an academic review by the Coordinator of the MSN Program and can be
dismissed from the program depending on the severity of the academic deficiency. All students must have a
cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better to graduate from the MSN program.
A student who is dismissed from the program for academic reasons may appeal the dismissal within 30 calendar
days from the date on the dismissal letter. While the appeal is pending, the student cannot register for or attend
classes. The MSN Program Committee is responsible for deciding the merits of an appeal. The appeal must be in
writing and addressed to the Coordinator of the MSN Program. The appeal must provide in detail the following
information:
 Description of the unusual or non-recurring events that lead to the student’s poor academic performance.
 Actions that have been taken or will be taken by the student to ensure there will be no recurrence of these
events.
 Actions that have been taken or will be taken by the student to ensure his/her cumulative GPA will quickly
reach a minimum of 3.0.
 Any additional evidence or information that may be helpful in reaching a decision.
Dismissal
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing reserves the right to dismiss students from the MSN program regardless of the
cumulative grade point average for:
 Not meeting progression requirements
 Unsafe clinical performance as outlined in the “Unsafe Student Practice Policy.”
 Failure to comply with the policies of the program
 Failure to maintain licensure as a professional nursing
 Unsafe performance as a nurse in general
Immediate Dismissal
Immediate dismissal may result from the following:
 Knowing causing a patient harm
 Appearance in the class or practicum under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Student may be asked to take a
drug screening test.
Graduation Requirements



42-44 credits hours at the graduate level
Complete all core, capstone, advance role, and cognate courses
A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above
23
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Continuous Enrollment
All MSN students are expected to remain continuously enrolled once they begin the program, registering every
semester for the appropriate course(s) in accordance with the degree plan. However, students are allowed one
semester of leave of absence.
Students who do not register or apply for a leave of absence will be administratively withdrawn from the program.
Students who were administratively withdrawn and wish to return to the program must reapply and must also meet
the admission requirements in effect at the time of reapplication. Students who are readmitted after withdrawing
must fulfill the program requirements in effect at time of their readmission.
Students who need more time to complete their thesis or scholarly project register for Nsg 692–C. The “C” denotes
that continuation of the course is needed to carry out the thesis or project as proposed. Credit and grade are
transcribed when the thesis or project has been accepted and approved.
Incomplete Grade
A grade of Incomplete (I) for a course is given for extreme/extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the course
instructor. Making arrangements for an incomplete grade are the responsibility of the student and must be made
with the instructor prior to the end of the semester. The “I” indicates that the student’s achievement in the course has
been satisfactory but certain prescribed work is incomplete.
An Incomplete grade for any master’s nursing course must be removed before the student enrolls in any master’s
nursing course for the following semester.
No MSN student will receive a passing grade in a nursing course without completing the course requirements.
Prerequisite course requirements cannot be met with an incomplete grade.
No MSN student may receive more than two incomplete grades during their program of study without approval by
the Coordinator of the MSN Program.
Academic Advising
Each MSN student is assigned an academic advisor who is a member of the MSN faculty. The role of the academic
advisor is to help students plan and progress through the program. Students, however, are expected to actively
participate in this process, taking ownership of their own learning. The academic advisor also serves as a mentor and
is the chair of the student’s thesis or scholarly project committee.
Practicums
Practicums are a strong component of the MSN program, providing practical experience with Whole Person Nursing
and nursing administration or nursing education. Through the application of new knowledge, functions, and
activities, students internalize the values and characteristics of the master’s-prepared nurse. Therefore, practicums
must be supervised by persons who are considered “experts” in the area being studied and monitored by the MSN
nursing faculty.
Protection and Rights of Human Subjects and Participants in Research
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing recognizes its institutional responsibility to respect and protect the rights of
individuals involved in research as human participants or subjects. Therefore, MSN students follow the College’s
policy on the protection and rights of human subjects and participants when completing the research for their theses
or scholarly projects. The policy is obtained from the College’s Office of Research and Grants.
24
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Application for the MSN Degree
All candidates for the MSN degree must complete a formal application for the degree at least three months prior to
the date the degree is to be awarded. This application must be signed by the student’s advisor. The form is obtained
from the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Registrar’s Office.
Enrolling as a Non-degree Student/Auditing Courses
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing welcomes non-degree seeking students who wish to take MSN nursing courses
for personal or professional enrichment. Non-degree seeking students may enroll in up to two MSN courses if space
is available and they meet course prerequisites and obtain the consent of the instructor. Non-degree seeking students
are not students enrolled in the MSN program at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing. A non-degree-seeking
student may request degree-seeking status by following the regular MSN admissions process. An individual seeking
non-degree status must complete an information sheet available through the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
Registrar’s Office.
A student auditing a MSN course, though enrolled in it, is a non-participating listener. Students auditing courses are
not required to take examinations, make reports, or submit projects. When auditing a course, students do not receive
credit or a grade. Courses may be audited on a space available basis and with the instructor’s permission. MSN
practicums cannot be audited. A student must register for the course as an audit. Audit courses carry the same per
credit hour fees as courses for credit. When completed, the audited course appears on the transcript.
Incomplete Thesis/Project Policy
Policy:
Students who have met all graduation requirements except the thesis/project by the date of graduation will be
allowed to participate in the May graduation if they will complete the thesis/project before August 1. The student
will be required to enroll in 1 hour of Nursing 694 for the summer session. In the event that circumstances preclude
the completion of the thesis/project requirement by that date the student will need to maintain a one hour continuous
enrollment in Nursing 694; this extension will be granted for two full semesters only. The actual degree will only be
awarded upon successful completion of all graduation requirements.
Procedure:
Students who will not complete the thesis/project by graduation date need to complete the Application for
Graduation without Completion of Requirements no later than March 31. Students who need to request an extension
due to incomplete thesis/project need to also complete the Request for Thesis/Project Extension form.
Request to Change Thesis or Project
Policy:
A student may choose to do either a Thesis or Project and at a later date decide to change from one to the other. The
MSN Program Committee supports the student’s choice. It is the student’s responsibility to again find a chair (the
same faculty may continue at chair but has the option to decline) and a committee and obtain approval from the
MSN Program Committee.
Procedure:
The student needs to complete the required approval for a committee appropriate to the change in Thesis or Project
that is being elected. Since the student will be starting over it will be necessary to enroll in the initial thesis or
project course (Nsg. 692 or 690) even if it is mid-semester and the student has already paid fees for that semester.
25
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Continuous Enrollment to Complete the Thesis or Project
Policy:
Students who are unable to complete the thesis or project within the allotted 2 semesters will be required to request
an extension (See Request for Thesis/Project Extension form). Students who receive an approved extension will
need to be continuously enrolled in Nursing 694 for a minimum of one (1) hour. Students who are granted an
extension but have not made significant progress toward completion of their thesis or project may be required by the
MSN Program Committee or the Thesis/Project Committee Chair to enroll in a full 3 (thesis) or 2 (project) hours of
NSG. 694. The MSN Program Committee will consider no more than one (1) summer plus two (2) full semester
extensions for a thesis or project.
Procedure:
The student who needs to maintain continuous enrollment for completion of the thesis or project needs to complete
the Request for Thesis/Project Extension form and obtain approval of the MSN Program Committee for an
extension. The Request form needs to be submitted for each semester of extension needed. The student submits this
form to the Chair of the MSN Program Committee who will apprise the student of the approval or disposition of the
Request for Extension.
26
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Financial Aid Information, Tuition, Fees, and Costs
Payment and Refund Policies
Payment Policy
Tuition, fees, and room charges are billed by the semester. Statements are sent to all registered students in July for
the fall term and December for the spring term. Full payment of semester charges is due by August 15 for the fall
semester and January 2 for the spring semester unless prior arrangements have been made with the BlessingRieman College of Nursing Financial Aid Office.
Students with delinquent accounts will be charged a $50 late payment fee. Charges and fines incurred after school is
in session must be paid immediately upon receipt. Students with delinquent account balances will have their grades
and transcripts withheld and will not be allowed to enroll for the next semester until all outstanding balances are
paid in full.
Refund Policy
Students who withdraw from a class at any time after registration must do so by processing the Add/Drop form that
is obtained from the Registrar’s Office at either campus. Students withdrawing during the semester must give
formal notice in writing to the Registrar. Full tuition is charged unless the student makes a formal withdrawal. Full
tuition will be charged for unapproved withdrawal or dismissal for disciplinary reasons.
Students formally withdrawing during the course of the semester will be eligible for tuition adjustments according to
the following schedule:
Withdrawal during the first week of class:
Withdrawal during the second week of class:
Withdrawal during the third or fourth week:
Withdrawal during the fifth through eighth week:
Withdrawal after the eighth week:
No charge
90% refund
50% refund
25% refund
0% refund
No refunds will be made on fees.
Once classes are in session, the student is responsible for payment unless the Add/Drop or Withdrawal procedures
have been completed. In the case of illness as substantiated by a medical statement, or for circumstances beyond the
student’s control, tuition may be reduced on a prorated basis computed to the end of the week in which withdrawal
takes place; but not beyond the tenth week of the semester. Tuition adjustments will be made for full-time students
dropping to a part-time status during the first week of the semester. Students who drop to part-time after the first
week will not have any tuition adjustment.
