Republic of the Philippines

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION

CHED MEMORANDUM ORDER (CMO)No. 14Series of 2009SUBJECT: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. 170 dated April 19, 2009, and for the purpose of rationalizing NursingEducation in the country to provide relevant and quality health services locally andinternationally, the following policies and standards for Bachelor of Science in Nursing(BSN) program are hereby adopted and promulgated by the Commission.

ARTICLE IINTRODUCTIONSection 1

. A person is a unique bio-psycho-socio-cultural and spiritual being whois always in constant interaction with the environment. These interactions affectindividuals, families, population groups and societal health status.The nurse assumes the caring role in the promotion and restoration of health,prevention of diseases, alleviation of suffering and, when recovery is not possible, inassisting patients towards a peaceful death. The nurse also collaborates with other members of the health team and other sectors to achieve quality healthcare. Moreover,the nurse works with individuals, families, population groups, communities and society,as a whole, in ensuring active participation in the delivery of holistic healthcare.Within the context of 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 therefore 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)1.3 Love of People1

a. Respect for the dignity of each

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

1.4 Love of Country.aPatriotism (Civic duty, social responsibility and good governance).bPreservation and enrichment of the environment and cultureheritageA strong liberal arts and sciences education with a transdisciplinary approach,enhances this core values. The BSN program therefore, aims to prepare a nurse, who,upon completion of the program, demonstrates beginning professional competenciesand shall continue to assume responsibility for professional development and utilizesresearch findings in the practice of the profession. The following are the Key Areas of Responsibility for which a nurse should demonstrate competence in:

Safe and quality nursing care

Management of resources and environment

Health education

Legal responsibility

Ethico-moral responsibility

Personal and professional development

Quality improvement

Research

Record Management10. Communication11. 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 shall 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. AB Psychology, BSBiology, AB English, BS Engineering, BS Math, BS Economics] or hire qualified facultyto teach the General Education courses.

ARTICLE IIIPROGRAM SPECIFICATIONS

Section 3

Degree Name.

The degree name shall be Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). To ensure thequality of the nursing graduate, the degree is conferred upon completion of at least four-year BSN program offered by a college or university duly recognized by the Commissionon 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 to 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 Nursingb.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 Pathology

ARTICLE IV