Admission Policy for the Associate Degree Nursing Program

Transcription

1 Edgecombe Community College Admission Information Packet for Practical Nursing Diploma (PN), Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), & Advanced Placement Licensed Practical Nurse (Transition) The associate degree and practical nursing education programs at Edgecombe Community College are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Application Deadline for Summer 2016 Entry, Transition: February 2, 2016 Application Deadline for Fall 2016 Entry, PN & ADN: March 2, 2016 Thank you for your interest in nursing education at Edgecombe Community College. This packet will help you prepare to meet the admission steps for both Associate Degree and Practical Nursing programs, and the Transition option. Applications to these programs are only available at REQUIRED Nursing Information Sessions which are held monthly from August through February for PN & ADN and from August through January for Transition. Questions about the admission process are answered at these sessions. Students are required to attend a session each year until accepted, as admission requirements may change. General Information The ADN curriculum requires five consecutive semesters to complete. The PN curriculum requires three semesters, and Transition option requires three semesters. The transition applicant must have completed an approved PN program, must have passed NCLEX-PN, and hold a current, unrestricted license to practice as a LPN in NC. Applicants are encouraged to take as many of the required general education courses as possible before the planned semester of admission. These courses are marked with an asterisk (*) on the Individual Graduation Plans available on the Nursing web pages. Please refer to these regularly. This plan will reduce the course workload while taking the NUR courses and improve the likelihood of success. However, taking these courses early does not reduce the length of the program. Resources, such as clinical facilities, faculty, and approval standards, limit the number of applicants accepted to the program. The ADN program is approved for a total of 80 students and the PN program is approved for 20. Admission Policy for the Associate Degree Nursing Program Students are admitted to the nursing program in accordance to policies established by the nursing faculty and approved by administration. The college does not guarantee admission to all students who apply to the nursing program.

2 Admission is competitive and is based on a points-based ranking system. Completion of the nursing program does not guarantee success in passing the licensure exam. A nursing student must be admitted/readmitted to the nursing program in order to receive credit for any nursing (NUR) course. Curriculum courses other than NUR courses may be taken before admission to the program or after admission in the sequence offered. All Biology courses must be current within a seven-year period. Biology courses older than seven years must be retaken before program entry or at the prescribed time in the curriculum sequence. Nursing students are assigned clinical rotations with area healthcare agencies. Students must meet employee health standards and the criminal background and/ or drug screening requirements of the agencies at the student s expense at any time after admission to the program Admission Checklist Must be completed prior to March 2, 2016 for ADN & PN and prior to Feb 2, 2016 for Transition. Step I Application Process 1. Submit an Edgecombe Community College application at programs/become-a-student. 2. Submit official high school transcript or GED scores to the Admissions Office. Currently enrolled high school students should submit a partial transcript. A final transcript must be submitted at the time of graduation. 3. Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. 4. Attend a mandatory nursing information session before March 2 for ADN/PN and prior to Feb 2 for Transition. The schedule is posted at: (ADN/Transition) (PN) 5. Complete a nursing program application at the session. Subsequent dates for acceptance of applications will be established if space becomes available prior to fall semester (ADN/PN) or summer semester (Transition) Notes: Paper applications for the college are available in Student Services on Tarboro and Rocky Mount Campuses Transcripts must be official and delivered to the college in a sealed envelope. Step II TEAS V 1. Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills, (TEAS V) before the program

3 admission deadline. 2. TEAS V scores must meet the following criteria to be eligible for ranking A minimum overall score of 62 % for ADN and Transition A minimum overall score of 58% for PN Testing occurred within 24 months of the deadline for submission of documents. The student has released scores to ECC with ATI if testing occurred at a site other that at ECC or the scores are officially delivered to ECC by the school where the test was taken. All four sections of the TEAS test were taken TEAS V may be taken up to twice in an academic year, at least 28 days apart. 3. The highest of up to four TEAS scores will be used for ranking. Notes: Dates and times for the TEAS test can be found at TEAS V will cost $45.00 (the price could go up without notice) and may be paid for at the business office on Tarboro campus and the bookstore on Rocky Mount campus. Keep receipt and present with it, along with an official ID or ECC student ID at the testing session. TEAS scores are good for 2 years The higher of the composite scores will be used for ranking purposes. Step III Ranking and conditional Acceptance 1. Students who score a 62% (ADN and Transition) or 58% (PN) will be competitively ranked. 2. Points from the TEAS score and from the GPA on all ECC ADN or PNE curriculum general education courses that have been completed from all colleges, including courses with less than a C, are included in the calculation. The ranking GPA also included all curriculum courses that have been completed more than once. 3. The highest ranking applicants will receive a letter of conditional acceptance. 4. Students must accept or reject the seat in writing to the Nursing Counselor. 5. A waiting list letter will be mailed to reaming eligible applicants. 6. Student will continue to be accepted from the waiting list until the program is full. Notes: A points-based ranking procedure is used when there are more qualified applicants than seats available. Each student s rank is based on the total points earned from the points criteria.

