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Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Program Mission

The New England Institute of Technology Nursing Department seeks to prepare nurses at the certificate, associate, bachelor, and master levels to practice holistically in today’s complex and highly technological healthcare system. The mission of the program is to prepare individuals as professionals whose care reflects altruistic, evidence-based, and ethical practice in the nursing profession.

Nursing Program Philosophy

This philosophy, the foundation of our curriculum, represents the faculty’s core beliefs regarding human beings, the environment, health, nursing, higher education, teaching, and learning. We believe that every person is a unique being worthy of respect and dignity. In our nursing framework, biological and social components integrate seamlessly in individuals who use self-care to maintain their health status. We view the environment as the totality of the patient’s experience that includes the family, cultural context, society, and the global community. We recognize that the patient’s environment is a major influence on the patient’s health status. Health is an individual experience characterized by wholeness where physical, psychological, interpersonal, spiritual, cultural, and social aspects are inseparable in the person. An individual’s response to stressors may change the ability of the patient to engage in self-care, resulting in deficits in meeting basic needs and requiring the need for nursing care. Individuals are moving toward maturation and actualization of their full potential. Humans have universal self-care requisites and nurses need to be tireless advocates for the patients’ pursuit of these universal needs within a caring and nonjudgmental environment.

Nursing is a scientific discipline with a distinct body of knowledge. Nursing practice is grounded in nursing science, natural sciences, social sciences, technology, and humanities. Nurses engage with patients in an active partnership and seek to understand the patient’s lived experience of illness. Within this context, nurses provide holistic evidence-based nursing care that respects and supports individual definitions of health. Nurses focus on quality healthcare and advocate for diverse individuals, families, communities, and systems. Nursing practice is grounded in these paradigmatic beliefs which provide the foundation for critical inquiry and knowledge development in nursing.

Every person who wishes to pursue a career in nursing should have the opportunity to do so. By advancing educational access for a diverse population of students, nursing education contributes to a diverse nursing workforce to meet the health care needs of culturally and ethnically diverse populations. Likewise, every nurse should be encouraged to pursue and have access to seamless academic progression in nursing education. The Department of Nursing at New England Tech joins with other nursing organizations in Rhode Island and throughout the nation, to advance opportunities for academic progression within nursing. We stand ready to work together to ensure that nurses have the support they need to further their education.ÌýHigher education for nursing practice is grounded in a sound theoretical and empirical knowledge base. The intent of the educational program is to address the needs of diverse learners by encouraging active participation in the learning process. Nursing education seeks to empower students as future nurses while instilling an enthusiasm for lifelong critical inquiry, learning, and professional growth.ÌýThe faculty is committed to creating supportive environments that foster adult learning. Students have multiple opportunities to develop the core competencies that characterize a well-educated nurse.

Students work closely with professors who care about them and provide opportunities for student learning and development as confident lifelong learners. The faculty use a variety of evidence-based teaching methods that address adult students’ learning needs. Learners assume responsibility for their learning and are active participants in the learning process.

Faculty reviewed and updated May 26, 2022

End of Program Student Learning Outcomes (EPSLOs)

The graduates of the Practical Nurse program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate effective use of technology and standardized practices that support safety and quality, effective use of strategies to reduce risk of harm to self or others, and safeguard the confidential information acquired from any source (NALPN, 2021), (QSEN, 2020)
2. Deliver patient and family-centered, culturally diverse, holistic, spiritually, and ethical care that recognizes everyone’s unique needs, preferences, and values. (QSEN, 2020)
3. Establish the core values of respect for diversity by advocating caring, excellence, and Integrity in promoting the wellbeing of patients, self, and other health team members as a pathway to human flourishing. (NLN, 2021).
4. ÌýDemonstrate critical thinking and decision-making skills to ensure patient-centered care participation by working with interprofessional teams to ensure health care quality and safety using complex patient care situations (NLN, 2021).
5. Reflect on the commitment to evidence-based practice, caring, advocacy, and safe quality care, to provide optimal health care for diverse patients and their families and practice within the values, framework, and legal parameters of the Licensed Practical Nurse (NALPN, 2015), (NLN, 2021)
6. Achieve collaboration with healthcare team members by utilizing evidence, tradition, and patient preferences in predictable patient care situations to promote optimal health status (NLN, 2021).

