Nursing (A45110)

Program 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 life span in a variety of settings. Courses will include content related to the individual, the healthcare system and nursing. Course content will also relate to the nurse’s role that is characterized by evidence based clinical practice in the provision of client care. 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.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program should be able to:

• Practice professional nursing behaviors incorporating personal responsibility and accountability for continued competence.
• Communicate effectively with individuals, significant support person(s), and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Integrate knowledge of the holistic needs of the individual to provide an individual centered assessment.
• Incorporate informatics to formulate evidence-based clinical judgments and management decisions.
• Implement caring interventions incorporating documented best practices for individuals in diverse settings.
• Develop a teaching plan for individuals incorporating teaching and learning principles.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, as an advocate for the individual, to achieve positive individual and organizational outcomes.
• Manage healthcare for the individual using cost effective nursing strategies, quality improvement processes, and current technologies.
• Prioritize assessments and client-centered nursing interventions relevant to clinical decision making.

Articulation Agreements

• 2+2 with UNC Greensboro Nursing Program

Pre-Nursing

The Department of Nursing understands and accepts the concept of an open-door policy for general admission to Alamance Community College. Admission into the Associate Degree Nursing program is a competitive, limited enrollment process. While awaiting acceptance to the Associate Degree Nursing program, students are encouraged to enroll in the Associate in General Education: Pre-Nursing major to complete general education courses applicable to the Associate Degree in Nursing.

Admission

STEP 1 ‐ ENROLLMENT PROCESS:

• Request official transcripts for high school diploma (or GED) and completed college courses (if applicable)

• Completion of any developmental courses

• Review the Online Nursing Information presentation and complete the quiz

• Schedule an appointment with Health Sciences Admissions Advisor 

 

STEP 2 ‐ ADMISSION CONSIDERATION FOR NURSING:

Students complete a limited enrollment application process to compete for a seat in the Associate Degree Nursing Program. The courses listed below are the courses that earn points based on the final grade earned. (A = 4 quality points, B = 3 quality points)

• BIO 168 - Anatomy & Physiology I

• BIO 169 - Anatomy & Physiology II

• ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry

• MAT 152 - Statistical Methods I or MAT 143 - Quantitative Literacy or MAT 171 - Precalculus

 

ATI TEAS EXAM SCORE:

Exam must be completed and score documentation submitted by the application deadline. Official scores may not be more than 24 months old. 

 

Total ATI TEAS Score	Points Awarded
90 - 100	40
80-89	30
70-79	20
60-69	10
0-59	0

 

ADDITIONAL POINTS:

You may only submit certifications from the list below for additional points. It must be from an approved program. Documentation must be provided with the application. 

• EMT, CNA II, Certified/Registered Medical Assistant = 5 points  

• Veteran with Combat Medic, Corpsmen training, or equivalent military medical training; Paramedic; LPN = 10 points

 

CNA CERTIFICATION:

All applicants must submit transcripts demonstrating that they have completed a Certified Nurse Aide I program with clinical hours that is accredited and approved through the NC Department of Health & Human Services (or equivalent if completed out-of-state) clinical hours. Applicants must also be registered on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry before beginning NUR 111. Out-of-state registries will be evaluated by the Department Head of Nursing for approval before beginning NUR 111. 

 

Progression and Continuation

Alamance Community College is committed to the success of students. In order to progress in the Associate Degree Nursing program, the student is required to do the following:

1. Maintain an overall quality grade point average of 2.0.
2. Attain a grade of 80% (“B”) or higher in all Nursing (NUR) courses.
3. Demonstrate satisfactory completion in the clinical setting.
4. Pass any general education course required by the Associate Degree Nursing program with a grade of 70% (“C”) or better.

• A student may repeat a Nursing (NUR) course only once within a two-year period.
• If a student fails two Nursing (NUR) courses in the same semester, the student will not be eligible to seek readmission into the program.
• A student may be admitted to the Associate Degree Nursing program only twice.

Readmission

Students who fail to progress within the Associate Degree Nursing program may apply for readmission to the program, however space within the program is limited, and readmission is based on a competitive application process and open seats. Before initiating the readmission process, please determine if you are eligible or not.

 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• Students who have earned a “C”, “D”, “F” or “WP” in a Nursing (NUR) course for the first time are eligible to seek readmission.

• Students who earn a “C”, “D”, “F” or “WP” in NUR 111 will need to re-apply for the program and follow the current admission criteria.

