NURSING PROGRAM
2 Table of Contents Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Introduction Page 3 Minimum Entrance Requirements Page 4 Additional Requirement for LPN Track Page 5 Criminal Background Checks Page 5 Application Process Page 5 ADN Technical & Performance Standards Page 6 General Selection Process Page 7-8 Enrollment Invitation Page 9 Nursing Courses Page 10 Health Requirements for Students Page 11 Scholastic Standards for Students Page 11 Graduation Requirements Page 12 Contact Information Page 12
3 ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING (ADN) North Florida Community College has provisional approval from the Florida State Board of Nursing to offer the Associate in Science Degree for Registered Nursing. This two year (six semester) program will prepare the graduate to take the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Achievement of a passing score on this exam and licensure by the Florida State Board of Nursing will enable the graduate to practice as a registered nurse in the state of Florida. The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at NFCC offers a choice of two tracks for completion. Students who are not LPN s (Licensed Practical Nurses) will apply to enter the general track which is 72 credit hours. Students who are currently licensed as LPN s in the State of Florida may apply to enter the six semester (2 years) track or the LPN-Bridge track which is a 5 semester (62 credit hours) program. Completion of minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee acceptance into either track. The ADN Program is a limited access program. Once all minimum requirements are met, the student may obtain an application for the ADN Program from the Registered Nursing Program office. Admission to the ADN Program is on a selective admission basis. North Florida Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate in arts degree, associate in science degree, associate in applied science degree, as well as career and technical certificates. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of North Florida Community College.
4 MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS Complete and submit to the college admissions office an NFCC application for admission and pay the $20.00 non-refundable fee. Submit high school transcripts and transcripts from previously or currently enrolled colleges to the Registrar. If previously or currently enrolled at NFCC, be in good academic standing. A course in basic computer skills is not required for entering the ADN Program. However, it will be assumed that the applicant has basic computer skills and will be able to demonstrate such ability during the program of study. Completion of placement test and all college preparatory work. The ADN Program applicant must meet the minimum requirements for college ready reading skills per one of the following: A) Standard (scaled) score of 83 on the reading subsection of the Florida College Entry Level Placement Test (CPT) B) Score of 440 on the reading section of the Scholastic Aptitude Testing (SAT) C) Score of 18 on the reading section of the ACT Completion of the following pre-requisite courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better: A) ENC1101 B) BSC 2085 (The student must have successfully completed BIO 1010 prior to enrollment in BSC 2085) C) BSC 2086 D) DEP 2004 E) MAC 1105 NOTE: BSC 2085, BSC 2086 and MCB 2010 must have been completed within the last (5) five years of enrollment into the ADN Program. If it has been more that 5 years but less than 8 years since enrollment in BSC 2085 and BSC 2086, the student may still meet requirements through enrollment and completion of BCS 2084 with a grade of B or better. If it has been more than 5 years, but less than 8 years, since enrollment in MCB 2010 the student may still meet requirement for MCB 2010 by completing a refresher course at NFCC with a B or better or complete equivalent MCB course online or at another College or University. No more than (2) two failures on any pre-requisite science or math course or a combination of courses. If the failures were (8) eight or more years ago, the nursing admission committee may still consider the student s application for admission. If the failures have been within the last (8) eight years, the student is ineligible for the ADN Program. Regardless of the student s cumulative GPA a D in any pre-requisite course is not acceptable for admission into the program. Approximately 4 months prior to the student s anticipated admission into the ADN Program, make arrangements through the Testing Center at NFCC to take the HESI Admission Test. A minimum score of 75 must be obtained in order to apply for acceptance into the ADN Program. Information regarding the HESI admission test can be obtained from the Testing Center (after August 1 of the year prior to your anticipated enrollment). Meeting with program director and mandatory attendance at an orientation session to establish nursing file and answer questions. Dates and times will be made available to all applicants.
