Programs of Study

Associate Degree Nursing

Related Information:

ADN

LPN to ADN Transition Option

ADN Philosophy

Practical Nursing (LPN)

LPN Philosophy

Department: Health & Public Services Technologies

For additional information regarding this program,
contact Cathy Norris, Director of Nursing
Phone: 704-216-3701 / Email:

Full-Time Faculty Information:
Please refer to the Faculty Directory Listing.

Award(s) Offered:
A45110	-	Associate in Applied Science Degree

Important Policies:

ADN Competency Standards

ADN Advanced Placement Policy

ADN Graduation Policy

NUR Clinical Behavior Policy

Estimated Cost by Semester:
Click here to view an "estimated" program cost by semester.

Description:

The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide nursing care to clients and groups of clients throughout the lifespan in a variety of settings.

Courses will include content related to the nurse’s role as provider of nursing care, as manager of care, as member of the discipline of nursing, and as a member of the interdisciplinary team.

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) which is required for practice as a Registered Nurse. Employment opportunities include hospitals, long term care facilities, clinics, physicians’ offices, industry, and community agencies.

The following Admission Requirements are not eligible for appeal and are subject to change:

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS (Fall 2010):

Click here for Associate Degree Nursing Admissions Checklist

Health Information Session
Part of the admission requirements is attending an information session in your field of interest - *students are required to attend one health information session the year prior to admission*. These are held three times a year. No appointment is required. The next scheduled sessions are:
Program of Study	Date	Time	Location (North Campus)
Nursing: Associate Degree Nsg. Practical Nursing	October 2, 2009	1:00P - 3:00P	Teaching Auditorium
Nursing: Associate Degree Nsg. Practical Nursing	November 20, 2009	1:30P - 3:30P	Teaching Auditorium

Please note important deadlines for applying to the nursing programs. Admission requirements will be finalized by February 1 of each year for the subsequent year. Program requirements will be finalized by August 1 of each year for the subsequent year.

In addition to the general enrollment process for Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, the applicant must complete the following:


1.	To be considered for the nursing class beginning August of each year, all applicants must:

	a.	Submit an “Admission Test Qualification Form” to the Admission office February 1- December 1, of the previous year. Admission Test Qualification forms will be available in Student Services.

	b.	Meet admission requirements (1-7) prior to January 1 of the year to be admitted. (Example: Student wants to be considered for admission August, 2010: *(1) student must complete admission criteria (1-7) prior to January 1, 2010* *(2) student must submit an “Admission Test Qualification Form” February 1 - December 1, 2009*

	c.	Students will be admitted based on a competitive selection process.

	d.	All applicants who are not accepted must re-submit an “Admission Test Qualification Form” February 1 - December 1, to be considered for the next year’s class.

2.	Attend one (1) of four (4) Nursing Information Sessions offered by the nursing education faculty annually; in order to make informed decisions regarding their program selection (must be within one year of the admission year).

3.	At the end of the Information Session, all applicants are required to complete the “Program Survey” form and sign the “Statement of Understanding Regarding Acceptance for Clinical Training.” The clinical training statement pertains to submission of a required criminal history report and mandatory drug screen. Please realize that for admission to the program, a criminal background check will be required. A negative review may prevent students from participating in clinical practice (which means that they cannot complete program requirements). FAILURE TO ATTEND WILL DELAY THE ADMISSION PROCESS. Applicants should direct all questions regarding the program requirements to their assigned nursing faculty advisors. All applicants will be required to sign in.

4.	Submit evidence of high school graduation and transcript of grades, as well as GED scores, and college transcripts, if applicable. In regards to transfer credit (or credit previously earned at RCCC), related courses within the nursing curriculum – BIO and PSY – must be within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year.

5.	Present evidence of successful completion of the following within the last five years:

	a.	Biology – high school or BIO 106 or higher at a college level

	b.	Chemistry – high school or CHM 090 or higher at a college level

	c.	Computer – CIS 110 or make an acceptable score on the RCCC Technical Proficiency Exam (TPE)

6.	Be academically prepared to enroll in ENG 111, Expository Writing, and show proficiency in the mathematics area (Numerical/Pre-Algebra, Algebra I). All applicants for admission into the nursing programs can satisfy this requirement by meeting one criterion from each of the following areas: NOTE: Placement test scores, remedial course work, and demonstrated proficiency in mathematics (Algebra I) must be acquired within the last 5 years of January 1 of the admission year.

