Accreditation

Russell Sage College is accredited by the Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education. The Department of Nursing is a member agency of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, the National League for Nursing, and the Council of Deans of Nursing in Senior Colleges and Universities in New York State. The baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in nursing at Russell Sage College are accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, D.C., 20036, (202) 887-6791. All nursing programs are registered with the New York State Education Department.

The Nursing program has been a participant in the John A. Hartford Foundation Baccalaureate Program Partner for dissemination of Best Nursing Practices in Care for Older Adults.

Mission

The Mission Statement of the Department of Nursing is to provide and promote baccalaureate, graduate, and doctoral nursing education in an environment that emphasizes the development of individuals as professional nurses with a vision of their own power, and a clear sense of self and their professional role. The department endeavors to prepare graduates who are critical thinkers, who utilize, transmit, and develop new knowledge through systematic models of scholarly inquiry, and who demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning. Preparation for excellence in nursing practice is achieved through the integration of arts and sciences, humanistic concern for the health and well-being of others, and an awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity in a pluralistic society. Russell Sage College strives to prepare graduates who are assertive and practice client advocacy, enabling clients to maximize their own potential. The global and technological context in which the nursing profession continues to evolve is emphasized, with the expectation that our graduates will assume leadership roles as both professionals and citizens striving to influence health care delivery, nursing education, and the welfare of society.

Program Characteristics

The program emphasizes faculty advisement and program planning. The nursing program leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree may be completed by full- or part-time study. Transfer students may complete the program in 5 semesters (minimum of 21 months), depending on the number of prerequisites that they have completed. Nursing student scholarships and loans are available. Professional courses start in the freshman or sophomore year and continue through the senior year. Clinical experiences are available at Capital District agencies such as  Albany Medical Center; St. Peter’s Health Care; Albany Stratton VA Health Center; Visiting Nurses Associations; Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer County Health Departments; the Capital District Psychiatric Center; Bellevue Women’s Center; Seton Health System; Ellis Hospital;  Northeast Health; and a variety of other health agencies.

Academic Standards

The Nursing Department requires the following academic standards:

  • For all students, the overall cumulative gradepoint average (GPA) must meet the college standards.
  • Admission to the Nursing program, either as a new student to the College or as a continuing student declaring Nursing as a new major, requires a cumulative GPA of 3.000 for all coursework required for the Nursing program.
  • Students must maintain a major GPA of 3.000 to progress in the Nursing Program.*
    • * Nursing GPA includes all nursing and required support courses.
  • Student progress in the Nursing program is reviewed at the end of each semester by the program’s undergraduate Academic Standards Committee.
  • A student whose nursing cumulative GPA is below a 3.000 may be put on probation in the Nursing major for the next semester and will not be permitted to progress in her Nursing course sequence.
  • Students will not be permitted to begin any NSG courses without a major GPA of 3.000 in her required supporting courses.

Failure to meet academic standards and/or probation requirements may result in dismissal from the Nursing program (i.e., students will be required to select a different major if they wish to continue at Sage).

Students must receive a grade of “C” or higher (2.000) in all nursing courses.

Policies related to Academic Standards such as probation, dismissal, and readmission and the Code of Conduct can be found, in detail, in the Nursing Department Student Handbook. Appeals of decisions by the Academic Standards Committee may be made by submitting a written petition to the coordinator of the BS program. 

Clinical Laboratory Requirements

Students are responsible for providing their own transportation for clinical experiences. Students are required to carry liability insurance and have a current physical examination including immunizations and titers. Hepatitis B immunization is required prior to clinical experience. This health clearance is required for each clinical semester. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is required of all students before entering sophomore clinical courses and must be current for all clinical courses. Students may not attend clinical unless cleared and are responsible for costs incurred for clinical make-up related to not meeting these requirements. A $40.00 fine will be assessed to students whose health clearance information is not received in the Nursing Department in a timely manner. Students are financially responsible for costs associated with learning modules, standardized tests, and certain laboratory experiences/equipment. ATI (Assessment Technology Institute) is a company that provides audio and video remediation materials. Fees for ATI will be assessed on tuition bills at three levels; when registered for NSG 201, NSG 323, and NSG 405.

Current Sage Students Who Wish to Request a Major Change to Nursing

Admission to the Nursing program as a continuing student declaring Nursing as a new major requires a cumulative GPA of 3.000 for all coursework required for the Nursing program. Requests for major changes to Nursing are only reviewed twice a year, at the end of the fall and spring terms. Sage students must contact the Offices of Academic Advising for more details on this process. Note: qualified candidates may be denied admission to the program if space is not available.

