Nursing

Overview

Associate Dean, School of Nursing: Brenda Petersen

Directors of Graduate Nursing Programs: Jeffrey Hutchins and Jill Olausson

Coordinators of Graduate Nursing Programs: Elizabeth Masalsky and Danielle Letourneau

Director of Undergraduate Nursing Programs: Leslie Larsen

Faculty in Nursing:

Associate Professors: Randall (Carla), Randall (Cynthia), Nersesian; Schroeder; Assistant Professors: Casimir, Faux, Gillespie, Hutchins, Lyden, Olausson, Parkman; Principal Lecturers: Goldenberg, Larsen; Senior Lecturer: Thayer; Lecturers: Condon, Detwiler, Falconer, Guerdan, Harris, Mantlow, Parker, York; Clinical Associate Professor: Yetter; Adjunct: Bacon, Botler, Burke, Moore-Littlefield; Professors Emeritae: Childs, Hart, Spross; Associate Professors Emeritae: Burson, Fournier, Healy, Johnson, Keith, Lawson, Meinersmann, Moody, Normandeau, Peake-Godin, Tiffany, Tukey, Vines, Woods Smith; Assistant Professor Emerita: Nealand; Instructors Emeritae: Caton-Lemos, Dvorak, Elliott

The School of Nursing offers programs leading to a bachelor of science with a major in nursing, a master of science with a major in nursing, and a doctor of nursing practice. In addition, it offers a minor in holistic and integrative health and a certificate in holistic health. Study options are available for registered nurses seeking to attain a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing and for students who hold a baccalaureate degree in another field who are interested in a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing. The pre-licensure programs are approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate and master’s programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001 (202) 887-6791.

Mission

The University of Southern Maine School of Nursing is dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of its community through the education of caring and competent nurses prepared for the challenges of 21st-century nursing practice.

Philosophy

We, the faculty, believe that professional and safe nursing practice is at the intersection of clinical excellence and effective relational practice. Relational practice is an outcome-oriented approach to nursing that includes reflective practice, strong communication, and respectful disciplinary and interprofessional collaboration with a focus on patient and family-centered care.

Baccalaureate nursing education is guided by theory and knowledge from nursing science, the arts and humanities, the social sciences, and the biological sciences. It builds on this background to advance the art and science of nursing using informatics, technology, and evidence to address issues of quality and safety. In an effort to deliver compassionate and ethical care, students develop a broad understanding of social structures as they gain awareness and respect for individuals. Nursing students develop an understanding of how systems affect the health and well-being of diverse communities, families, and individuals across the lifespan. In an ever-changing, complex, and global world, our graduates will have generalist nursing knowledge, orientation to leadership, and a focus on the growing needs of an aging population.

The philosophy of teaching nursing is based on the principles outlined in the Carnegie Foundation sponsored research on Educating Nurses (Benner, Sutphen, Leonard and Day, 2010), which advances four essential shifts for effective integration of the three apprenticeships of nursing (knowledge, know-how, and formation). The shifts are defined in an appendix available at https://usm.maine.edu/school-nursing/mission-and-philosophy-of-the-school-of-nursing/.

Graduate nursing education builds on baccalaureate education and is guided by advanced theory and knowledge from nursing and other sciences. A primary aim of graduate nursing education is to ensure that every student acquires the ability to analyze, synthesize, and utilize knowledge to advance the practice of nursing. Graduate education prepares the nurse to engage in scholarly enquiry using research and quality improvement methods, contemporary technology, and interprofessional collaboration.

At the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing, students, faculty members, practicing nurses, and clients work as partners in learning. Students begin from a place of self-awareness with an expectation that deep learning will challenge long-held beliefs, attitudes, and responses. Learning begins when students acknowledge, respect, and reflect upon past and present experiences. Learning is enhanced by critical engagement in the educational process, by the perception that the task of education is relevant and meaningful, and by an expectation of success. Repetition and meaningful feedback allow students to develop insight, new habits, and practice patterns. Varied strategies and sequential mastery of content enable learners to develop approaches, establish connections, and verify patterns to make generalizations and discriminations. The shared responsibility for identifying learning needs and evaluating learning experiences enhances self-confidence and the ability to become increasingly self-directed. Successful learning takes place in an environment where learners feel both challenged and supported.

Commitment to Civility

The concepts of community and social justice are central to the mission and philosophy of the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing. Faculty, students, and staff are committed to promoting a healthy and just environment that supports transformative learning, academic integrity, open communication, and personal and professional growth among the diverse members of our academic community. We believe that these commitments are grounded in intellectual openness, in personal and professional accountability, and in the democratic values of inclusivity and mutual respect that are guided by rational discourse and by a relational ethic of care.