	Writing
		Standard score of 42 or higher on the ASSET Writing (or)
		Standard score of 71 or higher on the COMPASS Writing (or)
		Satisfactory completion of ENG 090 (or)
		Satisfactory completion (grade C or higher) of at least one college-level (associate degree or higher) course in English composition (or)
		SAT Writing score of 500 or ACT Writing score of 21 (completed within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year)

	Reading
		Standard score of 42 or higher on the ASSET Reading Skills (or)
		Standard score of 81 or higher on the COMPASS Reading Comprehension (or)
		Satisfactory completion (grade C or higher) of a college level (associate degree or higher) course in English composition (or)
		Satisfactory completion of RED 090 (or)
		SAT Reading score of 500 or ACT Reading score of 21 (completed within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year)

	Math-Numerical Skills/Pre-Algebra Skills
		Standard score of 42 or higher on the ASSET Numerical Skills (or)
		Standard score of 47 or higher on the COMPASS Pre-Algebra (or)
		Satisfactory completion of MAT 060 (or)
		Satisfactory completion (grade C or higher) of at least one college-level (associate degree or higher) math course (or)
		SAT Math score of 500 or ACT Math score of 21 (completed within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year)

	Math-Elementary Algebra
		Standard score of 42 or higher on the ASSET Elementary Algebra + 42 or higher on the Numerical Skills (or)
		Standard score of 46 or higher on the COMPASS Algebra + 47 or higher on the Pre-algebra (or)
		Satisfactory completion of MAT 070 (or)
		Satisfactory completion (grade C or higher) of at least one college-level (associate degree or higher) math course within the last 5 years (or)
		SAT Math score of 500 or ACT Math score of 21 (completed within 5 years of January 1 of the admission year)

	The applicant is limited to testing twice in a twelve-month period (initial test and one re-test). Placement test requirements can be met by successfully completing the remedial courses recommended after COMPASS/ASSET testing. Students who have withdrawn from the nursing education program due to academic reasons may be required to re-test and meet minimum acceptable scores. Specific placement re-test requirements will be based on individual academic deficiencies (see ADN Competency Standards). Applicants should check with the Admissions Office if they have any questions related to testing.

7.	Applicants must have successfully completed a North Carolina approved Certified Nurse Aide 1 (NAI) program and be currently listed on the Nurse Aide 1 Registry with no substantiated finding of resident abuse, resident neglect or misappropriation of resident property in a Nursing Facility. The applicant must provide evidence of an official transcript or original certificate of completion verifying successful completion of a N.C. State approved NA1 training course. The Certified Nurse Aide 1 Training Program must include theory, lab, and clinical components and the applicant must have satisfactorily completed the skills performance check list. Out of state NA1 training documents must contain verifiable evidence of successful completion of a 75 hr. course. These hours represent the minimum requirement for meeting N.C. guidelines. For information contact RCCC Continuing Education at 704-216-3512.

8.	Students meeting admission requirements (1-7) prior to January 1 and submitting an Admission Qualification Test Form Feb 1 – December 1 of the previous year will be eligible for the Nursing Admission Test. The college reserves the right to extend the deadline date if necessary to secure qualified applicants for program admission. Testing dates will be provided.

		Testing fee must be paid in the Business Office prior to testing

		A photo ID is required for entrance to the test

		Study guides will be available for purchase in the RCCC bookstore (North and South campuses)

	Selection Criteria

		There will be 60 ADN students selected for the day option and 20 students will be selected for the evening option of the Associate Degree Nursing program. The evening option will be offered every other year (odd years). Admission into the nursing program is competitive. The Nursing Admission test is a 91 question online multiple choice test that evaluates the basic reading, math, writing and science skills for students seeking entry into a Nursing Program. The higher the applicant’s Nursing Admission Test scores, the greater the opportunity for selection. Scores at or above the current national passing standard will be utilized to rank the applicant for selection into the Nursing program(s). Applicants must take the current admission nursing test; only current test scores will be used to rank the applicants.