ACCREDITATION STATUS

Effective October 8, 2021,Ìýthe Practical Nursing Program has Initial Accreditation status by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The accreditation status expires in Spring 2028.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the practical nursing program is initial accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at:

In accordance with the 2019 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, New England Institute of Technology hereby discloses only that the curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for licensure as PNs in the State of Rhode Island. The applicable licensing board in Rhode Island may impose additional requirements on candidates prior to granting a license, we encourage you to investigate those requirements. ¹û¶³´«Ã½ has not determined whether the curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for licensure in any other states or territories and we encourage you to investigate the requirements in your state or territory prior to accepting an offer of admission at ¹û¶³´«Ã½.

ACEN
Student Achievement Outcome Data*

1. ELA 6.2: The program’s most recent annual licensure examination pass rate will be at least 80% for all first-time test-takers during the same 12-month period.

01/01/2023-12/31/2023 = 100% ELA Met

2. ELA 6.3: The program’s most recent annual program completion rate will be at least 60% for the students who enroll in the first class of the nursing program who will complete on time in the 5 academic terms.

Aggregated by Entering Cohorts for on-time (5 terms) program completion.

01/01/2023-12/31/2023 = 35%

3. ELA 6.4: The program’s most recent annual job placement rate of graduates will have a practical nursing position within six months of graduation.

01/01/2023-12/31/2023 =100 %

New England Institute of Technology offers one of the most comprehensive LPN programs in the country, with a robust curriculum featuring a blend of theoretical, skill-based, and practical courses.Ìý

The first two terms focus on building the foundations of practical nursing through classroom lectures and clinical hours.

Starting from the third term of their program, students complete practical-intensive courses that introduce them to nursing in the following specialized domains:

• Foundations of Practical Nursing
• Medical-Surgical
• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Child and Family Care
• Women and Newborn

Additionally, students must also complete general education courses such as math and college writing that help them become well-rounded professionals in their field.

Questions & Answers

1. When do my classes meet?
   Day Classes: Technical classes normally meet for at least three hours a day, for up to five days a week. Classes normally begin in the early morning (7:45 a.m.), late morning (usually 11:25 a.m.), or mid-afternoon. The time slot for your program may vary from term to term. Evening Classes: Technical classes meet on an average of three nights a week, although there may be times when they will meet four nights a week. Classes normally begin at 5:45 p.m. In addition, to achieve your associate degree, you will take a total of approximately eight liberal arts courses which will be scheduled around your technical schedule over the course of your entire program. Each liberal arts course meets approximately four hours per week. Liberal arts courses are offered on days, evenings, and Saturdays. At the beginning of each term, you will receive a detailed schedule giving the exact time and location of all your classes. The College requires that all students be prepared to take classes and receive services at any of ¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s locations where the appropriate classes and services are offered. When a regularly scheduled class falls on a day that is a ¹û¶³´«Ã½ observed holiday (Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Memorial Day), an alternate class will be scheduled as a make-up for that class. The make-up class may fall on a Friday. It is the student’s responsibility to take note of when and where classes are offered.
2. How large will my classes be?
   The average size for a class is about 20 to 25 students; however, larger and smaller classes occur from time to time.
3. How much time will I spend in lab?
   Almost half of your technical courses consist of laboratory work. In order for you to get the most out of your laboratory experiences, you will first receive a thorough explanation of the theory behind your lab work.
4. Where do my classes meet?
   Students should be prepared to attend classes at any of ¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s classroom facilities: either at the Post Road, Access Road, or East Greenwich campus.
5. I have not earned my high school diploma or GED: can I enroll in a certificate program?
   A candidate for admission to a certificate program must have a high school diploma, have earned a recognized equivalency diploma (GED), or meet the federal home school requirements.
6. How long should it take me to complete my program?
   To complete your requirements in the shortest possible time, you should take the courses outlined in the prescribed curriculum. For a typical five-term curriculum, a student may complete the requirements in as little as 15 months. To complete all your requirements in the shortest time, you should take at least one liberal arts course each term.
7. Is ¹û¶³´«Ã½ accredited?
   ¹û¶³´«Ã½ is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation by NECHE is recognized by the federal government and entitles ¹û¶³´«Ã½ to participate in federal financial aid programs. Some academic departments have specialized professional accreditations in addition to accreditation by NECHE. For more information on accreditation, see ¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s catalog.
8. Can I transfer the credits that I earn at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ to another college?
   The transferability of a course is always up to the institution to which the student is transferring. Students interested in the transferability of their credits should contact the Office of Teaching and Learning for further information.
9. Can I transfer credits earned at another college to ¹û¶³´«Ã½?
   Transfer credit for appropriate courses taken at an accredited institution will be considered for admission based on the following table and upon receipt of an official transcript:

   Courses	Age of Courses	Grade Needed for Transfer to PN
   MA 109 Math for Life Sciences		B or above
   English/Communications Liberal Arts Courses	10 years old	B or above
   Math Course	3 years old	B or above
   Biology Course	3 years old	B or above
   Science Course	3 years old	B or above
   Major Courses (from accredited nursing programs) *	3 years old	B- (or above, case by case)

   * For evaluation of previously earned nursing credits, an official transcript from the institution(s) and copies of relevant course syllabi must be received before taking the Kaplan Nursing Pre-Admission Test. Course syllabi are evaluated to determine whether nursing course content is similar in content, rigor, and credit hours to those in the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ curriculum.

   The Office of Teaching and Learning maintains the prerogative to waive these requirements based upon individual review.

   An official transcript from the other institution must be received before the end of the first week of the term for transfer credit to be granted for courses to be taken during that term. Students will receive a tuition reduction for the approved major courses based on the program rate and will be applied against the final major term of the curriculum’s tuition amount. No tuition credit is provided for courses that are not a part of the major curriculum. If the student has a degree from another institution, every opportunity will be reviewed to give the student as many transfer credits as possible for liberal arts courses (math, science, English, humanities, and social sciences) regardless of the age of the degree. Courses in the major will be reviewed individually for relevancy.