Confidentiality
All information received about the student’s financial status and financial aid is kept in confidence.
Non-Payment of Fees
It is the policy of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing that only those students who have paid all fees for the
semester will be allowed to attend classes. Students having difficulty in paying fees are to contact the Financial Aid
Officer at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing.
Transcripts and/or grades will not be issued for any student who withdraws or graduates from Blessing-Rieman
College of Nursing with unpaid fees.
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Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Pre-registration and Financial Aid
Students must be in good standing with the Financial Aid Office in order to pre-register for courses. Students will be
allowed to pre-register for classes when they paid or made arrangements to pay their bills. Payments and financial
arrangements must be made with the College’s Financial Aid Officer before the first day of pre-registration week.
28
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Policies and Procedures Governing Academic Life
Academic Honesty Policy and Honor Code
Expectations of Students and Faculty
The moral and ethical values of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing encourage and expect professional behavior of
all students and faculty. Students and faculty are responsible for supporting academic honesty during class, clinical,
assignments, testing, and examinations. The purpose of this policy is to define and promote academic honesty,
codify expectations of students and faculty at BRCN regarding academic honesty, and establish a formal procedure
for dealing with incidents involving cases in which academic honesty is questioned.
Academic Honesty Statement
Academic honesty is conducting oneself in a manner that upholds essential nursing values and principles of truth,
justice, equality, esthetics, freedom, human dignity, altruism, and caring. Academic honesty maintains professional
integrity and the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses. Academic honesty is a personal standard that does not permit
cheating or misrepresentation in one's academic life, or tolerate it among one's classmates.
Student Requirements
Students are required to adhere to the Academic Honesty Policy. The conditions of this policy are followed under all
circumstances. Cheating and plagiarism are strictly forbidden and are not tolerated. A sanction is imposed when
dishonesty, cheating, or plagiarism occurs. Students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in such a way
that their integrity is unquestionable.
Faculty Requirements
The Faculty is required to adhere to the Academic Honesty Policy. Faculty are expected to discuss the policy in their
classes and include reference to it in their syllabi. Faculty are to deal with all incidents of academic dishonesty.
Faculty are expected to promote the professional value of integrity and the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses. Faculty
are to challenge any student at any time for suspicion of dishonesty, cheating, or plagiarism.
Academic Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is subject to disciplinary action. Disciplinary measures range from impact on one’s test grade
to dismissal from Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing. Offenses of academic dishonesty are cumulative for the
entire academic program and are maintained in the student’s academic file.
Examples of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to the following:
1. Cheating or falsifying by any method on academic work such as papers, projects, homework, examinations, and
presentations.
2. Receiving from or giving examination or quiz questions to someone.
3. Cheating or knowingly assisting another student in committing an act of cheating or another form of academic
dishonesty.
4. Falsifying clinical experiences and professional service activities either verbally or in written documentation.
5. Unauthorized possession of examinations, student papers, laboratory materials, or other College or University
property.
6. Unauthorized changing of grades or markings on an examination or in an instructor’s grade book, or any change
of any grade record.
7. Falsifying grade reports, transcripts, notes, identification cards, letters of authorization and/or other official
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing documents.
8. Plagiarism may include, but is not necessarily limited to:
• Presenting the words or ideas of another individual’s as one's own work.
• Purchasing an individual’s work for the purpose of passing it off as one’s own work.
• Submitting research reports, illustrations, laboratory results, another student’s work, or any other assigned
responsibilities as one’s own work.
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• Copying or paraphrasing written, published or unpublished material without documentation of source.
• Allowing one’s work to be copied and presented by another student.
• Stealing of ideas.
9. Participating in any activity while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
10. Failing to maintain confidentiality.
11. Failing to report a student who has been observed exhibiting academic dishonesty.
In-Class Testing
Student Responsibilities during Testing
1. All backpacks, notebooks, calculators, cell phones, pagers, personal data assistants (e.g. Palm Pilots) and devices
with headphones are put at the side or front of the room.
2. Hats/caps and all beverage containers must be left at the side or front of the room.
3. Once the test has started, students are not allowed to leave the room until they have completed the test, unless
there are specific extenuating circumstances and the faculty administering the test grants permission. No student
leaving a testing room may re-enter until all other students have completed the test.
4. During paper/pencil exams, the student is to protect the exam and answer sheet from viewing by others.
5. Eyes are to remain down or straight forward at all times. Talking during the exam is forbidden. Wandering eyes,
stretching and bending down to the floor are behaviors that are considered questionable.
6. If a student observes another student copying from someone else’s exam or cheating in any way, the observing
student is to make a note of the time and the name(s) and seat location(s) of those involved, and report this
information to the faculty member or proctor of the exam. The person reporting the incident is expected to complete
a written documented report and submit it to the Academic Committee Chairperson for action as soon as possible.
Faculty Responsibilities
1. Faculty are expected to discuss the importance of academic integrity in class at the beginning of each semester,
include it in their syllabi, and remind students that cheating and academic dishonesty are not tolerated at BlessingRieman College of Nursing.
2. Faculty are expected to discuss the importance of academic integrity before administration of all testing.
3. Faculty are expected to use adequate spacing between examination seats during testing.
4. Faculty are expected to use judgment if a student has an emergency that requires leaving the room during an
exam. Discretionary judgment determines if the student continues the same exam or is given a make-up exam.
5. Faculty are expected to use multiple versions for all exams.
6. Faculty are expected to address behaviors when students appear to exchange information (talking or copying), and
address the behavior by quietly asking the student(s) to move to a different seat(s). The test and answer key can be
confiscated and a new, blank test and answer key is given to the student to record answers for the entire exam. The
student(s) should be given sufficient time to complete the exam.
7. Faculty are expected to use different types of exams or different versions of exams for make-up.
Off Campus Testing and On-Line Courses
Student Responsibilities
1. All quizzes, tests, and assignments are individual efforts unless otherwise instructed.
2. No books, notes, or other forms of assistance are used unless otherwise instructed.
3. No quizzes or exams are downloaded, printed, or shared with other students.
Faculty Responsibilities
1. Faculty are expected to clearly indicate when an exam, quiz, or assignment is an individual effort and identify
what resources can be used.
2. Faculty are expected to use multiple versions of all exams and randomize questions from a large test bank when
possible.
3. Faculty are expected to use a different type or version of an exam for make-up examinations.
Procedure for Reporting and Addressing Academic Dishonesty
1.
Any faculty member has the right to question any student who may have committed academic dishonesty or
who may have information about academic dishonesty. If the faculty member suspects that a student(s) may
have committed academic dishonesty, the faculty member should discuss the incident with the involved
student(s). If the faculty member identifies an incident of academic dishonesty or suspects academic dishonesty,
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
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the faculty member is to complete and submit a Report of Academic Dishonesty to the Chair of the MSN
Committee within five (5) working days of identification. The faculty member who identifies an incident of
academic dishonesty has the prerogative to impose consequences such as, but not limited to: a zero on the
assignment, a failing grade on the assignment, or no consequences.
Any student who believes that a fellow student may have committed academic dishonesty is to complete and
submit a Report of Academic Dishonesty to the Chair of the MSN Committee within five (5) working days of
the incident.
Faculty and students may not report academic dishonesty anonymously but students do have the right to have
their identity protected from the accused. Any person making an accusation will be protected from any
repercussion associated with the incident.
As needed, the Chair of the MSN Committee appoints an Academic Integrity Committee. This committee
should consist of a chairperson, who is a member of the MSN Committee, at least two (2) other faculty
members of the Academic Committee, and at least two (2) students. Within five (5) days of receiving a Report
of Academic Dishonesty, the Chair of the MSN Committee assigns a chairperson for the proceedings. If any
member of the Academic Integrity Committee is involved in the incident in any manner (accuser, accused,
witness), that member is excused from the proceedings as an official member of the Academic Integrity
Committee for that incident.
Within five (5) days of receiving a Report of Academic Dishonesty, the chairperson of the Academic Integrity
Committee reviews the evidence and discusses it with the Chair of the MSN Committee. If the Chair of the
MSN Committee and the chairperson of the Academic Integrity Committee agree that there is sufficient
evidence of academic dishonesty; the chairperson of the Academic Integrity Committee arranges a hearing that
will include the Academic Integrity Committee, the accused student(s), and the involved faculty member and
any witnesses. The chairperson of the Academic Integrity Committee notifies the involved student(s) of the
charges by a certified registered letter sent to the most recent address of record. The letter contains a description
of the charges and a copy of the Report of Academic Dishonesty. The student is referred to this policy and the
Honor Code Statement.
If the Chair of the MSN Committee and the chairperson of the Academic Integrity Committee do not concur
that there is sufficient evidence of academic dishonesty, the chairperson of the Academic Integrity Committee
arranges a meeting of the Academic Integrity Committee to discuss the findings and to decide if further action
should be taken. Either the hearing or the meeting is conducted within ten (10) College working days of
receiving the Report of Academic Dishonesty.
Failure of the student to appear for the hearing results in College sanctions based solely on the evidence.
All evidence and discussion presented at the hearing remains confidential.
The accused student(s) may choose a support person to help him/her prepare for the hearing and to accompany
him/her to the hearing. The support person is not permitted to contribute or communicate in any manner during
the hearing process. If the support person fails to comply, s/he is asked to leave the hearing.