We are grateful for the opportunities to learn and work with peoples of diverse ethnic, racial, religious, cultural, political, social, and economic backgrounds as well as with people who are disabled and people of different gender, sexual orientation, and age. Acknowledging the ethics and values that underlie the health professions, it is our belief that these ethics and values should be recognized, practiced, and cultivated in our learning and work environments. Our goal is to increase the awareness of students, staff, and faculty to the importance of civility, its implications, and the behaviors that are acceptable and not acceptable in our learning community.

Civility is the art of treating others, as well as ourselves, with respect, dignity, and care. Civility is apparent when we are sensitive to the impact that our communications, practices, and behaviors have on others, and when we acknowledge each person’s self-worth and unique contributions to the community as a whole.

As members of the School, we are committed to learning and practicing in ways that support a caring and socially just community. The following are examples of how we create and sustain civility.

Support the autonomy and just treatment of self and others by facilitating an open, respectful, and caring environment.
Accept responsibility and accountability for one’s own behavior when interacting with students, faculty, and staff.
Respect and protect the rights and property of others.
Speak or behave in a manner that does not disrupt or interfere with the learning or work of others.
Practice personal and academic integrity and expect it from others.
Demonstrate respect for others by actively discouraging discriminatory conduct, bigotry, violence, coercion, or intimidation against any member of the academic community.
Demonstrate a willingness to listen and be open to hearing the perspectives of others. This includes actively seeking to hear from and making a safe space for voices of dissent.
Explore controversial issues through open dialogue and respectful deliberation.
Respect freedom of expression while recognizing that such tolerance does not require agreement with expressed ideas.
Engage institutional resources and persons to resolve conflict when necessary.

We will not tolerate harassing or discriminatory conduct of any form. Everyone has the responsibility to foster a safe and supportive learning and work environment. This commitment can include any individual asking others to stop disrespectful or abusive speech and/or disruptive behavior. Collectively, faculty, staff, and students in the School of Nursing are responsible for ensuring a safe and supportive learning and work environment.

Programs of the School of Nursing are subject to change at any time without notice. For more information about Nursing programs at USM, please visit our website: http://usm.maine.edu/nursing

Graduate Nursing Policies

Masters in Nursing Policies (Traditional)
Masters in Nursing Policies (Accelerated Online)
RN to Masters in Nursing Policies
Doctor of Nursing Practice Policies

Masters in Nursing Policies (Traditional)

In addition to the general policies described in the University of Southern Maine Graduate Catalog, Academic Policies chapter, specific policies for the Graduate Program in Nursing are as follows.

Admission Credit

This credit, which has been earned at USM, must be approved by the graduate faculty prior to admission and is subject to the condition that a grade of B or higher was earned in each individual course. No graduate courses that are older than five years will be accepted for admission credit. Graduate courses in Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Psychopharmacology, or Advanced Health Assessment will not be accepted for admission credit if older than three years at projected time of first clinical course. Applicants in current Advanced Practice may discuss waivers of this policy with the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing. A maximum of six graduate credits may be approved for admission. Exceptions to the maximum credits allowed at time of admission must be approved by the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee.

Transfer Credit

This credit, which has been earned at an institution other than USM, must be approved at the time of admission and a request for approval included as part of the admissions application. No graduate courses that are older than five years will be accepted for transfer credit. Graduate courses in Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Psychopharmacology, or Advanced Health Assessment will not be accepted for transfer credit. A maximum of nine graduate credits may be approved for transfer credit provided that a grade of B or higher was earned in each individual course. Additional transfer credit may be approved in unusual circumstances.

This credit must be approved at the time of admission and request for approval included as part of the admission application. Graduate courses in Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Psychopharmacology or Advanced Health Assessment will not be accepted for transfer credit and must be completed at USM. Up to a total of nine (9) credit hours may be approved as transfer credit provided a grade of at least a B was earned in each individual course. Additional transfer credit may be approved in exceptional circumstances.

Transfer credits will be noted on the student’s USM transcript and counted toward the student’s degree. Exceptions to the transfer credits allowed at time of admission must be approved by the Graduate Curriculum, Admission, and Advancement Committee (GCAAC). During the course of study at the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing, students may not transfer courses from other universities to substitute for course requirements.

