Nursing

Nursing A.S. (TP/SS)

Revised: Effective Semester - Spring 2010

Students who plan to major in nursing will be assigned the temporary major of pre-nursing, with POS code 570, until they are officially admitted to the nursing program. Students may take preparatory courses and courses that fulfill general education requirements during the waiting period. As an alternative to being assigned a temporary major, students waiting for admission to the nursing program may choose to major in general studies or any other open-admission program. The Admissions and Records Office at Takoma Park/Silver Spring will assign a matriculated code once students are admitted to the nursing program.

The basic nursing curriculum covers two academic years, is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing, and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the graduate is granted the A. S. in nursing and is eligible to take the state board examination for registered nurse licensure. Graduates will be prepared to give competent nursing care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other comparable health agencies under the supervision of more experienced practitioners and, with appropriate experience and further preparation, should be able to assume increasing responsibility in nursing. Hospitals, nursing homes, and other health agencies within the metropolitan area will provide the settings for a variety of clinical experiences, which are planned as a vital part of each nursing course.

In addition to the scholastic standards required of all students in the College, nursing students are required to achieve a grade of C or better in mathematics foundation, BI 203, BI 204, and BI 205, and each nursing course in order to continue in the program.

The nursing curriculum depends on proper sequencing of courses. All non-nursing courses in the curriculum, with the exception of the arts and humanities distribution courses, are to be completed prior to or during the semester in which they are listed.

This is a selective program with specific admissions requirements. Applications should be received in the Admissions Office by April 1 for fall semester and by August 1 for spring semester. For additional information, contact the Admissions and Records Office at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, 240-567-1501, or the program department.

After acceptance into the nursing program, all students must obtain current CPR certification for “Healthcare Provider” or “Professional Rescuer” as well as a TB test or chest X-ray showing no evidence of tubercular disease. Clinical agencies require documented evidence (titers) of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B (immunization series may be in progress with titer obtained at its conclusion). In addition, knowledge of varicella (chicken pox) immune status by blood titer is required.

A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows; part-time students should consult an adviser.

Program Outcomes for the Nursing A. S. Degree

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

• Maintain legal, ethical, and professional standards in nursing practice by applying the nursing process, using a holistic model, in the care of individuals and their significant others.
• Use critical thinking skills when implementing the nursing process by applying the nursing process, using a holistic model, in the care of individuals and their significant others.
• Demonstrate caring in practice by applying the nursing process, using a holistic model, in the care of individuals and their significant others.
• Communicate effectively with individuals, their significant others, and members of the health care team, using a holistic model, in the care of individuals and their significant others.
• Perform nursing techniques with competence and skill using a holistic model, in the care of individuals and their significant others.
• Demonstrate cultural competence, using a holistic model, in the care of individuals and their significant others.
• Incorporate health teaching in the delivery of care, using a holistic model, in the care of individuals and their significant others.
• Manage patient care resources effectively, using a holistic model, in the care of individuals and their significant others.
• Apply principles of pharmacology, using a holistic model, in the care of individuals and their significant others.
• Apply concepts of nutrition, using a holistic model, in the care of individuals and their significant others.

Refer to course description pages to identify courses with prerequisites.
Courses in italics meet General Education requirements.