All parties presenting evidence to the committee are heard individually. Committee members will have an
opportunity to seek clarification from all involved parties.
The committee reviews the student’s academic record for any academic dishonesty. Evidence of previous
academic dishonesty is considered when determining sanctions.
After all parties are heard, the committee discusses the evidence and determines, by majority vote, if there is
sufficient proof of guilt to impose sanctions or not.
If the charge of academic dishonesty is dismissed, there is no indication in the student’s academic record that a
hearing occurred and the partnering institution is not notified of the incident.
If the student is found guilty, one or more college-wide administered sanctions occur. Previous incidents of
academic dishonesty are considered when deciding which sanction(s) to be imposed. Possible sanctions may
include but are not limited to:
• A score of zero on the involved exam, paper, or assignment which may or may not result in a failing course
grade.
• A failing score on the involved exam, paper, or assignment which may or may not result in a failing course
grade.
• A failing course grade.
• A recommendation to the MSN Committee for dismissal from the program.
All decisions must be documented in writing.
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16. All parties are notified in writing of the hearing outcome and recommendations instituted by the Academic
Integrity Committee within three (3) College working days. An explanation of the reasons for the decision is
provided.
17. The accused student is granted an opportunity to appeal within seven (7) days of the notice, if the student is
found guilty of academic dishonesty. The appeal must be in writing and the student submits the appeal to the
Chair of the MSN Committee. The MSN Committee convenes within five (5) days to determine a final
decision. The student is notified in writing of the final decision of the committee.
18. The relevant faculty member is notified of the sanction and must abide by the recommendation of the Academic
Integrity Committee.
19. All minutes, copies of letters notifying all involved parties and any other evidence are kept in a locked file.
20. A copy of the documents relative to the results of the proceedings is placed in the student’s academic file. The
Vice Presidents of Academic Affairs of partner institutions receive a copy for those students enrolled in their
joint program.
21. All decisions of the Chair of the MSN Committee and the chairperson of the Academic Integrity Committee are
reported at the next MSN Committee Meeting.
Honor Code
All students are required to sign the Honor Code annually during the first month of each academic year. Any student
who chooses not to sign the Honor Code is not permitted to attend classes or clinical, or make up any missed
assignments. Signed Honor Codes are placed in the student’s record.
The Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Honor Code states:
As a student and representative of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, I commit to uphold the moral principles of
the American Nurse’s Association Code of Ethics for Nurses in the classroom, clinical area and during any activity
or event associated with Blessing-Rieman College. I commit to conduct myself in a manner that will uphold the
essential nursing values and principles of altruism, equality, esthetics, freedom, human dignity, justice, truth, and
caring. I pledge to assume responsibility and accountability for all written assignments and verbal and written
communication. I agree that I am responsible for the academic integrity of my work and will not misrepresent any
work or receive unauthorized assistance. The work that I complete will be my own and any cited work by another
author will be given proper credit. I know cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated and I support consequences for
participating in such activities. I know that presenting dishonest work and/or a disrespectful attitude will negatively
reflect on my reputation, as well as the College. Therefore I will maintain respect for the property of others and the
College. I pledge to uphold the Honor Code and Academic Honesty Policy. I will report students who choose not to
preserve the Honor Code of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing. Failure to report a violation, in itself, is a
violation of the Honor Code. Any student who reports an act of misconduct will be protected from any repercussions
and his or her confidentiality will be maintained within the guidelines of the Academic Honesty Policy.
I ______________________________________________________ (print name)
have read and understand the Honor Code of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing. I will uphold the Honor Code
and Academic Honesty Policy. I pledge to conduct myself in a professional manner at all times. My signature is
proof of my commitment to abide by this Honor Code and the Academic Honesty Policy of Blessing-Rieman
College of Nursing.
Signature: ________________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________________
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Access and Release of Student Records
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), Title 20 of the United States Code, Section 1232g,
as amended, provides former and current students of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing with specific rights
related to their student records. In compliance with this statute, the College has adopted policies and procedures to
implement these rights.
A copy of these policies may be obtained from the College’s Student/Alumni Services Office or the Registrar’s
Office. These policies (a) define terms; (b) address how a student may obtain copies of his or her records, authorize
release of his or her records to a third party, or amend his or her records; and (c) specify procedures for disclosure.
Release of Directory Information
“Directory information” means a student’s name; student’s address (s); student’s e-mail address; student’s phone
number(s); parent(s) name(s); parent(s) phone number(s); student’s date of birth; major field of study; minor field of
study; academic advisor; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; date(s) of attendance; degrees;
honors; and awards received; most recent school attended; and photograph.
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing may disclose any of the above “Directory” items without prior consent unless
the Registrar’s Office is notified in writing by the end of the first week of the receipt of this catalog and handbook.
Access to Records
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords the student certain rights with respect to his/her
educational records. They are:
First Right
The right to inspect and review educational records within 45 days of the College receiving a request for access from
the student.
1.
2.
The student submits a written request that identifies the record(s) he/she wishes to inspect. The request is
submitted to the Registrar, President/CEO, or other appropriate official.
The College official makes arrangements for access and notifies the student of the time and place to inspect the
record(s). If the record(s) is/are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted,
he/she will advise the student as to the correct official from whom to request access to the record(s).
Second Right
The right to request amendment of educational record(s) that the student believes is/are inaccurate or misleading.
1.
2.
3.
4.
The student submits a request to view the record that he/she believes to be inaccurate or misleading.
After review of the record, the student submits in writing an explanation of what is and why it is inaccurate or
misleading.
The College notifies the student in writing of its decision to amend or not to amend the record.
The student can request a hearing if not in agreement with the College’s decision.
Third Right
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s educational
records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception that permits disclosures without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational
interest. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or
research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company
with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the
College of Nursing Board; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance
committee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks. A school official has a legitimate
educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his/her professional
responsibility.
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Fourth Right
The right to file a complaint with the US Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to
comply with the requirements of FERPA.
The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
US Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
Access to Students with Disabilities
The College supports protection available to members of its student population under all applicable federal and state
laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The College recognizes that it is required to provide
reasonable accommodations that afford equal opportunity for qualified students with disabilities. The College
recognizes that achieving reasonable accommodations for a student with a disability is a disability is a shared
responsibility between the student, faculty, and staff. The college further recognizes that it is not required to lower
its standards or fundamentally alter the nature of the programs provided.
The academic standards requisite to admission and participation in the educational programs of the College are
stated under “Admissions Policies, Procedures, and Requirements” and under “Progression, Competency
Requirements, and Graduation Requirements.” The technical standards requisite to admission and participation in
the educational programs of the College are stated under “Nursing Competencies and Performance Standards.”
These standards are the essential functions of the College’s program of instruction because (1) the person is required
to perform these functions in all normal roles of a professional registered nurse; (2) these functions would
fundamentally change the job of the professional registered if removed; and (3) the person in the position of a
professional registered nurse is hired for his/her ability/expertise to perform these functions. The College
acknowledges that individuals who can perform the essential functions of a professional registered nurse are
qualified students as defined by the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 and under Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Information about the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act
of 1990 can be obtained from the College’s Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Karen Mayville, at extension 6968.
Procedure to Request Reasonable Accommodation
A student requesting reasonable accommodations must:
1. Self-identify the disability to his/her advisor in a timely manner.
2. Request reasonable accommodation.
3. Provide documentation that supports the disability and need for reasonable accommodation. This documentation
must be from an appropriate health/education professional and is as recent as within the last three years.
Documentation is used by the MSN Committee to design a plan that (1) provides an equal opportunity to meet the
standards of the College; (2) is based on the types of reasonable accommodation as identified by the
health/education professional; and (3) identifies the exams and testing modalities that are exempt from reasonable
accommodation because they are designed to measure a particular skill and/or essential function associated with the
normal roles of a professional registered nurse. The plan is shared with the student and the academic advisor. With
the student’s permission, the plan is shared with individual course instructors.
The section 504/ADA Coordinator will meet with the student once a semester to evaluate the plan and the student’s
progress.
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Criminal Background Check
Policy Statement
All Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing students are required to undergo a criminal background check prior to
beginning clinical rotations at the sophomore level. The Illinois State Law authorizing this check is known as the
“Health Care Worker Background Check Act”. The law was enacted for the protection of most the frail and disabled
citizens of the State of Illinois. The academic programs of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing require clinical
training experiences that may include the treatment of children, developmentally disabled, or vulnerable adults. The
criminal background check includes self-disclosure of your criminal history and investigation of your criminal
history by the State Highway Patrol in the state in which the student has permanent residence.
The student has a right to (a) obtain a copy of the criminal record report, (b) challenge the accuracy and
completeness and (c) request a waiver.
The student may be withdrawn from clinical courses or may be dismissed from the program if the criminal
background check shows a conviction of any of the criminal offenses listed in this policy. The student is reinstated if
his/her identity is validated by a fingerprint based record check and it is determined that the student does not have a
disqualifying criminal history. Any student has the right to request a waiver of the College’s prohibitions for
conviction of a listed criminal offense.
Persons who have been convicted of committing or attempting to commit one or more of the following offenses will
not be permitted to perform clinical activities unless a waiver is granted.
