Nursing Student Policies

The policies stated here apply to students enrolling in the RN-BSN/MSN degree program with degree requirements effective July 1, 2017, and students enrolling in the graduate nursing certificate programs with requirements effective July 1, 2017. RN-BSN/MSN applicants to the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing may pursue the BSN degree only, or both the BSN degree and the MSN degree by selecting the BSN/MSN option on the online application. For students enrolled in the BSN/ MSN, the 9 graduate nursing credits included in BSN degree requirements may be applied to MSN degree requirements. A grade of B or higher must be earned in graduate nursing courses completed during the BSN program to be applied to the MSN degree requirements. The student will continue on to complete remaining MSN degree requirements upon BSN degree completion without additional admission requirements. The undergraduate nursing per credit tuition charge will pertain to the required graduate nursing courses while the student is enrolled in the BSN degree. RNs with a BSN degree may apply for the MSN degree. RNs with a master's in nursing in another area of specialty may enroll in a graduate nursing certificate program.

Admissions

Admission to all RN-BSN/MSN programs offered by the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing is rolling.
All RN-BSN/MSN applicants to the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing must possess a current and valid RN license - without restrictions, recognized in the United States.
Provisional Admission to the RN-BSN and RN-BSN/MSN programs is open to senior nursing students or graduates of an RN diploma program of nursing, or a regionally accredited college or university in the United States with an associate degree in nursing awaiting RN licensure. Students provisionally admitted to the program may enroll in NUR 342, NUR 516, PHI 475 and HPS 200. Provisionally admitted students will have one year from the date of Provisional Admission to obtain RN licensure. Failure to do so within that time, will result in removal from the program.
Full Admission to the RN-BSN and RN-BSN/MSN programs requires that the applicant must be a graduate of an RN diploma program of nursing, or a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or recognized foreign institution with an associate degree in nursing. A current and valid RN license, recognized in the United States, must be submitted for full admission to the program.

Admissions Process

All RN-BSN/MSN applicants to the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing must:

Submit the completed online application with fee, which is nonrefundable, including documentation of current RN licensure. Applicants licensed in a state that does not have online verification must submit a notarized copy of their current license - without restrictions, valid in the United States, to the Office of Admissions.
Have official transcripts for all college-level credit and examination score reports sent to the University's Office of the Registrar (undergraduate students) or Office of Graduate Admissions (graduate students).
Submit official transcripts from the school of nursing awarding the diploma (if a graduate of an RN diploma school of nursing, including foreign diploma schools of nursing).
Follow University procedure for evaluation of credit if a graduate of a foreign collegiate program of nursing. Have the ability to send and receive email, including attachments. Have computer capability compatible with the technology specified for the Thomas Edison State University's online courses, access to PowerPoint software and, for selected MSN courses, access to Excel software, a microphone and a webcam.

All nursing students are advised to upgrade to:

Minimum System Requirements for Windows and Mac:

Screen resolution of at least 800 x 600 pixels
Speakers or headphones for audio playback
Optical Drive (1)
Stable internet connection (2)
A current and up-to-date browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Safari, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox
PDF Viewing Software (Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, SumatraPDF, Cute PDF, etc.)
Windows XP or above; Mac Leopard 10.5 or above (3)

Preferred System Requirements for Windows and Mac:

Screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels or greater
Speakers or headphones for audio playback
Webcam
Optical Drive (4)
Broadband internet connection of 1 mbs or greater
A current and up-to-date browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Safari, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox PDF Viewing Software (Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, SumatraPDF, Cute PDF, etc.)
Windows 7 or above; Mac Snow Leopard 10.6 or above (5)

NOTES:

For certain third-party supplemental course resources.
Broadband preferable; dial-up connections may not be optimal for certain course features.
A few courses utilize Windows-only software; if using a Mac, you will need to have access to a Windows PC or have the ability to run a Windows virtual machine on your Mac.
For certain third-party supplemental course resources.
A few courses utilize Windows-only software; if using a Mac, you will need to have access to a Windows PC or have the ability to run a Windows virtual machine on your Mac.

All MSN applicants to the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing must:

Possess a current RN license - without restrictions, valid in the United States.
Follow the graduate application and admission process outlined under instructions for Graduate Applicants at www.tesu.edu/apply.
All applicants to the MSN degree program and the certificate programs must have official transcripts from all college-level credits, including BSN degree and MSN degree (if applicable) transcripts, sent to the Office of Admissions.