4 If you receive a letter of acceptance, it means that your total points from these criteria were high enough to be included in the number of available seats in each program to which you applied. Step IV Full Acceptance (For ADN and PN) After accepting a nursing seat, the student must meet the following requirements in order to be fully accepted: 1. Attend a mandatory Health Science Orientation and Nursing Orientation session. 2. Submit a completed physical examination form provided by the college, including required immunizations, performed with a 12- month time frame by the required deadline. Immunizations required: Tetanus or TDap within last 10 years Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) x 2 or positive titer for each Varicella x 2 or positive titer 3 Hepatitis B vaccinations or positive titer 2 Step PPD (within the last year) 3. Submit evidence of current (within last year) CPR certification by the American Heart Association at the health care provider level by the required deadline. 4. If developmental courses were required upon admission to the college, the developmental prerequisties for ECC ADN and PNE curriculum general education courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the program. 5. Demonstrate evidence of successful completion of (C or better) in high school or college chemistry or biology. 6. Demonstrate a 2.5 GPA on all ECC ADN & PNE curriculum general education courses that have been completed up to the point of enrollment in the program. The highest grade on all completed courses from all colleges will be used in this calculation, including courses with less than a C. 7. Demonstrate an overall 2.0 GPA on courses completed at ECC up to the point of enrollment. 8. Complete a criminal background and drug screen by the required deadline. 9. Failure to meet deadlines will result in withdrawal of acceptance status. Notes: Immunizations may not be declined, except by a statement in writing from the student s health care provider for exemptions. If a student has had a 2 Step PPD, the student must have evidence, plus have maintained annual PPDs. Step IV for Transition listed on next page.

5 Admission Procedure for Advanced Placement Licensed Practical Nurse A Nursing Transition plan has been designed for Licensed Practical Nurses who desire to enter the Associate Degree Nursing program with advanced standing. Applicants who meet the admission requirements outlined below and successfully complete the Nursing Transition course (NUR 214) with a C or better will be allowed to enroll in NUR 114 and complete the Associate Degree program requirements. Students who are taking NUR 214 have been accepted into the Associate Degree Nursing program. Students are admitted to the nursing program in accordance to policies established by the nursing faculty and approved by administration. The college does not guarantee admission to all students who apply to the nursing program. Admission is competitive and is based on a points-based ranking system. Completion of the nursing program does not guarantee success in passing the licensure exam. A nursing student must be admitted/readmitted to the nursing program in order to receive credit for any nursing (NUR) course. Curriculum courses other than NUR courses may be taken before admission to the program or after admission in the sequence offered. All Biology courses must be current within a seven year period. Biology courses older than seven years must be retaken before program entry or at the prescribed time in the curriculum sequence. This requirement may be waived by the program director for actively practicing LPNs with no lapses in employment as an LPN. Nursing students are assigned clinical rotations with area healthcare agencies. Students must meet employee health standards and the criminal background and/ or drug screening requirements of the agencies at the student s expense at any time after admission to the program. Step IV (For Transition only) After accepting a nursing seat, the student must meet the following requirements in order to be fully accepted: 1. Successfully complete with a C or better Bio 168, BIO 169, ENG 111, and PSY 150 prior to summer semester. 2. If developmental courses were required upon admission to the college, the developmental prerequisties for ECC ADN curriculum general education courses must be completed prior to enrollment in the program. 3. Hold an unencumbered license to practice as an LPN in NC. 4. Attend a mandatory Health Science Orientation and Nursing Orientation session. 5. Submit a completed physical examination form provided by the college,

