Nursing, AAS

Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing with a major in Nursing

Length: Five-semester (two-year) program  (First semester consists of pre-requisite courses)

Purpose: The two-year Associate Degree program is designed to prepare students educationally as contributing members of the health team, rendering direct patient care as beginning practitioners of nursing in a variety of health services facilities. At the successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to make application to the Board of Nursing for their respective state to be considered for eligibility to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) leading to licensure as a registered nurse (R.N.).

The Associate Degree Nursing program at Wytheville Community College at the Main Campus located in Wytheville, Virginia is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000.
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree Nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

This may be used as a resource for program information.

ADN Student Learning Outcomes and Competencies

Nursing Program Mission

Provide affordable, community access to quality nursing education. The VCCS nursing programs prepare qualified students to provide safe, competent, entry-level nursing care in 21st century healthcare environments. Students are prepared to meet the ever-increasing complexity of the healthcare needs of the citizens of Virginia.

Philosophy

VCCS nursing faculty ascribe to the core competencies for nursing and Nursing education. While firmly based in science and the arts, the essence of nursing is caring and compassionate patient-centered care. Ethical standards, respect for individual dignity, and consideration of cultural context are implicit in the practice of patient-centered care. The nurse advocates for patients and families in ways that promote self-determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings. Nursing care is provided in collaboration with the patient, the family, and members of the health care team. The nurse displays a spirit of inquiry by examining evidence to improve the quality of care, promote safety, and improve patient outcomes. Nursing judgment is integral to making competent decisions related to the provision of safe and effective nursing care. Information management essential to nursing care is communicated via a variety of technological and human means.

Program Outcomes:

1. Educate graduates to deliver safe, patient-centered nursing care to a diverse population with health alterations in structured health care settings.
2. Eighty percent of most recent graduates pass the NCLEX-RN exam as first-time test takers within 12 months.
3. Seventy percent of students who start the first semester will graduate within 150% of the program length.
4. Eighty percent of graduates will indicate employment as a registered nurse 6 – 12 months after graduation.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students who complete the Associate Degree of Applied Science with a major in Nursing will be expected to:

1. Provide client-centered care promoting therapeutic relationships, caring behaviors, and self-determination across the lifespan for diverse populations.
   • Coordinate client centered care delivery with sensitivity and respect.
   • Evaluate the effectiveness of teaching plans and outcomes and revise for achievement of desired outcomes.
   • Promote client self-determination in making healthcare decisions as a level 4 student.
   • Integrate therapeutic communication skills when interacting with clients and the client’s support network.
   • Advocate independently for diverse individuals, families, and communities across the lifespan.
2. Practice safe nursing care that minimizes risk of harm across systems and client populations.
   • Evaluate human factors and safety principles.
   • Participate in the analysis of errors and designing system improvements.
   • Incorporate client safety initiatives into the plan of care.
   • Practice safe client care as a level 4 student.
3. Demonstrate nursing judgment through the use of clinical reasoning, the nursing process, and evidence-based practice in the provision of safe, quality care.
   • Evaluate an individualized plan of care based on client values, clinical expertise and reliable evidence.
   • Independently prioritize changes in client status and intervene appropriately.
   • Apply the nursing process to guide care.
   • Prioritize client care using evidence-based practice independently.
   • Evaluate existing practices and seek creative approaches to problem solving.
4. Practice professional behaviors that encompass the legal/ethical framework while incorporating self-reflection, leadership and a commitment to recognize the value of life-long learning.
   • Incorporate ethical behaviors and confidentiality in the practice of nursing.
   • Assume responsibility and accountability for delivering safe client care.
   • Deliver nursing care within the scope of nursing practice.
   • Evaluate professional behaviors in interactions with clients, families and healthcare providers.
   • Engage in reflective thinking for the purpose of improving nursing practice.
   • Develop a plan for lifelong learning in the nursing profession.
5. Manage client care through quality improvement processes, information technology, and fiscal responsibility to meet client needs and support organizational outcomes.
   • Evaluate the common quality measures encountered in clinical practice.
   • Evaluate the use of technology and information management to promote quality.
   • Evaluate fiscally responsible client care.
6. Demonstrate principles of collaborative practice within the nursing and healthcare teams fostering mutual respect and shared decision-making to achieve stated outcomes of care.
   • Compare and contrast the effectiveness of the members of the interdisciplinary team to promote optimal client outcomes.
   • Participate in the interdisciplinary plan of care to promote optimal client outcomes.
   • Evaluate communication strategies that are inclusive of various communication and cultural differences.
   • Evaluate management skills and principles of delegation when working with other members of the health care team.
   • Reflects at a professional level on individual and team performance