• Solicitation of Murder
• Solicitation of Murder for Hire
• First Degree Murder
• Intentional Homicide of an Unborn Child
• Second Degree Murder
• Voluntary Manslaughter of an Unborn Child
• Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless Homicide
• Concealment of Homicidal Death
• Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless Homicide of an Unborn Child
• Drug Induced Homicide
• Kidnapping
• Aggravated Kidnapping
• Unlawful Restraint
• Aggravated Unlawful Restraint
• Forcible Detention
• Child Abduction
• Aiding and Abetting Child Abduction
• Indecent Solicitation of a Child
• Sexual Exploitation of a Child
• Exploitation of a Child
• Aggravated Battery of an Unborn Child
• Tampering with Food, Drugs, or Cosmetics
• Aggravated Battery of a Senior Citizen
• Drug Induced Infliction Great Bodily Harm
• Aggravated Stalking
• Home Invasion
• Criminal Sexual Assault
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault
• Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child
• Criminal Sexual Abuse
• Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse
• Abuse/Gross Neglect of LTC Facility Resident
• Criminal Neglect of an Elderly/Disabled Person
• Endangering the Life or Health of a Child
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• Ritual Mutilation
• Ritual Abuse of a Child
• Theft
• Financial Exploitation of an Elderly/Disabled Person
• Offense of Retail Theft
• Forgery
• Robbery
• Armed Robbery
• Vehicular Hijacking
• Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking
• Aggravated Robbery
• Child Pornography
• Assault
• Aggravated Assault
• Battery
• Battery of an Unborn Child
• Domestic Battery
• Aggravated Battery
• Heinous Battery
• Aggravated Battery with a Firearm
• Aggravated Battery of a Child
• Burglary
• Residential Burglary
• Crimin0al Trespass to a Residence
• Arson0
• Aggravated Arson
• Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm
• Reckless Discharge of a Firearm
• Armed Violence
• Illinois Cannabis Control Act:
• Manufacture, Delivery or Possession of Cannabis
• Delivery of Cannabis on School Grounds
• Calculated Criminal Cannabis Conspiracy
• Cannabis Trafficking with Intent to Deliver/Manufacture
• Delivery to a Person Under 18
Illinois Controlled Substances Act:
• Manufacture of Controlled/Counterfeit Substance, Controlled Substance Analog
• Look-Alike Substances
• Elements of the Offense
• Delivery to a Person under 18/Violations on or Near School, Public Housing, Public Park, Intent to Delivery
Substances
• Controlled Substance Trafficking
• Calculated Criminal Drug Conspiracy
• Employing a Person under 18 to Deliver Substance
Procedure
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Freshman nursing students complete the criminal background check during the second semester of the freshman
year before officially entering the major as a sophomore. Transfer, advanced placement, LPN-BSN, and
RNBSN students complete the criminal background check during the admission process.
Criminal background checks are completed online by going to the college’s website at www.brcn.edu. Click the
Student Services button. On the Student Services page, click the Online Student Verification Center link
(www.myvci.com/blessingrieman) and follow the directions.
Additional investigation, including fingerprint-based checking, is done if deemed necessary to positively
identify a student who may be associated with a criminal act.
All students are asked to sign an authorization for the college to disseminate results to any agency requiring the
information for clinical privileges.
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MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
A student may request a waiver of the prohibition against them by submitting the following information to the
Academic Committee (within 30 days after receipt of the criminal record report).
• Provide information to initiate a fingerprint-based criminal records check.
• Pay additional fees for the above records check.
A waiver may be granted based upon, but not limited to, the following mitigating circumstances:
 The age at which the crime was committed;
 The circumstances surrounding the crime;
 The length of time since the conviction;
 The student’s criminal history since the conviction;
 The student’s current character references;
 Other evidence demonstrating the ability of the student to perform the responsibilities competently and evidence
that the student does not pose a threat to the health or safety of resident, patient or clients.
Leave of Absence
Students wishing to leave Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing but anticipate returning at a later date must apply for
a leave of absence. A leave of absence is granted when the application form is filed with all the necessary approval
signatures. A leave may be granted for one or two semesters. An approved leave of absence does not guarantee an
opening in classes when the student wishes to return to school. Leave of Absence forms are obtained from the
Registrar’s Office at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing or the advisor.
Procedure
The student:
1. Meets with his/her advisor to process the form.
2. Obtains the necessary signatures.
3. Returns the completed form to the Registrar’s Office.
Maternity Leave
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing treats pregnancy, childbirth, and other related conditions the same as other
medical conditions which affect the student’s ability or inability to complete course objectives. (Pregnancy
Discrimination Act of 1978, Public Law 95-555).
Students are encouraged to talk with course instructors. Due to the physiological changes of pregnancy, individuals
are prone to falls and therefore have a greater risk of personal injury in the clinical area. The risk from exposure to
certain microbes, chemicals, and drugs may alter fetal growth and development.
Military Leave
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing students (full time or part time) who are called to active duty in any branch of
the United States Military Services while enrolled in courses at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing will be
released from their academic responsibilities without penalty and be permitted to return to the campus at the
beginning of any subsequent semester.
The student must:
1. Contact the Academic Committee to develop a degree completion plan and negotiate an agreeable arrangement.
2. Complete a Leave of Absence form and obtain all required signatures.
3. Provide the Academic Committee with a letter of intent to return to the College.
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Petition for Exception to Policy
A student may petition for an exception to policy if extenuating circumstances exist regarding academic progression.
Forms are available from the Registrar’s Office at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing. All designated persons
must approve the exception before it can be presented for a final decision. Baccalaureate students submit their
exceptions to the College’s MSN Committee.
Appeal of formal decisions regarding grades, probation, denied exceptions to policy, suspension and dismissal are
not subject to policy exceptions (see appeals/grievance procedure).
Readmission to the Program
A student may apply for readmission to Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing at any time. The student must meet
current admission and progression requirements. The application form for readmission may be obtained from the
Admissions or Registrar’s Office. When it has been completed and returned, the Registrar’s Office initiates
admission procedures that include action by the MSN Committee.
A student who wishes to apply for readmission to a partner institution must acquire and process the partner
institution’s readmission form.
Students who are suspended for academic reasons cannot apply for readmission for one semester.
Unsafe Student Practice
Unsafe student practice is measured in various ways.
Faculty may use any or all of the following policies found elsewhere in this catalog and handbook when evaluating a
student’s status:
• Student Code of Conduct.
• Confidentiality.
• Academic Dishonesty.
• Alcohol and Drug Use Policy.
To be safe, the student always refrains from putting the patient and/or nurse at risk and consistently demonstrates the
following behaviors:
• Caring is apparent in behavior and communication.
• Acts in accountable and responsible manner.
• Acts in accordance with the AACN values of professional nursing.
• Acts in accordance with legal and ethical standards of nursing.
Withdrawal
A student who wishes to withdraw from Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing is to:
1. Obtain a Withdrawal form from the Registrar’s Office at Blessing-Riemann College of Nursing.
2. Collect all the signatures specified on the form.
3. File the completed form with the Registrar’s Office at Blessing-Riemann College of Nursing.
If a student withdraws before the last drop date, there is no academic penalty. Withdrawal from a course after the
last drop date results in a grade of “F” being recorded for the course(s) begun but not finished. A student who
formally withdraws from school before the end of the term is withdrawn from all courses with a grade of “W” and
not “F.”
Limits on Withdrawing from a Course
Students can only withdraw and re-enroll in the same nursing course one time. Students must complete the course
when enrolled in it for the second time. Failure to complete the course for the second time may result in dismissal
from the program.
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Appeal, Grievance, and Judicial Policies and Procedures
Academic Grade Appeal
Students may appeal final grades that they believe do not reflect their performance in the course.
When the student disagrees with a final grade he/she is to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Meet with the instructor immediately, and under no circumstances, no later than two weeks after the end of the
semester in which the grade in question was given. If the instructor is not available, undergraduate students are
to contact the Student/Alumni Services Officer within the same time frame.
If still dissatisfied after meeting with the instructor, contact the Student/Alumni Services Officer no later than
one week after meeting with the instructor.
The Student/Alumni Services Officer will conduct an investigation that:
a. Will examine the consistency of the instructor’s grading scheme.
b. Will NOT change the instructor’s judgment as to the quality of the student’s work.
c. Will correct mathematical or mechanical errors that may have been made in grading. No grade will be
changed unless there is clear, convincing, and unequivocal evidence that the grade was calculated in error.
The Student/Alumni Services Officer will report to the student and the instructor in writing within 10 working
days of the investigation.
If the student is still not satisfied, he/she may (within 10 working days of receipt of report) request a hearing as
outlined under “Hearing Procedures.” Hearing requests must be in writing, and provide pertinent facts and
names of individuals leading to the request.
Non-academic Appeal
Students may appeal treatment that they feel is discriminatory.
Procedure
1.
2.
3.
4.
When the student believes he/she has been treated unfairly, he/she is to do the following within two weeks of
the incident:
 Meet with the other party to clarify the problem, and reach a resolution.
 If unsuccessful, contact the Chair of the Student Development Committee within one week of the meeting
with the other party.
The Chair of the Student Development Committee will schedule a meeting within two weeks to mediate a
resolution between the student and the other party.
