205 The College for Real Careers (NUR) Program Information The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and proficiencies to provide safe and effective bedside nursing care within the scope of practice of licensed practical nurses. Students are instructed in the provision of nursing care for clients through the lifespan. Clinical experiences are provided at area hospitals and health care agencies in adult health, maternal health, child health, orthopedics, geriatrics, psychiatric and other areas of nursing practice. is open to men and women; few careers match the versatility, satisfaction and longevity afforded by a nursing career. Students who have satisfactorily completed the program may apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for (NCLEX-PN). The Practical Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. The program has a competitive admissions process. Occupational Choices Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses held about 719,000 jobs in 2014. About 17 percent of LPNs worked in hospitals, 38 percent in nursing and residential care facilities, 13 percent worked in offices of physicians, 11 percent worked for home healthcare services, and 7 percent in Federal, State, and local government agencies. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition Average Full-Time Wage Median annual wages of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses were $43,170 in May 2015. Salary ranged from the lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,040, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $ 59, 510 annually. Admission Criteria Applicants should complete and submit a Practical Nursing Program Application and request for copies of college and high school transcripts sent directly to the College s Admission Office. Minimum admission standards include: 1. Unconditional admission to the college. (Must complete college application) 2. Receipt of completed application for the nursing program by deadline March 1 for Summer admissions, June 1 for Fall admissions, October 1 for Spring admissions. 3. Minimum of 2.50 cumulative GPA for the last 24 hours of college credit for students with previous college work. 4. Minimum of 2.50 high school GPA for students without prior college work (GED acceptable in lieu of high school transcript). 5. Eligibility for ENG-101 and MTH-116 as determined by college policy (minimum ACCUPLACER scores of 5 or above in writing and a score of 40-59 in elementary algebra or 70-120 in arithmatic, and a reading score of 70 or above). Scores must be within the past 3 years for consideration (note ACCUPLACER scores must be at or above minimum). 6. Good standing with college. 7. Meeting the essential functions or technical standards required for nursing (see below), and 8. Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS V) must have been taken. 9. Transfer students must be in good standing from transferring institution with letter from Program Director and a minimum of 2.0 Cumulative GPA with Nursing Courses no more than one year from date of application. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-2017 Edition. Estimated Program Length & Cost * Award Length Credit Hours Tuition Fees Books Tools Supplies Certificate 3 Terms 50 $7,150 $1200 0 $250 * Tax not included. Prices are subject to change without prior notice; cost of books may vary considerably among suppliers. The length of the program is based on full-time status of 12-15 credit hours per term. Enrollment in transitional level general education courses will alter the length of the program.
206 Students in the Program must meet the following requirements which will be completed at the student s expense prior to and throughout enrollment in the program: 1. Meet the Essential functions of the program, 2. Provide verification that the student possesses the physical and mental capabilities to function as a nurse in diverse settings with or without reasonable accommodations, 3. Verify absence of use of drugs and alcohol by participation in random and scheduled drug/alcohol testing at the student s expense, 4. Adhere to policies of affiliated clinical agencies by submitting criminal background check and CPR certification prior to enrollment. Admission to the Program is competitive, and the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the space available to new enrollees, applicants are rankordered using a point system based on: Awards Available Certificate Program Contact Dr. Marilyn Whiting Program Coordinator/Instructor 334-420-4497 Location: Trenholm Campus - Bldg. B As part of ongoing planning and evaluation, the College regularly evaluates student learning outcomes for each program. 1. Your score from the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS V Test) 2. Points for selected college courses (i.e., ENG- 101, MTH-116) or selected high school courses (i.e. Algebra II or higher level math, highest level Biology). 3. Students may be awarded up to 11 points as determined by college policy and procedures. The TEAS V test must have been taken within 3 years for consideration. The applicant s actual score on the test will be the points awarded. Applicants must go online to ATItesting.com to schedule testing and pay appropriate fee. The Admissions/Selection Committee will review and calculate points for students meeting minimum admissions standards after receiving GPA calculations from the Director of Admissions and Records. This process may take 4-6 weeks after each deadline before applicants receive notification of acceptance. Calls to the department will slow the process. Transfer Policy The transfer policy applies only to students desiring to transfer between Alabama Community College System institutions. It does not apply to students wishing to transfer from other institutions. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the nursing program director.