6 including required immunizations, performed within a 12- month time frame by the required deadline. Immunizations required: Tetanus or TDap within last 10 years Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) x 2 or positive titer for each Varicella x 2 or positive titer 3 Hepatitis B vaccinations or positive titer 2 Step PPD (within the last year) 6. Submit evidence of current (within last year) CPR certification by the American Heart Association at the health care provider level by the required deadline. 7. Demonstrate a 2.5 GPA on all ECC ADN curriculum general education courses that have been completed up to the point of enrollment in the program. The highest grade on all completed courses from all colleges will be used in this calculation, including courses with less than a C. 8. Demonstrate an overall 2.0 GPA on courses completed at ECC up to the point of enrollment. 9. Complete a criminal background and drug screen by the required deadline. 10. Failure to meet deadlines will result in withdrawal of acceptance status. Notes: Immunizations may not be declined, except by a statement in writing from the student s health care provider for exemptions. If a student has had a 2 Step PPD, the student must have evidence, plus have maintained annual PPDs. Nursing Orientation Session In your conditional acceptance letter, you will be notified of the date of the mandatory Nursing Orientation session. Information on program policies, uniforms and supplies, and completing the criminal background check and drug screen, will be provided. Failure to attend, or complete requirements by the dates indicated, will result in forfeiture of the seat. Abiding by all required dates is considered a predictor of a successful nursing student. Explanation of Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening The North Carolina Board of Nursing regulates all aspects of nursing including education, licensure, and the practice of nursing by registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to insure the safety and well-being of the public. The Nursing Practice Act states that all applicants for licensure shall consent to a criminal history record check (GS , b). The Board of Nursing shall ensure that State and national criminal history of each applicant is checked. The Nursing Practice Act defines criminal history as a misdemeanor or felony that bears on an applicant s fitness for licensure to practice nursing which includes the sale and distribution of drugs,

7 alcohol related offenses or driving while impaired (GS , a 2). If the criminal history record reveals one or more convictions that is listed in GS a, 2 the conviction shall not automatically bar licensure. The Board of Nursing shall consider a number of factors regarding the conviction(s). If after reviewing the factors, the Board of Nursing determines that the conviction bears on the applicant s fitness to practice nursing then licensure will be denied. In the nursing program, students are assigned clinical rotations in a number of health care agencies. It is customary that these agencies hold students to the same standards as their employees. These standards include an acceptable criminal background and clear drug screening. The criminal background and drug screening may be done once, before the student reports to the clinical agency, or randomly, during the clinical experience. If the student has a criminal conviction or tests positive for drugs for which the student cannot produce a valid prescription, the agency will refuse to allow the student to participate in the clinical experience. If a nursing student is prohibited from participating in a clinical agency, the student will be dismissed from the nursing program due to the inability to progress and complete the program. All costs associated with criminal background checks and drug screenings are the responsibility of the student. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A NURSING STUDENT North Carolina s Nursing Practice Act (August, 2005), defines nursing as: "a dynamic discipline which includes the assessing, caring, counseling, teaching, referring and implementing of prescribed treatment in the maintenance of health, prevention and management of illness, injury, disability or the achievement of a dignified death. It is ministering to, assisting, and sustained, vigilant, and continuous care of those acutely or chronically ill; supervising patients during convalescence and rehabilitation; the supportive and restorative care given to maintain the optimum health level of individuals, groups, and communities; the supervision, teaching, and evaluation of those who perform or are preparing to perform these functions; and the administration of nursing programs and nursing services." The safe practice of nursing involves cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor performance requirements. Admission and continued enrollment is not based on the essential functions but instead the essential functions are used in determining whether accommodations or modifications are necessary. If a student believes that he or she cannot meet one or more of the standards without accommodations or modifications, the student should meet with the American Disabilities officer on the campus the students is enrolled. *PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL STANDARDS The essential functions for student in a nursing program shall be further defined according to the following standards. Nursing students should possess, maintain, and demonstrate the following:

