College Catalog

This curriculum prepares graduates to assume beginning staff nurse positions in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health related institutions. Upon successful completion of the major, the graduate is eligible to take the registered nurse licensing examination (NCLEX-RN). With work experience and continuing education, the graduate may develop the ability to assume responsibility for administering or directing the health care of a group of patients/clients. This curriculum provides the foundation for a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

Career Opportunities

Graduates find jobs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, state and federal health related facilities, private duty nursing agencies, and within the office practice of physicians, surgeons, and dentists.

Recommended High School Subjects

Prepare extensively in oral and written communication skills; take math every year, including Algebra II; science every year, including one year of chemistry (with lab and grade of 'C' or better) and one year of human anatomy and physiology; social studies every year, psychology recommended; score at least proficient on the State PSSA assessment in Writing, Mathematics, and Reading.

Special Admissions Requirements

Acceptance into this competitive major is based on an admissions ranking process. To view detailed information on acceptance criteria, testing requirements, performance expectations, and the admissions ranking system, consult the following website: http://www.pct.edu/catalog/specialadmission.htm. Applicants not having a 'C' or better in high school chemistry with a lab (within the past 10 years) must pass either CHM 100, CHM 108, or an adult education chemistry course at an approved high school prior to admission.

Special Equipment Needs

Students in this major are expected to purchase a dual head stethoscope ($80-$100); a custom nursing kit (must be purchased at the College Bookstore - $115); uniform, white lab coat, white shoes, student nurse patch ($100-$300, depending on the number of uniforms purchased); and various smaller items ($50-$140 combined, depending on brands purchased). Prices are estimates and subject to change.

Remediation Strategies

Any deficiencies identified from placement testing must be remediated prior to admission to the Nursing curriculum.

Transfer Procedures

Graduates of this major can transfer to Penn College's BSN major. This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• use effective verbal, nonverbal, written, and electronic communication methodologies with consumers, support persons, and interdisciplinary health care team members.
• utilize the nursing process effectively when providing consumer-centered care to persons of all ages with diverse cultural, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds and developmental levels.
• develop, implement, and evaluate consumer-centered health teaching plans.
• utilize informatics effectively in the provision of evidence-based nursing care.
• exhibit professional behaviors when functioning in a professional capacity with consumers, interdisciplinary team members, members of the profession, and society-at-large.

Performance Standards

Students enrolled in the major must earn a minimum final grade of 'C' in each of their nursing courses and in BIO 115 and BIO 125. Failure to do so will result in termination from the major.

Curriculum

Additional Information

Advanced placement is available for qualified Licensed Practical Nurses. Upon completion of additional required related courses, the Licensed Practical Nurse may complete requirements for an associate's degree in nursing within two semesters or one academic year. Advanced Placement is not guaranteed. Students interested in this option must meet with the Director of Nursing the semester prior to planned enrollment. The following course credits must be completed prior to admission to advanced placement status in the major: NUR 117 - Credential Proven by Licensure (13 credits). NUR 223 - Transition into Registered Nursing (3 credits), BIO 115 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits), BIO 125 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits), PSY 111 - General Psychology (3 credits), PSY 203 - Developmental Psychology (3 credits); and a minimum of 9 credits of the remaining 20 credits of related courses.

Notice of Conviction

Child abuse clearance and criminal background checks are required by some agencies involved in fieldwork and/or capstones. Agencies can bar students from their sites if a criminal record exists or a positive drug test is noted. By virtue of contract for Penn College students to be at clinical sites, agencies have the right to ask for random drug testing. Inability to gain clinical or fieldwork or intern education experiences results in inability to meet program objectives and outcomes. For additional clarification, students can speak with their program director. The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing advises that a drug-related conviction and/or conviction of a felonious act might result in denial and/or revocation of a license to practice nursing. In accordance with The Professional Nurse Law, Act of 1951, P.L. 317, No. 69, as amended, The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing shall not issue a license to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the Act known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act" or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory or country unless at least 10 years have elapsed from the date of the conviction.

Accreditation

The associate degree in Nursing is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. For further information, contact the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission at 3343 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 850, Atlanta GA 30326; 404-975-5000.