 

First-time Performance on Licensure/Certification Examination - Aggregated for Entire Program

Expected Level of Achievement	Year	Licensure Examination Pass Rate
ELA:80% of students will pass the NCLEX on the first attempt	2021	79.03% (Number of testers= 62)
ELA:80% of students will pass the NCLEX on the first attempt	2020	82.93% (Number of testers= 41)
ELA:80% of students will pass the NCLEX on the first attempt	2019	82.35% (Number of testers= 51)

 

Performance on Program Completion – Aggregated for Entire Program

Expected Level of Achievement	Year	Program Completion Rate
55% of graduates of the program will complete the program within 100% of the program length.	2021	58 %
70% of graduates of the program will complete the program within 150% of the program length	2020	83.3%
70% of graduates of the program will complete the program within 150% of the program length	2019	71%

 

Performance on Job Placement– Aggregated for Entire Program

Expected Level of Achievement	Year	Program Completion Rate
80% of graduates of the program will complete the program within 100% of the program length.	2021	97.8 %
80% of graduates of the program will complete the program within 150% of the program length	2020	100%
80% of graduates of the program will complete the program within 150% of the program length	2019	100%

 

 

Occupational Objectives: Employment opportunities for registered nurses include staff positions in hospitals, extended care facilities, physicians’ offices, clinics, and other structured health care settings and is designed to prepare graduates to be contributing members of the health care team.

Minimum Requirements: (Must be met by March 12)

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• In addition to the admission requirements established for the college, entry into the Nursing program requires competency in English and Math Essentials  MTE 1-5 as demonstrated through the placement and diagnostic tests, or by satisfactorily completing the required MTE units or equivalent.;
• One unit each of high school chemistry and high school biology with a “C” grade or better. If the applicant does not meet the high school prerequisites, he/she may gain proficiency through the college’s developmental courses. The high school requirements may be waived if BIO 141  and BIO 142  (Anatomy and Physiology I and II) are completed with a grade of “C” or better;
• Score at or above the 45th percentile rank on the ATI/TEAS V, as mandated by the VCCS within the past three years.  Students have unlimited opportunities to obtain a satisfactory score and must wait 30 days before retesting;
• A 2.5 cumulative GPA of the nursing prerequisite courses must be achieved prior to nursing admission. Prerequisites: BIO 141 , ENG 111 , PSY 230 , SDV 100  (or SDV 101 ), PHI 220 . Additionally, a cumulative 2.0 overall college GPA is required for all students.

 

In the event there are more applicants who apply in a given year than there are slots available the college will employ selective admission. Please consult the Health Professions Admission Packet for a detailed description of the selective criteria, readmission, and LPN-RN Bridge transition information. The packet is available through the Admissions Office.  

Credit for Prior Learning- LPN to RN Bridge

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who have met requirements may enter the Wytheville Community College (WCC) Associate Degree in Nursing Program through an advanced placement option.  Deadline is September 1.

• Minimum Requirements:  The LPN may receive credit for the first year nursing courses and enter into the second year of the program, beginning in the Summer Semester, providing the following requirements are met:
  • Must submit an application to Wytheville Community College and Selective Admissions to Health Professions Packet.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Official transcripts from previously attended high school and colleges, including the practical nursing program.
  • TEAS V Score of 45^th National Percentile Rank
  • High school algebra, biology/ lab, chemistry
    • If a student has successfully completed BIO 141   and BIO 142  , the high school chemistry requirement is waived. 
  • Students must complete the pre-requisite placement testing competency MTE 1  MTE 2  MTE 3  MTE 4  MTE 5   and English.
  •  Successful completion of pre-requisite courses: SDV 101  , ENG 111  , BIO 141 , BIO 142 , PSY 230 , PHI 220 . These courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or above and cumulative GPA of 2.5.