10. What is the “Feinstein Enriching America” Program?
    New England Institute of Technology is the proud recipient of a grant from the Feinstein Foundation. To satisfy the terms of the grant, the College has developed a one-credit community enrichment course that includes hands-on community enrichment projects. The course can be taken for a few hours per term, spread over several terms. Students who are already engaged in community enrichment on their own may be able to count that service towards course credit.
11. How many credits do I need to acquire my Financial Aid?
    In order to be eligible for the maximum financial aid award, you need to maintain at least 12 credits per academic term.
12. What does my program cost?
    The cost of your program will be as outlined in your enrollment agreement, along with your cost for books and other course materials. Students who decide to take more terms than the enrollment agreement describes to complete the technical courses in their curriculum will be subject to additional fees and possible additional tuition costs. Students who elect to take the technical portion of the degree requirements at a rate faster than the rate prescribed in the curriculum and the enrollment agreement will be assessed additional tuition. Students who require prerequisite courses will incur additional tuition and fees above those outlined in their enrollment agreement. If a student elects to take a course(s) outside of the prescribed curriculum, additional tuition and fees will be assessed. Remember, students who withdraw and re-enter, one time only, pay the tuition rate that was in effect for them at the time of their last day of attendance for up to one year from their last day of attendance. Second re-entries and beyond pay the tuition rate in effect at the time they re-enter. The most economical way for you to complete your college degree is to begin your program now and continue your studies straight through for the seven terms necessary to complete your degree requirements.
13. What kind of employment assistance does ¹û¶³´«Ã½ offer?
    The Career Services Office assists ¹û¶³´«Ã½ students and graduates in all aspects of the job search, including resume writing, interviewing skills, and developing a job search strategy. Upon completion of their programs, graduates may submit a resume to the Career Services Office to be circulated to employers for employment opportunities in their fields. Employers regularly contact us about our graduates. In addition, our Career Services Office contacts employers to develop job leads. A strong relationship with employers exists as a result of our training students to meet the needs of industry for over fifty years. No school can, and ¹û¶³´«Ã½ does not guarantee its’ graduates’ employment or a specific starting salary.
14. Where will job opportunities exist?
    Graduates have obtained employment in the local area. However, one of the most exciting aspects of this program is the ability to look nationally for employment opportunities.
15. Is the Practical Nursing Certificate Program accredited?
    Effective October 8, 2021, the Practical Nursing Program has Initial Accreditation status by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The accreditation status expires in Spring 2028.Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
    3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
    Atlanta, GA 30326
    (404) 975-5000
    ACEN is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the accrediting agency for postsecondary and higher degree nursing programs. ACEN provides specialized accreditations for all types of nursing education programs (clinical doctorate, master’s, baccalaureate, associate, diploma, and practical).ACEN supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by the process of accreditation. Accreditation is a voluntary, self-regulatory process by which non-governmental associations recognize educational institutions or programs that have been found to meet or exceed standards and criteria for educational quality. Accreditation also assists in the continual improvement of the institutions or programs as related to resources invested, processes followed, and results achieved.
16. Is there state or federal licensing required in my field?
    Yes, upon successful completion of the PN program, graduates must take and pass the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), and then apply for licensure from the state in which they seek to practice.
17. When I graduate, will I be a Licensed Practical Nurse?
    No. Upon completing the program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. This program will prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-PN: the mandatory licensure examination for Practical Nurses. Only individuals who have graduated from an accredited nursing program, from an accredited institution, may sit for the NCLEX. You have the opportunity to register for the examination in any of the United States or territories.Ìý Once you have passed the NCLEX-PN you can apply for licensure from the state in which you seek to practice.
18. What is a Licensed Practical Nurse?
    The role of the LPN is to provide care for the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional needs of their patients. The LPN functions under the direction of a duly licensed physician, dentist, podiatrist, or other licensed health care providers authorized by law to prescribe. LPNs are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. The nursing profession is ultimately about caring for people. Today’s nurse must also possess critical thinking, and clinical decision-making skills to provide quality, safe patient care. A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a licensed individual who takes care of and educates patients and the public about various medical conditions and provides advice and emotional support to patients’ family members. LPNs record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, administer treatment and medications, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.
19. What are the requirements for admission into the Nursing program?
    All students seeking admission to the Practical Nurse (PN) Certificate program will be required to complete the Kaplan Nursing School Admissions Test.

    
    Associate in Science (ASN) and Practical Nurse (PN)Ìý

    All prospective students who are interested in the Associate in Science (ASN) or the Practical Nurse (PN) programs must take a KAPLAN entrance exam.

    • Applicants may take the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam, a maximum of two times within a 365-day period. Applicants who do not meet the benchmarks to enter the nursing program on their first attempt must wait at least 14 days between the first and second attempts. ASN applicants must meet the minimum score of 71 to be eligible to take the second attempt. If an applicant does not pass the set Kaplan benchmark for the ASN program on the second attempt, the applicant is eligible to re-test, 365 days from the first attempt date.
    • Applicants who do not meet the minimum RN Kaplan score are eligible for a score review to enter the PN program (see PN minimum scores below).
    • Applicants wanting to enter the PN program will need a 64 on the Kaplan for direct entry. Applicants must have a minimum of 60 to be eligible to take a second Kaplan attempt after 14 days* from the first attempt.
    • Applicants who do not meet the benchmark after the second attempt will wait 365 days from the first attempt date to repeat the Kaplan exam.
    • If accepted into the PN program, applicants must complete the PN program and are ineligible to retake Kaplan for 15 months from the start date of their first PN nursing class. The applicant, upon completion of the PN program, and having achieved a minimum final grade of 80% (B-) in BIO 107, MA 109 & EN 100, will be eligible to enter the AS nursing program, in the second term, without re-taking the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam. If the student does not meet the minimum final grade of 80% (B-) in BIO 107, MA 109 & EN 100 during the PN Program, the student does not need to retake the Kaplan exam; however, they must start in Term 1 of the AS program.
      