For each graduate course the student wishes to be considered for transfer credit, the student must:
1. Have submitted, as part of the application file, a transcript that indicates completion of the course under consideration for transfer, with a minimum grade of B.
2. Have submitted a complete syllabus (course name and number, course description and objectives, reading lists, etc.) and supporting documentation (evaluation information, papers/reports, etc.), and indicated the USM course name and number to be considered as equivalent.
The request will be reviewed by the Graduate Curriculum, Admission and Advancement Committee (GCAAC) committee and referred to the faculty designee who has expertise in the area of instruction. The faculty designee may ask for additional information from the student, including an official transcript, or consult with the previous instructor or other sources.
The designee will then make a recommendation to the graduate admissions committee, and the committee members will vote to determine whether the course(s) is/are considered equivalent.
The student will be informed of the decision by the chair of the graduate admissions committee.
The result of the request will be documented in the student’s academic file, and the appropriate information will be filed with Transfer Affairs.

General Enrollment Policies

When students have accepted admission to the Graduate Nursing Program they must matriculate in the semester for which they were accepted or they will be withdrawn from the program.

Matriculated students in the early phase of their graduate studies may choose to change their area of specialization prior to starting the specialty core. Transfer of major into a specialty other than identified at the time of matriculation is dependent on availability. Once graduate students have started in the theory/clinical sequence of their specialty concentration no changes will be permitted.

Clinical Requirements

Students must comply with School of Nursing clinical health and criminal background check requirements and any additional requirements of those health care agencies to which they are assigned for clinical residency. Students must pay for and complete a comprehensive background check prior to starting graduate clinical seminar courses. In addition, students must sign a disclosure agreement allowing the school to provide access to this background information to clinical affiliates. Affiliates have the right to deny clinical placement based on criminal background. Denial of clinical placements will stop progression in the Graduate Nursing Program.

Clinical Placement Policy

All clinical placements need to be approved by the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing
Maine is a rural state with a shortage of providers, most students will have to travel at some point during their clinical year(s)
The Graduate Faculty and the Coordinator of Graduate Education work hard to ensure that all students are matched to a site/preceptor that best meets their educational needs. Student preferences are taken into consideration, but we cannot guarantee that you will be assigned to your desired placement
Finding your own site
We appreciate our students’ efforts in expanding our preceptor network and encourage students to identify their own potential placements.
It is critical that students discuss potential preceptors or clinical sites with the Coordinator of Graduate Education before formally requesting a clinical rotation in order to ensure sites provide appropriate experiences in a setting consistent with NP education track scope of practice.
If your placement is approved, the Graduate Coordinator will need a contact name and email in order to get an educational affiliation agreement in place.
You may not start working at any site until an educational affiliation agreement is approved and signed.
If you decline the placement that is offered to you through USM, you are responsible for finding your own site.
If the student has concerns with their clinical placement, they may discuss this with the clinical seminar faculty. The clinical seminar faculty and graduate coordinator will review the situation to determine if another placement is warranted.
Students will not be placed in a clinical experience at their work site or where they have direct supervisory responsibilities, with their own personal care provider or with a relative or significant other. In health organizations with multiple sites, placement at a site other than the student’s actual work site within the employing organization may be considered at the discretion of the Graduate Faculty
Please respond to all requests made by the Graduate Coordinator and clinical site placements promptly (within 2 business days). It can take weeks or months to finalize affiliation agreements. This includes contacting your clinical preceptor within 2 business days of being assigned a site. If you cannot reach your preceptor, please let the Graduate Coordinator know as soon as possible
The Graduate Coordinator reserves the right to offer clinical experiences to another student if after two weeks into a semester clinical prerequisites have not been met
Students should be using their USM e-mail for all correspondence with the University and clinical placement sites
The USM School of Nursing has the right to take immediate action and remove a student from a clinical site if there are serious academic, behavioral or patient safety concerns
It is the students’ responsibility to work out a schedule with a preceptor. USM is not involved with coordinating student and preceptor work schedules. In addition, USM contracts for a certain number of hours at each site. For example, a site agrees to work with a student for 200 hours within a certain time frame. If the student does not achieve those hours within that time frame because of their own work schedule or other personal commitments, it is not USM’s responsibility to find the student additional sites or hours. It is expected that the student follow the preceptors’ schedule and complete all hours within the time frame arranged.
Students may not contract for additional hours at a site without involving the Graduate Coordinator and the Graduate Coordinator as there may be other students who are assigned to or need that clinical site. Graduate students also receive an e-mail letter from the Graduate Coordinator that confirms their clinical practicum site, minimum clinical hours to be completed per semester, status of RN licensure, immunization status and contact information. Additional information is provided regarding the student evaluation process, completion of the clinical hours form, and the planning of a site evaluation visit and student observation during the semester.

Professional Licensure

A copy of unencumbered RN licensure must be on file in the School of Nursing. Students are required to maintain current registered professional nursing licensure. Students are required to notify the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing of any change in status of their RN license.