5 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT FOR LPN TRACK The LPN must present documentation of a current and valid Florida LPN license, with no problems, variances, restrictions, stipulations or like conditions for the duration of enrollment in the ADN program. Submit documentation of employment as an LPN for at least 6 months. Employment as an LPN must be within two years prior to the application date. Work experience is subject to verification. NOTE: If at anytime during the application process the applicant has a change of address or needs to update their personal information, the applicant should submit this information to the college admissions office as well as the Nursing Program office. This will expedite notification of acceptance status. It is the applicant s responsibility to see that admission requirements are met. No notices will be sent. The applicant may see an advisor to review their file. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS Students enrolled in the ADN Program at NFCC are involved in direct patient care during clinical experiences in a hospital or other health care facility. As such, the student is required to submit their individual Civilian Criminal Records Inquiry form to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in Tallahassee. This requirement is mandated (Florida Statues Chapter 435) by health care facilities with which NFCC has clinical agreements. Any students who have been found guilty of, regardless of adjudication, or entered a plea of nolo contendere, or guilty to, any offense under the provisions of Florida Statues or under similar statue of another jurisdiction may be disqualified from admission to the program. Students with felony arrests pending disposition or students on probation are disqualified. An applicant who has been convicted of a felony and civil rights have not been restored is disqualified from admission into the program. All records must be sent directly from the FDLE to the Nursing Program office. Records will be kept in a confidential file, and not made part of the student s College record. Information regarding obtaining this report will be provided to applicants with provisional acceptance into the program.
6 Prospective Nursing Applicant Individuals who are considering entering the nursing profession and who may have a criminal history often ask about potential barriers to licensure following successful completion of an approved nursing program. While it would be nice to know this prior to making a decision to enter the program, obtaining that information is not possible under current Florida law. The Board of Nursing makes decisions about licensure based upon a number of questions on the application and on an individual basis. The application (or the background screening) that indicates a criminal history is considered a non-routine application and must be reviewed by the board staff and possibly referred to the Board of Nursing for action. Each application is reviewed on its own merits. The Board of Nursing has created guidelines for specific offenses to be cleared in the board office; however, the staff cannot make determinations in advance as laws and rules do change over time. Violent crimes and repeat offenders are required to be presented to the Board of Nursing for review. Evidence of rehabilitation is important to the Board Members when making licensure decisions. The only permanent barrier to licensure in Florida is not having your civil rights. Some felony convictions cause a person s civil rights to be taken away. The applicant is required to send documentation of restoration of civil rights at the time of application for licensure. The Board may issue a license under conditions such as probation, supervision, or additional education, or the Board may deny your application. If drugs or alcohol are a concern, the board may require the applicant to undergo an evaluation and to sign a contract with the Intervention Project for Nurses (800-840-2720). Each nursing program makes independent decisions about admissions into the program and may require a criminal background screening as part of that process. Clinical facilities may limit or prohibit students with criminal histories from participating in clinical experiences. Other options may not exist for the student to complete required clinical hours in order to obtain a nursing degree; thus, such a student may not be eligible for licensure in Florida. The licensure application requires disclosure of any criminal history and the disposition of all cases prior to board review. Entry into the nursing education program is the prospective student s decision based upon the knowledge that he/she may, or may not, be granted a nursing license. All of the above factors should be taken into consideration prior to making a decision about a nursing career. Adapted from http://www.doh.state.fl.us
7 APPLICATION PROCESS When the minimum admission requirements are met or during the semester the minimum requirements are being met, the student may request an application for the ADN Program from the nursing program office and schedule an appointment with the nursing program advisor. A completed application should be turned into the nursing office before the announced deadline. A completed application will include documentation of the applicant s HESI score, transcripts from all technical programs, college and universities, high school transcript, and verification of work experience. An FDLE background check, drug screen, health clearance and up to date immunizations are required only if the applicant is accepted into the program on a provisional basis. DO NOT SUBMIT these reports with the original application. Only completed applications for the ADN Program will be brought before the nursing admissions committee which will meet in the fall of each year. Incomplete applications or those that do not meet or exceed minimum requirements will not be considered in the selection process. Latter applicants will be notified in writing of reason(s) for non-consideration. All applicants previously enrolled in any Health Sciences program must be in good standing with their former program. Applicants not meeting good standing criteria may not be eligible for selection. North Florida Community College is dedicated to the concept of equal opportunity and access. In accordance with federal and state laws, and College policy, NFCC does not discriminate in any of its policies, procedures or practices on the basis of age, color, sex, religion, national origin, race, creed, marital status, or physical or mental disability. Inquiries regarding equity issues of any nature may be directed to Devona Sewell, Equity Coordinator, Administration, Bldg. 3, 325 NW Turner Davis Drive, Madison, FL 32340, telephone 850.973.9409 or email sewelld@nfcc.edu.