The student may request a hearing when mediation does not lead to resolution. This request for a hearing is a
written statement submitted to the Chair of the Student Development Committee within two weeks of
mediation, and describes:
a. The pertinent facts of the condition giving rise to the grievance.
b. The name of the other party, and the action requested to resolve the situation.
c. This written request must be received by the Chair of the Student Development Committee within two weeks
of the meeting to mediate.
If the student is still not satisfied, he/she may (within 10 working days of receipt of report) request a hearing as
outlined under “Hearing Procedures.” Hearing requests must be in writing, and provide pertinent facts and
names of individuals leading to the request.
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Hearing Procedures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
The Student/Alumni Services Officer does the following within two weeks after receiving the request for a
hearing:
a. Notifies the President/CEO of the College that the grievance has been filed.
b. Appoints an Appeals Committee to consist of two faculty and two students who are not involved in the
situation.
c. Notifies the other party (respondent) that a grievance citing him/her has been filed.
d. Sends a copy of the student’s statement to the respondent.
e. Notifies the student and/or respondent in writing to ask if either intends to have an advisor.
f. Notifies all involved persons in writing of the date, time, and place of the hearing and of the order for the
presentation of statements and questions by the participants.
Within one week of receipt of the above, the student and respondent:
a. May challenge the composition of the committee.
b. Will notify the Student/Alumni Services Officer in writing of his/her intent to be accompanied by an
advisor. This statement is to include the name, occupation, and relationship of the advisor to the party.
The advisor will not be a lawyer as this is an internal process, not a civil proceeding.
The advisor is to:
a. Counsel the student or respondent prior to the hearing.
b. Confer with the advisee during the hearing.
c. Address the committee only when requested to do so by the committee.
The Appeals Committee will do the following prior to the hearing:
a. Read the student’s statement describing the grievance.
b. Meet to rule when a member of the committee is challenged, and if necessary, a replacement will be
appointed. (The member in question is not present at this meeting.)
The Appeals Committee will do the following during the hearing:
a. Listen to statements.
b. Ask questions to clarify/validate the situation.
c. Deliberate after all information has been exchanged.
d. Recall the student, respondent, and/or witnesses to clarify/validate issues for a decision.
e. Reach a majority decision using the following criteria to make a judgment based on:
a) Was the student treated fairly?
b) Were actions taken by the involved parties in accordance with established College policy?
c) Can an equitable solution be achieved?
The Appeals Committee will submit a final report describing conclusions and recommendations. This report is
submitted to the Student/Alumni Services Officer after the completion of the hearing.
The Student/Alumni Services Officer will conduct the hearing in the following manner.
a. Remind everyone present that all information is confidential.
b. Limit the number of persons present to committee members, the student, the respondent, and their
advisors.
c. Call witnesses as needed.
d. Approve when advisors may address the committee.
e. Direct the discussion and questions to topics germane to the issue.
f. Excuse everyone from the room so that the committee may deliberate.
g. Ask the student, respondent, advisors, and witnesses to remain available for the committee during the
deliberations.
h. Dismiss everyone when the committee decision has been reached.
i. Obtain the final report of the committee, and forward it to the student and respondent. A copy is also
sent to the President/CEO of the College.
The student and/or respondent may appeal the Committee decision. The request for an appeal is a written
statement submitted to the President/CEO of the College within one week of the finding of the committee.
If appropriate, the President/CEO will:
a. Review the hearing proceedings to determine that proper procedures were followed, and due process was
accorded the student.
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b. Rule that the appeal process is finished after determining due process as accorded, and procedures were
appropriately followed during the hearing.
c. Rule that another hearing is to be initiated after determining a lack of due process or inappropriate use of
procedures occurred during the hearing.
10. The decision of the President/CEO will be given to the student within two weeks of receipt of appeal, and the
decision of the President/CEO is final.
Notice: If the student fails to meet the above stated timeline(s), the student forfeits his/her right to appeal.
Communicating Student Concerns
A student with concerns may forward that concern to one or more the following individuals:
• Student’s instructor.
• Student’s advisor.
• Student/Alumni Services Officer.
• Student Development Committee Chair.
• Student Development Committee members.
• President/CEO of the College.
Formal Complaints
Students may express their concerns through a signed letter to the Director of Administrative Affairs in Room 173 in
the main College building.
All letters must be signed in order to have credibility.
Obtaining Information and Help
The Student/Alumni Services, Registrar’s, and Financial Aid Offices are located in the dormitory building of
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing. The Student/Alumni Services Officer will answer questions about student
policies and procedures. The Registrar will answer questions about registration and transcripts. The Financial Aid
Officer will answer questions about financial aid.
Bill of Rights for Students of Nursing
In addition to the College’s “Mission Statement,” it is the philosophy of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing that
all persons have intrinsic worth, value, and rights within society. In keeping with this philosophy, the faculty and the
Student Nurses Organization adapted the following Bill of Rights for Students of Nursing from the 1975 House of
Delegates of the National Student Nurses Association.
The Bill of Rights for Students of Nursing states:
11. Students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment, and engage in a sustained and
independent search for truth.
12. The freedom to teach and the freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom: students should
exercise their freedom with responsibility.
13. Each institution has a duty to develop policies and procedures which provide and safeguard the students’
freedom to learn.
14. Under no circumstances should students be barred from admission to a particular institution on the basis of race,
creed, sex, or marital status.
15. Students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to
reserve judgment about matters of opinion; but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of
study for which they are enrolled.
16. Students should have protection through orderly procedures against prejudiced or capricious academic
evaluation, but they are responsible for maintaining standards of academic performance established for each
course in which they are enrolled.
17. Information about student views, beliefs, and political associations which instructors acquire in the course of
their work should be considered confidential, and not be released without the knowledge or consent of the
student.
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18. The student should have the right to have a responsible voice in the determination of his/her curriculum.
19. Institutions should have a carefully considered policy regarding information retained as part of the student’s
permanent record, and as to the conditions of disclosure.
20. Students and student organizations should be allowed to invite, and to hear, any person of their own choosing
outside of the scheduled learning experiences, thereby taking the responsibility of furthering their education.
21. The student body should have clearly defined means to participate in the formulation and application of
institutional policies affecting academic and student affairs.
22. The institution has an obligation to clarify those standards of behavior which it considers essential to its
educational mission and its community life.
23. Disciplinary proceedings should be instituted only for violations of standards of conduct formulated with
significant student participation, and published in advance through such means as a college catalog and student
handbook or a generally available body of institutional regulations. It is the responsibility of the student to know
these regulations. Grievance procedures shall be available for every student.
24. As citizens and members of an academic community, students are subject to obligations which accrue to them
by virtue of this membership, and should enjoy the same freedoms of citizenship.
25. Students have the right to belong or refuse to belong to any organization of their choice.
26. Students have the right to personal privacy in their living space to the extent that the welfare of others is
respected.
27. Adequate safety precautions should be provided by the College of nursing; for example, to and from student
dorms, adequate street lighting, locks, etc.
28. Dress code, if present in the College, should be established by student government in conjunction with the
College President and Faculty, so the highest professional standards possible are maintained, and also take into
consideration points of comfort and practicality for the student.
29. Grading systems should be carefully reviewed periodically with students and faculty for clarification and better
student-faculty understanding.
30. Faculty and students, if need be, will negotiate and compromise on those specific actions and requests that
fulfill the rights of, and are in accordance with, the policies of the College and of Blessing Corporate Services,
Inc.
Judicial Program
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, in fulfilling its mission as an institution of higher learning, strives to create a
community environment which fosters personal, academic, and professional growth.
Such an environment is based on values and attitudes that promote mutual respect, protect the rights, and insure the
safety of all members of the College community.
Concerns and violations of the Judicial Program at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing are brought before the
Student Development Committee for review and referral to the appropriate office or committee.
The policies, rules, and regulations that govern student behavior are monitored and recommended by various
committees and forward to the Faculty Organization for approval or adoption by the College.
Attendance at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing represents a voluntary choice on the part of the student and
includes acceptance of College behavioral and performance expectations.
The involvement of students, faculty, administration, and staff in the judicial program promotes awareness of all of
their responsibilities to the College community.
All students of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, students attending classes on the Blessing-Rieman College of
Nursing campus, and students attending activities sponsored by Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing are under the
jurisdiction of the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Judicial Program.
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Student Code of Conduct
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing sets forth the following Student Code of Conduct and policies which form the
Judicial Program and govern student conduct and behavior:
1. Students enrolled at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing are expected to assume personal responsibility for
their own actions, respect for self and others, and to promote an educational environment in the College
community.
2. Students who do not conduct themselves in a manner that is compatible with the mission, philosophy and values
of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing are subject to immediate suspension or dismissal by the Faculty
Organization of the College.
3. Actions for which students may be subject to suspension or dismissal include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Sale, distribution, use, or unauthorized possession on the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing campus including the
Nurse Apartments, or cooperating clinical agencies or at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing sponsored activities
of any intoxicating beverage, narcotic, or other controlled substance or drug paraphernalia not prescribed by a
physician.
 Repeated refusal to comply with the policies and rules of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, and its
cooperating agencies.