• Students who have not been separated from the ADN program for more than a total of 24 months

• Must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher to return to the program 

WHO IS INELIGIBLE?

• Students who are continuously or cumulatively separated from the ADN program for longer 24 months or longer are ineligible to seek readmission. Instead, these students will need to reapply to the program to start over in the first nursing course and must follow the current admission criteria.

• Students who earn a grade of “C”, “D” or “F” in any two (2) Nursing (NUR) courses are ineligible to seek readmission

 

PROCESS

Returning students will be considered on a competitive basis with the current applicant pool. Readmission applicants are ranked using a point system similar to the admission process. Applicants will submit the following:

• Readmission Application form

• Updated official college transcripts for additional courses being transferred to Alamance Community College since the initial application

• Letter from an employer if actively working as a CNA, LPN, EMT, or Paramedic

• A letter requesting readmission submitted to the Health Sciences Advisor and the Nursing Department Head. The letter must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the semester when readmission is desired. The letter will include:

• Student ID number and contact information (e-mail address and phone number).

• Self-reflection and identification of the specific reasons, challenges, or barriers that you believe caused you to be unsuccessful in the Nursing course

• Explanation of how the above issues have been resolved

• Identification of a specific and realistic plan for ensuring your future success

 

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

Those students granted readmission to the ADN program will receive a letter and/or email from ACC informing them of the decision. Students will need to attend a readmission information session with the Nursing Department Head. Returning students must provide updated immunization records, American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) certification, criminal background check, and a drug screen.

Transfer

Students transferring into the Associate Degree Nursing program must meet the following requirements:

1. The student seeking transfer must file an application in the ACC Admissions Office. The ACC application must indicate that this is a transfer request and the semester and year in which the student wishes to transfer. The student must apply and enter within two years of leaving the previous educational institution.
2. The student requesting transfer must meet the College and Associate Degree Nursing program admission requirements for the academic year into which he/she transfers.
3. The student must have been in good standing at the time he/she left the previous nursing program and must provide a written recommendation from the Dean/Department Chair of the previous nursing program.
4. The student must have a grade point average of at least a 2.0 in all academic work completed.
5. The individual must meet with the Nursing Program Department Head who will review course outlines from the nursing program in which the student was previously enrolled. This review will determine the student’s potential placement into the ACC Nursing program. This review must occur no later than three months prior to the beginning of the desired semester of entry.
6. Selection for transfer will be based on date of application, if Nursing (NUR) courses transferring will fit into placement of ACC Nursing program, available clinical space, and meeting of the above criteria.
7. The individual must submit a completed Student Medical Form which is required for Human Services programs, documentation of current American Heart Association CPR certification and proof of major medical insurance.
8. Complete a criminal background check and drug screen (student is responsible for fees).
9. In order to graduate from ACC, the student must have earned at least 50% of the required hours and taken at least 25% of the major course work required in the Nursing program at ACC. Within the Nursing department, departmental policy limits transfer for nursing courses to NUR 111  and NUR 117 . These courses must have been taken no more than two years prior to enrollment at the College with a grade of “B” or better.

All transfer credit is awarded according to institutional policy as well as departmental policy.

 

ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING: LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN) TO RN (Advanced Placement)

Admission is not automatic nor guaranteed for Practical Nurses applying for advanced placement (LPN to RN) to the Associate Degree Nursing program. Determination of available space is made by considering the number of students that can be accommodated within the program, available clinical sites, and instructional faculty.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY:

∙ ATI TEAS exam score completed no more than 24 months before the date of application 
∙ Graduated from a Practical Nursing diploma program approved by the state board of nursing prior to the first day of NUR 214.

Note: Students actively enrolled in a Practical Nursing diploma program may apply 

to the ADN: LPN to RN program, however, their Practical Nursing diploma must be completed 

before the first day of NUR 214.