8 ADN TECHNICAL & PERFORMANCE STANDARDS Nursing involves the provision of direct, technical, and safe care to individuals in a variety of health care settings. Therefore, in order to be considered for admission into the ADN Program, all students must be able to demonstrate the abilities listed below. Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with disabilities. However, a candidate is expected to perform in a reasonable independent manner. If an applicant is uncertain about their ability to meet these standards without harming themselves or the patient, he/she should make arrangements to job shadow a professional nurse in the health care facility of their choice. Issue Critical Thinking Interpersonal Standard Critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. Ability to cope with stress. High degree of flexibility. Communication Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form. Ability to cope with anger/ fear/hostility of others in a calm manner. Mobility Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces. High degree of flexibility. Examples of Necessary Activities (not all-inclusive) Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations, develop nursing care plans Establish rapport with patients/ clients and colleagues. Explain treatment procedures, initiate health teaching, document and interpret nursing actions and patient/ client responses. Move around in patient rooms, work spaces, and treatment areas; administer cardiopulmonary procedures. Motor Skills Hearing Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care. Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. Calibrate and use equipment; position patients / clients. Hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds, cries for help. Visual Tactile Strength/ Stamina Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care. Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment Sufficient stamina to provide patient care and related responsibilities for extended periods of time (8-12 hrs). Observe patient/client responses. Accurately prepare and administer medication. Perform palpation, functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, e.g. sense temperature change, assess peripheral pulses, insert a catheter. Adapt to shift work. Lift without restrictions, from standing position. Students with weight restrictions cannot be accepted into clinical courses. * Adapted from the Board of Directors of the Southern Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing (SCCEN) guidelines for Nursing Education Programs. LATEX ADVISORY - Latex-based products are used in all health care facilities.
9 SELECTION PROCESS Selection criteria are used by the section committee to decide which applicants are given an invitation to the program. Applicants are ranked according to points earned. Those twenty-four applicants with the highest number of points will be offered an invitation to attend the ADN program. Points are determined by the following: General Track GPA 3.75-4.00 POINTS 33 GPA 3.25-3.74 POINTS 28 GPA 3.00-3.24 POINTS 23 GPA 2.75-2.99 POINTS 18 GPA 2.50-2.74 POINTS 13 Points Area GPA in Pre-Requisite Coursework LPN Bridge Track GPA 3.75-4.00 POINTS 33 GPA 3.25-3.74 POINTS 28 GPA 3.00-3.24 POINTS 23 GPA 2.75-2.99 POINTS 18 GPA 2.50-2.74 POINTS 13 COURSE A B C HUN 2201 Nutrition 5 3 1 MCB 2010 Microbiology 5 3 1 PSY 2012 Gen Psychology 5 3 1 Humanities/ 5 3 1 Philosophy Co-requisite Coursework COURSE A B C HUN 2201 Nutrition 5 3 1 MCB 2010 Microbiology 5 3 1 PSY 2012 Gen Psychology 5 3 1 Humanities/ 5 3 1 Philosophy COURSE A B C HSC 1531 Medical Term 5 3 1 MTB 1370 Math for Meds 5 3 1 LIS 1001/LIS 1004 Information Skills 2.5 1.5 0 CGS 1030C/1100 Basic Computer 2.5 1.5 0 SYG 1000 Sociology 5 3 1 Support Courses Or Electives COURSE A B C STA 2023 Statistics 5 3 1 CHM 1033 or 1045 Chemistry 5 3 1 LIS 1001/LIS 1004 Information Skills 2.5 1.5 0 CGS 1030C/1100 Basic Computer 2.5 1.5 0 SYG 1000 Sociology 5 3 1