Graduates of Baccalaureate or Associate Degree Programs or Transfer Students

A person with an earned baccalaureate or associate degree - in a discipline outside of nursing - may enroll in the Nursing program, transferring in up to a maximum total of 66 credits.

Graduates of Registered Nurse Programs

A Registered Nurse (RN) who has matriculated at Russell Sage College prior to Spring 2003 may complete the Bachelor of Science degree, with advanced standing. Advanced standing is granted for the successful completion of examinations or by validation from approved courses taken at other colleges. Registered nurses earn a BS degree on a full-time or part-time basis. The program features scheduling so that the students may continue employment. Registered nurses interested in beginning baccalaureate coursework should apply to the Russell Sage College RN/BS program in Sage’s School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE). A nursing student works closely with a nursing advisor to plan the program of study.

 

 

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

NSG 508: Research Methods

Class Program

The course focuses on the philosophical and theoretical based approaches to research methods and developing skill in utilization of the literature (reading, critiquing, and understanding for application).  Research utilization, evidence-based practice, the development process of a research idea and supporting research strategies are integrated as the basis for the study of quantitative and qualitative methodology.  Concepts of measurement and utilization of appropriate statistical methods and approaches are examined. The exploration of various forms of research methodology, research designs, sampling methodology, instrumentation and measurement, data collection, validity and reliability, ethical considerations, as well as the development of research questions and research proposals are explored.  This course is required as a foundational course for the advanced practice nursing research role.

NSG 557: Group Processes Across the Lifespan in Health Care

Class Program

Concepts of group dynamics, therapeutic group approaches, and facilitative leadership styles in working with clients across the lifespan and/or staff are integrated. Emphasis is on the utilization of the theoretical and research literature or group processes in clinical practice. Experiential learning related to task groups, self-actualization groups, and therapy groups which facilitates self-growth, optimal group membership behaviors, and leadership skills is incorporated.  Offered spring only.

NSG 558: Paradigms & Persp Adv Prac Nsg

Class Program
Analysis of the advanced practice role with emphasis on the knowledge of the discipline and the skills necessary to enact the role of the advanced practice nurse. Students become acculturated to the advanced art and science of nursing which enables them to identify their practice paradigm, work within a variety of practice theories, and communicate within the language of the discipline. This course serves to introduce students to the graduate program in nursing and helps students identify their chosen program of study.

NSG 559: Nursing in Sociopolitical Env

Class Program
Analysis of the sociopolitical environment of the nursing system as it relates to the evolving health care system and the broad social and global environment. Students synthesize advance practice role expectations through a critical examination of contemporary theory, macro system trends, emerging health care policy, and selected nursing issues. The analysis includes evidence of understanding the historical and political roots of nursing practice.

NSG 599: Nurse Practitioner Role Preparation

Class Program

This course presents the nurse practitioner student with selected clinical diagnostic laboratory and imaging tests and selected procedures practiced by nurse practitioners across practice settings. Clinical decision making & differential diagnosis for selecting appropriate tests or procedures, and interpretation of diagnostic test results is addressed. Students will use evidence-based research to appropriately collect, assess, interpret, and manage objective diagnostic clinical data to diagnose common health problems across the lifespan. This course builds on previous knowledge of basic microbiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical experience. Simulation including case studies provides opportunities for students to apply critical thinking skills and diagnostic reasoning and practice advanced clinical procedures.

NSG 606: Theory/Practice Psychotherapeutics Across the Lifespan

Class Program

Analysis of major practice models used in counseling and pychotherapy of clients in brief treatment (psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, person-centered, existential, reality, crisis, spirituality, multi-cultural, and bio-psychosocial). These models have application in mental health promotion, mental illness intervention, bereavement, palliative care, and coping with acute or chronic medical disorders

NSG 610: Family Processes

Class Program

Analysis of major concepts of family dynamics and processes. Overview of assessment tools and intervention strategies with application to selected target populations.

NSG 611: Research Seminar

Class Program

The purpose of this course is twofold.  The first objective is to provide students with basic applied computing and statistical skills necessary for conducting nursing/health research and data analysis, via SPSS assignments.  The second objective is for students to apply that knowledge to their research proposals for their final poster presentation.

