The mission of the Nursing Programs within the School of Health Professions is to prepare individuals in the art of caring in a high touch and high technology learning environment to be employed in the community as registered nurses.  Licensed practical nurses or certified nursing assistants, students are facilitated in developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for successful practical and encouraged.

 

The Associate Degree Nursing Program and Practical Nursing Program consist of a combination of general education courses and nursing courses.  Basic needs, as identified by Maslow, threats to needs, and the nursing process are the major themes used to develop content with the curriculum.  Nursing courses include a classroom component where a variety of methodologies are used to assist the student to identify scientific principles in nursing.  A clinical component is also included to assist the student to apply the scientific principles to meet individual client’s needs.  Guided clinical experiences are offered in hospitals, health agencies, and selected community agencies.

 

The Associate Degree Nursing Program consists of five (5) sequential semesters.  In order to progress to another nursing course, the student must earn a “C” or better in classroom and “Satisfactory” in clinical.  Students not satisfying these requirements will fail to progress to the next nursing course.  However, the student may be readmitted to repeat the failed course.  Readmission is allowed only once during the entire nursing program.

 

There are two alternate admission procedures in the ADN Program. The first is designed for students without any previous nursing experiences.  The class is admitted in the Fall Semester (Generic Nursing Program).  Throughout the program, general education courses are provided with patient care experience in the hospitals and community-based agencies.

 

The second is designed with an advanced placement option for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) with a minimum of 20 hours of college credits in required general education courses.  The prospective student is given recognition for previous nursing knowledge and skills through the NUR 200 (Nursing Career Mobility Assessment Course [Spring Semester])  This prior learning is reflected by awarding nursing credit hours.   The class is admitted in the Summer Semester (Mobility LPN to ADN Program) and consists of three (3) sequential semesters.  The Practical Nursing Program consists of three (3) sequential semesters with a part-time option of four (4) semesters.  A class is admitted fall and spring semesters.  An evening class is admitted fall semester.

 

Upon successful completion of the program in nursing, graduates are eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination  Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).  The  programs  of  nursing are approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

 

Application Procedures

 

Students are admitted to the Nursing Programs without discrimination in regards to age, creed, marital status, race, gender, or disabilities with reasonable accommodations.  

 

Minimum admission standards for the Associate Degree Nursing Program include:

• Unconditional admission to the College.

• Receipt of completed application for the Associate Degree Nursing Program by April 30.

• A minimum of 2.50 cumulative GPA for students with previous college work.

• A minimum of 2.50 high school GPA for students without prior college work (GED acceptable in lieu of high school transcript).

Eligibility for:

• English 101 and Math 116 as determined by college policy, and BIO 201 during the first term of nursing courses.  (As a prerequisite to BIO 201, student must successfully complete BIO 103 or achieve a passing score on the ACS approved placement exam.)

• Good standing with the college.

• Meeting the essential functions or technical standards required for nursing.

• A score of 76 or higher on the COMPASS Reading Examination (or related ACT Reading Score of 17 or higher).

Admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program is competitive, and the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available.  Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance. 

 

Minimum admission standards for the Practical Nursing Program include:

• Unconditional admission to the College.

• Receipt of completed application for the Practical Nursing Program (varies).

• A minimum of 2.50 cumulative GPA for students with previous college work.

• A minimum of 2.50 high school GPA for students without prior college work (GED acceptable in lieu of high school transcript).

• Eligibility for English 101 and Math 116 as determined by college policy.

• Good standing with the college.

• Meeting the essential functions or technical standards required for nursing.

• A score of 76 or higher on the COMPASS Reading Examination (or related ACT Reading Score of 17 or higher).

Admission to the Practical Nursing Program is competitive, and the number  of students is limited  by the number of faculty and clinical   facilities  available.  Meeting   minimal   requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

 

Minimum admission standards for the Mobility LPN to ADN Associate Degree Nursing Program include:

• Unconditional admission to the college.

• Receipt of completed application for the Mobility LPN program by November 15.

• A minimum of 2.50 cumulative GPA for students with previous college work.

Prerequisite courses:

• BIO 103 or Satisfactory Performance on ACS approved placement exam (4 credit hours)

• MTH 116 or Higher Level Mathematical Applications (3 credit hours)

• *BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credit hours)

• *BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credit hours)

• ENG 101 English Composition (3 credit hours)

• Eligibility for NUR 200 Nursing Career Mobility Assessment (6 credit hours)

Selection and Notification

 

The following are the selection and notification process:

• The number of admissions will be determined by the availability of space.