Program Grade Policies for Master’s Nursing Students (Traditional)

In the Master’s portion of their program, students must achieve a minimum grade of B- in all required graduate courses. The first time a student earns below a B-, the course must be retaken successfully (B- or higher) to continue with program progression. A graduate course can only be retaken one time. Unsuccessful completion of the course when retaken or of a second course will result in dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program and academic withdrawal from the University. If the course in which a grade below a B- has been earned has a concurrent clinical practicum, progression in the theory/clinical practicum course sequence stops. A grade of B- or higher must be achieved in the course that is repeated before the theory/clinical practicum sequence resumes.

Because of the interrelatedness of clinical practicum and theory courses, the following policies apply:

If a student fails a clinical practicum but passes the concurrent theory course (B- or higher), the student must repeat the clinical practicum within one calendar year. If more than one calendar year elapses between failing and repeating the required clinical practicum, the student will be required to retake the concurrent theory course.
If a student fails a theory course (C+ or lower) but passes the concurrent clinical practicum, and the student retakes the theory course within one calendar year, the student will be required to perform eight hours of clinical per week and attend the weekly clinical seminar. If more than one calendar year elapses between failing a required theory course and retaking it, the clinical course must be repeated in its entirety.
Students who fail any of the concurrent clinical practicum or theory courses cannot proceed to the next clinical practicum and theory course sequence until the failed course has been successfully retaken.

A student will be placed on probation in any semester in which the cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 (B average). Failure to correct probationary status after one semester will result in dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program and academic withdrawal from the University. An incomplete grade in a clinical practicum and/or concurrent theory course must be satisfied prior to progression to the next sequential course unless an arrangement involving the student and the faculty of both courses has been agreed to in writing. A 3.0 GPA is necessary for graduation. Students may only count three credits of C in an elective toward graduation. A cumulative GPA below 2.0 in any one semester will result in dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program and academic withdrawal from the University.

The Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee and program faculty reserve the right to review a student’s record to make recommendations regarding progression.

Continuous Enrollment

Once matriculated into the graduate program, students must be continuously enrolled in the program unless a written, formal request for a leave of absence has been submitted to and approved by the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing or the Chairperson of the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee. Continuous enrollment requires that every graduate student earn at least six credits toward their degree every calendar year from the time of the first registration until completion of all requirements for the graduate degree. If the continuous enrollment policy is not maintained, a letter will be sent to the student, the advisor, and the Office of Graduate Studies from the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing.

Withdrawal Policy

Withdrawal from the University of Southern Maine may be for personal reasons on the part of the student, academic reasons as determined by the program requirements, or by administrative decision.

Student Withdrawal: To withdraw from the University the student must submit an official Withdrawal Form to the Office of Registration and Scheduling Services and complete an exit interview with their advisor.
Academic Withdrawal: If a student has not made satisfactory academic progress toward fulfilling degree requirements (see above), they may be withdrawn from the University.
Administrative Withdrawal: A student may be withdrawn from a particular graduate program for reasons of a professional nature as determined by the program director or department chair.

Readmission to the Program

Students dismissed for continuous enrollment and academic violations may be considered for readmission. A face to face interview with appropriate faculty members will be required. If a student is accepted for readmission, conditions will be set on a case by case basis. Students dismissed for behavioral and professional conduct violations will not be considered for readmission.

Leave of Absence

Students may request a leave of absence. The leave of absence waives the continuous enrollment policy for a period of up to one calendar year. When a request for a leave of absence is made at midterm, USM’s current grading policies apply. Approval of the leave of absence is the responsibility of the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing or the Chairperson of the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee. Once a decision has been made regarding the leave of absence, a letter will be sent from the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing to the student, the advisor, the Office of Graduate Studies, and the Office of Registration and Scheduling Services.

To request a leave of absence, the student must:

Meet with their advisor to discuss the potential impact of the leave of absence on progression.
Collaborate with the advisor and describe the terms of the request.
Submit a written request to the Coordinator or Chairperson of the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee with a copy to the advisor.
Complete and submit the Leave of Absence form that can be found on the Office of Graduate Studies website.
Confer with the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing prior to the end of the leave of absence to ensure that he/she can register.

Inactivation Policy

Student admission, matriculation, or progression will be inactivated under the following conditions:

Failure to maintain continuous enrollment
Absence of written communication with the advisor and Coordinator of Graduate Nursing regarding matriculation or progression plans (e.g., no request for leave of absence)
Failure to correct probationary status

The School of Nursing will advise the Office of Registration and Scheduling Services of the student’s inactive status. A student whose file has been inactive for greater than or equal to one calendar year may be required to repeat courses or reapply for admission. Students who have been placed on inactive status must meet with the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing or the Chairperson of the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee to determine what requirements must be met to activate registration.