      Kaplan Exam	AS in Nursing Program	Practical Nurse Program
      1st attempt	Required: Auto accepted at 77.   Applicant must obtain a minimum score of 71 to be eligible to re-take the Kaplan.	Required: Auto accepted at 64.   Applicant must obtain a minimum score of 60 to be eligible to re-take the Kaplan.
      2nd attempt * (Minimum 14 days between the first and second attempts)	Required: Auto accepted at *77.	Required: Auto accepted at *64.

      * This second attempt score will only apply to the PN program. It will not apply to ASN Program entry even if the score is above the ASN Kaplan minimum requirements. First-attempt scores reflect the probability of passing the NCLEX on the first attempt, therefore a second attempt score on the PN program retake does not apply for ASN entry. PN applicants who score lower than 64% after a second Kaplan attempt, may have the opportunity to explore other programs.

      (RD/MB 8.13.2021, 11.13.2021, 12.03.2021, 12.16.21, 7.14.23)

20. Who employs Licensed Practical Nurses and what types of environments do nurses work in?
    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the career outlook for LPNs is positive through 2029 and is projected to grow by 9% through 2029. This growth is quicker than average. Part of the reason for this growth is the need to address chronic conditions in the aging baby-boomer population. The BLS also notes that procedures that had previously been performed predominantly in hospitals are now also performed in outpatient care centers, thus creating additional demands for LPNs in those facilities. ÌýLPNs work in many healthcare settings including nursing homes and residential care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient treatment facilities, outpatient surgical centers, immunization clinics, schools, clinical call centers, insurance companies, and home health care agencies, etc. There are further opportunities in government agencies, social assistance agencies, and educational services.
21. What if I have taken science courses more than 3 years ago?
    It is a requirement that all science courses are completed within 3 years of entering the nursing program. These courses are important and serve as foundation courses for the information you will receive in the program. Students with science courses greater than 3 years old will have the opportunity to take a challenge exam or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test. The CLEP test allows students to earn credit for knowledge they have acquired through independent study, prior course work, on-the-job training, professional development, cultural pursuits, or internships.
22. Is there any open lab time?
    Yes. The ¹û¶³´«Ã½ skill laboratories will be open during selected hours for clinical practice. Students are encouraged to attend the las for skills development. Additionally, the Simulation Centers will be available during selected hours to practice patient scenarios. Patient scenarios ensure a successful learning experience.
23. How much time will I spend in clinical while in school?
    Actual clinical experience begins in the 1st term of the program. The clinical placements will vary with the course requirements. Students may be in the clinical setting 1-3 days a week.
24. Where do I go for the nursing clinicals? Will that site be provided for me or must I find a site on my own?
    Clinical rotations are completed at various healthcare locations, including community, and healthcare facilities throughout the state of Rhode Island. The clinical experiences may be held on weekends, and weekday morning and evening time schedules, and holidays. The clinical rotations will be assigned to the student. ¹û¶³´«Ã½ cannot guarantee that placement for clinicals will be in or near the student’s hometown. Students may be required to commute up to an hour or more from their homes. The university does not provide transportation to clinical sites. The university does not reimburse students for traveling expenses (parking, mileage, etc.). Students should be prepared to attend clinical experiences when and where they are assigned. The hours and locations will vary from term to term.
25. If I should experience a disruption in my nursing (NURP) courses, due to illness, etc., is there a laboratory skill refresher course that might be available to me?
    No. The experience students obtain from the clinical rotations at health care facilities cannot be duplicated in the Nursing laboratory.
26. Do I need to maintain a certain grade point average?
    Yes, the following academic policies apply for all students in the Practical Nurse Certificate program:
    Academic Policies Grading Policy:
    1. Every student enrolled in the Practical Nursing Diploma program is required to obtain a minimum grade of C+ (77%) in every course, and a grade of P (pass) in clinical courses throughout the
       1. Students who wish to progress on to the AS Nursing Program and want to transfer in the following courses (BIO107, MA109 & EN100) must obtain a minimum grade of B- (80%) to meet transfer requirements for the AS Nursing program.
    2. A student who receives less than a C+ (77%) in every course, or a clinical grade of F (fail), cannot advance to the next term.
    3. A student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 33 throughout the program. Inability to meet the 2.33 GPA will lead to dismissal.
    4. Students who fail to achieve the above-stated grades must meet with the LPN Program Director and the Student Advisor for the Nursing program to discuss modifications to their class schedule. Failing to achieve a required grade may delay a student’s graduation date. Failure to progress may also have financial implications. Each student is responsible for meeting with Student Accounts and Financial Aid personnel to discuss his or her individual situation.