10 SELECTION PROCESS CONTINUED General Track DEGREE: AAS, AS or AA POINTS 3 DEGREE: BA or BS POINTS 4 Education LPN Bridge Track DEGREE: AAS, AS or AA POINTS 3 DEGREE: BA or BS POINTS 4 CERTIFICATION: Certification based on an educational program of at least 1 semester. (ie. Certified Nursing Assistant, CNA; Patient Care Assistant, PCA; Emergency Medical Technician, EMT) POINTS: 4 CERTIFICATION: Certification based on an educational program of at least 2 semesters. (ie: Paramedic; Patient Care Technician; Surgical Technician; Physical Therapy Assistant, PTA; Occupational Therapy Assistant, OTA; Respiratory Therapy Assistant, RTA; Military Corpsman. POINTS: 7 Health Related Certification/ Licensure CERTIFICATION: Certification based on an educational program of at least one semester. (ie: Emergency Medical Technician, EMT) POINTS: 4 CERTIFICATION: Certification Based on an educational program of at least 2 semesters. (ie: Paramedic; Surgical Technician; Physical Therapy Assistant, PTA; Occupational Therapy Assistant, OTA; Respiratory Therapy Assistant, RTA; Military Corpsman. POINTS: 7 Applicant is a resident of NFCC s six county service area which includes the counties of Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor. POINTS: 5 Residency Applicant is a resident of NFCC s six county service area which includes the counties of Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor. POINTS: 5 SCORE 95-100 POINTS 22 SCORE 87-94 POINTS 17 SCORE 81-86 POINTS 12 SCORE 75-80 POINTS 07 HESI Admissions Test Scores SCORE 95-100 POINTS 22 SCORE 87-94 POINTS 17 SCORE 81-86 POINTS 12 SCORE 75-80 POINTS 07 12 Months or More POINTS 05 Full Time Work Experience 2 yrs or more as LPN POINTS 05 Applicant qualified the prior academic year as an alternate candidate for the program. POINTS: 5 Prior Qualified Alternate Applicant qualified the prior academic year as an alternate candidate for the program. POINTS: 5 125 Total Points Available 125
11 INVITATION TO ENROLL IN ADN PROGRAM The ADN Program director will notify those applicants who have been selected on a competitive basis of their provisional acceptance into the program. Final acceptance into the program is contingent upon satisfactory results from a FDLE background check, drug screen, up to date immunizations and a completed physical, mental and dental exam and attendance at a mandatory orientation session. Information on obtaining these reports/tests/dates will be provided in the provisional acceptance notification package. Applicants with specific conviction histories or positive drug screens may ultimately not be accepted into the nursing program. LPNs who have qualified for admission into the ADN Program will begin classes in the second semester of each calendar year. The number of qualified applicants admitted will be contingent upon the number of slots that are available at the beginning of the second semester. LPN s articulating into the ADN Program will be awarded 9 semester hours of credit for experiential learning within the program when he/she has successfully completed NUR 1770C. Additional requirements for applicants with provisional acceptance into the program: General Track CPR certification (Healthcare Provider level). CPR cards must be current through Dec. 31, 2008. You may call NFCC Community Ed to receive information about current classes Attendance at Mandatory Orientation Session LPN Bridge Track CPR certification (Healthcare Provider level). CPR cards must be current through Dec. 31, 2008. You may call NFCC Community Ed to receive information about current classes Attendance at Mandatory Orientation Session LPN s entering the program are to have current re-licensure requirements for HIV/AIDS, domestic violence and medical error completed prior to enrollment in nursing courses Evidence of health insurance (required for duration of program Evidence of health insurance (required for duration of program Dates and deadlines for submission of the required reports/tests and other documents will be provided in the provisional acceptance notification package. Failure to return the required reports/tests and other specified documents by the deadline date will result in forfeiture of the student s seat in the class. Specific conviction histories or positive drug screens occurring after full admission and matriculation in the program will be addressed by Department policy, including dismissal.