	Alternate List for the Nursing Program

		Applicants not offered Tentative Program Placement will be ranked, placed on an alternate list and will be admitted in that order, if space becomes available. Applicants remaining after the fall class has been filled will not be carried over to a waiting list the following year(s); they will have to reapply, meet current admission requirements, retest, and will be ranked with the applicants for the next year.

9.	When items 1-8 have been successfully met, the applicant’s file is reviewed by the Admissions Committee and tentative program placement is established. Full acceptance/admission into the Nursing program is not granted until the applicant completes the following items:

	a.	Satisfactory completion of the Readiness for Nursing course (grade of 80 or higher) that will be offered through the Continuing Education Program. The student will have one attempt to complete the course in the summer term. Students who fail the course will have the opportunity to enroll again during the next admission year if they qualify for tentative program placement. All applicants will be required to attend one of (11) eleven four-week sessions (2 days per week) offered. Days and times will be provided through Continuing Education. No absences are permitted in order to receive credit for the course. The sessions will be scheduled beginning the month of March and ending during the first of July. Class sessions will be restricted in class size to no more than 10 per class. Early registration is advised in order to ensure enrollment and to meet this prerequisite for admission into the nursing programs. Information will be mailed to all tentative fall acceptances.

	b.	Criminal Background History Report as required by clinical sites. RCCC Admission Office will provide directives for securing the report.

	c.	Completed physical examination form (exam within the last 6 months) that provides evidence of satisfactory physical, emotional, and mental health. Pre-admission drug screening is required (see Evaluation of Physical and Emotional Health Technical Standards guidelines and Procedure Regarding Acceptance for Clinical Training for Health Programs). Problematic areas will be handled on an individual basis by the Director of Nursing Education after consultation with clinical affiliates.

	d.	Certification in basic life support, CPR, at the Health Care Provider level (adult, child, and infant). Certification can be obtained through Continuing Education and must be maintained throughout the NUR course sequence.

	e.	All applicants’ admission data, including health form, CPR verification, and criminal background check, must be finalized ten (10) business days prior to the first day of fall semester due to required diagnostic testing and reporting of results. Final approval for admission has to be granted by the Director of Nursing Education.

	f.	All students are required to complete the online Fire & Safety / Infection Control program. Directions for program access will be mailed to all contingently accepted nursing students. Failure to complete this required program will prevent the student from entering NUR 111.

10.	When problematic, physical, or mental health conditions exist, faculty may require timely medical reports from the student’s physician confirming that the individual is physically and mentally competent to enter, or continue, in the Nursing program.

	Second-year Students
		Students progressing to NUR 114 are required to attend the Student Services’ sponsored nursing workshop held at the end of the Summer Term of NUR 113. The Director of Nursing Education will communicate the date and time to the students.

	Re-entry Students

		Students unable to continue in the nursing program course sequence may re-apply to the nursing program one time. The student desiring to reapply to the program must do so within one year and will be re-evaluated for program placement based on individual circumstances and program requirements.

		Acceptance is contingent upon:

		a.	Meeting the current admission, advanced placement and graduation requirements in effect at the time of re-application. Nursing Admission Test scores that are within two years of re-entry and are at or above the current passing national average will satisfy this ADN admission criteria. Students’ scores that are not at or above the national passing standard will be required to take and pass the nursing admission test.

		b.	Availability of space.

	Final approval for re-entry has to be granted by the Director of Nursing Education following a thorough review of the student’s record by the nursing faculty. The Director of Nursing Education will communicate the faculty’s decision to the Admission Committee..

	Advanced Placement Students

		Students applying to enter the program in an advance placement status must follow requirements stated in the Advanced Placement Policy and stipulations specified for admission. Failure to meet pre-requisite requirements will result in denial of admission. Advanced placement for college transfer students is for first level courses only in order to meet RCCC residency requirements. Final approval for advanced placement admission has to be granted by the Director of Nursing Education following a thorough review of the student’s record by the nursing faculty. The Director of Nursing Education will communicate the faculty’s decision to the Admission Committee.

