Nursing | Northeast Alabama Community College (2023)

Associate in Applied Science Degree –
5 Semesters/Two Academic Years

Practical Nursing Certificate –
3 Semesters/One Academic Year

The nursing program is an integral part of NortheastAlabama Community College and accepts the mission statementand the goals of Northeast Alabama Community College. Thenursing curriculum combines general education and nursingeducation courses. The Associate in Applied Science Degreeis awarded by Northeast to the student who successfullycompletes all requirements of the nursing program. Students inthe program are eligible after successful completion of the firstthree semesters for the Practical Nursing certificate.

The graduate of the associate degree program is eligible toapply to the State Board of Nursing to take the National CouncilLicensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) leading to licensure asa registered nurse. The review of the application by the StateBoard of Nursing determines eligibility of the applicant to takethe licensure examination.

Completers of the practical nursing program are awarded acertificate and are eligible to apply to the State Board of Nursingto take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEXPN)leading to licensure as a practical nurse. The review of theapplication by the State Board of Nursing determines eligibilityof the applicant to take the licensure examination.

Legal requirements for licensure in the State of Alabamaare listed in the Alabama Board of Nursing AdministrativeCode. The applicant for licensure examination should be awarethat eligibility for initial and continuing licensure in Alabamaincludes questions concerning such matters as convictions ofcriminal offenses, convictions for driving under the influenceof drugs/alcohol, treatment for mental illness, treatment forchemical dependency, disciplinary action by a state boardof nursing, placed on a state/federal abuse registry, or courtmartialed,disciplined, or administratively discharged by themilitary. The application to take the licensure examination maybe denied by the State Board of Nursing if all the requirementsas listed in the Alabama Board of Nursing Administrative Codeare not met by the applicant. Although these policies referspecifically to Alabama, other states have similar stipulationsregarding licensure. Individuals must meet the following criteriafor initial licensure as a nurse.

1. Complete all requirements for graduation from an approvednursing program.
2. Receive approval by the State Board of Nursing to take theNational Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
3. Achieve a passing score on the National Council LicensureExamination (NCLEX).

Accreditation Status

Approved by Alabama Community College System Board ofTrustees
Approved by Alabama Board of Nursing
Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education inNursing (ACEN)

Admission Requirements

1. Unconditional admission to the College. In order to beunconditionally admitted, the Admissions Office mustreceive official transcripts of all attempted college work.
2. Complete application to the Nursing Program by thepublished deadline. It is the student’s responsibility toverify all required documentation has been received by thepublished deadline.
3. A minimum of 2.5 grade point average (GPA) for nursingrequired core academic courses.
4. Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at current institution (whichincludes all course work completed) and/or cumulative 2.5GPA at institution from which student is transferring.
5. A minimum of 2.5 grade point average (GPA) cumulativehigh school for students without prior college courses (GEDwill be used if applicable).
6. A minimum of 18 ACT composite score.
7. Eligibility for ENG 101, BIO 201, and MTH 100 asdetermined by college policy.
8. Good standing with the college.
9. Must meet ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/ELIGIBILITYCRITERIA for nursing.

Admission to the nursing program is competitive and thenumber of students accepted is limited by the number of facultyand clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal requirementsdoes not guarantee acceptance.

Should the student decline acceptance or be deniedadmission based on qualifications, he/she must re-submit anapplication by published deadline of the following academicyear. It is the student’s responsibility to adhere to the admissionrequirements described and verify all required documentationhas been received by published deadline. Students shouldcontact a nursing advisor for clarification, if needed.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENTTO KEEP THE NURSING APPLICATION UPDATED.APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO VERIFYCOMPLETION OF PROFILE PRIOR TO THE FILINGDEADLINE.