 

• Submission of a copy of current unencumbered valid LPN license.  Students who have probationary status, a suspended or revoked LPN licenses are not eligible to enter the nursing program.
• Successful completion of BIO 141 , BIO 142 , SDV 101 , ENG 111 , PSY 230 , and PHI 220  to be considered for admission to NSG 115   LPN Transition.
• Service region students (Bland, Carroll, Wythe, Grayson, Smyth (East of Marion) counties, and the city of Galax) are considered before out-of-region and out-of-state students.
• If more students who meet the above admission requirements apply for admission than there are positions available, students who have completed all co-requisite coursework will be considered first.  Students will then be ranked using criteria such as GPA, science GPA, TEAS V score and years of clinical experience.
• Upon successful completion of NSG 115 ​  Transition and NSG 200  , the student may enter the third semester of the program beginning in the Fall Semester.
• The licensed practical nurse who chooses to enter as a traditional nursing student and who is not successful in NSG 100  , NSG 106  , NSG 200   or NSG 130   may not be admitted to NSG 115   LPN Transition.
• The LPN will be afforded one opportunity to complete NSG 115 ​ LPN Transition.  If unsuccessful, the student may request admission to the traditional program.
• Upon successful completions of NSG 115 ​ LPN Transition, the LPN student must enter the second level nursing classes in the subsequent Fall Semester.
• Additional Information:
  • Students must possess the technical skills required for the nursing program.  See requirements for clinical participation policy.
  • All applicants should be advised that the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Nursing Statutes and Regulations (54.1-3007) state the following:

Regarding refusal, revocation, or suspension, censure or probation.  The Board may refuse to admit a candidate to any examination, refuse to issue a license or certificate to any applicant and may suspend any license or certificate for a stated period or indefinitely, or revoke any license or censure or reprimand any licensee or certificate holder or place him on probation for such time as it may designate for any of the following causes:

• Fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license;
• Unprofessional conduct;
• Willful or repeated violation of any of the provisions of this chapter;
• Conviction or any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
• Practicing in a manner contrary to the standards of ethics or in such a manner as to make his practice a danger to the health and welfare of patients or to the public;
• Use of alcohol or drugs to the extent that such use renders him unsafe to practice, or any mental or physical illness rendering him unsafe to practice;
• The denial, revocation, suspension or restriction of a license or certificate to practice in another state, the District of Columbia or a United States possession or territory; or
• Abuse, negligent practice, or misappropriation of a patient’s or resident’s property.
  • Prior to the deadline communicated upon acceptance to NSG 115 ​ LPN Transition course all students must complete the following;
    • Clinical Eligibility Form, including:
      • Evidence of a Current 2-step Purified Protein Derivative Tuberculosis Skin test (within one year) with negative results.  If the student has a history of a positive PPD, evidence of appropriate follow-up care is required.
      • Evidence of immunity of rubella by an immune titer or documentation of two MMR vaccinations.
      • Evidence of immunity to chickenpox by history of disease or having received the Varicella vaccination.
      • Evidence of current Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) immunization within ten years.
      • Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification must be either American Heart Association CPR or Red Cross Basic Life Support.
      • Negative criminal background check (see Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy) through the designated third party vender.
      • Sign a statement indicating that the Hepatitis B vaccination was previously received and provide proof of vaccination status or sign a disclaimer for exposure.  The signed declination must be kept in the students file.

The following is a list of technical abilities and skills applicants for admission should possess:

• Critical Thinking: Critical thinking ability sufficient
• Interpersonal: Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
• Communication: Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form
• Mobility: Sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces
• Motor Skills: Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe care
• Hearing Acuity: Ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs
• Visual: Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care
• Tactile: Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment

All applicants should be advised that the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Nursing Statutes and Regulations (54.1-3007) state the following:

Regarding refusal, revocation, or suspension, censure or probation. The Board may refuse to admit a candidate to any examination, refuse to issue a license or certificate to any applicant and may suspend any license or certificate for a stated period or indefinitely, or revoke any license or censure or reprimand any licensee or certificate holder or place him on probation for such time as it may designate for any of the following causes:

1. Fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license;
2. Unprofessional conduct;
3. Willful or repeated violation of any of the provisions of this chapter;
4. Conviction or any felony or any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude;
5. Practicing in a manner contrary to the standards of ethics or in such a manner as to make his practice a danger to the health and welfare of patients or to the public; Use of alcohol or drugs to the extent that such use renders him unsafe to practice, or any mental or physical illness rendering him unsafe to practice;
6. The denial, revocation, suspension or restriction of a license or certificate to practice in another state, the District of Columbia or a United States possession or territory; or
7. Abuse, negligent practice, or misappropriation of a patient’s or resident’s property.

Any student receiving a final grade lower than a “C” in any course in the Nursing curriculum will be ineligible to continue in the program and will need to contact the program head for readmission requirements.

The following list is a suggested sequence in which students may plan their class schedules to ensure graduation in two years.  All first semester pre-requisite courses must be met prior to progressing as a fall admit into the NSG prefix courses.