• Students are selected on a basis of test scores, and completion of requirements.  In case of ties, grade point average and number of courses taken at LSCC will become the deciding factors.

• Five (5) alternates may be selected to fill any last minute vacancies.

• Department of Health Professions will review all applicants for completeness of requirements and notify students selected for admission.

• Along with the notification of acceptance, students will receive information in reference to registration, ordering of uniforms, and physical examination.

Students selected must respond in writing confirming acceptance within ten (10) days.  A student who fails to respond may forfeit his/her place in the class.  Nursing student shall comply with legal, moral and legislative standards that determine acceptable behavior of the registered nurse.  It is important for prospective nursing students to know about the Alabama Board of Nursing’s regulations on the review of candidates for eligibility for initial and continuing licensure.  There will be questions on the application for Licensure as a Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse:

• Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense other than a minor moving traffic violation?

• Have you, within the last 5 years, abused drugs/alcohol or been treated for dependency to alcohol or illegal chemical substances?

• Have you, ever been arrested or convicted for driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol?

• Have you, within the last 5 years, received inpatient or outpatient treatment or been recommended to seek treatment for mental illness?  If you answer “YES: to either question, send appropriate documents identified on the instruction sheets.

• Have you ever had disciplinary action or is action pending against you by any state board of nursing?  If YES, have certified documents sent from the licensing agency to the Alabama Board of Nursing.

• Have you ever been placed on a state AND/OR federal abuse registry?

• Have you ever been court-martial/disciplined OR administratively discharged by the military?

If YES, documentation should accompany the application for licensure by examination form.

 

Graduation

 

All students must satisfy the specific requirements for the Association in Applied Science Degree and Certificate as outlined in the Student Catalog.  However,  provisions are made for nursing Students to document that content completion of institutional course requirements have been met.

• Each student must complete a minimum of 25% of the total program at Lawson State Community College.

• Each student must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average, with at least a “C” in each course presented for the Associate in Applied Science Degree.

  

Program Outcomes

 

The Department of Health Professions through its nursing programs is committed to prepare a graduate to function in the role of a RN and LPN.  The program outcomes developed by the faculty are consistent with the mission of the college, the expected roles of the practice setting and the competencies and roles of a RN and LPN.  At completion of Level I, the associate degree nursing student will be able to:

 

Level One

 

At completion of Level I, the associate degree nursing student will be able to:

• Demonstrate competency in performing basic practical nurse skills for individuals with common health alternations.

• Utilize foundational knowledge of the communication process in providing nursing care for clients across the lifespan.

• Apply foundational knowledge of the nursing process in providing nursing care for clients across the lifespan.

• Utilize critical thinking skills in formulating a plan of care for clients with common health alternations in a variety of settings.

• Illustrate a teaching/learning plan for culturally diverse clients with common health alterations in a variety of settings.

• Develop competencies necessary to meet the needs of individuals throughout the lifespan in a safe, legal, and ethical manner using the nursing process.

• Utilize relevant technology for client care and documentation.

• Demonstrate professional behaviors associated with nursing.

Level Two

• Demonstrate proficiency in performing advanced nursing skills for individuals with health alterations in a variety of settings.

• Apply therapeutic communication techniques in providing advanced nursing care for clients throughout the lifespan.

• Apply foundational knowledge of the nursing process in providing advanced nursing care for clients throughout the lifespan.

• Utilize critical thinking skills in providing collaborative care for clients with selected health alterations in a variety of settings.

• Formulate a teaching/learning plan for culturally diverse clients with selected health alterations in a variety of settings.

• Demonstrate competencies necessary to meet the needs of individuals throughout the lifespan in a safe, legal, and ethical manner using the nursing process.

• Examine relevant technology for client care and documentation.

• Demonstrate professional behaviors and roles of a registered nurse upon entry into practice.

Written	September 1969
Reviewed	Yearly
Revised	1973, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1993, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005

• Theoretical Competency:  80% of students will meet the passing standard for the exit examination (Specifics to be determined)

• Clinical Competence:  80% of the employers and graduates returning surveys will report satisfaction (Using postsecondary form for Graduate and Employer Satisfaction Tool).