Nursing Program Selection Criteria

After meeting all minimum requirements, applicants are ranked based upon a point awarded system as follows:

Additional Criteria:

• Student must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on Core Academic Courses.
• All Core Academic Courses DO NOT have to be complete for program eligibility.
• Core Academic Course GPA is calculated on courses taken or accepted in transfer and appearing on your NACC transcript. GPAmay be calculated on <4 of these courses.
• If you have not taken any of these Core Academic Courses, your high school GPA is used. Cumulative High School GPA mustbe minimum of 2.5 for students without prior college courses (GED will be used if applicable).
• Cumulative GPA must be 2.5 at NACC and all previous transferring institutions. This includes all course work completed.
• Must be unconditionally admitted to NACC. In order to be unconditionally admitted, the Admissions Office must receiveofficial transcripts on ALL attempted college work.
• Must have a minimum of 18 ACT composite score.
• Must meet the Essential Functions/Eligibility Criteria for nursing as determined by Healthcare Provider.
• If not already completed, student must be eligible to take ENG 101, BIO 201, and MTH 100 the first semester accepted into thenursing program.

Program Requirements:

1. The student must comply with legal, moral, and legislativestandards in accordance with theAlabama Board of NursingAdministrative Code.
2. The student is required to follow Federal HIPAA regulationsregarding client confidentiality and privacy. Student mustrespect the client’s right to privacy by protecting confidentialinformation unless obligated to disclose in a court of lawunder proper authorization or legal compulsion (AlabamaBoard of Nursing Administrative Code). Students may berecommended for dismissal from the nursing programfor failing to comply with this requirement.
3. The student must follow the testing policy which is availablein the course syllabi and the Nursing Student Handbook.
4. The student may be recommended for dismissal fromthe nursing program when not adhering to the policiesand procedures of the facility to which they are assigned,Quality Safety Education Standards for nurses, or theprogram standards for client safety.
5. A rating of unsatisfactory in clinical performance will resultin a grade of “F” for that course regardless of any othergrading component in the course.
6. The student who has been determined to beUNSATISFACTORY in providing safe effective clientcare in the clinical area may not be allowed readmission orreinstatement into the nursing program.
7. The student is expected to be academically honest. Anystudent found guilty of cheating may be recommended fordismissal from the program with a grade of “F.”
8. The student will have professional liability insurancethroughout the nursing program. Fees are included intuition.
9. The student must show documentation of currentcardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification at thehealthcare provider level prior to placement in a clinicalagency.
10. The student is required to obtain a health evaluation by aqualified health practitioner on the form provided by thenursing department. (MUST BE UPLOADED TO THEONLINE CREDENTIALING SERVICE BY THEPROVIDED DEADLINE.)
11. The student is required to obtain an evaluation of theEssential Functions/Eligibility Criteria as determined bya qualified health practitioner on forms provided by thenursing program. The evaluation must be submitted tothe online credentialing service by the provided deadline.Additional health examinations may be required dependingon physical or psychological alterations which may occurduring the program of study.
12. The student is highly encouraged to receive a series ofthree Hepatitis B vaccines, obtain a Positive titer or sign adeclination policy provided by the nursing department.
13. The student is required to submit to a pre-clinical drugscreen at a time designated by the nursing faculty.Failure to comply with this requirement may result in arecommendation for dismissal from the program. Randomdrug screens may be required should the student exhibitbehaviors indicative of substance abuse during a clinicalexperience or during on campus clinical lab. Admissiondrug screen and annual drug screen fees are included intuition. Any additional drug screen is performed at thestudent’s expense. A positive drug screen will prohibit thestudent from completing the clinical requirements of thenursing curriculum and the student will be recommendedfor withdrawal from the nursing program and/or referred tothe Dean of Student Services for the disciplinary process.A student with a prior positive drug screen may apply forreadmission or reinstatement to the nursing program withprovided evidence of completion of an approved treatmentprogram. (See Nursing Student Handbook for detailedpolicy).
14. The student is required to submit to a criminal backgroundcheck prior to placement in a clinical facility, which is required by clinical agencies. Students who have a positivebackground check will not be allowed to complete theclinical component of the nursing course and would berecommended for withdrawal from the nursing program.
15. The student must be registered prior to attending class.Children are not allowed in the classroom, clinical lab orcomputer lab at any time.
16. The student is required to participate in testing programs andremediation included throughout the nursing curriculum.