Time Limit

All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years from the date of first matriculation.

Professional Conduct

The School of Nursing reserves the right to accept and retain only those students who satisfy the requirements of scholarship and health necessary for nursing. A student who admits to or is found guilty of a violation of the American Nurses’ Association guidelines for ethical practice (see the USM School of Nursing Masters Student Handbook) is subject to suspension or dismissal from the University.

Student Appeals and Complaints

The School of Nursing follows the appeals and complaints policies in the USM Graduate Catalog. The Graduate Nursing Programs of the School of Nursing are subject to change at any time without advance notice.

Master’s in Nursing Policies (Accelerated Online)

In addition to the general policies described in the University of Southern Maine Graduate Catalog, Academic Policies chapter, specific policies for the Graduate Program in Nursing (Accelerated Online) are as follows.

Admission Credit

This credit, which has been earned at USM, must be approved by the graduate faculty prior to admission and is subject to the condition that a grade of B- or higher was earned in each individual course. No graduate courses that are older than five years will be accepted for admission credit. A maximum of six graduate credits may be approved for admission.

Transfer Credit

This credit, which has been earned at an institution other than USM, must be approved at the time of admission and a request for approval included as part of the admissions application. No graduate courses that are older than five years will be accepted for transfer credit. A maximum of nine graduate credits may be approved for transfer credit provided that a grade of B or higher was earned in each individual course. Additional transfer credit may be approved in unusual circumstances. Transfer credits will be noted on the student’s USM transcript and counted toward the student’s degree. During the course of study at the University of Southern Maine SON, students may not transfer courses from other universities to substitute for course requirements.

For each graduate course the student wishes to be considered for transfer credit, the student must:

Have submitted, as part of the application file, a transcript that indicates completion of the course under consideration for transfer, with a minimum grade of B.
Have submitted a complete syllabus (course name and number, course description and objectives, reading lists, etc.) and supporting documentation (evaluation information, papers/reports, etc.), and indicated the USM course name and number to be considered as equivalent.

The process:

The request will be reviewed by the Director of Online Nursing Programs. The director may ask for additional information from the student, including an official transcript, or consult with the previous instructor or other sources.
The director will make a decision on which courses, in any, to allow for transfer credit. The director will submit this decision to the Dean of the College of Science, Technology, and Health for final approval.
The student will be informed on the final decision as soon as it is made.
The result of the request will be documented in the student’s SON academic file, and the appropriate information will be filed in the registrar’s office and the admissions office.

General Enrollment Policies

When students have accepted admission to an Accelerated Online Graduate Nursing Program, they must matriculate in the semester for which they were accepted or they must defer their matriculation to within 1 year.

Matriculated students in the early phase of their graduate studies may choose to change their area of specialization at any time. However, please note that this will impact the anticipated graduation date as students may need to take several more courses in order to complete the required specialization courses before taking their practicum courses.

Practicum Requirements

USM Online Nursing Programs have collaborations with many healthcare agencies and universities. The Coordinator of Online Nursing Programs will facilitate students’ practicum placement but it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to find placement. Out-of-state students must contact the Coordinator at least 4 months prior to the practicum start date so an affiliation agreement with the practicum site can be established.

Professional Licensure

A copy of unencumbered RN licensure for the state in which the student practices must be on file in the School of Nursing. Students are required to maintain current registered professional nursing licensure. Students are required to notify the Coordinator of Online Nursing Programs of any change in status of their RN license.

Program Grade Policies for Accelerated Online Graduate Nursing Students

In the graduate portion of their program, students must achieve a minimum grade of B- in all required graduate courses. The first time a student earns below a B-, the course must be retaken successfully (B- or higher) to continue with program progression. A graduate course can only be retaken one time. Unsuccessful completion of the course when retaken or of a second course will result in dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program and academic withdrawal from the University.

A student will be placed on probation in any semester in which the cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 (B average). Failure to correct probationary status after one semester will result in dismissal from the program and academic withdrawal from the University. An incomplete grade in a clinical practicum course must be satisfied prior to progression to the next sequential course unless an arrangement involving the student and the faculty has been agreed to in writing. A 3.0 GPA is necessary for graduation. A cumulative GPA below 2.0 in any one semester will result in dismissal from the graduate nursing program and academic withdrawal from the university.