 Interference with freedom of speech, movement, or the intentional disruption or destruction of teaching,
learning or administrative functions of the College.
 Actual or threatened physical or mental abuse of any person on the College premises or its cooperating
clinical agencies.
 Theft or vandalism of property belonging to Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, members of the College
community, visitors on the College campus, or the cooperating clinical agencies of Blessing-Rieman
College of Nursing.
 Disclosure of confidential information of cooperating clinical agencies of Blessing-Rieman College of
Nursing or student records of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing.
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Policies and Procedures Governing Student Life
Alcohol/Drug Abuse Policy
The drug/alcohol abuse policy is important in order for the student to meet program outcomes and take the
professional nurse licensure exam (NCLEX).
Policy
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, both independently and in conjunction with Culver-Stockton College and
Quincy University, supports the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. The use, possession,
consumption, and distribution and/or reporting to class or clinical under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be
tolerated. The compliance with the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act pertains to administration,
staff, faculty or students anywhere within the confines of Blessing-Riemann College of Nursing or the Blessing
Hospital campus. The term “drug” includes all illegal drugs or controlled substances as defined under Illinois,
Missouri or Federal Statutes, and further includes abuse or illegal use of otherwise legal drugs. This policy extends
to any and all events (both on and off campus) sponsored by Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and/or its Student
Nurses Organization.
The student is responsible to self-report to the Student Services Officer within 5 days any drug or alcohol ticket,
arrest, charges or conviction. Students convicted for felony and/or misdemeanor violations of a criminal drug statute
will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from Blessing-Riemann College of Nursing.
Students found to be in violation of this policy, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed, are subject to
disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from Blessing-Riemann College of Nursing.
Counseling or referrals for counseling are available through the Student/Alumni Services Office.
Procedure
Early recognition and treatment of alcohol or drug abuse is important for successful rehabilitation and reduced
personal, family and social disruption. Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing encourages the earliest possible
diagnosis and treatment for alcohol or drug abuse. The College supports sound treatment efforts. Whenever feasible,
the College will assist the student in overcoming drug or alcohol abuse through the available counseling services.
However, the decision to seek diagnosis and accept treatment for alcohol or drug abuse is the individual student’s
responsibility.
Any College of Nursing Faculty or Staff who suspects that a student is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs in
the classroom, clinical, or confines of the College of Nursing campus shall take the following steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Identify the problem and if necessary call Blessing Hospital Security.
Document the behavior, completing the BRCN Nursing Observation Checklist.
During normal business hours of the college, contact the President of the college or in the president’s absence
the Associate or Assistant Dean about the suspected situation. The President or designee with the faculty or staff
member will assess the student’s situation, decide if the student needs to be removed from the location and level
of care needed. During non-routine business hours call security and/or contact another faculty member to assist.
The President or designee with security will supervise the transfer/escorting of the student from the classroom,
clinical or college area to the Blessing Hospital Employee Health Nurse or Blessing Hospital Emergency Room.
Drug or alcohol testing will be requested if deemed necessary by the President or designee. Refusal to submit
immediately to a drug or alcohol test when requested by the College may constitute unprofessional behavior and
be subject to disciplinary action.
At the request of the student, a witness of the student’s choice shall be present during all discussions.
If the test is positive the student may be referred to the Blessing Hospital Behavioral Medicine Department for
further evaluation and treatment. The student will bear the cost if treatment is recommended.
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8.
9.
MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Failure of the student to cooperate in assessment of the situation, comply with recommended treatment, or to
correct an identified problem will result in disciplinary action.
In addition to a referral for evaluation and treatment, disciplinary action may include but not be limited to the
following: Payment of any damages to the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing or the Blessing Hospital
property and/or damages to personal property of others which occurred on the Blessing-Rieman College of
Nursing or the Blessing Hospital campus; suspension and/or dismissal. The College will refer illegal drug
activities to law enforcement and licensing agencies.
Computer, Internet, and E-mail Usage
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing provides access to computers, e-mail, and the Internet as a benefit to faculty,
staff, and students. As an educational institution, it is our belief that access to information is important to research
and learning that support the mission and purposes of the College. However, it is each person’s responsibility to
wisely access, acquire, and use the available information.
Student Responsibility
The College’s information technology resources are provided for students to use as part of their regular educational
activities. Students have an obligation to use their access to the Internet and e-mail in a responsible and informed
way, conforming to the following network etiquette, customs, courtesies and applicable laws or regulations.
 Keep secure all data, computer files, or e-mails containing private or confidential information.
 Make personal backups of any personal data or files created while using the College’s information technology
resources. Students are strongly encouraged to save their data to a portable storage device such as a USB drive,
CD, or diskette. College personnel are not responsible for recovering student's’ lost data resulting from
computer problems and user error..
 Remember to log out of computers in the computer lab after use to prevent others from accessing accounts.
 Observe copyright restrictions and regulations.
 Be aware that conduct/information published by students reflects upon the reputation of the College and
therefore professionalism in all communications is expected.
Note: Students may not print or remove any patient information from the hospital and storage of any patient
information on portable storage devices is prohibited.
Unacceptable Uses
The intent is that each person’s technology access will be private so long as usage is limited to appropriate and
lawful activities and purposes. Inappropriate activities include, but are not limited to:
 Transmitting confidential or private information over the Internet or via electronic mail outside of the network
without encryption.
 Engaging in illegal activities or using the Internet for any illegal purposes, including initiating or receiving
communications that violate the College’s Code of Conduct or any laws and regulations.
 Using technology with malicious intent, spreading viruses, and hacking. Hacking means gaining or attempting
to gain unauthorized access to any computer, computer network, database, data , and electronically stored
information.
 Transmitting statements, language, images or other materials that are reasonably likely to be perceived as
offensive or disparaging of others based on race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability,
religious or political beliefs.
 Using abusive or objectionable language in either public or private messages.
 Knowingly visiting pornographic, racist, discriminatory, anti-semantic, anti-American, gambling and illegal
sites, and any other sites deemed inappropriate by the College.
 Sending, receiving, soliciting and storing materials , messages, and images that are vulgar, offensive, sexually
oriented, anti-semantic, and racist. If you receive unsolicited materials containing inappropriate content,
immediately inform the sender that this type of email is considered inappropriate and is a violation of the
College’s policy.
 Sending or forwarding electronic chain letters or other unsolicited e-mail.
 Attempting to read, delete, copy, and modify another user’s email with malicious intent.
 Soliciting money for religious and political causes, and advocating for religious and political opinions.
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






MSN College Catalog/Student Handbook 2009-2011
Using information technology resources to harass, threaten, and stalk others.
Disclosing or sharing security codes or passwords with others.
Posting personal comments and opinions on Internet news groups, bulletin board systems, web pages, blogs,
chat rooms, etc. and sending personal comments and opinions via email that would give readers the idea that the
student is speaking on behalf of the College.
Storing personal entertainment files such as movies and music on the College’s network.
Copying, disseminating, and printing copyrighted materials (including articles, images, movies, music, games,
and other software) in violation of copyright laws.
Downloading or installing software without it first being approved by the College’s Information Technology
Department.
Performing activities that cause congestion and disruption of networks and systems, including but not limited to
non-school related streaming of audio or video content, Internet games, online gaming, P2P file sharing,
unnecessary email subscriptions, and e-mail attachments.
The College retains the right to investigate complaints, monitor access, and refuse further access to any person
abusing the privilege in any way. Terminating privileges includes denying access to the College’s network, email,
and Internet. Anyone in violation may also face other appropriate disciplinary action.
Privacy
The College will make all reasonable attempts to provide security and privacy for all users but does not guarantee
privacy on any information technology system or application. Users are expected to be responsible and use good
judgment when electronically transmitting information. All users of the College’s information technology resources
must respect and protect the confidentiality of other’s information at all times.
Information Technology Hardware
A “public” College Wi-Fi network is provided for students, visitors, and college personnel. Students may use
personal devices such as PCs, laptops, and PDAs to connect to the College’s Wi-Fi network. Configuring and
maintaining such devices is the student’s responsibility.
No personal hardware may be connected the College’s internal “private” network.
Users may be held liable for repair or replacement costs due to intentional abuse or damage. Users are expected to
report all known instances of intentional abuse and damage to the College’s Information Technology Department.
The phone number for the College’s Information Technology Department is 6957.
Email Accounts
All undergraduate nursing students are to use the e-mail address assigned to them by the College’s Information
Technology Department. This e-mail address will be used by the College of Nursing when disseminating
information. Students are responsible for maintaining their college assigned e-mail accounts and are accountable for
the information sent to their e-mail addresses by the College of Nursing.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality of patient/family information is expected and required of all students. Such information may not be
shared with anyone except faculty and those members of the health care team who are directly involved with the
care of the patient.
Violation of confidentiality is considered an offense against the College, society, and patients. A lack of
confidentiality fails to meet satisfactory academic performance and violates a legal aspect of nursing practice. As
such, violations are considered serious and are dealt with accordingly with academic probation or dismissal.
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Scheduling Events
Any person or group planning an activity of any kind on either campus should review the Blessing-Rieman College
of Nursing, Culver-Stockton College, and Quincy University calendars to avoid conflicts. Students are required to
schedule activities through the Student Development Committee and the Student Nurses Organization.
