(CIP: 513801)

NOTE: This program has specific entrance requirements, application, and standards of progress requirements. See the Admissions/Registration and Policies sections for additional information. The program course requirements are presented in sequence. Part-time students and others who cannot follow this sequence should check course descriptions in the catalog to determine prerequisites and, in addition, should consult their academic advisor regarding the order in which they take courses.

The Registered Nurse works to promote health, prevent disease, provide physical and emotional support to cope with illness and restore health. They provide direct patient care and are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. Nurses are employed in the acute and long term care facilities or hospitals, physician office, home health, community, school, business, industry, and in private settings. They must be physically capable to spend considerable time walking and standing; be able to lift fifty pounds; and be required to mobilize quickly to respond to an emergency. Nurses need emotional stability and a caring philosophy in order to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and stress. Because patients in hospitals and facilities require 24-hour care, nurses in these institutions may work nights, weekends, and holidays. The program is a member of the WV Consortium of Associate Degree Nursing Programs of the Community and Technical College System of WV. As a member of this Consortium we will align with the identified Mission and Philosophy. Please refer to the Nursing Program web page for information.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

In addition to General Education Outcomes, graduates will be prepared to:

Human Flourishing Advocate for patients and families in ways that promote their self-determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings.

1. Collaborate with the patient or designee to plan and provide nursing care that respects the patient’s individual values and needs.

Nursing Judgment Make judgments in practice, substantiated with evidence, that integrate nursing science in the provision of safe, quality care and that promote the health of patients within a family and community context.

2. Generate safe and effective patient centered care using the nursing process.
3. Incorporate effective communication strategies to reduce risk and injuries in the health care environment.

Professional Identity Implement one’s role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice, caring, advocacy, and safe, quality care for diverse patients within a family and community context.

4. Create caring relationships with patients and support systems consistent with the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice and the Code of Ethics.
5. Evaluate the utilization of health care system resources to efficiently and effectively manage care.

Spirit of Inquiry Examine the evidence that underlies clinical nursing practice to challenge the status quo, question underlying assumptions, and offer new insights to improve the quality of care for patients, families, and communities.

6. Integrate current best practices to plan and implement safe and effective patient care.

Nursing education programs include classroom instruction, supervised and precepted clinical experience in hospitals and other health facilities, and community experiences. Students take courses in biological sciences, behavioral sciences, and liberal arts in addition to nursing courses. Students must complete the required nursing courses in the program on a continuous full-time basis within 2 years or a maximum of 3 years if an interruption in education continuum occurs. The program has a specific application, selection requirements, background and drug screening, standard of progress policies, requirement deadlines and abides by the WV State Board of Registered Nursing Education requirements for nursing education. Contact the Nursing Program Director for additional information. Upon the completion of this basic accredited nursing education and successful completion of the National Council Licensure Exam the student will apply to their selected state for license to practice.

Important information: If you have ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor for any reason, State or National credentialing boards, licensing board and agencies, which require criminal background checks on potential employees and students may deny you employment or placement in certain settings, even if you have completed all academic requirements. If you have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, please contact the appropriate Health Science Program Director.