Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

Nursing Programs

Shelton State Community College offers career opportunities in Nursing through three programs. The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program offers the opportunity for the student to complete the requirements and prepare for licensure as a registered nurse. Students may be admitted to the ADN program directly or they may complete the Practical Nursing program (PN), pass the licensure exam for Practical Nursing, be employed as a Practical Nurse for at least 500 clock hours, and then apply to the ADN program as a “Mobility” student. Both the ADN and the PN programs are competitive for admission and require a rigorous course of study. Some students begin their nursing career through the Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide program (NA/HHA) in which they complete a one semester program of study. Graduates of the NA/HHA program are qualified for employment in the areas of long-term care, home health care, or acute care and may sit for certification examinations.

Nursing Programs Policies

In addition to complying with all College policies, students enrolled in the nursing programs must have knowledge of and adhere to the following policies.

Essential Function Standards

The Alabama College System and Shelton State Community College endorse 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 by 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 following:

1. Sensory Perception
   1. Visual
      1. Observe and discern subtle changes in physical conditions and the environment
      2. Visualize different 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 a stethoscope
      3. Hear and discriminate high and low frequency sounds produced by the body and the environment
      4. Effectively hear to communicate with others
   3. Tactile
      1. Discern tremors, vibrations, pulses, textures, temperature, shapes, size, location and other physical characteristics
   4. Olfactory
      1. Detect body odors and odors in the environment
2. Communication/Interpersonal Relationships
   1. 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
   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 timely manner
   7. Obtain communications from a computer
3. Cognitive/Critical Thinking
   1. Effectively read, write and comprehend the English language
   2. Consistently and dependably engage in the process of critical thinking in order to formulate and implement safe and ethical nursing decisions in a variety of health care settings
   3. Demonstrate satisfactory performance on written examinations including mathematical computations without a calculator
   4. Satisfactorily achieve the program objectives
4. Motor Function
   1. Handle small delicate equipment/objects without extraneous movement, contamination or destruction
   2. Move, position, turn, transfer, assist with lifting or lift and carry clients without injury to clients, self or others
   3. Maintain balance from any position
   4. Stand on both legs
   5. Coordinate hand/eye movements
   6. Push/pull heavy objects without injury to client, self or others
   7. Stand, bend, walk and/or sit for six to 12 hours in a clinical setting performing physical activities requiring energy without jeopardizing the safety of the client, self or others
   8. Walk without a cane, walker or crutches
   9. Function with hands free for nursing care and transporting items
   10. Transport self and client without the use of electrical devices
   11. Flex, abduct and rotate all joints freely
   12. Respond rapidly to emergency situations
   13. Maneuver in small areas
   14. Perform daily care functions for the client
   15. Coordinate fine and gross motor hand movements to provide safe effective nursing care
   16. Calibrate/use equipment
   17. Execute movement required to provide nursing care in all health care settings
   18. Perform CPR and physical assessment
   19. 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 age appropriate in relationship to the client
   3. Handle multiple tasks concurrently
   4. Perform safe, effective nursing care for clients in a caring context
   5. Understand and follow the policies and procedures of the College and clinical agencies
   6. Understand the consequences of violating the student code of conduct
   7. Understand that posing a direct threat to others is unacceptable and subjects one to discipline
   8. Meet qualifications for licensure by examination as stipulated by the Alabama Board of Nursing
   9. Must not pose a threat to self or others
   10. Function effectively in situations of uncertainty and stress 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 six to 12 hours on the clinical unit
   14. Provide nursing care in an appropriate time frame
   15. Accepts responsibility, accountability, and ownership of one’s actions
   16. Seek supervision/consultation in a timely manner
   17. Examine and modify one’s own behavior when it interferes with nursing care or learning

Upon admission, an individual who discloses a disability can request reasonable accommodations. Individuals will be asked to provide documentation of the disability in order to assist with the provision of appropriate reasonable accommodations. Shelton State will provide reasonable accommodations, but is not required to substantially alter the requirements or nature of the program or provide accommodations that inflict an undue burden on the College. In order to be admitted, one must be able to perform all of the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations. If an individual’s health changes during the program of learning so that the essential functions cannot be met with or without reasonable accommodations, the student will be withdrawn from the nursing program. The nursing faculty reserves the right at any time to require an additional medical examination at the student’s expense in order to assist with the evaluation of the student’s ability to perform the essential functions.

