Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BSN

The College of Nursing offers two paths to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): a prelicensure program for students who do not hold a nursing license (see the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in this section of the catalog) and a program for registered nurses (see Nursing–RN in this section of the catalog).

The BSN programs prepare students for careers caring for patients in hospitals and in community agencies such as public health services, schools, homes, and industries. They also provide a base for graduate study in nursing.

In addition to combining general education with specialized career preparation, the University of Iowa programs in nursing offer the advantage of full participation in the social, cultural, and recreational activities of a highly diverse campus community. A university education enables students to prepare for a career as well as a life of thought and action informed by knowledge, introspection, and contemplation.

The BSN programs provide a basis for nurses' roles in wellness and health promotion, in acute care, and in long-term care for chronic illness. The professional nurse may provide care to individuals, families, groups, and communities along a continuum of health, illness, and disability in any sector of the health care system.

In addition to providing care, the nurse serves as a coordinator of health care by organizing and facilitating the delivery of comprehensive, efficient, and appropriate service to individuals, families, groups, and communities. The nurse demonstrates the ability to conceptualize the total continuing health needs of the patient, including legal and ethical aspects of care. The University of Iowa programs' goal is to produce graduates who are competent, committed, creative, and compassionate.

Expenses and Insurance

Students pay University of Iowa student fees throughout the BSN program. They must purchase uniforms, shoes, a stethoscope, and a watch with a full-sweep second hand, and they must pay the cost of computer testing, supplies, and materials for required nursing courses. All nursing students arrange and pay for their own health screening requirements, health insurance, and transportation once they are enrolled in clinical nursing courses. They also pay fees that cover the cost of criminal background checks, laboratory equipment, professional liability insurance, and simulation.

Mandatory Health Insurance

BSN prelicensure students upon admission to the College of Nursing and each August afterward must provide verification that they have obtained and currently hold health insurance that satisfies the following minimal standards of coverage (or an equivalent alternative health care plan):

  • $250,000 lifetime benefit;
  • coverage for hospitalization, including coverage for room and board, physician visits, surgeon services, X-ray, and lab services;
  • inpatient deductible under an individual policy not exceeding $500 per admission and a 20% copayment/coinsurance requirement; and
  • coverage for medically necessary care, including physician services, X-ray, and lab services for the treatment of emergencies, illness, accident, and injury.

Professional Liability Insurance

All students in the College of Nursing are required to carry professional liability insurance throughout the duration of their program. Agencies that provide clinical practicums for College of Nursing programs require that students have insurance coverage. BSN prelicensure students and nursing–RN students are covered by a group policy supported by student fees.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) will be able to:

  • ensure delivery of safe, quality nursing care to diverse individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations throughout the lifespan and across systems of care;
  • integrate theoretical and scientific knowledge gained from natural and social sciences, and culture, society, and the liberal arts into nursing;
  • demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills across systems of care to promote quality health outcomes;
  • use the best evidence from multiple ways of knowing to inform practice to make clinical judgments, solve problems, and address system improvements;
  • use effective interprofessional communication and collaboration strategies to promote quality health outcomes;
  • apply health promotion and disease prevention strategies to diverse individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations to promote quality health outcomes; and
  • demonstrate professional values fundamental to the discipline of nursing.