• Practical Nursing Graduation Rate:  At least 75% of students admitted to practical nursing programs will graduate within 24 months of initial admission.

• Associate Degree Graduation Rate:  At least 75% of students admitted to associate degree nursing programs will graduate within 48 months of initial admission.

• Pass Rate:  First time test takers will average 80% or higher on NCLEX.

• Job Placement Rates:  95% or greater of those seeking employment are employed in nursing within 6 months of graduation.

 

The Alabama College System

Nursing Education Program

Progression Policy

 

Progression:  In order to continue in the nursing program, the student must:

• Maintain a grace of C or better in all required general education and nursing courses and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA;

• Complete all required general education courses according to The Alabama College System Nursing Education curriculum unless completed prior to admission.  Any exceptions must be approved by the nursing program director;

• Maintain ability to meet essential functions for nursing with or without reasonable accommodations;

• Successfully complete the program:

  • Within 48 months from initial semester for ADN students; or

  • Within 24 months from initial semester for PN and Mobility students;

• Maintain current CPR at the health care provider level; and

• Complete all nursing courses in the prescribed sequence.  If a student withdraws or makes a D or F in a nursing course, the student cannot progress in the nursing course sequence until the course is repeated successfully.  Course repetition will be based on instructor availability and program resources.

Reinstatement:  Students whose progression through the nursing program is interrupted and who desire to be reinstated in the program must schedule and appointment with a nursing faculty advisor to discuss reinstatement.  In order to be reinstated, a student must:

• Apply for readmission to the college if not currently enrolled;

• Submit a letter requesting reinstatement to the appropriate nursing program personnel;

• Submit a letter of request in a timely manner so that reinstatement would occur within one year from the term of withdrawal or failure;

• Demonstrate competency in all previous nursing courses successfully completed; and

• Adhere to nursing curriculum or program policies and procedures effective at the point of reinstatement.

Reinstatement to the nursing program is not guaranteed.  Reinstatement may be denied due to, but not limited to, any of the following circumstances:

• Space unavailability of a course in which the student wishes to be reinstated.  (Students in regular progression have enrollment priorities for clinical sites.)

• Grade point average is less than 2.0 from courses completed at current institution.

• Refusal by clinical agencies to accept the student for clinical experiences.

• Failure to demonstrate competency in all previous nursing courses successfully completed.

• Over twelve months have elapsed since the student was enrolled in a nursing course.

• Student has been dismissed from the program.

Dismissal:  A total of two unsuccessful attempts (D, F, or withdrawal) in nursing courses will result in dismissal from the nursing program.  Withdrawal and/or a D or F in one or more courses in a term will be considered one attempt. 

• If a student has been dismissed from the associate degree nursing program, the student may apply for admission to the practical nursing program without a waiting period.  If a student has been dismissed from the mobility program, the student may apply for admission to the generic program without a waiting period.

• A student who has been dismissed from a specific program (ADN/PN/Mobility) may apply for admission as a new student to any nursing program within the Alabama College System, provided

  • the student meets current entry requirements;

  • at least two years have elapsed since the student’s dismissal from a specific program; and

  • the student was not dismissed from the previous program for disciplinary reasons or for unsafe/unsatisfactory client care in the clinical area.

• Students dismissed from the previous program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe/unsatisfactory client care in the clinical area will not be allowed reinstatement or readmission to the nursing program. 

 

THE ALABAMA COLLEGE SYSTEM

NURSING PROGRAMS

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

The Alabama College System endorses the Americans' with Disabilities Act. In accordance with College policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Physical, cognitive, psychomotor, affective and social abilities are required in unique combinations to provide safe and effective nursing care. The applicant/student must be able to meet the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations throughout the program of learning. Admission, progression and graduation are contingent upon one's ability to demonstrate the essential functions delineated for the nursing programs with or without reasonable accommodations. The nursing programs and/or its affiliated clinical agencies may identify additional essential functions. The nursing programs reserve the right to amend the essential functions as deemed necessary.

In order to be admitted and to progress in the nursing program one must possess a functional level of ability to perform the duties required of a nurse. Admission or progression may be denied if a student is unable to demonstrate the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

 

The essential functions delineated are those deemed necessary the Alabama College System nursing programs. No representation regarding industrial standards is implied. Similarly, any reasonable accommodations made will be determined and applied to the respective nursing program and may vary from reasonable accommodations made by healthcare employers.

