FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NURSING PROGRAM. 2. Is it possible to be admitted to the Nursing Program with advanced standing?

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1 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NURSING PROGRAM 1. How do I apply to the Nursing Program? You must contact the Admissions Office. Information sessions are scheduled on a regular basis. Applicants to the nursing program must have: < a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate (GED) < completed placement tests in English and mathematics < completed any developmental coursework in mathematics and English < completed specified required general education courses 2. Is it possible to be admitted to the Nursing Program with advanced standing? Yes. Admission to the Nursing Program with advanced standing or readmission is contingent upon specified criteria and available space. In ranking students who have applied to reenter or to enter with advanced standing, the following criteria determines placement for a particular candidate group. Categories of candidates are listed in order of priority for acceptance: < Students who stopped out after successful completion of previous courses(s) for no longer than three years < First repeat students who have fulfilled requirements indicated on the exit interview form < Students who have passed Proficiency Test(s) for previous course(s) < Students who qualify for the LPN transition course, NURS-103 < Transfer students < Second repeat students who meet requirements 3. If I am at the top of the priority list of students seeking admission with advanced standing, can I assume that I will most likely be admitted to the Nursing Program? Not necessarily. Students are accepted according to availability of spaces in the program. However, proficiency and LPN transition students who are not seated for the semester of application will be given priority status for the following year. 4. How do you select a student for advanced standing if there is more than one individual within a particular candidate grouping? The following criteria for selection within a grouping will be considered if all students within a particular candidate grouping cannot be seated for the semester of application: < Adherence to procedures for withdrawal and readmission to the same curriculum option (practical nurse or associate degree). < Reason for withdrawal and existing factors that contribute to the student's potential successful completion of the program < Course average in previous course attempted, NURS-101, 102, or 201 < Average on nursing proficiency tests < Date of completed application to the nursing program for transfer students

2 5. What is a Proficiency Examination? The Nursing Education Program offers an examination for each of its first two courses, NURS-101 and NURS-102. The purpose of these examinations is to allow candidates who have had previous education in nursing and/or a related nursing field the opportunity to 'test out' of these courses and receive Howard Community College credit. 6. How is the Proficiency Examination structured? The NURS-101 and NURS-102 Proficiency Examination consists of three distinct portions: < Multiple choice items from the units in NURS-101 and NURS-102. To receive credit, you must achieve a weighted average of 73% on the unit exams and the comprehensive final exam < Computational examination. The candidate must achieve a passing grade on the computation examination < Psychomotor skills examination. The candidate must satisfactorily pass the skills in NURS-101 and NURS-102 Upon successful completion of the three portions of each proficiency examination, the candidate will be eligible to receive HCC credits and enter the succeeding course. 7. Does successful completion of the Proficiency Examination guarantee admission to the Nursing Program? No. Candidates will be admitted into NURS-102 or NURS-201 only if there is space available and they have completed the necessary prerequisites. A transition course (NURS-099) must be completed before entering NURS-102 or NURS- 201 with advanced standing. 8. Are there admission options for a licensed practical nurse interested in continuing study toward an associate degree in nursing? Students who are licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and have graduated fewer than three years ago from an approved LPN school or are working in the health care field as an LPN are eligible for credit award through the LPN Pathway. These students: < must have completed prerequisite courses for NURS-201 < must successfully complete two mobility examinations < must enroll in NURS-103, Transition into Nursing II, a five-credit transition course which is offered during the summer sessions LPNs may also be admitted to NURS-103 through a statewide Direct Articulation agreement. Licensed practical nurses who graduated within the last five years from an articulated program receive college credit for first-year nursing courses after completing the NURS-103 transition course. 9. What are the admission requirements for graduates of the Howard Community College Practical Nurse Program who wish to continue study toward an associate degree in nursing?