12 NURSING COURSES General Track LPN Bridge Track TERM COURSE COURSE NAME CR HRS TERM COURSE COURSE NAME CR HRS Prerequisites 17 Prerequisites 17 SPRING NUR 1020 Nursing Process I 6 SPRING HUN 2201 Nutrition 3 NUR 1020L Nursing Process I Clinical Exp. 3 HUN 2201 Nutrition 3 SUMMER MCB 2010 Microbiology 4 SUMMER NUR 1024L Focused Clinical Studies 2.5 PSY 2012 General Psychology 3 MCB 2010 Microbiology 4 NUR 1770C Orientation to AD Nursing PSY 2012 General Psychology 3 Experiential Credit for LPN FALL NUR 1231 Nursing Process II 6 FALL NUR 1231 Nursing Process II 6 NUR 1231L Nursing Process II Clinical Experience 3 NUR 1231L Nursing Process II Clinical Experience NUR 1141C Pharmacology 1 NUR 1141C Pharmacology 1 2.5 9 3 SPRING NUR 2236 Nursing Process III 5 SPRING NUR 2236 Nursing Process III 5 NUR 2236L Nursing Process III Clinical Experience 3 NUR 2236L Nursing Process III Clinical Experience 3 SUMMER NUR 1940L Clinical Externship 2.5 SUMMER NUR 1940L Clinical Externship 2.5 HUM NFCC Requirements FALL NUR 2241 Nursing Process IV 5 FALL NUR 2241 Nursing Process IV 5 NUR 2241L Humanities/ Philosophy Nursing Process IV Clinical 3 HUM NFCC Requirements Humanities/Philosophy 3 3 NUR 2241L Nursing Process IV Clinical NUR 2811C Practicum 2 NUR 2811C Practicum 2 3 TOTAL CR HRS 72 TOTAL CR HRS 72
13 HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS Students enrolled in the ADN Program are responsible for their own health care including any health care cost sustained while enrolled in the nursing program. Students are required to have health insurance upon acceptance into the program of study and throughout the duration of the program. Verification of health insurance will be done with the nursing program office. (See student policies related to health clearance) A complete physical, mental and dental examination, immunizations update and PPD/Chest x-ray is required as a part of the admission process for entry into the proposed ADN Program. The student must have this form completed and all health issues addressed prior to final acceptance into the program. An incomplete physical exam form will translate into delayed admission for the student. PPD/Chest x-ray testing will be required annually. (See student policies related to health clearance.) If a student experiences pregnancy, severe illness, or surgery after entrance into clinical courses, he/she will be required to complete a change of health status form with the nursing office and receive clearance from their health care provider prior to the resumption of clinical activities. SCHOLASTIC STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS When a student registers at North Florida Community College (NFCC), he/she is obligated to accept the rules and regulations of the College, which may be changed as circumstances make changes desirable or necessary (NFCC Catalog). The ADN Program operates under the guidelines of NFCC policies and procedures as related to general admissions. However, once the student is admitted into the ADN Program, he/she will also be expected to adhere to the academic standards outlined in the student handbook for the program. The nursing program has academic standards ranging from superior progress to discontinuance of enrollment for inadequate progress toward the established academic standards for the program. In order to be admitted, retained, and to progress in the program, the student must: Meet all requirements as outlined in the policy and procedures admissions information. a. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all pre-requisite courses. b. Have no D s in any pre-requisite course. When enrolled, meet all academic requirements as outlined in the program policy and procedure manual for students. a. Maintain a minimum theory grade of C AND a clinical grade of Pass in each nursing course. b. Students may repeat only one nursing course one time in which a grade of D or F or W has been earned in the entire nursing program of study. c. If the student earns a failing grade in either the theory or the clinical co-requisite course, both courses must be repeated and a passing grade earned before the student can progress in the nursing program. d. Obtain satisfactory performance on all standardized assessment test.
14 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS General requirements for graduation with an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from North Florida Community College are: Completion of all required nursing courses with a grade of C or better. Completion of all required skills, laboratory and clinical experiences with a grade of Pass. Meeting specific applicable departmental requirements. Discharging all financial obligations to the College and its agencies. Filing an application for graduation prior to the deadline published in the college catalog or otherwise announced. Payment of the required graduation fee. Obtain acceptable scores on all exit examinations. MORE INFORMATION For more information on NFCC s Registered Nursing Program contact: Melody Foust, RN Program Administrative Assistant Telephone: (850) 973-1662; Email: FoustM@nfcc.edu Nita Fico, Allied Health Director Telephone: (850) 973-9489; Email: FicoN@nfcc.edu North Florida Community College Nursing Program 325 NW Turner Davis Drive Madison, Florida 32340 Fax: (850) 973-9417 TTY: (850) 973-1611 Located in the Career and Technical Education Center, Building #13 (NFCC Campus) NFCC is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. 2/2008
15