NSG 615: Diagnostic Mental Health Assessment & Intervention

Class Program

Assessment of and interventions with clients with mental health problems. Short-term interventions and measurable outcomes within a managed-care environment are addressed. Critical thinking skills emphasized in making differential diagnoses of mental illnesses. Experiential opportunities provided to assess and diagnose mental illnesses.

NSG 619: Diagnostic Health Assessment

Class Program

Focus in on the development of diagnostic health assessment skills and recording methods used by the Nurse Practitioner. Content includes critical thinking skills necessary for differential diagnosis, rationales for intervention, special techniques, and interpretations of exams and laboratory data including diagnostic studies to make differential diagnoses of health problems.

Prerequisites

1 year RN experience (2000 Hrs)

NSG 621A: Adult & Geriatric Care - Theory

Class Program

Theoretical and practical basis of advanced family nursing practice in primary care with a focus on the mature and aging family is the focus of this course. Acute, episodic, and chronic health problems of this population are studied. Illness assessment and interventions are examined with ethical and legal implication within a multicultural population for individuals and aggregates. Research, collaboration and use of both medical and social resources are incorporated, with the focus on critical evaluation of the whole person within the family setting.  Offered fall and spring.

Portions of this course will be delivered online.  

Prerequisites

BIO 560, NSG 619, NSG 622

NSG 621B: Adult & Geriatric Care - Practicum

Class Program

Advanced nursing practice in primary care especially with the mature and aging family is the focus of this course.  Acute and chronic health problems of the adult and geriatric population are studied in the clinical setting.  Illness assessment and interventions are examined with ethical and legal implications within a multicultural population for individuals that are seen in the clinical setting.  Research, collaboration, and use of both medical and social resources are incorporated, with the focus on critical evaluation of the whole person within the family setting.  (4 seminars and 200 hours precepted clinical experience in adult health primary care setting)

NSG 622: Advanced Pharmacology

Class Program

This course is an in-depth study of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics therapy of broad categories of drugs. This course focuses on the treatment and management of common conditions and diseases across the lifespan encountered by the advanced practice nurse in acute and chronic care.  Students will develop skill in the use of pharmacotherapeutic agents in a safe, high quality, cost-effective manner, based on current evidence and guidelines. Legal, technical and ethical aspects of prescription preparation are included and meet the licensure requirement for NYS Prescription and Recordkeeping.

NSG 623: Ind Study in Adv Clin Nsg Prac

Class Program

Precepted clinical experience and scholarly activities designed to develop the high level competence of the family or adult-geriatric primary care nurse practitioner.  240 hours of practicum.

Prerequisites

NSG 621B; either NSG 646 or NSG 661

NSG 624: Advanced Psychopharmacology

Class Program

In-depth study of pharmaco dynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs used in treating mental disorders. The course is an extension of NSG 622, Advanced Pharmacology. Restricted to matriculated graduate nursing students.

Advising Note

Take BIO-584;

Prerequisite Courses

NSG 636: Health, Healing, & Self Care

Class Program

This course provides analyses and applications of models for healing, health promotion and protection, and self-care used in advanced nursing practice and evidence-based research. Design and implementation of nursing interventions and selected complimentary, alternative and integrative therapies (CAM) which facilitate lifestyle changes across the lifespan.  The nurse-client role, including nurse as coach, is applied. The impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) and health literacy related to prevention, self-care, and health promotion are examined.

NSG 642: Acute Care Nurse Prac Role

Class Program

Knowledge and application of the advanced practitioner in direct role as clinician and case manager, indirect role as educator, researcher, and consultant. Course content includes analysis of health policy, organizational change, legislative and economic trends which influence health care delivery and impact the legal, ethical regulatory, fiscal, and professional activities related to acute care nurse practitioner practice.

NSG 643: Adv Role Practicum I

Class Program
This course focuses on utilization of critical thinking skills in clinical decision making in a collaborative professional environment with the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner as the principal manager of care for a select group of adult clients. Seminars focus on common problems encountered by client with acute illnesses and/or acute exacerbation of chronic illnesses related to pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine conditions and the impact on quality of life with regards to ethnicity, culture, age, and gender.
Advising Note
Take NSG-619 NSG-622 NSG-636 NSG-642;
Prerequisites

NSG 622, 636, 619,642

NSG 644: Advanced Role Practicum II

Class Program

This course focuses on utilization of critical thinking skills in clinical decision making in a collaborative acute care practice environment with the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) as the principal manager of care.  The theoretical content and clinical practicum focus on the diagnosis of problems encountered by Adult and Geriatric clients with complex acute, critical illness and/or acute exacerbation of chronic illness related to conditions and the impact on their quality of life with regard to the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Health Disparities (HD) and the role of the AGACNP based on the 2008 Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification, and Education (LACE); AACN/NONPF Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric Acute Care NP Competencies (2021), and Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies Content (2017). A clinical practicum includes 250 hours with a nurse practitioner preceptor to develop and apply critical thinking and advanced AGACNP nurse practitioner skills in assessing and diagnosing, managing and evaluating care of the Adult and Geriatric clients with complex acute, critical and chronic illness.