3 Slots are available for practical nurse graduates to proceed directly into the associate degree program. Selection of students to progress directly into the second year of the associate degree program is competitive based upon NURS-101 and NURS-102 course averages and general education coursework completed. 10. What constitutes "successful completion" of NURS-103? An average of 73% or above is necessary to be successful in NURS-103. Pathway students who successfully complete NURS-103 are eligible for admission into the second year of the Nursing Program. 11. Are there any enrollment prerequisites for the course, Advanced Concepts in Practical Nursing, NURS-104? The following criteria for acceptance to progress into Advanced Concepts in Practical Nursing, NURS- 104, are listed in order of priority: < All students who were accepted into the Practical Nurse certificate option and complete NURS-102 with an average of 73% or above. < Students who desire to stop out after the first year of the registered nurse program and will not be continuing directly to NURS-201. < First repeat students who were unsuccessful in NURS-104, NURS-201, or NURS-202 and have fulfilled requirements indicated on the exit interview form. < Second repeat students who meet requirements. < A student in the registered nurse tract may apply to participate in NURS-104 by March 15. Rank for seating will be determined by lottery during the last week in March. Students will be formally notified regarding acceptance into NURS-104 after the completion of the Spring semester. 12. Since Howard Community College offers both a day and an evening/weekend nursing program, may a student change options each semester? No. A student is admitted to the day program or the evening/weekend program and is committed to that scheduling option throughout the nursing program. 13. Will my Associate Degree in Nursing earned at HCC transfer toward a Bachelor of Science Degree in nursing? Yes. Graduates from the Nursing Program at Howard Community College are eligible to apply for direct transfer credit to colleges and universities within Maryland who offer a program leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN degree). Graduates must apply for articulation within the first seven years after graduation and complete degree requirements within 10 years. A maximum of 70 credits may be transferred from the community college level. Graduates may choose to take placement examinations to gain credit for nursing subject areas. Credit by examination will allow a greater number of credits to transfer for a four year degree. It is possible for a student to receive a maximum total of 90 credits through a combination of transfer credit and credit by examination.

4 14. What is the grading policy for the Nursing Program at HCC? In NURS-101, 102, 201, and 202 grades are computed as follows: < Written Assignments < Unit Exams < Final Exam In order to pass the nursing courses the student must have a weighted average of 73% on the unit exams and comprehensive or final exam. If the weighted average of exams is below 73% the student will receive either a "D" or an "F" grade for the course. The written assignments may affect the overall course average but cannot raise a grade up to passing at a "C" level if the weighted average of exams is less than 73% or 75% in NURS-201 and NURS-202. Grades on tests and papers may not be contested after seven (7) school days. 15. Are nursing students required to pass a drug computation examination? Yes. All students must pass a drug computation examination each of the first three semesters in order to pass the respective nursing course. Computations include questions on the apothecary, metric and general household measurement systems. The student will be solving drug problems that have been seen in actual patient situations. 16. Are there any other requirements for passing a nursing course? Passing a nursing course includes: < Passing a computational exam. < Obtaining a weighted average of 73% on unit and final exams and 75% in NURS-201 and NURS-202. < Obtaining an overall passing average with a grade of "C" or better including written assignments. < Satisfactory completion of campus laboratory skills exams. < Satisfactory performance in the clinical area which includes the clinical evaluation period. 17. What is considered satisfactory performance in the clinical area? The following behaviors are considered critical to patient safety and must be maintained for a satisfactory clinical evaluation: < Reporting a significant change in patient condition. < Maintaining an environment to protect patient safety. < Maintaining five rights for medication and therapies. < Reporting/recording legally and accurately with inclusion of patient status. 18. Is there a grievance policy for students? Yes. Students who have academic complaints such as a grade dispute or other issues related to instruction are encouraged to seek resolution directly with the faculty member involved. If a student