Continuous Enrollment

Once matriculated into the graduate program, students must be continuously enrolled in the program unless a written, formal request for a leave of absence has been submitted to and approved by the coordinator of online nursing programs. Continuous enrollment requires that every graduate student earn at least six credits toward their degree every calendar year from the time of the first registration until completion of all requirements for the graduate degree. If the continuous enrollment policy is not maintained, a letter will be sent to the student, the advisor, and the Office of Graduate Studies from the coordinator of online nursing programs.

Withdrawal Policy

Withdrawal from the University of Southern Maine (USM) may be for personal reasons on the part of the student, academic reasons as determined by the program requirements, or by administrative decision.

Student Withdrawal: To withdraw from the university the student must submit an official Withdrawal Form to the Office of Registration and Scheduling and complete an exit interview with their advisor.
Academic Withdrawal: If a student has not made satisfactory academic progress toward fulfilling degree requirements (see above), they may be withdrawn from the university.
Administrative Withdrawal: A student may be withdrawn from a particular graduate program for reasons of a professional nature as determined by the program director or department chair.

Readmission to the Program

Students dismissed for continuous enrollment and academic violations may be considered for readmission. An interview with appropriate faculty members will be required. If a student is accepted for readmission, conditions will be set on a case by case basis. Students dismissed for behavioral and professional conduct violations will not be considered for readmission.

Leave of Absence

Students may request a leave of absence. The leave of absence waives the continuous enrollment policy for a period of up to one calendar year. When a request for a leave of absence is made at midterm, USM’s current grading policies apply. Approval of the leave of absence is the responsibility of the Coordinator Online Nursing Programs. Once a decision has been made regarding the leave of absence, a letter will be sent from the Coordinator of Online Nursing Programs to the student, the Office of Graduate Studies, and the Office of Registration and Scheduling Services.

To request a leave of absence, the student must:

Have a discussion with their advisor to discuss the potential impact of the leave of absence on progression.
Collaborate with the advisor and describe the terms of the request.
Submit a written request to the Coordinator of Online Nursing Programs.
Complete and submit the Leave of Absence form that can be found on the Office of Graduate Studies website.
Confer with the Coordinator of Online Nursing Programs prior to the end of the leave of absence to ensure that they can register.

Inactivation Policy

Student admission, matriculation, or progression will be inactivated under the following conditions:

Failure to maintain continuous enrollment
Absence of written communication with the Director or Coordinator of Online Nursing Programs regarding matriculation or progression plans (e.g., no request for leave of absence)
Failure to correct probationary status

The School of Nursing will advise the Office of Registration and Scheduling Services of the student’s inactive status. A student whose file has been inactive for greater than or equal to one calendar year may be required to repeat courses or reapply for admission. Students who have been placed on inactive status must meet with the Coordinator and/or Director of Online Nursing Programs to determine what requirements must be met to activate registration.

Time Limit

All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years from the date of first matriculation.

Professional Conduct

The School of Nursing reserves the right to accept and retain only those students who satisfy the requirements of scholarship and health necessary for nursing. A student who admits to or is found guilty of a violation of the American Nurses’ Association Guidelines for Ethical Practice (see the USM School of Nursing Masters Student Handbook) is subject to suspension or dismissal from the University.

Student Appeals and Complaints

RN to Masters in Nursing Policies

Admission Credit

This credit, which has been earned at USM, must be approved by the graduate faculty prior to admission and is subject to the condition that a grade of B or higher was earned in each individual course. A maximum of six graduate credits may be approved for admission. Exceptions to the maximum credits allowed at time of admission must be approved by the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee.

Transfer Credit

This credit, which has been earned at an institution other than USM, must be approved at the time of admission and request for approval included as part of the admissions application. A maximum of nine graduate credits may be approved as transfer credit provided a grade of B or higher was earned in each individual course. Additional transfer credit may be approved in unusual circumstances.

General Enrollment Policies

When students have accepted admission to the Graduate Nursing Program they must matriculate in the semester for which they were accepted or they will be withdrawn from the program.

Students enrolled in the RN to Master of Science Degree Program must successfully complete all of the undergraduate requirements before starting their graduate course of study. If students in this program choose to complete the RN to BS Undergraduate Nursing Program, they will be withdrawn from the Graduate Nursing Program. Students may then reapply to the Graduate Nursing Program once they have successfully completed the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing.

Matriculated students in the early phase of their graduate studies may choose to change their area of specialization prior to starting the specialty core. Transfer of major into a specialty other than identified at the time of matriculation is dependent on availability. Once graduate students have started in the theory/clinical sequence of their specialty concentration, no changes will be permitted.

Professional Licensure

Prior to starting NUR 419, a copy of unencumbered RN licensure must be on file in the School of Nursing. Students are required to maintain current registered professional nursing licensure. Students are required to notify the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing of any change in status of their RN license.