After proper approvals have been secured, the event will be scheduled with the Student/Alumni Services office.
Reservations for classrooms at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing are scheduled through the College’s Academic
Assistant. Requests for space for events to be held in the Blessing Hospital area are first cleared with
Student/Alumni Services Office and then submitted to Hospital Administration for final permission.
Equipment must be requested prior to events and from the College’s Academic Assistant.
Announcements may be posted on the College bulletin boards with prior approval from the Academic Assistant or
the Student/Alumni Services Office at Blessing-Rieman College.
Security
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing strives to provide and maintain a safe and healthful environment for learning.
The College’s entrance opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In order to gain access
to the College and/or Library after 6:00 p.m. or on weekends, access is through the lobby entrance of Blessing
Hospital.
The Hospital’s Security Department is responsible for security maintenance. The Security Department can be
reached by dialing “0” or Ext. 6725 at 11th Street or Ext. 4470 at 14th Street.
Solicitation
Blessing Hospital and Blessing Corporate Services has a “no solicitation” policy. No individual or group is
permitted to raise funds or solicit on the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing campus. The United Way is the only
agency authorized to solicit funds.
Student money raising projects must be approved by the President/CEO of the College. The areas where articles
may be sold will be specified.
Students, who have small business projects such as Avon, Amway, etc., cannot solicit on campus. If you have orders
to deliver, they may not be left with College personnel for pick-up, delivery or collection.
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing offers a student assistance program to junior and senior nursing students.
Students may access this program for 5 visits at no additional charge since the program is included in tuition and
fees.
Information can be obtained from the Student/Alumni Services Office.
It is the philosophy of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing to provide an academic environment that will help the
student achieve graduation with the confidence that s/he has attained entry level professional competency in the
practice of nursing, and to further challenge the student to pursue continued personal and professional growth.
Faculty and students recognize it that personal growth and professional competency are difficult to achieve at times.
The faculty is aware that personal needs, developmental tasks, and family responsibilities may impinge upon
classroom and/or clinical performance. To assist the student with personal growth to maximize school performance,
the faculty believes in the following policy statement:
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Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, hereafter known as “The College,” recognizes that students from
various backgrounds and life situations are sometimes hindered in their learning. These may be, but are not
limited to, chemical dependency problems or other problems that can directly impact on the ability to learn.
As a college that prides itself on diagnostic and theoretical learning skills, the importance of early
intervention in psychosocial and learning deficit areas is a major concern. The College believes an
investment in the student’s collective needs should be addressed in both the classroom and outside
classroom settings.”
Purpose of SAP
1.
2.
The purpose of this positive policy statement is to give students experiencing psychosocial and/or learning
deficit problems the same consideration that would be given to any physical problem.
To assist in life situations that are interfering with learning, and/or meeting curricular requirements.
Policy
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The College expects students to seek voluntary help and assistance throughout the learning process. Faculty and
staff are encouraged to bring concerns for student well being to the President/CEO and/or the Student/Alumni
Services Officer for early intervention into potential learning problems.
References to alcohol or drug usage will reflect the inappropriate usage of such substances as may negatively
impact the learning process, and/or meeting of curriculum requirements. The College does not presume to
regulate social drinking or other appropriate drug usage. (College apartments, however, are smoke, drug and
alcohol free environments.
Faculty and staff implementing the policy will assure those voluntarily requesting services that asking for
assistance will not be cause for disciplinary action.
Students will comply with the provisions of the policy statement; noncompliance may be handled as a
disciplinary problem.
Any student counseled by College personnel under the guidelines of this policy statement is assured that all
information given will be confidential. If referral is deemed necessary, the student will be informed and will be
requested to sign a release for information to be forwarded to the appropriate professional service.
Acceptance of this policy statement will not insulate any student from normal policies and procedures, nor will
it exempt students from completing their normal responsibilities as required by the College academic standards.
Procedure
When student-instructor discussions lead to an awareness of emotional, coping, familial, and/or substance abuse
problems, the student may be referred to his or her faculty advisor, or to the Student/Alumni Services Officer. The
student may enter SAP under the following conditions:
Voluntary: The student voluntarily seeks therapeutic counseling to minimize stresses causing poor performance.
Poor performance is defined as achievement below course objectives. The student recognizes the need for referral,
and requests guidance in choosing a program.
Mandatory: The student is informed by the MSN Committee that therapeutic counseling is necessary for continued
enrollment in the school. Mandatory conditions are those situations in which outward behaviors of emotional
instability with the school setting are observed and/or the student is unable to meet course objectives, or exhibits
unsafe practices in the clinical area. When the student does not volunteer or complete such counseling, withdrawal
or leave of absence may be necessary. The faculty advisor and/or the Student/Alumni Services Officer help the
student to:
1. Choose a program service appropriate to the problem.
2. Make the initial appointment from the school. The program may be in-house and/or community based.
Upon request and for the file, therapeutic counselors may release a statement of competency to the College for those
situations that are mandatory. The student will be asked to sign a release of information form. Therapeutic
counseling, when mandatory, is a condition requested by the MSN Committee for readmission. Therapeutic
counseling is psychological/psychiatric treatment, support groups, substance abuse, marital/family therapy, stress
management, grief work, etc.
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Student Services Provided by the College of Nursing
Advising and Counseling
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing believes that academic advisement is an integral part of the educational
process. Academic advisement is viewed as a continuous process of evaluating educational and personal goals. The
process is designed to encourage the development of each individual student. Final decisions as well as the ultimate
responsibility for decisions concerning life goals and/or educational plans rest with the student.
Students with needs other than academic advising will be referred for counseling. Referrals are made through the
College’s Student/Alumni Services Office.
All nursing majors are assigned an academic advisor.
Students are encouraged to interact with the faculty who are a great source of help with course work and mentoring.
Copy and FAX
The Blessing Health Professions Library maintains a copy machine that is available for student use. The charge is
five cents per copy. Payment is expected upon completion of copying. The copy machine is available during library
hours.
The Library FAX number is 217-223-6400. The Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing FAX number is 217-2234661. The FAX number for the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Registrar’s Office is 217-223-4661. The FAX
number for the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Student/Alumni Services and Financial Aid Offices is 217-2231781. The charge will be based on the length of transmission time, with a minimum $1.00 charge. There is no
charge for the receipt of FAX correspondence.
Food Service
Food service is available to resident and non-resident nursing students through the Blessing Hospital cafeteria.
Students can purchase meals and other food items at a 50% discount when showing their College/Blessing Hospital
ID/name badge.
Library and Computer Center
For the college student of the 21st century, the library web page provides access to databases, electronic books,
electronic journals, and online tutorials. The web page (www.library.brcn.edu) is available 24-7. The passwords for
off-campus use are given to the students during their library orientations.
The library facility is spacious and has designated areas for group and individual study.
The library includes:
 Five public access computers.
 Wireless access and plugs for personal laptops
 Loaner laptops are available for work within the library facility
 Reference and research help
 A web page with electronic resources and online tutorials
 Interlibrary loan
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Print collections
Copiers, scanners, CD burners, laminators
Professional help with poster design and printing
Library orientations and computer classes
General library policies are:
 Print materials are checked out for one month and are renewable
 Print journals are used in the library only
 Faculty reserve materials are checked out at faculty discretion
 Fines (25 cents/day) must be paid by the end of each semester or grades will not be released
The Computer Center contains 20 computers and is under the direction of the library staff. It is open only during
library hours. Computer work is self-directed, however help is available. The Center is also used for testing.
Lost and Found
Lost and found articles are taken to the College Receptionist in the Main College Office by the front entrance.
Blessing Hospital’s Lost and Found can be reached at ext. 6720.
Parking
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing students must display a Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing parking ID on the
rear view mirror of their vehicle. The parking ID’s are available from the Student/Alumni Services Office during
semester registration. (Students attending Culver-Stockton College or Quincy University need to display that
institution’s appropriate permit as well.)
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain a new permit from the Student/Alumni Services Office when there is a
change of vehicles or the old permit is damaged. Instructions for proper display of the permit will be given at the
time of issue.
Students only park in “Student and Employee” designated parking areas. Failure to park in these areas will result in
a parking ticket and a progressive fine being issued. The first offence is a $20.00 fine. The second offence is a
$40.00 fine. The third offence is a $60.00 fine and possible dismissal from the College of Nursing. Students will
have two weeks from the official notification date to pay the fine. After the two weeks have passed, students will be
assessed an additional $0.25 for every additional day late. Failure to pay a fine can result in withholding grades
and/or not be allowed to register or graduate. All fines are payable in the Student Services Office. Appeals are
subject to the discretion of the Student Services Officer.
Parking violations are issued for improper parking in spaces or lanes, failure to park in designated areas, and failure
to properly display the parking permit.
Spiritual Life
As a college whose mission is to develop the individual’s mind, body, and spirit, Blessing-Rieman College of
Nursing encourages the free practice of religious life. A variety of formal and informal religious life opportunities
are available in the Quincy area.
A chaplaincy service is provided by Blessing Hospital. The hospital chapel at Blessing Hospital on 11th Street is
located on the first floor of the hospital across from the elevators. It is open 24 hours daily for prayer and meditation.
Students may contact the chaplain at his office adjacent to the chapel.