 

The essential functions delineated below are necessary for nursing program admission, progression and graduation and for the provision of safe and effective nursing care. The essential functions include but are not limited to the ability to:

 

Sensory Perception

 

Visual

• Observe and discern subtle changes in physical conditions and the environment

• Visualize different color spectrums and color changes

• Read fine print in varying levels of light

• Read for prolonged periods of time

• Read cursive writing

• Read at varying distances

• Read data/information displayed on monitors/equipment

Tactile

• Discern tremors, vibrations, pulses, textures, temperature, shapes, size, location and other physical characteristics

• Olfactory

• Detect body odors and odors in the environment

Communication/ Interpersonal Relationships

• Verbally and in writing, engage in a two-way communication and interact effectively with others, from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds

• Work effectively in groups

• Work effectively independently

• Discern and interpret nonverbal communication

• Express one's ideas and feelings clearly

• Communicate with others accurately in a timely manner

• Obtain communications from a computer

Cognitive/Critical Thinking

• Effectively read, write and comprehend the English language

• Consistently and dependably engage in the process of critical in order to formulate and implement safe and ethical nursing decisions in a variety of health care settings
• Demonstrate satisfactory performance on written examinations including mathematical computations without a calculator

• Satisfactorily achieve the program objectives

Motor Function

• Handle small delicate equipment/objects without extraneous movement, contamination or destruction

• Move, position, turn, transfer, assist with lifting or lift and carry clients without injury to clients, self or others

• Maintain balance from any position

• Stand on both legs

• Coordinate hand/eye movements

• Push/pull heavy objects without injury to client, self or others

• Stand, bend, walk and/or sit for 6-12 hours in a clinical setting performing physical activities requiring energy without jeopardizing the safety of the client, self or others

• Walk without a cane, walker or crutches

• Function with hands free for nursing care and transporting items

• Transport self and client without the use of electrical devices

• Flex, abduct and rotate all joints freely

• Respond rapidly to emergency situations

• Maneuver in small areas

• Perform daily care functions for the client

• Coordinate fine and gross motor hand movements to provide safe effective nursing care

• Calibrate/use equipment 

• Execute movement required to provide nursing care in all health care settings

• Perform CPR and physical assessment

• Operate a computer

Professional Behavior

• Convey caring, respect, sensitivity, tact, compassion, empathy, tolerance and a healthy attitude toward others

• Demonstrate a mentally healthy attitude that is age appropriate in relationship to the client

• Handle multiple tasks concurrently

• Perform safe, effective nursing care for clients in a caring context

• Understand and follow the policies and procedures of the College and clinical agencies

• Understand the consequences of violating the student code of conduct

• Understand that posing a direct threat to others is unacceptable and subjects one to discipline

• Meet qualifications for licensure by examination as stipulated by the Alabama Board of Nursing

• Not to pose a threat to self or others

• Function effectively in situations of uncertainty and stress inherent in providing nursing care

• Adapt to changing environments and situations

• Remain free of chemical dependency

• Report promptly to clinicals and remain for 6-12 hours on the clinical unit

• Provide nursing care in an appropriate time frame

• Accepts responsibility, accountability, and ownership of one's actions

• Seek supervision/consultation in a timely manner

• Examine and modify one's own behavior when it interferes with nursing care or learning

 

Standard Practical Nurse Curriculum

 

First Term

*Prerequisite:  BIO 103 or Satisfactory Performance on ACS approved placement exam

Course	Theory	Lab	Clinical	Credit	Contact
Mathematical Applications MTH 116 or Higher Level	3			3	3
Body Structure and Function  NUR 101  or *BIO 201 (student choice)	4			4	4
Fundamentals of Nursing  NUR 102	3	2	1	6	12
Health Assessment NUR 103		1		1	3
Introduction to Pharmacology NUR 104		1		1	3
Term Total	10	4	1	15	25

Second Term

Course	Theory	Lab	Clinical	Credit	Contact
English  ENG 101	3			3	3
Human Anatomy and Physiology II BIO 202 (if elected BIO 201)	3	1		4	5
Adult Nursing NUR 105	5	1	2	8	14
Maternal and Child Nursing NUR 106	4		1	5	7
Term Total	12	1	3	16	24

Note:  PN students must complete NUR 101 or both courses BIO 201 and 202

 Third Term

Course	Theory	Lab	Clinical	Credit	Contact
Adult/Child Nursing NUR 107	5		3	8	14
Psychosocial Nursing  NUR 108	2		1	3	5
Role Transition for the Practical Nurse NUR 109	2	1		3	5
Term Total	9	1	4	14	24

Program Totals

Credit Hours:       45 Hours

Contact Hours:  1095 Hours (73X15wks.)