	Legal Requirement For Nurse Licensure

		Students enrolled in the RCCC Nursing program(s) complete an application for licensure as a registered nurse or practical nurse by examination. The application for the examination in North Carolina contains a question as to whether or not the applicant has ever been convicted on a misdemeanor/felony excluding minor traffic violations. If the answer is “yes,” the applicant is asked to provide an explanation. This question is asked because of the legal requirements for becoming registered as a nurse in North Carolina. Similar requirements exist in other states. Applications for initial licensure in North Carolina must have a federal criminal background check.

		The Nursing Practice Act, Article 9, Chapter 90 (90-171.37) In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes, the North Carolina Board of Nursing shall have the power and authority to deny any application for licensure, if the Board determines that the applicant:

		1.	has given false information or has withheld material information from the Board in procuring or attempting to procure a license to practice nursing;
		2.	has been convicted of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to any crime which indicates that the nurse is unfit or incompetent to practice nursing or that the nurse has deceived or defrauded the public;
		3.	has a mental or physical disability or used any drug to a degree that interferes with his or her fitness to practice nursing;
		4.	engages in conduct that endangers the public health;
		5.	is unfit or incompetent to practice nursing by reason of deliberate or negligent acts or omissions regardless of whether actual injury to the patient is established;
		6.	engages in conduct that deceives, defrauds, or harms the public in the course of professional activities or services; or
		7.	has willfully violated any provision of the Article or of regulations enacted by the Board.

		If a student has any question about his/her eligibility to take the licensing examination, he/she may wish to confer with an attorney or the N.C. Board of Nursing. The RCCC Nursing faculty will provide upon request information regarding resources for further information relative to the legal requirements for licensure.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College does not discriminate in its admissions policies and procedures on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, age, religion, or handicap.

For additional information regarding this program, contact Director of Nursing Education Cathy Norris at 704-216-3701 or 704-216-3708, or send an email to norrisc@rowancabarrus.edu .

EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH BASED ON PROGRAM TECHNICAL STANDARDS:

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Physical health is defined as being able to perform fine and gross motor skills, being able to perform normal weight-bearing activities, and free of a communicable disease.

Assessment of the student's physical health is made with the use of information from the physical examination, performed by the applicant's physician, and laboratory tests. The following pre-entrance tests/immunizations are required: TB skin test or chest x-ray for TB sensitive or positive individuals; Rubella/Rubeola or Rubella titer for those individuals with birth dates prior to 1957; and Tetanus vaccine or booster within the last ten years. Hepatitis vaccine is recommended. Validation of immunizations is required.

If a physical condition threatens to prevent or prevents satisfactory classroom or clinical performance, the individual in question is counseled and referred to an appropriate professional at the individual's expense. The recommendation of the professional is utilized in advising the individual with regard to continued enrollment in the program. A person may be denied admission or continued enrollment in the program if the physical problem conflicts with safety essential to nursing practice and does not respond to appropriate treatment within a reasonable period of time.

In the case of a qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless to do so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the patient or student.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Emotional health is defined as reacting appropriately to stressful situations, understanding one's own ability to cope with stressful situations, and behaving appropriately within the current environment.

Assessment of emotional health of applicants is made through the use of physical examinations, and current psychological evaluations, if necessary, from qualified professionals.

When emotional conditions prevent satisfactory classroom or clinical performance, recommendations are made on an individual basis, for consultation with the appropriate professional(s) at the student's expense. The recommendations of the professional(s) are utilized in advising students with regard to continued enrollment in the nursing program. A person may be denied admission or continued enrollment in the program if the emotional problem conflicts with safety essential to nursing practice and does not respond to appropriate counseling/treatment within a reasonable period of time.

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION AND PROGRESSION OF THE NURSING STUDENT:

	1.	Critical Thinking: Nursing student should possess critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment. For example: student must be able to identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations; develop or participate in the development of nursing care plans.
	2.	Interpersonal Skills: Nursing student shall possess interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, groups, etc. from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. For example: student shall establish rapport with clients/patients and health care team members.
	3.	Communication Skills: Nursing student shall possess communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form. For example: explain treatment procedures, initiate health teaching, document and interpret nursing actions and patient/client responses.
	4.	Mobility: Nursing student shall possess physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces, stand and walk for extensive periods of time. For example: moves around in patient's rooms, work spaces and treatment areas, administer cardiopulmonary procedures.
	5.	Motor Skills: Nursing student shall possess gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care. For example: calibrate and use equipment, position patients/clients.
	6.	Hearing: Nursing student shall possess auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. For example: hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds, cries for help.
	7.	Visual: Nursing student shall possess visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment. For example: observe patient/client responses.
	8.	Tactile: Nursing student shall possess tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment. For example: perform palpation, functions or physical examination and /or those related to therapeutic intervention, insertions of catheters.
	9.	Weight-Bearing: Nursing student shall possess ability to lift and manipulate/move 45-50 pounds weekly and sometimes daily. For example: position patients/clients, move equipment.
	10.	Cognitive Abilities: Nursing students shall possess ability to be oriented to time, place and person and organize responsibilities, make decisions. For example: student shall assess client/patient complaints and implement appropriate plans.
	11.	Occupational Exposures: Nursing student may be exposed to communicable disease and/or body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and shall use appropriate precautions at all times. For example: student may be assigned an AIDS client/patient and shall provide total care using universal precautions.
EXAMPLES ARE NOT ALL INCLUSIVE* Standards developed by the Board of Directors of the Southern Council of Education for Nursing to assist Nursing Education Programs in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act.

Suggest Course Sequence:

			Title	Class	Lab	Clinical	Work Exp.	Credits
Fall Semester
	ENG	111	Expository Writing	3	0	0	0	3
	BIO	168	Anatomy and Physiology I	3	3	0	0	4
	NUR	111	Introduction to Health Concepts	4	6	6	0	8
	PSY	150	General Psychology	3	0	0	0	3
**	COE	110	World of Work	1	0	0	0	1
			Total	13-14	9	6	0	18-19
First Year (Spring)
	BIO	169	Anatomy and Physiology II	3	3	0	0	4
	ENG	112	Argument-Based Research	3	0	0	0	3
	NUR	112	Health-Illness Concepts	3	0	6	0	5
	NUR	211 (AB)	Health-Illness Concepts - Part A	1.5	0	3	0	2.5
	PSY	241	Developmental Psychology	3	0	0	0	3
**	COE	110	World of Work	1	0	0	0	1
			Total	13.5 - 14.5	3	9	0	17.5 - 18.5
First Year (Summer)
	NUR	211 (BB)	Health-Illness Concepts - Part B	1.5	0	3	0	2.5
	NUR	113	Family Health Concepts	3	0	6	0	5
**	COE	110	World of Work	1	0	0	0	1
			OR
**	COE	111	Co-op Work Experience I	0	0	0	10	1
			Total	4.5-5.5	0	9	0-10	7.5-8.5
Second Year (Fall)
	BIO	275	Microbiology	3	3	0	0	4
	NUR	114	Holistic Health Concepts	3	0	6	0	5
	NUR	212	Health System Concepts	3	0	6	0	5
**	COE	110	World of Work	1	0	0	0	1
			OR
**	COE	111	Co-op Work Experience I	0	0	0	10	1
			Total	9-10	3	12	0-10	14-15
Second Year (Spring)
	NUR	213	Complex Health Concepts	4	3	15	0	10
**	COE	110	World of Work	1	0	0	0	1
	---	---	Humanities/Fine Arts Elective	3	0	0	0	3
			Total	7-8	3	15	0	13-14
Total Semester Hours Credit (SHC) in Program:								71

This is a Core Course and cannot be substituted.

Note: If COE 111 is selected, students should contact the Director of Cooperative Education regarding special cooperative education requirements for ADN students.

** Students who select COE 110 may take the course prior to admission or corequisite with a NUR course. Students who select COE 111 must take this course in Summer Term or Fall Semester of the second year and in accordance with approval by the Director of Nursing Education.

Note: Class sessions and clinical rotations in NUR courses for both day & evening option will be scheduled during weekdays, evenings or weekends.

Note: For students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing Program numerical grades below 80 ( C ) in all required nursing courses and 77( C ) in all non-nursing courses are considered unsatisfactory attainment of course competencies.

Note: Class sessions for the evening option may require alternative day scheduling depending on class size.

This program offers various courses via distance education. See our Catalog for a listing of these courses.