Degree: Associate of Applied Science

Length: 2 Years

Purpose

The Associate Degree in Nursing Program at RCC is designed to prepare students to encompass the art and science of nursing in their professional role. At the completion of the Nursing Program, students will be able to integrate nursing skills with health teaching to provide total client care, utilizing ethical values and legal principles. Students will also learn to coordinate the care of their clients in a variety of health care settings.

Upon satisfactory completion of this program, the student will be eligible for application to take the examination required for licensure as a registered nurse (R.N.).

Occupational Objectives

Registered nurse positions in hospitals, long term care facilities, Health Departments, School Systems and other comparable health care facilities and agencies.

Admission Requirements
(ADN application packet and program information)

Students admitted to the program will complete the general requirements, including those listed below, prior to beginning the clinical component.

1. College placement tests in reading, writing and mathematics.
2. All RCC developmental course work prescribed as a result of RCC placement tests, through MTH 03 and ENG 03 and ENG 05.
3. One unit each of high school Biology and Chemistry with a final grade of “C” or better, or their equivalents, BIO 101 – Biology and CHM 101 – Chemistry.
   (Students considering pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing should consult their academic advisor regarding the appropriate biology and chemistry preparation.)
4. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.
5. Anatomy and Physiology (8 Credit hours), or enrolled in BIO 141 and BIO 142.  (Students who have taken A&P more than 7 years prior to program application must take an NLN challenge test)
6. A 3 credit computer class such as ITE 115 or ITE 119 or CLEP equivalent (within the past 7 years).
7. The Nursing Pre-entrance Exam, with a score above the 45^th percentile, within the past 3 years.  Applicants who have already completed a four-year degree are exempt from this examination.
8. Complete and submit an application to the nursing program by the designated time in the spring preceding the fall start of the program (see nursing link on RCC webpage for more information).

Program Requirements:

• Attend orientation program in summer prior to the fall start of clinical nursing courses.
• Health Record Requirement:  Physical and dental examinations, including immunizations, must be completed prior to the start of fall clinical nursing courses.  The required medical forms will be provided at orientation.  Applicants must be free of any physical or mental condition that might adversely affect their acceptance or performance as nurses.  More detailed information is provided in the Student Nursing Handbook.
• CPR Certification (American Heart Association, “BLS for the Healthcare Provider”) is required of all students prior to entry into NUR 111. Information, including a schedule of CPR classes, will be provided at nursing program orientation.
• Maintain a grade of “C” or higher in all courses in NUR curriculum.
• Maintain professionalism in both campus and clinical settings, especially in attitude and responsibility.  Failure to meet this requirement can result in termination from the program.
• If a student has no previous medical/nursing training, a certified nursing assistant course is recommended prior to entry into NUR 111.
• Students are responsible for purchasing the required clinical uniforms and name tags through the college’s designated supplier.
• Standardized tests will be taken after each semester/module in nursing, and the cost will be the responsibility of the student.
• Legal Restrictions: The State Board of Nursing has the authority to deny licensure to any applicant who has violated any of the provisions of 54.1-3007 of the Code of Virginia. A candidate having any violations other than minor traffic violations should discuss these with the nursing program head prior to admission.
• Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screens: A criminal background check and urine drug screen is required of each student, and must be conducted by the college-designated contractor. Information will be provided at orientation. The costs of the background check and the drug screen are the responsibility of the student.
• Nursing students enrolled in clinical nursing courses are required to have malpractice insurance.  Students may purchase malpractice insurance from independent providers.
• Students are responsible for following the clinical policy for safe handling of biohazards and utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in the prevention of blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.  Additionally, students are responsible for employing appropriate ergonomics to prevent injury. Students will be responsible for medical costs for any injury received while in a clinical setting, including injuries for which testing is required by clinical agencies. Rappahannock Community College is not responsible for student injuries in a clinical or lab setting.
• The College does not assume responsibility for accidents/incidents which occur in clinicals; nor does it provide any student health services. The student assumes financial responsibility for accidents/incidents requiring medical attention.
• Licensed Practical Nurses who meet program admission requirements will indicate their status on the common program application form, indicating “LPN to ADN transition.”

Program Progressions

• The student must complete all support courses either preceding or concurrently with the appropriate nursing course, as indicated in the curriculum plan.
• The student is required to complete a sequence of course and learning experiences provided at the college and selected community agencies. The nursing faculty will observe and evaluate the student’s performance in nursing and with direct patient care in the clinical sites.
• A student must obtain permission from the program head to continue in the nursing program under the following conditions:  1) receiving a grade below “C” or 2) withdrawal from a nursing course.  In accordance with VCCS policy, a student may not enroll in the same course more than twice. Further policies for the program are listed in the Nursing Student Handbook.  The handbook is given to all entry-level nursing students, and is available online.
• Clinical agencies reserve the right to dismiss a student from their agency at any time with due cause.
• The student releases the hospital, its agents, and its employees from any liability for any injury or death to himself or damage to his property arising out of the clinical agreement or use of hospital’s facilities.

Graduation Requirements

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing follows the guidelines of the RCC graduation requirements.  Students in the final nursing semester are responsible for completing an application for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN).

ACCREDITATION

RCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Associate Degree in Nursing program is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Student Estimated Costs

* Tuition and Fees are subject to change.

Recommended Classes are:
¹ HLT 230 Nutrition
² HUM Electives^: ART,  HUM, MUS, PHI, REL, ENG (Lit)

This page was last modified on May 15, 2012. If you are looking for previous catalog information, please reference the 2006-2007 Catalog, 2008-2010 Catalog, 2010-2012 Catalog.