Enrollment

Nursing students are considered "enrolled" when they have been accepted into the nursing program and have registered for and begun their first course. The date of enrollment is defined as the 10th day of class for the first semester they start taking courses as a matriculated student. This status may change if the student becomes inactive or takes a leave of absence.
Acceptance in the MSN degree program for students selecting the BSNM option on application will be in effect following certification for graduation from the BSN degree.
Program materials will be provided and all students will be given access to advisement services on acceptance.
An Academic Evaluation will be provided online for students accepted into the nursing program.
Enrollment will remain in effect as long as students earn a minimum of 3 credits at the University that apply to their degree or certificate program in each 12-month period.
Nonmatriculated students must obtain permission from the School prior to enrolling in MSN nursing courses.

Re-Enrollment

Students returning to the BSN or MSN degree programs or the graduate nursing certificate programs from Leave of Absence status must submit a completed Re-Enrollment from Leave of Absence Form. Inactive students will need to complete and submit the online application found at www.tesu.edu/apply. If a student's state does not have an online validation process, the student must resubmit a notarized copy of his/her license to Thomas Edison State University, Office of Admissions, 111 W. State St., Trenton, NJ 08608. In order for the re-enrollment to be processed, the University must validate the student's license.

NOTE: Re-enrollment may place student into the newest curriculum, which may affect course requirements. Please contact a nursing advisor to re-enroll.

Grading Scale

Letter grades are assigned to online nursing courses according to the following scale:

Letter Grade	Numerical Equivalents
A	93-100
A-	90-92
B+	88-89
B	83-87
B-	80-82
C+	78-79
C	73-77
C-	70-72
D	60-69
F	Below 60
I	Incomplete (Temporary Grade) Below 60
ZF	0 (Academic Integrity Violation)

Degree/Certificate Program Requirements

Students may complete selected degree requirements by course, exam or prior learning assessment (PLA).
Rewriting or resubmission of assignments is not permitted.
No assignments may be submitted after the last day of the course without an approved extension.
In order to apply for an extension, students must submit the Request for Extension Form to the course mentor for certification no later than seven calendar days prior to the initial end date of the term. Mentors must certify that 50% of the course work has been completed, and the student must pay the extension fee.
Three discussion posts on three different days is the minimum required for participation in each discussion forum.
Online nursing courses required for completion of the nursing degree or certificate programs are open only to RNs.
Credits taken elsewhere or by any method other than by Thomas Edison State University online nursing course must be approved by the academic advisor for nursing prior to earning the credit to determine that the credit will meet program requirements.

BSN

Upper-division nursing credits earned more than 10 years prior to the student's enrollment date may not be applied to upper-division nursing requirements in the BSN degree program.
Nursing credits earned prior to application that may satisfy upper-division nursing requirements for the BSN degree must carry a grade equivalent of C (73) or better and must be from a regionally accredited college or university or recognized foreign institution to be considered for acceptance.
Students enrolled in the BSN degree program will be governed by academic policies for graduate nursing courses while enrolled in the graduate nursing courses required for the BSN degree.
Students enrolled in the BSN degree program will be governed by University policies in regard to general education credit requirements.
Students enrolled in the BSN degree program must earn a grade of C (73) or better in the nursing courses for the credit to be accepted toward the degree.
Students enrolled in the BSN degree program must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of C (2.0) or better to graduate.
Students enrolled in the BSN degree program may repeat each nursing course, one time each.

MSN/Graduate Nursing Certificates

Graduate credits earned prior to application that may satisfy requirements for the MSN degree or certificate programs will be reviewed for acceptance upon enrollment.
Graduate credits that were earned more than seven years prior to the student's enrollment date in the MSN or graduate nursing certificate programs may not be applied to either the MSN degree or certificate without permission of the dean of the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing.
Students enrolled in the MSN degree program must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of B (83) or better in the nursing courses for the credit to be accepted toward the degree.
A maximum of 12 graduate-level credits will be accepted in transfer toward the MSN degree.
Graduate credits earned prior to application that may satisfy requirements for the MSN degree or certificate programs must carry a grade equivalent of B (83) or better and must be from a regionally accredited college or university or recognized foreign institution for acceptance.
Students enrolled in the MSN degree program must earn a grade of B (83) or better in graduate courses for credits to be accepted toward degree. > Students enrolled in the MSN degree and graduate nursing certificate program may repeat two nursing courses, one time each.
MSN and graduate nursing certificate students who earn grades below a B (83) in three courses will be dismissed from the program.
A maximum of 6 graduate-level credits will be accepted in transfer toward the Nurse Educator and Nursing Administration certificates.
A maximum of 9 graduate-level credits will be accepted in transfer toward the Nursing Informatics certificate.
Students enrolled in the graduate nursing certificate programs must earn a grade of B (83) or better for the course to be applied to program requirements.

