CHED Memorandum Order No. 5 Series of 2008

CHED MEMORANDUM ORDER (CMO)No. 5Series of 2008SUBJECT: POLICIES AND STANDARDS FOR BACHELOROF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN) PROGRAM

In accordance with pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 7722, otherwiseknown as the Higher Education Act of 1994 and pursuant to Commission en BancResolution No. 93-2008 dated March 10, 2008 and for the purpose of rationalizingNursing Education in the country in order to provide relevant and quality health serviceslocally and internationally, the following policies and standards for Bachelor of Science inNursing (BSN) program are hereby adopted and promulgated by the Commission.

ARTICLE IINTRODUCTION

Section 1

. A person is a unique bio-psycho-socio-cultural and spiritual being,always in constant interaction with the environment. These interactions affect individuals,families, population groups and societal health status.The nurse assumes the caring role in the promotion of health, prevention of diseases, restoration of health, alleviation of suffering and, when recovery is notpossible, in assisting patients towards peaceful death. The nurse collaborates with other members of the health team and other sectors to achieve quality healthcare. Moreover,the nurse works with the individuals, families, population groups, community and societyin ensuring active participation in the delivery of holistic healthcare.Within the context of the Philippine society, nursing education with

caring

as itsfoundation, subscribes to the following core values which are vital components in thedevelopment of a professional nurse and are emphasized in the BSN program:1.1 Love of God1.2 Caring as the core of nursinga. Compassionb. Competencec. Confidenced. Consciencee. Commitment (commitment to a culture of excellence, discipline,integrity and professionalism)1

1.3 Love of Peoplea. Respect for the dignity of each

person regardless of creed, color,gender and political affiliation.

1.4 Love of Countrya. Patriotism (Civic duty, social responsibility and good governance)b. Preservation and enrichment of the environment and cultureheritageA strong liberal arts and sciences education with a transdisciplinary approach,enhances this belief. The BSN program therefore, aims to prepare a nurse who, uponcompletion of the program, demonstrates beginning professional competencies and shallcontinue to assume responsibility for professional development and utilizes researchfindings in the practice of the profession. The following are the Key Areas of Responsibility for which the nurse should demonstrate competence:1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.Safe and quality nursing careManagement of resources and environmentHealth educationLegal responsibilityEthico-moral responsibilityPersonal and professional developmentQuality improvementResearch

Record Management10. Communication

11. Collaboration and teamwork

ARTICLE IIAUTHORITY TO OPERATESection 2

. All private higher education institutions (PHEIs) intending to offer theBachelor of Science in Nursing program must first secure proper authority from theCommission in accordance with existing rules and regulations. State universities andcolleges (SUCs) and local colleges and universities (LCUs) should strictly adhere to theprovisions of these policies and standards.The BSN program should be offered by HEIs with strong liberal arts education,offering at least six (6) baccalaureate programs, preferably in a university-based setting.In the case of colleges and universities with less than six (6) baccalaureate programofferings, a Memorandum of Agreement [MOA] shall be entered between and amonghigher education institutions with strong liberal arts education [e.g. BS Math, ABPsychology, BS Biology, AB English, BS Engineering, BS Economics] or hire qualifiedfaculty to teach the General Education courses.2

ARTICLE IIIPROGRAM SPECIFICATIONSSection 3

.

Degree Name.

The degree name shall be Bachelor of Science inNursing (BSN). To ensure the quality of the nursing graduate, the degree is conferredupon completion of at least four-year BSN program offered in a college or university dulyrecognized by the Commission on Higher Education.

Section 4.

Program Description.

The BSN is a four-year program consisting of general education and professionalcourses. Professional courses begin in the first year and threads through thedevelopment of competencies up the fourth year level. The BSN program provides anintensive nursing practicum that will refine clinical skills from the first year level to ensurebasic clinical competencies required of a beginning nurse practitioner.4.1 Objective: The BSN program aims to produce a fully functioning nurse who isable to perform the competencies under each of the Key Areas of Responsibility asenumerated in Article IV Section 5 herein.4.2 Specific Careers/Professions/Occupations. Graduates of this program asbeginning nurse practitioner may pursue the following career paths but not limited to:a. Clinical Nursing

b. Community Health Nursingc. Private-duty Nursingd. Occupational Health Nursinge. School Nursingf. Military Nursingg. Health Educationh. Researchi. Entrepreneurship4.3 Allied Programs. The BSN program is allied to the following health relatedprograms:a. Medicineb. Dentistryc. Optometryd. Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapye. Pharmacyf. Public Healthg. Medical Technologyh. Radiologic Technologyi. Respiratory Therapy j. Nutrition and Dieteticsk. Midwiferyl. Speech Pathology3