27. Are there any additional costs/activities associated with this program?
    All students must have a complete physical examination and required immunizations completed prior to their first nursing course. Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella immunization and titers, and T-Dap tetanus immunizations are required. A two-step Mantoux TB test is required upon admission and annual PPD. Malpractice insurance is also required by affiliating facilities where internships are scheduled. Uniforms, equipment, laboratory fees, and textbooks will also need to be purchased. All completed documents must be returned to the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator. ** Students are required to provide documentation of being fit-tested for an N95 mask (on an annual basis) for all clinicals when required – please check with the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for additional details including where a student can obtain fit-testing.
28. Do I need to have a Criminal Background check?
    All NUR students are required to have a criminal background check. The Joint Commission requires all healthcare facilities which they accredit to perform criminal background checks on students. Prior to entering fieldwork, students will be required to undergo a criminal background check. In addition to the criminal background check required by The Joint Commission, some clinical sites may also require a national criminal background check. It will be necessary for students to sign a Consent and Disclaimer permitting ¹û¶³´«Ã½ to perform a criminal background check and a Release and Authorization permitting ¹û¶³´«Ã½ to disclose the results of the criminal background check to a clinical site where the student is being considered for placement. Students are required to use CastleBranch for the criminal background check, and not the Attorney General’s Office.Students will be required to do a second background check and fingerprinting before their pediatric clinical. If a criminal conviction or pending criminal federal, state, or local charge occurs after a criminal background check has been performed, the student must undergo an updated background check. If a background check reveals any criminal convictions, the student may be disqualified from a clinical placement or employment in the field. When a student is declined a placement by a site as a result of a positive background check, another attempt will be made to place a student in a clinical site. Students assume the cost for all background checks. ¹û¶³´«Ã½ makes no guarantee that once a student is matriculated, the student will be able to attend any fieldwork training setting or sit for the national certification or gain licensure if the student has a prior criminal conviction. This is the student’s responsibility to discover what they must do to manage a positive criminal background investigation.
29. Where can I purchase a uniform and what kind of uniform do I need?
    Students may purchase items for their uniforms online at Alexander’s Uniforms . At the site’s homepage, click “New England Institute of Technology” from either the icon or the left tab, then select your department from the list. All items are priced to include a 20% discount. If you have any questions, contact Wendy Magnette via email at [email protected] or at 401-654-6500.Students will also be required to purchase safety goggles for clinical experiences.You may also purchase your uniform items at or at Alexander’s Uniforms at one of their three locations (recommended if you are unsure of the size): 1) Rhode Island: Marshall’s Plaza, 1 Lambert Lind Highway, Warwick RI 02886, 860-889-7744, 401-654-6500; 2) Connecticut: 77 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360, 781-762-1449; 3) Massachusetts: 500 Providence Highway, Norwood MA 02062. Please note that if there are any additional items that you would like to purchase at any of the Alexander’s Uniforms locations, you may utilize your 20% discount by showing your Student ID upon checkout.
30. Must I attend classes during the summer 5-week intersession?
    The PN Program does not require courses to be taken during Intersession. NURP courses are only offered during the 10-week terms.
31. Are there any behavior standards for this program?
    Nursing students are expected to exhibit professional behavior on an ongoing basis. This behavior will be assessed on a continual basis and will not only encompass grades, but also adherence to classroom protocol, laboratory safety, attendance, participation and preparedness for class, appearance, ability to work as a team member, and general professional behavior. Clinical placement is dependent on the above.
32. Are there evening classes?
    Currently, there are no nursing lectures offered in the evenings in the nursing program. However, students may have clinical rotations in the evening or on a Saturday. MA, HS, BIO, EN, or PS courses, may be available during evening hours, on Saturday,Ìý or online (not guaranteed).
33. Are there tuition reimbursement programs available?
    Some institutions may offer tuition reimbursement to their employees. Each facility has different requirements. You may want to contact the human resource departments at the facility you are employed at or interested in for more information.
34. Which personal traits fit best with a career in nursing?
    Students need good study habits and excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Confidence, reliability, determination, and an eagerness to learn will guide you in your pursuit to help others as a nurse.