 

STEP 1 ‐ ENROLLMENT PROCESS:

∙ Request official transcripts for high school diploma (or GED) and completed college courses (if applicable)
∙ Completion of any developmental courses
∙ Review the online Nursing Information presentation and complete the quiz
∙ Schedule an appointment with a Health Sciences Admissions Advisor 

STEP 2 ‐ ADMISSION CONSIDERATION FOR NURSING:

Complete the Selective Admissions application for the Associate Degree Nursing: LPN to RN. Applications will be reviewed and ranked based on the points earned for specific courses, ATI TEAS exam score, and additional certifications/licensures. Points will be awarded for the final grades earned in the following courses (A = 4 quality points, B = 3 quality points):

• BIO 168 - Anatomy & Physiology I
• BIO 169 - Anatomy & Physiology II
• ENG 111 - Writing and Inquiry
• MAT 152 - Statistical Methods I or MAT 143 - Quantitative Literacy or MAT 171 - Precalculus
• PSY 150 - General Psychology 
• NUR 214 - Nursing Transition Concepts

ATI TEAS EXAM SCORE:

Exam must be completed and score documentation submitted by the application deadline. Official scores may not be more than 24 months old. 

ADDITIONAL POINTS:

You may only submit certifications from the list below for additional points. It must be from an approved program. Documentation must be provided with the application. 

∙ EMT, CNA II, Certified/Registered Medical Assistant = 5 points  

∙ Veteran with Combat Medic, Corpsmen training, or equivalent military medical training; Paramedic; LPN/LVN = 10 points

∙ Graduate of ACC Practical Nursing diploma program = 10 points

NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE:

All applications will be notified by letter and email if they have been accepted to the program, placed on the waitlist (alternates if space becomes available), or denied admission. All accepted and waitlisted students must attend an orientation session. Failure to attend the orientation session will result in the forfeiture of their seat. The following items are required before the first day of NUR 214, and are completed at the student’s expense:  

∙ Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support provider certification (which must remain current throughout the program)
∙ Completed physical examination documenting satisfactory health (including immunization record) completed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. The report must be current, using the form supplied by the college, and submitted by the specified date.
∙ Criminal background check and urine drug screen
∙ All supporting documents will be uploaded to ViewPoint Screening.

PROGRESSION WITHIN THE ADN: LPN TO RN 

Students admitted to the ADN: LPN to RN program must complete the following requirements to progress and graduate from the Associate Nursing Degree program:
∙ Must hold an active and unencumbered license to practice as an LPN or LVN within North Carolina or a compact state by the end of NUR 214
∙ Must complete the following courses with a grade of “C” or higher (official transcripts are required to determine if completed courses can be transferred to ACC):

∙ BIO 168

∙ BIO 169

∙ ENG 111

∙ ENG 112 or 114

∙ Humanities/Fine Arts elective (HUM 115 recommended)

∙ MAT 143 or 152

∙ PSY 150

∙ PSY 241

∙ Must complete the following major courses with a grade of “B” or higher:

∙ NUR 214 (first course of sequence; may be transferred into ACC)

∙ NUR 211

∙ NUR 212

∙ NUR 213 (final course of sequence)

 

A student is not considered admitted to the Associated Degree Nursing program at Alamance Community College until the student receives official, written notification of admission to the program from the Nursing Department Head and/or the Admissions Office. Once admitted to the ADN program, the student’s faculty advisor will enroll them in their nursing courses.

 

PHYSICAL EXAM

Physical health is defined as being free of contagious disease and/or physical conditions that may prevent a student from performing the essential functions of the program. Assessment of the physical health of the applicant is made using a physical examination performed by the applicant’s healthcare provider. This is to be completed at the student’s expense and uploaded to ViewPoint Screening prior to the first day of the program. Non-compliance will prevent the student from attending clinical, and any missed time will need to be made up.

 

IMMUNIZATION RECORD

A variety of immunizations are required by affiliated clinical agencies and the state of North Carolina. These immunizations must be completed and documented prior to the start of the program and remain current until graduation. A student who does not satisfactorily meet course requirements because of health conditions will not be allowed to continue in the program at that time. Proof of immunization must be uploaded by the student to ViewPoint Screening. The following immunizations are required upon admission:

• Two (2) MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) or a titer indicating immunity

• Two (2) Varicella (Chickenpox) or a titer indicating immunity

• Hepatitis-B series or a titer indicating immunity (or signed waiver)

• Flu vaccine (only during Flu season; typically October-April) (or signed waiver)

• Tuberculosis (TB) clearance within 3 months prior to the first day of the semester (one of the following):

• QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT)

• T-Spot

• Chest x-ray results within the last five (5) years if previously tested positive for TB. 

Special Note: TB skin tests (PPD or Mantoux) are not accepted.

