DACC Catalog - Dona Ana Community College - New Mexico State ...

2012-2013 Catalog 69NursingAssociate in Nursing DegreeLicensed Practical Nurse Certificate(575) 527-7735The Nursing program at DACC affords students the opportunity to becomeLicensed Practical Nurses or Registered Nurses and members of a respectedand rewarding profession. Nursing is a dynamic and exciting discipline offeringnot only the rewarding experiences of helping others achieve theirhealth care goals, but also enabling the nurse to become a part of the rapidlyadvancing health delivery system of the future.Upon completion of all prerequisite courses and acceptance into the nursingprogram, four semesters of study prepare the new graduate for a careeras an entry-level generalist in Licensed Practical Nursing or RegisteredNursing. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN orNCLEX-RN licensure exams and become licensed Practical Nurses or RegisteredNurses anywhere in the United States. Students should note, however,that program completion does not in and of itself guarantee licensure,which is a function of the various state boards of nursing.After successful program completion and licensure as a Registered Nurse,DACC graduates are strongly encouraged to continue their professionalgrowth and development through the pursuit of a bachelor of science innursing (BSN) or a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree program.DACC has designed its ADN program to articulate directly with many RNto-BSNprograms such as the one offered by New Mexico State University.The streamlined articulation process affords nurses the opportunity to earn aBSN degree with one additional year of study after graduation from DACC.The web-based online program design makes it possible for nurses to earnthe BSN while working full time.The DACC nursing program philosophy embraces the concepts of caringand health and wellness while assisting adult learners to achieve their maximumeducational potential through exposure to a variety of teaching andevaluation methods. Special emphasis is placed upon caring, the nursingprocess, critical-thinking, evidence-based practice, therapeutic communication,and the evolving teaching-learning process.AccreditationThe DACC Nursing program is accredited by the following:• The National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850Atlanta, GA 30326Telephone: (404) 975-5000• New Mexico Board of Nursing6301 Indian School Road NE, Suite 710Albuquerque, NM 87110Telephone: (505) 841-8340Categories of Essential FunctionsIn order to participate in the Nursing Program, the student must be capableof performing the following:Observation• Visually discriminate incremental readings on various medical equipment• Visually discriminate between different colored objects• Discriminate between various auditory stimuliCommunication• Communicate effectively in English using verbal, nonverbal and writtenformats• Read and interpret the English language without assistance• Demonstrate computer literacyMotor• Stand for long periods of time• Lift 50 pounds• Perform patient care procedures with manual dexterityIntellectual• Collect, interpret, and integrate informationSpecial Admission CriteriaAs a professional educational program, the Nursing Program is a limitedentryprogram. To be considered for admission, students are required to successfullycomplete 1) all prerequisites, 2) the designated entrance exam, and3) the student selection process. Information on requirements, transfers, anddeadlines for applications are available from the Health and Public ServicesOffice in room DAHL-190, or by calling (575) 527-7735.Prior to the first day of classes, each student must submit documentation ofthe following: current immunizations, TB test, American Heart AssociationCPR for Healthcare Workers, and drug screening. Additional information regardingspecific requirements is available from the Nursing Program office.Nursing Program PrerequisitesThe following must be completed before applying to the Nursing program:• Admission to DACC• Successful completion of a state-approved nursing assistant programwithin two years prior to admission into the nursing program, or currentstate certification as a certified nursing assistant (CNA)• Completion of all Core and Related Requirements listed in the ProgramContent section• Computer literacyNOTE: Students will be responsible for knowing all the information containedin the related-requirement science courses of Anatomy and PhysiologyI and II and Microbiology, regardless of when these courses were taken.In the event that they were taken more than seven years prior to admissionto the Nursing program, these courses must be repeated for credit.Security Background CheckProspective students are required to complete and pass a security backgroundcheck in order to take clinical courses. Past criminal violations mayprevent a student from completing the degree and gaining a nursing licenseor employment in the field.Requirements to Remain in the Nursing ProgramIn order to remain in the program, students must receive a C or better ineach technical course attempted. Courses with course prefixes appearingin italics are identical to those offered at New Mexico State University LasCruces (main) Campus.Course feesIn addition to tuition, a fee of $250 is charged for each of the followingcourses: NURS 136, NURS 147, NURS 226, and NURS 236.Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate (56–58 credits)This certificate program provides an option for those desiring to begin workingas licensed practical nurses before finishing the Associate Degree NursingProgram (ADN) program. The certificate curriculum consists of the firsttwo semesters of the ADN program and NURS 224.Associate Degree in Nursing (71–73 credits)Four additional courses (15 credits) beyond the LPN program are requiredto complete the ADN program.