Program Grade Policies

In the undergraduate portion of their program, students in the RN-MS Program must achieve a minimum grade of B- in all NUR, CON, statistics, and pathophysiology designated undergraduate courses. If students earn below a B-, they may retake the course one time; however, they will be placed on probation and may not progress to graduate courses. Failure to correct probationary status after one semester will result in dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program and academic withdrawal from the University.

In the Master’s portion of their program, students must achieve a minimum grade of B- for all required graduate courses. The first time a student earns below a B-, the course must be retaken successfully (B- or higher) to continue with program progression. A graduate course can only be retaken one time. Unsuccessful completion of the course retaken or of a second course will result in dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program and academic withdrawal from the University. If the course in which a grade below a B- has been earned has a concurrent clinical practicum, progression in the theory/clinical practicum sequence stops. A grade of B- or better must be achieved in the course that is repeated before the theory/practice course sequence resumes.

Because of the interrelatedness of clinical practicum and theory courses, the following policies apply:

If a student fails a clinical practicum but passes the concurrent theory course (B- or higher), the student must repeat the clinical practicum within one calendar year. If more than one calendar year elapses between failing and repeating the required clinical practicum, the student will be required to retake the concurrent theory course.
If a student fails a theory course (C+ or lower) but passes the concurrent clinical practicum, and the student retakes the theory course within one calendar year, the student will be required to perform eight hours of clinical a week and attend the weekly clinical seminar. If more than one calendar year elapses between failing a required theory course and retaking it, the clinical course must be repeated in its entirety.
Students who fail any of the concurrent clinical practicum or theory courses cannot proceed to the next clinical practicum and theory course sequence until the failed course has been successfully retaken.

The student will be placed on probation in any semester in which the cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 (B average). Failure to correct probationary status after one semester will result in dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program and academic withdrawal from the University. An incomplete grade in a clinical practicum and/or concurrent theory course must be satisfied prior to progression to the next sequential course unless an arrangement involving the student and the faculty of both courses has been agreed to in writing. A 3.0 GPA is necessary for graduation. Students may only count three credits of C in an elective toward graduation. A cumulative GPA below 2.0 in any one semester will result in dismissal from the Graduate Nursing Program and academic withdrawal from the University.

The Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee and program faculty reserve the right to review a student’s record to make recommendations regarding progression.

Continuous Enrollment

Leave of Absence

Students in the graduate program may request a leave of absence. The leave of absence waives the continuous enrollment policy for a period of up to one calendar year. When a request for a leave of absence is made at midterm, USM’s current grading policies apply. Approval of the leave of absence is the responsibility of the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing or the Chairperson of the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee. Once a decision has been made regarding the leave of absence, a letter will be sent from the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing to the student, the advisor, the Office of Graduate Studies, and the Office of Registration and Scheduling Services. To request a leave of absence, the student must: Meet with their advisor to discuss the potential impact of the leave of absence on progression. Collaborate with the advisor and describe the terms of the request. Submit a written request to the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing or Chairperson of the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee with a copy to the advisor. Complete and submit the Leave of Absence form that can be found on the Office of Graduate Studies website. Confer with the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing prior to the end of the leave of absence to ensure that he/she can register.

Inactivation Policy

Student admission, matriculation, or progression will be inactivated under the following conditions:

Failure to maintain continuous enrollment
Absence of written communication with the advisor and Coordinator of Graduate Nursing regarding matriculation/progression plans (e.g., no request for leave of absence)
Failure to correct probationary status

Time Limit

All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years from the date of first matriculation.

Professional Conduct

Student Appeals and Complaints

The School of Nursing follows the academic appeals and complaints policies in the USM Graduate Catalog.

The Graduate Nursing Programs of the School of Nursing are subject to change at any time without advance notice.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Policies In addition to the general policies described in the University of Southern Maine Graduate Catalog, Academic Policies chapter, specific policies for the DNP Program are as follows.

Admission Credit

This credit, which has been earned at USM prior to matriculation, must be approved by graduate faculty prior to admission and is subject to the condition that a grade of B or higher was earned in each individual course. No graduate courses that are older than five years will be accepted for admission credit. The prerequisite graduate course in statistics will not be accepted for admission credit if older than five years at time of admission. A maximum of six graduate credits may be approved for admission. Exceptions to the maximum credits allowed at time of admission must be approved by the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee.