 

 

 

Mobility LPN to Associate Degree Nurse Curriculum

 

Prerequisite Courses:

·         BIO 103 or Satisfactory Performance on ACS approved placement exam (4 credit hours)

·         MTH 116  or Higher Level  Mathematical Applications (3 credit hours)

·         BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I  (4 credit hours)

·         BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credit hours)

·         ENG 101 English Composition (3 credit hours)

·         NUR 200 Nursing Career Mobility Assessment (6 credit hours) **

 

Total Prerequisites:  20 credit hours

 

Third Term

Course	Theory	Lab	Clinical	Credit	Contact
Psychology PSY 200	3			3	3
Microbiology BIO 220	2	2		4	6
Nursing Through the Lifespan INUR 201	3		2	5	9
Term Total	9	3	2	14	22

Fourth Term

Course	Theory	Lab	Clinical	Credit	Contact
Speech SPH 106 or SPH 107 or SPH 116	3			3	3
Human Growth and Dev   PSY 210	3			3	3
Nursing Through the Lifespan II NUR 202	3		4	7	15
Term Total	9		4	13	21

Fifth Term

Course	Theory	Lab	Clinical	Credit	Contact
Humanities Elective	3			3	3
Nursing Through the Lifespan III NUR 203	4		2	6	10
Role Transition for the Registered Nurse NUR 204 (Preceptor 5:1)	2		1	3	7
Term Totals	9		3	12	20

Program Totals:

                Total Credit Hours:            59

                Total Contact Hours:          1410 (94 x 15)

                General Education:             30

                Nursing Hours:                   29

               

BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I  (4 credit hours)

NUR 200 is required for those students who did not graduate from the Alabama College System Standardized Curriculum within the past two years.

Only those students who did not graduate from our standardized curriculum will be given 13 non-traditional credit hours.
 

 

 

Standard Associate Degree Nurse Curriculum

 

First Term

*Prerequisite:  BIO 103 or Satisfactory Performance on ACS approved placement exam

Course	Theory	Lab	Clinical	Credit	Contact
Mathematical Applications MTH 116  or Higher Level	3			3	3
Human Anatomy and Physiology I *BIO 201	3	1		4	5
Fundamentals of Nursing NUR 102	3	2	1	6	12
Health Assessment NUR 103		1		1	3
Introduction to Pharmacology NUR 104		1		1	3
Term Total	9	5	1	15	26

Second Term

Course	Theory	Lab	Clinical	Credit	Contact
English ENG 101	3			3	3
Human Anatomy and Physiology II BIO 202	3	1		4	5
Adult Nursing  NUR 105	5	1	2	8	14
Maternal and Child Nursing NUR 106	4		1	5	7
Term Total	15	2	3	20	29

Third Term

Course	Theory	Lab	Clinical	Credit	Contact
Psychology PSY 200	3			3	3
Microbiology BIO 220	2	2		4	6
Nursing Through the Lifespan I NUR 201	3		2	5	9
Term Total	8	2	2	12	18

Fourth Term

Course	Theory	Lab	Clinical	Credit	Contact
Speech SPH 106 or SPH 107 or SPH 116	3			3	3
Human Growth and Dev   PSY 210	3			3	3
Nursing Through the Lifespan II NUR 202	3		4	7	15
Term Total	9		4	13	21

Fifth Term

Course	Theory	Lab	Clinical	Credit	Contact
Humanities Elective	3			3	3
Nursing Through the Lifespan III NUR 203	4		2	6	10
Role Transition for the Registered Nurse NUR 204 (Preceptor 5:1)	2		1	3	7
Term Totals	9		3	12	20

Program Totals:

                Total Credit Hours:            72 Hours

                Total Contact Hours:          1710 (114 X 15)

                General Education:            30 Hours (41.7%)

                Nursing Hours:                42 Hours (58.3%)