Course Grade:

A course grade will be determined based on theory andclinical performance. Students must achieve a grade of “75%”or above in each required nursing course to continue in thenursing program. A grade below “75%” will result in a “D”or an “F” depending on the numerical score.

Attendance Policy for Nursing Students:

Students are expected to attend all classes for which theyare registered. Students who are unable to attend class regularly,regardless of the reason or circumstance, should withdraw fromthe class before poor attendance interferes with the student’sability to achieve the objectives required in the course.

Theory/Clinical/Laboratory

See Nursing Student Handbook for detailed attendancepolicies.

Responsibility to Agencies

All students are assigned to various health care agenciesfor clinical experiences. Students must follow the policies andprocedures of the health care agencies and must be acceptableto those agencies. The student is responsible for complyingwith the policies and procedures required by the agencies whichprovide for the safety and welfare of the clients. Failure, by the student, to meet this requirement will mean the student isexcluded from a required clinical experience. The student maybe recommended for withdrawal from the nursing programand/or will result in a formal complaint being filed against thestudent with the Dean of Student Services. (See Nursing StudentHandbook for detailed policies).

Student Organizations and Activities:

Students enrolled in the nursing program participate incampus organizations as well as social, cultural and collegeactivities the same as other college students. In addition to theregular activities at the College, students in nursing may belongto the National Student Nurses’ Association.

Additional Expenses:

These expenses are approximate and in no way reflectexpenses each individual student may incur during the program.This list is not all inclusive.

• Uniforms, lab coat, stethoscope, and blood pressure cuff,etc. (Approx. $350)
• Professional liability insurance ($20 each Fall semester)
• Textbooks and other resources (Approx. $1,000 semesterone & approx. $500 semester two)
• Miscellaneous books and other resources (Approx. $500)
• Laboratory packet (Approx. $65 each semester)
• Evaluation of Essential Functions/Eligibility Criteria,Physical & Health Questionnaire by HealthcareProvider (Approx. $200)
• Online credentialing service (Includes Credentialing &Criminal Background Check) (Approx. $45)
• Required (immunizations or titers, approx. $200-$350)
• Drug Screening Tests ($35 each Fall semester)
• Testing and learning resource fees (Approx. $400 persemester)
• Transportation to and from clinical agencies

Additional expenses anticipated during the final semesterof the nursing program are approximate. They are as follows:

Progression Policy for the Nursing Program

In order to continue in the nursing program, the studentmust meet the following criteria:

1. Maintain a grade of “C” or better in all required generaleducation and nursing courses.
2. Unless completed previously, students must completeall required general education courses according to TheAlabama Community College System Nursing Educationcurriculum.
3. Be acceptable by clinical agencies for clinical experience.
4. Maintain ability to meet Essential Functions/EligibilityCriteria for nursing with or without reasonableaccommodations.
5. Maintain program health requirements.
6. Maintain current CPR course completion at the HealthcareProvider Level.
7. Students with an unsuccessful attempt in a nursing course(W, D, or F) cannot progress until the course is repeatedsuccessfully. Course repetition will be based on instructoravailability and program resources.

Non Progression:

1. A total of two unsuccessful attempts in two separatesemesters (D, F, or W) in the nursing program will requirethe student, who is eligible to return, to apply for admissionto the nursing program.
2. Students who have a withdrawal or failure in a nursingcourse and are eligible to return to that course will beconsidered for reinstatement to the program.
3. A student may be reinstated to the nursing program onlyone time. Reinstatement must be within one year fromthe semester of non-progression. Reinstatement is notguaranteed due to limitations in clinical spaces. All nursingprogram admission standards must be met.
4. A student must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA at the currentinstitution for reinstatement.
5. If a student has a documented extenuating circumstancethat should be considered related to a withdrawal orfailure, this student may request a hearing before theNursing Admissions Committee or other appropriatecollege committees for a decision on repeating a course(reinstatement) or readmission to the program.

