associate degree nursing program the demands of being a nursing ...

ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM
THE DEMANDS OF BEING A NURSING STUDENT
This information sheet is for students who are thinking of applying for the nursing program at DACC
It is a composite of answers to questions often asked by students about the nursing program
and what to expect if selected for admission.
A Different Environment!
• The nursing program is very different from other programs at Dona Ana Community
College. The nursing student has much to learn in a relatively short period of time.
• Students are selected for admission because they are the best of the applicants. However,
selection is only the first step. Family and friends play a major role in providing
encouragement, environment and materials necessary for the student so he/she can succeed in
the program.
Be Computer Literate!
• Computer literacy is a key skill for the nursing profession. Therefore, attain and/or sharpen
basic computer proficiency skills as this is an expectation for all students.
• This includes knowledge of and the ability to use library resources and perform internet
information searches.
• All exams are administered on the computer. There are also a growing number of
assignments which must be completed on the computer.
• Students must be familiar with Microsoft Office products such as Word and Power Point,
both the 2003 and 2007 versions.
Calculate WITHOUT a Calculator!
• An expectation for all nursing students is that they will take math tests WITHOUT the use of
a calculator.
• There is a math test at the beginning of each semester which must be passed by all students -
both students just entering the program as well as the students continuing in the nursing
program. The use of a calculator is NOT allowed for this math exam!
Practice Your Writing Skills!
• Nursing students will have several major writing assignments which are course completion
requirements. This includes research papers, journal abstracts and case studies.
• Know APA!

Retain Knowledge from Pre-Requisite Courses!
• The content of the pre-requisite courses are not taught again in the nursing program. Students
will be expected to know the material and will find it incorporated into test questions without
further review by the nursing course instructors.
• Students should keep all books and course materials for these classes. If accepted into the
program, this will provide the necessary resources to review prior to and during the program.
If Accepted, Plan for Significant Costs in First Semester of Nursing Program!
• There is a significant cost for the first semester in the nursing program. This includes costs
related to clinical practice preparation requirements as well as required course materials and
program resources.
Clinical Practice Requirements Must Be Met!
• Clinical practice requirements are set by the clinical sites where students will be doing
patient care.
• These requirements must be met before the student may attend clinical. Requirements
include but are not limited to the following:
o New Mexico Department of Health Caregivers Criminal History Screen
o Immunizations and tests required by state law and clinical facilities
o Physical Examination by your own provider
o Student Malpractice Insurance
o Drug testing
No Waiting List is Kept!
• Students interested in the nursing program must reapply each admission cycle (Fall and
Spring).
• Applications for students not admitted to the program are returned if the student provides
contact information for return.
The Grading Expectations for Course Work are Harder!
• A grade of C or better shall be maintained throughout each course.
• Grades are not rounded up or rounded down – what you get is what you get.
• A grade of C or better for each course is required to progress to the next nurse course and/or
level.
• The grading scale for DACC Nursing Program is as follows:
o A = 92% - 100%
o B = 85% - 91.99%
o C = 79% - 84.99%
o D = 75% - 78.99%
o F = 0% - 74.00%
Lots of Time Required to Study!
• A minimum of two hours is required for every course hour taken. In this program, students
are often assigned several chapters to read plus written work to complete every day – for
multiple courses!

• There are many quizzes and exams. It is important for the student to have the time to read
and prepare for the next class.
• Average prep time OUTSIDE of class is 25-30 hours per week.
A Place to Study is Necessary!
• A specific place for study is needed. This study area should have a chair, a desk or a table
plus good lighting. A bookcase and filing cabinet will also be needed.
• It is good if there is quiet when the student is studying. Some students prefer to hear music
or listen to the radio. This is okay but care needs to be taken not to get distracted. It is best if
the student does not have to answer the phone or have interruptions while he/she is studying.
Work Hours Must Be Reduced While in the Nursing Program!
• The faculty understands that some students need to work to support themselves. It is
recommended that students do not work more than sixteen (16) hours per week.
• Program coursework is intense and requires many hours both inside and outside of the
classroom for the student to be successful. It is very difficult to concentrate in class when the
body is tired and has not had enough sleep.
• There is a restriction against working six hours prior to a clinical assignment. This is an issue
of patient safety and is not negotiable.
Group Work Is Not an Option but a Requirement!
• Nursing students work with other students and health care teams; this is not an option, it is a
requirement. They are often assigned projects that they have to complete within a certain
period to time.
• Groups are made up of a diverse mix of students in the course which includes gender,
ethnicity and intellectual skills. Groups are usually assigned by the instructor and not selfselected.
• There is a significant amount of research that demonstrates the major role groups play in the
overall successful completion of the nursing program.
Practice Those Interpersonal Skills!
• The nursing student is expected to have interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with
individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual
backgrounds.
• The student must establish rapport with clients and hospital staff and must be able to
communicate with others both orally and in writing. The clients that the student is assigned
may be male or female, old or young, and from a different culture background.
Yes, You Must Come to Class!
• Students are adult learners and held accountable for classroom content; therefore attendance
to class instruction is required. The faculty understands that some circumstances may prevent
a student from attending class. However, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain the
content from peers from the missed class.
• Attendance shall be taken for each class session. Absences, even if the absences are excused,
will jeopardize the student’s standing within the course and the program.