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Student Lounge
The student lounge is primarily for fellowship and relaxation. Students requiring a quiet place to study should use
the library.
Any outside student using the College’s facility is allowed to use the student lounge.
Kitchen facilities are available in the lounge and there is a refrigerator. The refrigerator can be used to store a sack
lunch. The lounge also provides snack and soda machines.
All students are responsible for keeping the area clean. Students are expected to help maintain an atmosphere
conducive to learning by keeping all areas orderly and neat.
Students are reminded that eating in classrooms and the library is not allowed. Drinks are allowed in the classroom
only if they are in covered containers.
Textbooks
All nursing textbooks are purchased online through the College of Nursing’s website. Information about ordering
textbooks can be obtained from the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Student/Alumni Services Office.
Voter Registration
Students who are Illinois residents can register on the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing campus to vote in
Adams County. The College’s Financial Aid Officer is an authorized deputy registrar who can register Illinois
students.
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Student Organizations at the College of Nursing
State and National Student Nurse Organizations
All nursing students become members of the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA). Through this
organization, students can participate at the national, state, and local levels. Participation provides an opportunity to
become aware of current trends and issues within the profession of nursing.
SNAI (Student Nurses Association of Illinois, affiliated with NSNA), is a standing committee of the BlessingRieman College of Nursing Student Nurses Organization. SNAI serves to address the professional concerns of
student nurses. Membership is elective and a separate fee is required. See the bulletin board in the Blessing-Rieman
College of Nursing student lounge for more details.
Alumni Association
Every graduate is encouraged to join and actively participate in the Blessing Nurses’ Alumni Association. Each year
the graduating class is honored by the association at a banquet. Since its establishment in 1900, the organization’s
membership has worked to advance the interests of the College, provide scholarships, promote good fellowship, and
uphold the standards of professional nursing.
Sigma Theta Tau International
Sigma Theta Tau International is the international honor society of nursing. Its vision is a global community of
nurses leading the profession in scholarship, knowledge, and technology to improve the health of the people of the
world. The chapter of Sigma Theta Tau at Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing is the Pi Pi Chapter. Senior nursing
students who have at least a 3.0 GPA and are in the top 35% of their class are invited to joint the honor society.
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Statements and Disclosures for the College of Nursing
Immuno-Compromised – Student AIDS Policy
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing endorses and follows the AIDS Guidelines for Schools of Nursing published
by the National League for Nursing.
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing provides equal treatment to persons with HIV infection, ARC (Aids related
complex), and/or AIDS in accordance with section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing does not discriminate against any individual based on the perception that s/he
is infected; the perception that an individual is in a category of persons at risk of infection; and/or because of an
individual’s familial responsibility for, or relationship with a person in one of the above categories.
Decisions regarding housing for immuno-compromised or HIV positive students will be made on a case-by-case
basis.
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing believes nursing professionals, including faculty and students, have a
fundamental responsibility to provide care to all patients assigned to them. Refusal to care for AIDS patients is
contrary to ethics of the nursing profession.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate, Graduation/Retention Rates, Crime Rates Disclosure Statement
The following statistics can be obtained from the College’s web site or on request from the College.
• NCLEX-RN (state board exam) pass rate for each graduating class.
• Graduation and retention rates.
• Campus safety record.
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing annually submits statistics for the following crimes to the Department of
Education in compliance with the Campus Security Act of 1990 and the “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus
Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998.
• Murder/Non-negligent Manslaughter
• Forcible Sex
• Non-forcible Sex
• Robbery
• Aggravated Assault
• Burglary
• Arson
• Hate Crime by Prejudice: Race
• Hate Crime by Prejudice: Gender
• Hate Crime by Prejudice: Religion
• Hate Crime by Prejudice: Sexual Orientation
• Hate Crime by Prejudice: Ethnicity
• Hate Crime by Prejudice: Disability
• Liquor Law Violations: Arrest
• Liquor Law Violations: Referral
• Drug Law Violations: Arrest
• Drug Law Violations: Referral
• Weapons Law Violations: Arrest
• Weapons Law Violations: Referral
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The College reports crime rates for on campus, non-campus buildings and property, and public property.
Each fall, students are given a brochure that provides the following information.
• Security policies and procedures.
• Crime prevention.
• Crime rates.
This brochure is available on request from the College’s Student Services Office.
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Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing 2009-2010 Academic Calendar
Fall 2009 Semester
August
Friday
Saturday
Monday
Monday - Tuesday
Thursday
21
22
24
24-25
27
BRCN registration- Apartments (9:00-12:00, 1:30-4:00)
BRCN Transfer Sophomore Orientation
BRCN/CSC/QU classes begin (QU at 5:00 pm)
BRCN registration- Apartments (9:00-12:00, 1:30-4:00)
CSC All College Convocation (11:20)
1
1
2
7
25
QU add/drop period ends (5:00 pm)
C-SC last add date
BRCN "Celebrating a Commitment to Care" (11:30-1:00 - Conference Center)
Labor Day - No classes at BRCN & QU
Agency Luncheon
2
2-4
5
11
14
15-16
16
16
16-17
19
19
21
22
26
CSC and BRCN Midterm Break - No Classes
MONA Convention
CSC midterm grades due (8:00 am)
Teddy Bear Clinic
1st RN-BSN session ends
QU midterm break - No Classes (except PDP)
BRCN midterm break - No Classes
C-SC last drop date
Missouri Student Nurse Association
2nd RN-BSN session begins
QU/BRCN midterm grades due
Pi Pi Induction
Research Day
Donor Luncheon
2-6
6
9
13-15
16
18-20
24
21-24
21-29
25-29
30
C-SC pre-registration for the Spring 2010 semester
BRCN and QU last day to withdraw from courses
QU pre-registration for the Spring 2010 semester begins
CSC Family Weekend
CSC last day of classes
CSC final exams
CSC grades due (12 week)
BRCN comprehensive exams (Saturday inclusive)
Thanksgiving break - No Classes at CSC
Thanksgiving break - No Classes at QU or BRCN
CSC 3-week session classes begin
11
11
11
14-17
18
21
22
BRCN grades due
QU last day of classes
CSC last day to drop a class (3 week)
QU final examinations
CSC/BRCN 3-week session last day of classes
QU grades due
CSC/BRCN grades due (3 week)
September
Tuesday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Monday
Friday
October
Friday
Friday - Sunday
Monday
Sunday
Wednesday
Thursday - Friday
Friday
Friday
Friday - Saturday
Monday
Monday
Wednesday
Thursday
Monday
November
Monday - Friday
Friday
Monday
Friday - Sunday
Monday
Wednesday - Friday
Tuesday
Saturday - Tuesday
Saturday - Sunday
Wednesday - Sunday
Monday
December
Friday
Friday
Friday
Monday - Thursday
Friday
Monday
Tuesday
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Spring 2010 Semester
January
Monday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Wednesday
11
18
19
20
27
CSC & BRCN classes begin
Martin Luther King Jr's birthday- No Classes at CSC (BRCN in session)
QU classes begin
CSC last add date (12 week)
QU and BRCN add/drop period ends (5:00pm)
15
15-16
24
26
No Classes at BRCN - President's Day
No Classes at QU - President's Day (BRCN in session)
MONA Advocacy Day
CSC mid-term
1
5
12
6-14
6-21
13-21
22
22
22-26
29-31
CSC mid-term grades due (12 week) (8:00 am)
CSC last drop date (12 week class)
1st RN-BSN session ends
CSC Spring Break
BRCN Spring Break
QU Spring Break
QU/BRCN midterm grades due
2nd RN-BSN session begins
CSC pre-registration for the Fall 2009 semester
CCNE Accreditation Visit
2-4
2-5
9
12
12
14-16
17-20
21
19-20
21
20
23
BRCN/QU Easter Break - No Classes (QU classes resume 5:00 pm 4/5)
CSC Easter Break - No Classes
BRCN and QU last day to withdraw from courses
CSC/BRCN last day of classes (12 week)
CSC last day to complete total withdraw
CSC final exams (12 week)
BRCN comprehensive exams (Saturday inclusive)
QU pre-registration for the Summer/Fall 2010 semester begins
CSC No Classes
CSC 3-week session classes begins
CSC final grades due (12 week)
CSC last day to add class (3 week)
4
7
11
13
14
14
14
15
17
17-20
21
22
23
24
CSC last day to drop 3 week class
BRCN grades due
CSC/BRCN last day of classes (3 week)
CSC senior grades due
QU last day of classes
BRCN Pinning/Commencement (2:00 pm, Madison Park Christian Church)
CSC Baccalaureate
CSC Graduation
CSC all other grades due (3 week)
QU final examinations
QU senior grades due at noon
QU Baccalaureate
QU Commencement
QU grades due
February
Monday
Monday - Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
March
Monday
Friday
Friday
Saturday - Sunday
Saturday - Sunday
Saturday - Sunday
Monday
Monday
Monday - Friday
Monday - Wednesday
April
Friday - Sunday
Friday - Monday
Friday
Monday
Monday
Wednesday - Friday
Saturday - Tuesday
Wednesday
Monday - Tuesday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Friday
May
Tuesday
Friday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Friday
Friday
Saturday
Monday
Monday - Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
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