Reinstatement:

In order to be reinstated, a student must:

1. Schedule an appointment with a nursing faculty/advisor todiscuss eligibility for reinstatement.
2. Apply for readmission to the College if not currentlyenrolled. College readmission must be accomplished bypublished deadlines.
3. Apply for reinstatement to the nursing program by the endof the semester following the term of withdrawal or failurein the nursing program.
4. Demonstrate competency in all previous nursing coursessuccessfully completed with validation of clinical nursingskills and/or written/computerized exams.
5. Student must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA at the currentinstitution for reinstatement.
6. Meet acceptable criteria for placement at all clinicalagencies for clinical experiences.
7. Adhere to nursing curriculum or program policies andprocedures in effect at the time of reinstatement.
8. Update immunizations, demonstrate current, acceptedCPR course completion at the Healthcare Provider Level,background check, and drug screening according toprogram policy.
9. Reinstatement to the nursing program is not guaranteed.Reinstatement may be denied. Possible reasons for denialinclude, but are not limited to, the following:
   1. Grade Point Average (GPA) is less than 2.5 from coursescompleted at current institution.
   2. Refusal by clinical agencies to accept the student forclinical experiences.
   3. Over twelve (12) months have elapsed since the studentwas enrolled in a nursing course.
   4. Failure to demonstrate competency in all previousnursing courses successfully completed.
   5. Space unavailability in a course in which the studentwishes to be reinstated.
   6. Previous disciplinary actions related to unsafe client careand/or unprofessional/unethical behavior
10. Dismissal from the previous program for disciplinaryreasons and/or unsafe and or unsatisfactory client care inthe clinical area may prohibit reinstatement or admissionback into the nursing program.
11. Additional requirements for remediation or satisfactorycompletion of a student success seminar may be requiredby the nursing program.

Readmission:

Students not eligible for program reinstatement may applyfor program admission as a new student and must submit allapplication criteria. If accepted as a new student, the studentmust take or retake all nursing program courses. Students whoare not in good standing, such as those who withdrew or wererecommended for dismissal for disciplinary reasons and/orunsafe client care may not be eligible for readmission. Studentsmust adhere to the nursing curriculum and program policies andprocedures in effect at the time of readmission.

Transfer Policy:

The transfer policy applies only to students desiringto transfer between Alabama Community College Systeminstitutions. It does not apply to students wishing to transferfrom other institutions.

1. Must meet minimum admission standards for the nursingprogram.
2. Must possess a grade of “C” or better in all required nursingprogram courses taken at another institution and possess aminimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA at time of transfer.
3. Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at current institution (whichincludes all course work completed) and/or cumulative 2.5GPA at institution from which student is transferring.
4. Dean/Director of previous nursing program must provide aletter of eligibility/letter of good standing for progression inprevious nursing program.
5. Must comply with all program policy requirements ataccepting institution.
6. Complete at least 25% of the nursing program requiredcourses for degree/certificate at the accepting institution.
7. Must meet acceptability criteria for placement at clinicalagencies for clinical experience.
8. Acceptance of transfer students into nursing programsis limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilitiesavailable. Meeting minimal requirements does not guaranteeacceptance.

NACC Nursing Program Essential Functions/Eligibility Criteria

The Alabama Community College System endorses theAmericans’ with Disabilities Act. In accordance with Collegepolicy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may beprovided for individuals with disabilities.

