Nursing, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science
156

Mission Statement: The VWCC Associate Degree Nursing Program mission is to prepare professionally educated nurses who are safe, competent, compassionate health care providers able to meet the changing health care needs of patients, families, and communities. 

Purpose: The curriculum is designed to prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of the health team implementing direct patient care as beginning practitioners in a variety of health service facilities. At the successful completion of the program, students will be academically prepared to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) leading to the designation of registered nurse.

Program Outcomes:

1. Virginia Western Community College Associate of Applied Science program will attain a National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) pass rate of 80% on the first attempt.
2. Virginia Western Community College Associate of Applied Science program will demonstrate a program completion rate of at least 65% within three years of each student’s admission date.
3. Virginia Western Community College Associate of Applied Science program will facilitate 80% of graduate satisfaction in clinical preparedness as evidence by program surveys.
4. Virginia Western Community College Associate of Applied Science program will elicit 85% employer satisfaction as evidenced by new graduate employer survey.
5. Virginia Western Community College Associate of Applied Science program anticipates that 90% of graduates seeking employment will acquire nursing jobs within six months of application submissions.

5-Year NCLEX-RN Pass Rates:

2011 - 96.2%
2012 - 95.24%
2013 - 76%
2014 - 77.55%
2015 - 85.71%

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Engage in practices that provide safe and holistic nursing care throughout the lifespan grounded in science and the nursing process. (Safety)
2. Apply nursing judgment to ensure the delivery of patient-centered care and promotion of health for patients within a family and community environment. (Patient-Centered Care)
3. Demonstrate the use of critical thinking skills while utilizing the nursing process to provide care to patients throughout the lifespan. (Critical Thinking)
4. Collaborate effectively within nursing and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to foster open communication, respect, and shared decision making to ensure safe, quality patient care. (Teamwork)
5. Demonstrate the use of the best current evidence to guide clinical decision making to provide safe care for patients and families across the lifespan. (Evidence-Based Practice)
6. Integrate information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, and support decision making in the practice of nursing care. (Informatics)
7. Utilize concepts related to culture, ethnicity, and spirituality in the delivery of patient care. (Culture) 

Program Objectives: Employment opportunities for the registered nurse include staff positions in hospitals, nursing homes, health departments, physicians’ offices, clinics, day care centers, and home health agencies.

Developmental Requirements: Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to credit-level coursework established by the college.

Applicants must receive an ENG 111  placement test recommendation or have successfully completed all developmental English requirements.

Applicants who do not demonstrate proficiency on the placement test in the following mathematical units will be required to complete developmental courses: MTE 1 , MTE 2 , MTE 3 , MTE 4 , MTE 5  and MTE 6 . 

Applicants must meet the developmental requirements listed above prior to applying for admission to the AAS Nursing Program.

Admission Procedures:

1. The nursing program accepts new students each fall. While applications are accepted at any time, to be eligible for Admission the application packet must be completed no later than March 1 of the Admission year.  Early application is encouraged for advising purposes.  All application materials must be submitted to the attention of the School of Health Professions Advisor. The applicant is responsible for making certain that the following have been submitted in addition to the college application: Nursing Application Form (available on web page), official transcripts showing completion of a high school diploma or records  showing completion of GED with scores, official transcripts from all colleges attended (transcripts from VWCC or other Virginia community colleges are not required).  In addition, after the March 1 deadline, qualified applicants will be required to complete the Kaplan Entrance Test, which is taken at student’s expense (nonrefundable) and attend a personal interview demonstrating satisfactory oral and written communication skills. 
2. Applicants should be aware that meeting the curriculum standards does not guarantee program admission.  In May, all qualified applicants will receive a letter to notify them of their status with the program.

Admission Requirements:  Applicants to the Nursing Program must hold a high school diploma or GED and meet the developmental requirements listed.

1. Students who do not demonstrate proficiency on the placement test in the following mathematical units will be required to complete developmental courses MTE 1 , MTE 2 , MTE 3 , MTE 4 , MTE 5 , MTE 6 . 
2. One unit of high school Biology and Chemistry with a grade of “C” or better must be completed by the spring semester prior to entry to the fall program.
3. BIO 141   must be completed with a grade of “C” or better by the end of the spring semester preceding enrollment in NUR 111 .  BIO 142  must be completed with a “C” or better by the end of summer session preceding enrollment in NUR 111 . (BIO 141 , BIO 142  and BIO 205  must be repeated if they were completed more than 5 years prior to the date of admission into the Fall program.)
4. The applicants’ cumulative high school grade point average must be at least a 2.75 or if applicant has been to college and completed at least 12 credit hours of college credit at an Institution that cumulative grade point average must be at least 2.75.  GPA is determined at the end of the fall semester prior to admission.

Students interested in this program should consult the VWCC Nursing Program page, VWCC policy on Infectious Disease Status, Essential Nursing Functions, Clinical Environment, Student Responsibilities, Student Retention and Readmission Policy.  The page can be accessed through the VWCC website.  For application materials and additional program information, please see our website at: http://www.virginiawesten.edu/academics/health/nursing/index.php

If admitted to the program, the student should successfully complete a CPR course approved by the nursing program which is American heart Association CPR for the healthcare provider or HLT 105 -Cardiopulary Resuscitation at VWCC.  Complete the required annual criminal background check (Certified Background Check) with drug screen and attend a mandatory nursing program orientation the summer before beginning the program.

For information on the LPN to RN bridge program, please visit http://www.virginiawestern.edu/academics/health/lpntorn/index.php. 

Although this program is not designed for transfer, agreements with specific institutions may exist. Contact the Nursing program head as listed on program webpage.