Graduation

All students in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing degree programs will submit the Request for Graduation Form with fee according to University guidelines.
All students in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing degree programs must have completed all degree requirements, have achieved the established GPA and have satisfied all financial obligations to be eligible for graduation.
All students in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing certificate programs must complete all course requirements, submit the request for a graduate nursing certificate according to University guidelines for graduation and satisfy all financial obligations to be eligible for certificate award.
Students completing the MSN degree program will be awarded a certificate in their selected area of specialty in addition to the MSN degree on program completion.

Appeals

All students in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing will follow University policies on academic appeals as outlined in the University Catalog. Appeals are to be submitted only after a course ends.

Non-Enrolled RNs

Nonenrolled RNs who wish to try an online nursing course may take two courses prior to enrollment with prior approval of the School. Students must be enrolled in a nursing program at the end of the second nursing course.
Courses restricted to students enrolled in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing include Public Health Nursing, Validating Nursing Competence and the graduate Practicums.

Updated Credentials for Selected Courses

Evidence of a current and valid RN license, without restrictions, and malpractice insurance is required at the time the student registers for the Public Health Nursing course in the BSN degree program. Students will be required to provide information to a vendor selected by the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing.
Evidence of current malpractice insurance and a current and valid RN license, without restrictions, is required at the time the student registers for the Practicum courses in the MSN degree and graduate nursing certificate programs.
Students must be in compliance with state and institutional requirements for health, criminal background checks and/or child abuse background check prior to registering for the Practicums in the MSN degree and the graduate nursing certificate programs. Students will be required to provide health information to a vendor selected by the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing. Students will be required to have a criminal background check and child abuse clearance through a vendor selected by the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing.
The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing expects all students to adhere to the policies on background checks of any healthcare facility used by students for the independent Practicums required as part of their program requirements.

Formal Complaints

A formal complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction about the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing, its programs or its processes, by a student enrolled in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing, or by parties interested in the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing. The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing follows the Thomas Edison State University student complaint policies and procedures.

Thomas Edison State University Student Complaint Policies and Procedures

Thomas Edison State University's mission is to provide the highest level of service to its students, in an environment conducive to learning and academic excellence. The University also acknowledges the maturity, autonomy and dignity of its students. Consistent with its mission, the University has instituted various mechanisms to address student complaints.

When registering concerns or complaints, University students must follow the appropriate procedures. If a student has any question about the applicable procedure to follow for a particular complaint, the student should contact the associate vice president and University registrar at (609) 984-1180 or registrar@tesu.edu.

Complaint Policies and Procedures

If a student has a complaint concerning any of the following matters, the student should refer to the proper resource:

Grade or Academic Credit Appeal see Student Forms
Academic Code of Conduct Policy
Nonacademic Code of Conduct Policy
Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment
Disability Accommodations

Other Student-Related Complaints

A student who has a complaint that a policy or procedure has been incorrectly or unfairly applied in his/her particular case, or a complaint about the behavior of a mentor or a University staff member that does not fall within any of the categories listed here, the complaint will be handled as follows:

Informal Resolution: Students are encouraged to speak directly with the mentor or staff member most concerned with or responsible for the situation that is the cause of the complaint. If this communication does not lead to a resolution, or such a discussion is not deemed appropriate, the student may register an informal complaint or file a formal written complaint.
Informal Complaint: A student may register an informal complaint within 30 days of the event that triggered the complaint. The earlier the communication is made, however, the more likely it is to resolve the matter satisfactorily. Complaints involving academic matters should be made to the dean of the relevant School. Other types of complaints should be made to the head of the appropriate University office. Informal complaints may be made by telephone or email. Appropriate University staff will review the matter presented by the student and determine whether any action is required. The student will be notified of the University's response within 20 days of the informal complaint.

If the student is not satisfied with the decision and/or attempts at resolution, he/she may go on to make a formal complaint.

Formal Complaint: A formal complaint must be submitted in writing to the dean of the relevant School or the head of the appropriate office from which the complaint arises. Formal complaints must be filed within 60 days of the event that triggered the complaint, and state the nature of the grievance and the remedy being sought. Any previous attempts to resolve the issue should also be described.

Receipt of the complaint will be acknowledged within 15 days. The appropriate University administrator will then review the matter. A final written determination, including any proposed resolution, will be sent to the student within 30 days of the receipt of the complaint.

A complete record of formal complaints will be kept by the relevant University office. Records of the final outcome of all formal complaints will also be stored in a centralized database and the student's electronic file.

Access the RN-BSN/MSN Student Handbook