8 1. Critical Thinking: Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment. For example: the student must be able to identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations; collect and analyze data to aid in problem solving; develop nursing care plans. 2. Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal abilities sufficient for interactions with individuals, families, groups and health care professionals from a variety of emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds. For example: the nursing student shall establish rapport with clients and healthcare team. 3. Communication Skills: Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form. For example: explain treatment procedures, initiate health teaching, document and interpret nursing actions and client responses. 4. Mobility: Physical abilities sufficient for movement from room to room and in small spaces, stand and walk for extensive periods of time. For example: trips from workstation to clients rooms, workspaces and treatment areas. 5. Motor Skills: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to providing safe and effective nursing care. For example: calibrate and use equipment, document care, position and move clients, administer, cardiopulmonary procedures, and perform procedures. 6. Hearing: Auditory ability sufficient for monitor and assess health needs. For example: hear monitor alarm, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds, and cries for help. 7. Visual: Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care. For example: Observe patient/client response, changes in skin color, and specimen color. 8. Tactile: Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment. For example: perform palpation, functions of physical examination and/or those related therapeutic intervention such as insertions of catheters and taking pulses. 9. Weight Bearing: Ability to lift and manipulate pounds. For example: position clients, move equipment. 10. Cognitive Abilities: Ability to be oriented to time, place, and person; organize responsibilities, and make decisions. For example: Student shall assess client complaints, provide prioritized client care, and implement appropriate plans. *Developed by Board of Directors: Southern Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing. Planning for Success Applicants must meet minimum admission requirements. However, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Recognize that ECC admits students into the programs each year out of about 300 applicants who have met the minimum requirements. This means that each applicant has a 20-30% chance of being accepted. Consider and reflect on the following: Is Nursing for You? Is it the only health care profession you have considered? Research the nursing profession. Do you know the difference between the RN and LPN? Are you comfortable tending to a person s hygiene needs? Consider becoming a Nurse Aide I. Research other health professions. What are the job opportunities and salaries?

9 Consider applying to more than one health science program. You are encouraged to apply to any health science program at ECC which might interest you. Attending an information session is the best way to learn about these professions and admission requirements, and is required to apply to the programs marked with below with an *. o Health Information Technology o Medical Assisting o Radiography* o Respiratory Therapy* o Surgical Technology* o Occupational Therapy Assistant You may also be interested in our collaborative agreements with Halifax Community College for Dental Hygiene or with Martin Community College for Dental Assisting. Contact Student Services if you would like to learn more about these programs. What can you do to improve your chances for acceptance? Strive for A s & B s in all courses o A 2.5 GPA on all completed general education courses that are starred in the IGP. o Also, C s in general education courses usually mean D s & F s in NUR courses. It is especially important to make at least B s in the biology and math courses. Know your learning style and study strengths Don t take online courses simply because they are convenient Only take courses that you have time to take based on course difficulty and your life situation Prepare for TEAS through planned study. o TEAS measures basic academic skills in reading, mathematics, science, and English. The TEAS Study Manual can be purchased at the Tarboro or Rocky Mount Bookstores or at www. atitesting.com. Click on ATI Product Solutions, then click on Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS ) for more information. The TEAS 5.0 Online Practice Assessment and Study Manual is also available on the website. o Students who are enrolled in at least one course at Edgecombe Community College have free access to a self-paced, online TEAS V review program through PLATO. To obtain access, contact the CLC Coordinator and provide her with your first and last name and your Student ID number. Use the results of the TEAS to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Retake the TEAS at least 30 days later after identifying your weaknesses and additional study. In order to retake the TEAS within the same academic year, you must test the first time by January 29 th to be eligible to test again before the deadline of March 2 nd. If you have completed most of your general education courses, or if you took them more than five years ago, refresh and improve your grade by repeating some of these courses, especially math and biology. However, repeating courses

10 can affect financial aid, so you should discuss this with your financial aid counselor. What can you do to improve your chances for staying in Nursing? (Approximately 50-60% of students who are accepted complete the program.) Do you have a strong support system that will encourage you when the going gets tough? Do you have good study skills? Are you willing to join a study group? Have you looked for all possible sources to finance your education? How will you provide for childcare so you can arrive on time for 6:30 am clinical experiences? Do you have reliable transportation? Do you have back-up babysitters and alarm clocks? These are essential for students to meet strictly enforced attendance requirements. Did you know that nursing students must meet the same hiring standards for clinical as the nurses who are hired by hospitals? Read the Explanation of Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening on page 9 of this document. If these screens reveal certain misdemeanors within the previous five years, or a single felony within the previous ten years, or any instance of assault, battery, or theft regardless of the time span, or any pattern of violations deemed by the clinical agency to be unsatisfactory to meet their hiring standards, ECC is notified by the agency that the student will not be allowed to participate in clinical. Students with questions or concerns may speak with the Dean of Health Sciences privately and anonymously.