207 Certificate Required Technical Courses (52 credit hours) Course Title Hrs NUR-102 Fundamentals of Nursing 6 NUR-103 Health Assessment 1 NUR-104 Introduction to Pharmacology 1 NUR-105 Adult Nursing 8 NUR-106 Maternal and Child Nursing 5 NUR-107 Adult/Child Nursing 8 NUR-108 Psychosocial Nursing 3 NUR-109 Role Transition - Practical Nurse 3 Required General Education * (24 credit hours) Course Title Hrs BIO-201 Anatomy & Physiology I 4 BIO-202 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 ENG-101 English Composition I 3 MTH-116 Mathematical Applications 3 ORI-101 College Orientation 1 * Students without prior college credit who enter the program during the Fall or Spring may opt to take a reduced load; however, Pell Grant will be affected. Please speak to a Financial Aid Counselor. Students may choose to take ENG-101, MTH-116, and ORI-101. (as applicable). Total Hours: 50 Credit Hours; 1,280 Contact Hours
208 Course Descriptions for (NUR) Theory Lab Clinical Contact Contact Contact Credit Contact Course # Course Title Hours/Wk Hours/Wk Hours/Wk Hours Hours NUR-102 FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING 3 2(6) 1(3) 9 12 COREQUISITE: NUR-103 & NUR-104 the lifespan in a safe, legal, and ethical manner using the nursing process. Students learn concepts and theories basic to the art and science of nursing. The role of the nurse as a member of the healthcare team is emphasized. Students are introduced to the concepts of client needs, safety, communication, teaching/learning, critical thinking, ethical-legal, cultural diversity, nursing history, and the program s philosophy of nursing. Additionally, this course introduces psychomotor nursing skills needed to assist individuals in meeting basic human needs. Skills necessary for maintaining microbial, physical, and psychological safety are introduced along with skills needed in therapeutic interventions. At the conclusion of this course students demonstrate competency in performing basic nursing skills for individuals with common health alterations. NUR-103 HEALTH ASSESSMENT 0 1(3) 0 1 3 COREQUISITE: NUR-102 & NUR-104 This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to learn and practice history taking and physical examination skills with individuals of all ages, with emphasis on the adult. The focus is on symptom analysis along with physical, psychosocial, and growth and development assessments. Students will be able to utilize critical thinking skills in identifying health alterations, formulating nursing diagnoses and documenting findings appropriate to nursing. NUR-104 INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOLOGY 0 1(3) 0 1 3 COREQUISITE: NUR-102 & NUR-103 the lifespan in a safe, legal, and ethical manner using the nursing process. This course introduces students to basic principles of pharmacology and the knowledge necessary to safely administer medication. Course content includes legal implications, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, calculations of drug dosages, medication administration, and an overview of drug classifications. Students will be able to calculate and administer medications. NUR-105 ADULT NURSING 5 1(3) 2(6) 8 14 COREQUISITE: NUR-106 PREREQUISITE: NUR-102, NUR103 & NUR-104 the lifespan in a safe, legal, and ethical manner using the nursing process. Emphasis is placed on providing care to individuals undergoing surgery, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and common alterations in respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastro-intestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems. Nutrition, pharmacology, communication, cultural, and community concepts are integrated. NUR-106 MATERNAL AND CHILD NURSING 4 0 1(3) 5 7 COREQUISITE: NUR-105 PREREQUISITE: NUR-102, NUR103 & NUR-104 This course focuses on the role of the nurse in meeting the physiological, psychosocial, cultural and developmental needs of the maternal and child client. Course content includes antepartal, intrapartal, and postpartal care, complications of pregnancy, newborn care, human growth and development, pediatric care, and selected pediatric alterations. Nutrition, pharmacology, cultural diversity, use of technology, communication, anatomy and physiology review, medical terminology, critical thinking, and application of the nursing process are integrated throughout this course. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to provide and manage care for maternal and pediatric clients in a variety of settings.
209 Theory Lab Clinical Contact Contact Contact Credit Contact Course # Course Title Hours/Wk Hours/Wk Hours/Wk Hours Hours NUR-107 ADULT/CHILD NURSING 5 0 3(9) 8 14 COREQUISITE: NUR-108 & NUR-109 This course provides students with opportunities to develop competencies necessary to meet the needs of individuals throughout the life span in a safe, legal, and ethical manner using the nursing process in a variety of settings. Emphasis is placed on providing care to individuals experiencing complex alterations in: sensory/perceptual reproductive, endocrine, genitourinary, neurological, immune, cardiovascular, and lower gastrointestinal systems. Additional instruction is provided for care for clients experiencing burns, cancer, and emergent conditions. Nutrition, pharmacology, therapeutic communication, community, cultural diversity, health promotion, error prevention, critical thinking, impacts on maternal and child clients are integrated throughout the course. NUR-108 PSYCHOSOCIAL NURSING 2 0 1(3) 3 5 COREQUISITE: NUR-107 & NUR-109 This course is designed to provide an overview of psychosocial adaptation and coping concepts used when caring for clients with acute and chronic alterations in mental health in a variety of settings. Topics include therapeutic communication skills, normal and abnormal behaviors, treatment modalities, and developmental needs. Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate the ability to assist clients in maintaining psychosocial integrity through the use of the nursing process. NUR-109 ROLE TRANSITION FOR THE 2 1(3) 0 3 5 PRACTICAL NURSE COREQUISITE: NUR-107 & NUR-108 This course provides students with opportunities to gain knowledge and skills necessary to transition from student to practicing nurse. Content includes a discussion of current issues in health care, practical nursing leadership and management, professional practice issues, and transition into the workplace. Emphasis is placed on NCLEX-PN test-taking skills, computer-assisted simulations and practice tests, development of a prescriptive plan for remediation, and review of selective content, specific to the practice of practical nursing.