Transfer Credit

This credit, which has been earned at an institution other than USM, must be approved at the time of admission and request for approval included as part of the admission application. No graduate courses that are older than five years will be accepted for transfer credit. The prerequisite graduate course in statistics will not be accepted for transfer credit if older than five years at time of admission. A maximum of nine credits may be approved as transfer credit provided a grade of B or higher was earned in each individual course. Transfer credits will be noted on the student’s USM transcript and counted toward the student’s degree. For each graduate course the student wishes to be considered for transfer credit, the student must:

Have completed the course no more than five years prior to beginning doctoral study in nursing at USM.
Have submitted, as part of the application file, a transcript that indicates completion of the course under consideration for transfer, with a minimum grade of B.
Have submitted a complete syllabus (course name and number, course description and objectives, reading lists, etc.) and supporting documentation (evaluation information, papers/reports, etc.), and indicated the USM course name and number to be considered as equivalent.

The request will be reviewed by the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee and referred to the faculty designee who has expertise in the area of instruction. The faculty designee may ask for additional information from the student, including an official transcript, or consult with the previous instructor or other sources.

The faculty designee will then make a recommendation to the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee, and the committee members will vote to determine whether the course(s) is/are considered equivalent.

The student will be informed of the decision by the Chairperson of the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee.

The result of the request will be documented in the student’s School of Nursing academic file, and the appropriate information will be filed in the Office of Registration and Scheduling Services.

General Enrollment Policies

When students have accepted admission to the DNP Program, they must matriculate in the semester for which they were accepted or they will be withdrawn from the program.

Clinical Requirements

Professional Licensure

Prior to starting advanced practice clinical specialty courses, a copy of unencumbered RN licensure and National/State Certification in Advanced Practice Specialty (if applicable) must be on file in the School of Nursing. Once a student is matriculated into the DNP program they are required to notify the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing of any change in status of their RN license or state/national certification.

Program Grade Policies

In the doctoral program, all students must achieve a grade of B or higher in all required courses. The first time a student earns below a B, the course must be retaken successfully (B or higher) to continue with program progression. A course can only be retaken one time. Unsuccessful completion of the course retaken or of a second course will result in dismissal from the DNP Program and academic withdrawal from the University.

The student will be placed on probation in any semester in which the cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 (B average). Failure to correct probationary status after one semester will result in dismissal from the DNP Program and academic withdrawal from the University. An incomplete grade in a prerequisite course must be satisfied prior to progression to the next sequential course unless an arrangement involving the student and the faculty of both courses has been agreed to in writing. A 3.25 GPA is necessary for graduation. Students may only count three credits of B- in an elective toward graduation. A cumulative GPA below 2.67 (B-) in any one semester will result in dismissal from the DNP program and academic withdrawal from the University.

The Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee and program faculty reserve the right to review a student’s record to make recommendations regarding progression.

Continuous Enrollment

Once matriculated into the DNP program, students must be continuously enrolled in the program unless a written, formal request for a leave of absence has been submitted to and approved by the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing or the Chairperson of the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee. Continuous enrollment requires that every doctoral student earn at least six credits toward their degree every calendar year from the time of the first registration until completion of all requirements for the doctoral degree. If the continuous enrollment policy is not maintained, a letter will be sent to the student, the advisor, and the Office of Graduate Studies from the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing.

Leave of Absence

Doctoral students may request a leave of absence. The leave of absence waives the continuous enrollment policy for a period of up to one calendar year. When a request for a leave of absence is made at midterm, USM’s current grading policies apply. Approval of the leave of absence is the responsibility of the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing or the Chairperson of the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee. Once a decision has been made regarding the leave of absence, a letter will be sent from the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing to the student, the advisor, the Office of Graduate Studies, and the Office of Registration and Scheduling Services.

To request a leave of absence, the student must:

Meet with their advisor to discuss the potential impact of the leave of absence on progression.
Collaborate with the advisor and describe the terms of the request.
Submit a written request to the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing or Chairperson of the Nursing Graduate Curriculum, Admissions, and Advancement Committee with a copy to the advisor.
Complete and submit the Leave of Absence form that can be found on the Office of Graduate Studies website.
Confer with the Coordinator of Graduate Nursing prior to the end of the leave of absence to ensure that he/she can register.

Inactivation Policy

Student admission, matriculation, or progression will be inactivated under the following conditions:

Failure to maintain continuous enrollment.
Absence of written communication with the advisor and Coordinator of Graduate Nursing regarding matriculation and progression plans (e.g., no request for leave of absence).
Failure to correct probationary status.

Time Limit

All requirements for the degree must be completed within six years from the date of first matriculation.

Professional Conduct

Student Appeals and Complaints

The School of Nursing follows the appeals and complaints policies in the USM Graduate Catalog.

The DNP Program of the School of Nursing is subject to change at any time without advance notice.