The essential functions/eligibility criteria delineated beloware necessary for nursing program admission, progression, andgraduation and for the provision of safe and effective nursingcare. The essential functions/eligibility criteria include but arenot limited to the ability to:

1. Sensory Perception
   1. Visual
      1. Observe and discern subtle changes in physicalconditions and the environment
      2. Differentiate color spectrums and color changes
      3. Read fine print in varying levels of light
      4. Read for prolonged periods of time
      5. Read cursive writing
      6. Read at varying distances
      7. Read data/information displayed on monitors/equipment
   2. Auditory
      1. Interpret monitoring devices
      2. Distinguish muffled sounds heard through astethoscope
      3. Discriminate high and low frequency soundsproduced by the body and the environment
      4. Effectively communicate with others
   3. Tactile
      1. Discern tremors, vibrations, pulses, textures,
      2. temperature, shapes, size, location and otherphysical characteristics
   4. Olfactory
      1. Detect body odors and odors in the environment
2. Communication/ Interpersonal Relationships
   1. Effectively engage in writing, and other methods, intwo-way communication and interact effectively withothers, from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, andintellectual backgrounds
   2. Work effectively in groups
   3. Work effectively independently
   4. Discern and interpret nonverbal communication
   5. Express one’s ideas and feelings clearly
   6. Communicate with others accurately in a timelymanner
   7. Obtain communication information from a computer
3. Cognitive/Critical Thinking
   1. Effectively read, write, and comprehend the Englishlanguage or as translated
   2. Consistently and dependably engage in the process ofcritical thinking in order to formulate and implementsafe and ethical nursing decisions in a variety of healthcare settings
   3. Demonstrate satisfactory performance on writtenexaminations including mathematical computationswithout a calculator
   4. Satisfactorily achieve the program objectives
4. Motor Function
   1. Handle or manipulate small delicate equipment/objectswithout extraneous movement, contamination, ordestruction
   2. Move, position, turn, transfer, or assist with lifting orlift and carry clients without injury to clients, self,orothers
   3. Maintain balance from any position
   4. Maneuver in small/tight spaces
   5. Push/pull or move heavy objects without injury toclient, self, or others
   6. Ability to work in a clinical setting performing physicalactivities requiring energy without jeopardizing thesafety of the client, self, or others
   7. Move without difficulty while safely deliveringservices
   8. Flex, abduct and rotate all joints freely
   9. Respond rapidly to emergency situations
   10. Perform daily care functions for the client
   11. Coordinate fine and gross motor hand movements toprovide safe effective nursing care
   12. Calibrate/use equipment
   13. Execute movement required to provide nursing care in all health care settings
   14. Perform CPR and physical assessment
   15. Operate a computer
5. Professional Behavior
   1. Convey caring, respect, sensitivity, tact, compassion,empathy, tolerance and a healthy attitude toward others
   2. Demonstrate a mentally healthy attitude that is ageappropriate in relationship to the client
   3. Handle multiple tasks concurrently
   4. Perform safe, effective nursing care for clients in acaring context
   5. Understand and follow the policies and procedures ofthe College and clinical agencies
   6. Understand the consequences of violating the studentcode of conduct
   7. Perform all duties safely and understand one is subjectto discipline for willful violation of safety standards
   8. Meet qualifications for licensure by examination asstipulated by the Alabama Board of Nursing
   9. Pose no direct threat to self or others
   10. Function effectively in situations of uncertainty andstress inherent in providing nursing care
   11. Adapt to changing environments and situations
   12. Remain free of chemical dependency
   13. Report promptly to clinicals and remain for 6-12 houron the clinical unit
   14. Provide timely nursing care
   15. Accept responsibility, accountability, and ownership ofone’s actions
   16. Seek supervision/consultation in a timely manner
   17. Examine and modify one’s own behavior when itinterferes with nursing care or learning Functions

Student Statement

• Student signature required on official document.

Medical Verification

• Validation required on official document by MD/DO/PA/CRNP.