Professional Standards for the Student Nursing Program

Students enrolled in the ¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s Practical Nursing program will be held to the American Nurses’ Association’s “Standards of Professional Performance” and “Code for Nurses,” and the Nursing Program’s Essential Abilities (outlined below). Failure to uphold these standards may result in dismissal from any nursing program.

ANA Standards of Professional Performance

• A nurse must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in English with clients, teachers, and all members of the health care team.
• The nurse systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice.
• The nurse evaluates his or her own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and relevant statutes and regulations.
• The nurse acquires and maintains current knowledge in nursing practice.
• The nurse contributes to the professional development of peers, colleagues, and others.
• The nurse’s decisions and actions on behalf of clients are determined in an ethical manner.
• The nurse collaborates with the clients, significant others, and health care providers.
• The nurse uses research findings in practice.
• The nurse considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, and cost in planning and delivering client care.

ANA Code for Nurses

• Each person, upon entering the nursing profession, inherits a measure of the responsibility and trust associated with the profession, along with the corresponding obligation to adhere to the standards of ethical practice and conduct it has set. Nursing students are expected to show responsibility in their behavior, to deal with faculty, peers, patients, and clinical staff in a direct and honest manner, and to be professional in their conduct. Students who violate accepted standards for professional nursing may be discharged from the program.
• The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.
• The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group or community.
• The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of the patient.
• The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse’s obligation to provide optimum patient care.
• The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth.
• The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving healthcare environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality health care and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action.
• The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to practice, education, administration, and knowledge development.
• The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting community, national, and international efforts to meet health needs.
• The profession of nursing, as represented by associations and their members, is responsible for articulating nursing values, maintaining the integrity of the profession and its practice, and shaping social policy.

Essential Abilities

¹û¶³´«Ã½ Nursing faculty has specified essential abilities (professional standards) critical to the success of students enrolled in any ¹û¶³´«Ã½ nursing program. Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria, and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these essential abilities (professional standards) with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Essential judgment skills to include the ability to identify, assess, and comprehend conditions surrounding patient situations for the purpose of problem-solving and coming to appropriate conclusions and/or courses of action.
• Essential neurological functions to include the ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, touch, and smell to make correct judgments regarding patient conditions for the purpose of demonstrating competence to safely engage in the practice of nursing. Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological functions include, but are not limited to, observing, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and employing psychomotor abilities.
• Essential communication skills to include the ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, patients, and all members of the health care team. Skills include verbal, written, and nonverbal abilities consistent with effective communication.
• Essential emotional coping skills to include the ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of nursing as determined by professional standards of practice.
• Essential intellectual and conceptual skills to include the ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of nursing.
• Other essential behavioral attributes to include the ability to engage in activities consistent with safe nursing practice without demonstrated behaviors of addiction to, abuse of, or dependence on alcohol or other drugs that may impair behavior or judgment. The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the Nursing program and as a developing professional nurse.

Technical Standards

The field of Nursing is both intellectually and physically challenging.

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensures that qualified applicants have the ability to pursue program admission. However, all students must meet the essential skills and technical standards to perform the functions required of the nursing program and profession. Every student will be held to the same standards with or without reasonable accommodations.

General Physical Requirements

Students must:

• Possess the physical ability to tolerate walking and standing for at least ten minutes at a time,
• multiple times per hour.
• Lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds from the floor to waist level or higher at least several times per
• Lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds to a height of one meter or higher and carry the object or animal for a distance of two meters without assistance.
• Use hands and arms to handle, install, position, and move materials, equipment, and supplies without assistance.
• Handle, position, and ambulate patient/clients as directed by the provider.
• Be able to have sustained contact with multiple species of service animals and be amenable to learning the safe handling, restraining, and working with these animals. An individual should not be allergic to any species of animals to the extent that would prohibit working in a facility that has them. Must inform the assistant director or director of allergies.