5 wishes to contest a grade, it must be done within seven (7) school days after the grade is returned to the student. If the issue is not resolved informally, there is a formal procedure for resolution of student concerns. A Student Academic Complaint Form is available in the division offices and the counseling center. 19. What type of clinical experiences are part of the Nursing Program? Students must complete at least one semester assigned to a city hospital and at least one semester in a community hospital during the last three semesters. Clinical agencies are located in the suburban and Baltimore City area. 20. Is transportation to clinical agencies provided by the college? No. All students are responsible for their own transportation to and from clinical experiences. Attendance at scheduled sessions is required. Excessive lateness or absence will result in course failure as will unsatisfactory clinical performance. Allow one hour interval between the end of a clinical time and the beginning of a class on campus. 21. Is there a dress code for clinical? Yes. All nursing students are required to wear the Howard Community College uniform. The complete uniform for female students includes either the dress or pants suit, white, lapeled lab coat, white stockings, white professional nursing shoes, and a school patch sewn securely on the left sleeve of both the uniform and lab coat. A student name pin should be worn on the left chest area of the uniform or the lab coat. The complete uniform for male students includes a white uniform and white, lapelled lab coat with the school patch sewn securely on the left sleeve, white socks with white professional shoes, or black socks with black shoes. A student name pin should be worn on the left chest area of the uniform or the lab coat. Uniforms not purchased through Howard Community College are strictly forbidden, as are flesh colored hose, socks (when worn with dress), athletic or tennis shoes, clogs, sweaters, fanny packs, excessive make-up and jewelry (one [1] earring stud may be worn in each ear only). Students are expected to wear clean shoes and a clean pressed uniform at all times. Hair is to be kept up or pulled back and secured neatly so as not to interfere with patient care. Nails should be filed so that the length does not interfere with patient care. Clear and pale pink polish may be worn. 22. Will I need any special equipment for clinical? All students are required to have bandage scissors, a stethoscope, and a watch with a second hand. 23. Are there any other requirements for clinical? Yes. All nursing students must: < Have a current CPR card

6 < Have a yearly tuberculin skin test or chest X-ray < Provide proof of immunity against both Rubeola (measles), Rubella (German measles), mumps, and varicella (chicken pox) either through vaccination or a titer indicating immunity < Sign a waiver indicating that they have been advised to be immunized against Hepatitis B but have declined if they have not received the Hepatitis B vaccine.( NOTE: Hepatitis B vaccine is strongly recommended). < Have health insurance or be prepared to assume responsibility for personal medical expenses. (NOTE: If emergency care is provided to students at a hospital, it will be at the student's expense). 24. What type of learning resources are available for nursing students? < The Learning Centers, located on the second floor of the Library Building, support the instructional program of the College with audio-visual, computer, library and video services. < The library provides over 35,000 items of media, including books, videotapes, filmstrips, films, computer software, and models for the use of students and faculty. A periodical and journal collection of approximately 300 subscriptions is maintained with backfiles for many of these publications on microfilm. < Student Support Services include tutoring and workshops to improve success. Tutoring is available to students in career programs such as nursing. Students should apply for assistance through the Support Services area. Workshops are conducted on a periodic basis for such topics as study skills, note-taking, and time management. < Students can receive tutorial assistance with their writing skills in the Write Room located on the second floor of the Library Building. < The Nursing Study Lab is located in Room N228 on the second floor of the Nursing Building. The Study lab has computer and audiovisual equipment for student convenience in completing assigned activities. It is open for student use Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Friday and Saturday until 4:30 p.m. A movable study cart is maintained for current class and skill information. The cart is moved to the Library for evening and weekend use. < The Nursing Skills Lab is located in Room N 224 and N 232. It is open for student use Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Friday and Saturday until 4:30 p.m. Students sign up for practice and evaluation time. Students are encouraged to use open lab time for practice. < Financial assistance is also available for nursing students. The Baker, Durkan, Kittleberger, and Hallinan scholarships are specifically for nursing students. State and federal monies are also awarded. Some scholarships are based on financial need whereas others require a specific grade point average or commitment to work after graduation. Students may obtain information about these funds through the Financial Aid Office. 25. Are there any student associations specifically for nursing students? Yes. The Nursing Club is a student sponsored club with a faculty advisor. The activities of the club are governed by student interests and community and college requests. Second year students share and initiate club activities with in-coming first year students. The club offers opportunities for leadership training and professional development. 26. Does HCC have a Pinning Ceremony for graduates of the Nursing Program?

7 Nursing Recognition was originated in 1974 by the first graduating class. Each year since that time, the students have voted to hold the ceremony at commencement time. The class has traditionally chosen to receive pins during this ceremony. The Practical Nurse Graduates are recognized through a pinning ceremony as established by the first graduating class in Nursing Recognition and the Pinning Ceremony are student activities organized with the assistance of a faculty advisor and elected class representatives. The college administration provides assistance in funding these activities.