 

EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Physical health is defined as being free of contagious disease and/or physical conditions that may prevent a student from performing the essential functions of the program. Assessment of the physical health of the applicant is made using a physical examination performed by the applicant’s healthcare provider. A variety of immunizations is required by associated clinical agencies and the state of North Carolina. These immunizations must be completed and documented prior to the start of the program and remain current until graduation. A student who does not satisfactorily meet course requirements because of health conditions will not be allowed to continue in the program at that time.

 

EMOTIONAL HEALTH

Emotional health is defined as reacting appropriately to stressful situations, withstanding everyday environmental stresses with little difficulty, using healthy coping mechanisms, and understanding one’s own ability to cope with stressful situations.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & TECHNICAL STANDARDS

 

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

The following technical standards represent the essential nonacademic requirements of the Nursing (NUR) Program that a student must master to successfully participate in the program and become employable. In adopting these standards, the Nursing Program is mindful of the patient’s right to safe and quality health care by students. The Nursing student must be able to apply the knowledge and skills necessary to function in a broad variety of clinical situations while providing the spectrum of nurse aide interventions. These standards do reflect what may be required for employment of the graduate. To verify the students’ ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the technical standards/essential functions below.

Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. Ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any licensure, certification exam, or successful completion of the program.

Standard	Definition of Standard	Example(s) of Technical Standard
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills	Ability to collect, interpret, integrate, and synthesize information to make decisions and develop a plan of care.	Read and comprehend relevant information in textbooks, professional literature Acquire information from written documents and computer-information systems Identify cause/effect relationships Identify patient problems and develop appropriate patient goals and nursing interventions Know when to use universal precautions Use effective teaching, learning and test taking skills
Interpersonal Skills	Ability to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.	Establishes relationships with patients and peers
Coping Skills	Ability to function under stress and adapt to changing environments inherent in the clinical practice of nursing.	Manage academic schedules and deadlines Cope with psychosocial issues involving catastrophic illness, disability, and death Respond appropriately to emergencies
Communication Skills	Ability to communicate effectively in English using verbal, nonverbal and written formats with faculty, patients, families, other healthcare team members and peers.	Perform patient teaching, answer questions posed by patient, family members, physicians, other healthcare team members Document relevant patient information (manual or electronically) using correct terminology and spelling Interpret doctor’s orders Record patient responses to treatments Demonstrate active listening skills
Mobility and Motor Skills	Possess manual dexterity and motor skills to perform safe and effective nursing skills.	Demonstrate adequate coordination, correct technique, organization, dexterity, and speed.  Stand for long periods Perform nursing procedures such as giving a bed bath, making an occupied or unoccupied bed, positioning, and transferring patients safely Use of patient equipment Administer CPR Administer injections Administer an intravenous (IV) Perform venipuncture Insert indwelling urinary catheters  Obtain blood pressure measurements
Auditory Skills	Hearing ability to monitor and assess health needs.	Hear equipment/emergency alarms, call bell Listen to heart, lung, and blood pressure sounds Hear a call for help
Visual Skills	Visual ability to monitor and assess patient care needs.	Observe patient responses to treatment Detect changes in skin Read sphygmomanometer
Tactile Skills	Sense of touch sufficient to perform physical assessments.	Palpate a pulse Check skin temperature and turgor Check skin contours
Behavioral/ Emotional	Ability to demonstrate professional behavior.	Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, integrity, and cooperation Accept responsibility, accountability, and ownership for own actions as an emotionally mature individual Demonstrate respect for the patient, family, and healthcare team members Present professional appearance Accept criticism and respond by appropriate modifications
Professionalism/ Professional Boundaries	A skill or behavior that shows consideration and respect for others.	While maintaining safety:  Demonstrates commitment and confidence Demonstrates a sense of responsibility and dependability

Additional Program Costs

The Nursing curriculum has additional costs associated with it. Students who enroll in this program are required to pay for such items as certification exams, achievement tests, uniforms, supplies, and the like. Many of these are required as part of the curriculum, but are not provided by the College. Additional expenses required for this program are listed below with approximate costs.

Note: All expenses are subject to change.  These are approximate amounts.

Uniforms and personal nursing equipment (stethoscope, scissors, pen light) $250.00 Course Fees (includes NCLEX-RN fee) $650.00 Online achievement testing (ATI) $1600.00 Vaccinations and required physical $300.00 Criminal background check and drug screen $65.00 Basic Life Support Provider Certification $35.00 Liability insurance $16.00 NC Board of Nursing licensure $150.00