Cognitive Ability

Students must:

• Be able to function in a structured environment within significant time constraints and capable of making rapid decisions in urgent situations and meeting deadlines.
• Possess a willingness to assist with and perform a wide variety of routine medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures common to the acute and long-term setting; including acute and activities of daily living, handling of sick and injured, without fear.
• Be able to complete required tasks/functions under stressful and/or unpredictable conditions, including emergency situations.
• Be able to access information from books, reference manuals, computers, and paper and electronic medical documents to perform duties and safely use equipment without assistance.
• Be able to prioritize, organize, and utilize time-management skills to perform tasks.
• Evaluate, synthesize, and communicate diagnostic information to the attending provider(s)and/or staff.
• Be able to progress toward minimal supervision as they advance through the program.

Communication Skills

Students must:

• Read, write, speak, and report accurately and effectively in English.
• Comprehend and carry out complex written, and oral instructions given in English.
• Be able, when communicating with other individuals by speech, either in person or by telephone, to make legible and coherent written notes in English within the margins and space provided on the appropriate forms.

Professionalism and Interpersonal Skills

Students must:

• Demonstrate professional and socially appropriate behavior; maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with medical professional standards.
• Be able to interact appropriately with clients and all members of the inter-professional team.
• Poses the ability to exercise good judgment and make appropriate professional and procedural judgment decisions under stressful and/or emergency conditions (i.e., unstable patient/client condition), emergent demands (i.e., stat test orders), and a distracting environment (i.e., high noise levels, complex visual stimuli, or behavioral events).

Manual Dexterity and Mobility

Students must:

• Be able to move his/her entire body, bend, kneel, assist in lifting and turning patients/clients, pushing, and working with stretchers, IV equipment, computers both mobile and stationary equipment.
• Possess fine motor movements to perform the essential functions of the profession. This includes the dexterity to manipulate equipment, manage syringes and catheters, in the care of patients/clients.
• Possess tactile ability necessary for physical assessment and to perform nursing duties in a timely manner. This includes performing palpation during physical exams, administering oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intravenous medication, insert and remove tubes, collect samples from patients/clients, and perform wound care.
• Possess the ability to lightly palpate and interpret findings, i.e., palpation of pulses, lymph nodes, limb, or organs to determine proper endotracheal tube size.

Auditory, Olfactory, and Visual Skills

Students must:

• Nurses must have functional use of senses to safely and correctly assess patients/clients, interpret, and record data.
• Possess adequate visual ability, with or without correction, that allows the determination of minute areas of detail, very small variations in color, and adequate depth perception (size, shape, and texture), including differentiation of details as viewed through a microscope. This includes the ability to characterize and interpret the color, odor, clarity, and viscosity of body structures and fluids, observe variations in skin and mucus membrane color, integrity, pulsations, tissue swelling, etc.
• Possess visual ability to allow for observation and assessment as necessary in nursing care both from a distance and close by to recognize the physical status and non-verbal responses including behaviors.
• Possess auditory ability necessary to monitor and assess health status, including auscultation of heart and lungs, and hear equipment alarms and warning sounds from animals, humans, and/or equipment of impending danger or injury.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to distress sounds from a patient/client/ alarms/warning signals on monitoring equipment directly and through intercommunication systems to ensure patient/client safety.
• Be able to discriminate shades of black and white patterns in which the band is not more than 0.5 mm in width. This includes the ability to see ECG tracing.
• Be able to perceive the natural or amplified human voice without lip reading to permit oral communication on the clinical unit with any occupants wearing facial/surgical masks.

Adaptive Ability

• Ability to remain calm in the face of computer lab equipment and/or software failure.
• Ability to maintain emotional stability and the maturity necessary to interact with members of the faculty, students, clinical staff, and clients in a responsible manner.
• Ability to tolerate the differences in all people.
• Ability to follow instructions and complete tasks under stressful and demanding conditions.
• Ability to adapt in a positive manner to new and changing situations with an open mind and flexibility.
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly and appropriately in stressful situations.