NSG 645: Adult Geriatric Healthcare Theory

Class Program

The focus of this course is the theoretical basis of geriatric nursing practice in primary care with a focus on young-old, old-old and frail medically complex populations. Acute, episodic, chronic health problems, as well health promoting activities, are studied.  Illness assessment and interventions are examined with ethical and legal implications within multicultural populations for individuals and aggregates. Research, collaboration, and the use of both medical and social resources are incorporated, with the focus on critical evaluation of the geriatric patient within the family, community, and long-term setting. The goal of the adult/geriatric NP is to utilize evidence in practice designed to improve quality of care, patient safety, and health outcomes. Synchronous fully online delivered course theory.

NSG 646: Geriatric Health: Clinical Seminar Practicum

Class Program

The focus of this class is the practical basis of care of the older adult in primary care with emphasis on the aging patient (young old, old-old).  Acute, episodic, and chronic health problems in primary care are practiced in a geriatric clinical setting.  Illness assessments and interventions are examined with ethical and legal implications within a multicultural population for individuals and aggregates.  Research, collaboration, and use of both medical and social resources are incorporated, with the focus on critical evaluation of the geriatric client within the family, community, and long-term care setting.  The goal of the A/G NP is the utilization of evidence-based research in the geriatric practice designed to improve the quality of care, patient safety, and health outcomes.  This course includes 150 faculty supervised clinically precepted clinical hours in a setting that provides care to the geriatric population.  (2.0 Clinical, 1.0 Theory)  Synchronous online delivered course.

NSG 649: Transforming Advanced Practice Roles

Class Program

This course synthesizes the practice, leadership, management, research, and teaching knowledge into role application for functioning in the dynamic health care environment. The future trends in health care impact this role and the fulfillment of the role depth, competence, cohesiveness, and flexibility across the health care continuum. Theories from administration, management, economics, consultation, and teaching, with emphasis on initiation of change and delivery system trends will be explored.  Students will work in groups across nursing specialties to develop evidence based collaborative projects.

NSG 656: Fam PMHNP Prac Child/Adol

Class Program
Credits 3

This course includes both classroom and clinical practicum experience.  The emphasis is on psychotherapeutic and prescriptive practice in working with children and adolescents with diverse cultures in the treatment modalities of individual, group, and family.  Additionally, the interrelationships of ethical considerations and contemporary issues and trends regarding advanced practice, and inter-professional and patient outcomes relative to quality improvement and system changes are discussed.  Prerequisites:  NSG 557, 606, 615, 619, 622, 624

NSG 657: Fam PMHNP Prac Adult/Geri

Class Program
Credits 3

This course includes both classroom and clinical practicum experience. The emphasis is on psychotherapeutic and prescriptive practice in working with adults and geriatric clients with diverse cultures in the treatment modalities of individual, group, and family. Additionally, the interrelationships of ethical considerations and contemporary issues and trends regarding advanced practice, and inter-professional and patient outcomes relative to quality improvement and system changes are discussed. Prerequisite: NSG 557, 606, 610, 615, 619, 622, 624

NSG 660: Women & Children's Health: Theory

Class Program

Family Nurse Practitioners care for women, infant, growing child, and adolescent throughout the life span. Theoretical focus includes epidemiological selection of most commonly encountered health problems, advanced health assessment and therapeutic interventions using biomedical and advanced nursing models. Focus is on the management of client/family health and illness, teaching/counseling, healing and monitoring, and ensuring the quality of care.

NSG 661: Women & Children's Health: Internship

Class Program

Family Nurse Practitioners care for women, infant, growing child, and adolescent throughout the life span. Clinical experience includes epidemiological selection of most commonly encountered health problems, advanced health assessment and therapeutic interventions using biomedical and advanced nursing models. Focus is on the management of client/family health and illness, teaching/counseling healing and monitoring, and ensuring the quality of care.