Special Requirements for Masters Entry Option (M.E.O.) Degree Students

These requirements are based on what is required for generalist and advanced practice preparation. These requirements include:

Mental and Physical Qualifications for Professional Nursing

Please be advised that there are minimum entry qualifications to professional nursing practice. Typically, all nursing employers set up minimal physical and mental standards for employment as a registered nurse. The University of San Francisco wishes to inform prospective students of the general nature of such qualifications, although qualifications may vary among employers. Further, the University of San Francisco wishes to assist applicants in meeting all essential qualifications. Applicants should assess their own capabilities for nursing prior to entering the profession of nursing as a graduate. Thus, the following are MINIMUM mental and physical qualifications for admission of applicants to a professional nursing program:

1. Frequently work in a standing position and do frequent walking.
2. Lift and transfer patient up to 6 inches from a stooped position, then push or pull the weight up to 3 feet.
3. Lift and transfer patient from a stooped position to an upright position to accomplish bed-to-chair and chair-to-bed transfers.
4. Physically apply up to 10 pounds of pressure to bleeding sites, or in performing CPR.
5. Respond and react immediately to auditory impediments.
6. Physically perform up to a twelve hour clinical laboratory experience.
7. Perform close and distance visual activities involving objects, persons, and paperwork, as well as discriminate depth and color perception.
8. Discriminate between sharp/dull and hot/cold when using hands.
9. Perform mathematical calculation for medication preparation and administration.
10. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and word usage.
11. Make appropriate and timely decisions under stressful situations.

All students in the School of Nursing are expected to meet these qualifications and successfully complete other course requirements. Individuals applying for admission to the School of Nursing should consider their eligibility in light of these qualifications and assess their ability to meet these qualifications.

In carrying out the nondiscrimination policy of the School of Nursing with regard to students and applicants with disabilities, the school will endeavor to make reasonable modifications and otherwise reasonably accommodate students and applicants with disabilities. Students with disabilities should consider their ability to meet the above qualifications with reasonable accommodation. Any requests for accommodation will be evaluated by nursing faculty, with representation from outside the USF School of Nursing as appropriate.

Conviction of a Crime

Students must be aware that to be eligible to take the NCLEX RN Exam, they are required under law to report ALL misdemeanor and felony convictions. "Driving under the influence" convictions must also be reported. Convictions must be reported even if they have been expunged under Penal Code 1203.4 or even if a court ordered diversion program has been completed under Penal Code Section 1000.

Eligibility to sit for the NCLEX RN exam is determined by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Consideration is given to the nature and severity of the offense, additional subsequent acts, recency of acts or crimes, compliance with court sanctions, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Progression

Any graduate student who earns a B- in any course will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation who fail to raise their cumulative grade point average to 3.0 by the time they have completed the next six (6) semester hours of graduate work are subject to disqualification from the program. Students who earn two failures (grade B- or below in theory courses) or one unsatisfactory (grade of U in clinical or practicum courses) are disqualified from the nursing program.

The University of San Francisco School of Nursing reserves the right to add, amend, or cancel any of its programs, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures, in whole or in part, at such time as it may choose and for any reason. None shall be construed as, operate as, or have the effect of an abridgment or limitation of any rights, powers, or privileges of the University of San Francisco School of Nursing. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in the publications. Students are advised, however, that such information is subject to change without notice and they should consult with the Office of the Dean of the School of Nursing for current information. Information in this Publication does not constitute a contract between the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and a student or an applicant for submission.