Requests for reasonable accommodations should be directed to the Office of the Disability Services, 205.391.3958 located on the second floor of the Martin Campus.

Health Policy

Because participation in clinical courses is an integral part of the Nursing programs at the College, each student is required to comply with all policies and procedures of the contracted clinical agencies. Therefore, each student is expected to uphold the contractual terms in the contracts upon being admitted to the nursing program. All costs/expenses associated with meeting the health and general policy requirements of the program are the responsibility of the student. The following policies and procedures are required by all students upon acceptance to the nursing program:

1. Proof of completion of a physical examination which demonstrates the student is free from disease must be documented on the Shelton State Community College Medical Record by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner.
2. Vaccinations which include Hepatitis B Series or evidence of immunity, MMR (German Measles, Mumps, Rubella) if born after 1957 or evidence of immunity. Note: Hepatitis series completed more than two (2) years prior to admission must have a titer drawn or provide proof of immunity.
3. Purchase of liability and accident insurance that is available through the College.
4. Completion of Pre-clinical drug screen prior to admission and before the first day of class. The students must have a negative screen prior to being assigned to a clinical agency. The complete drug screen policy is located in the Nursing Program Student Handbook.
5. Students are required to have a background check prior to admission and before the first day of class. All students must sign a release form for permission to perform a background check as required by federal law. The student must abide by the nursing program background check policy and clinical agency policy for which the student is assigned. Every effort will be made to provide students with the required clinical experiences to meet program objectives. Any student denied access by a clinical affiliate will be subject to dismissal from the program.
6. Proof of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training at the health care provider level (BLS/Infant/Child) prior to admission and/or before the first clinical nursing course.
7. Completion of training on Universal Precautions, OSHA requirements and the prevention and management of the spread of diseases. Training is given in the introductory/fundamentals course. Additional information is given related to hospital policies including, but not limited to issues of confidentiality, procedures, Fire and Safety procedures and documentation policies.

HIV Reporting

Students in all health care programs must comply with Public Law #102-141, Section 633, and “The Alabama Infected Health Care Worker Management Act.” The law requires that the HIV and HBV infected care worker report to the State Health Officers his/her condition within thirty (30) days of the time that he/she is aware of the infection. The infected health care worker must realize that any physician providing care to any infected health care worker must notify the State Health Care Officer of the infected status within seven days of the time he/she diagnoses or provides such care.

Grading and Progression Policies

The Nursing Program uses the following grading scale for all nursing courses:

Note: In the drug calculation component of NUR 104  and in any calculation tests in the program, a B is defined as 85-89 percent and a minimum grade of B (85 percent) is required to pass the calculation component of the course(s). A minimum letter grade of C or 75 percent is required in all other nursing courses to pass and progress in the program. In each course a student must achieve a 75 percent (C) average on unit exams and a comprehensive final exam to successfully complete the course. Other grades will be added only after the minimum 75 percent (C) is achieved.

Clinical/Laboratory Performance is graded as follows:

Satisfactory (S) / Unsatisfactory (U)

Clinical/Laboratory performance must be Satisfactory (S) to receive a passing grade in the course. Refer to the Nursing Program Student Handbook and each course syllabus for additional information.

Clock-Hour to Credit-Hour Ratio

Theory – One hour of theory instruction under the supervision of an instructor plus an average of two hours of out of class study per week. 1:1

Laboratory – Two hours of experimental laboratory under the supervision of an instructor plus an average of one hour of out of class study per week. 2:1

Skills Laboratory/Clinical Practice – Three hours of skills laboratory or clinical practice under the supervision of an instructor. 3:1

Preceptorship – Three hours of clinical experience per week under the supervision of a health care professional who is currently licensed, has expertise in the selected clinical area, and serves as a facilitator of learning. 3:1

Progression Policy

To continue in the nursing program as prescribed in the Alabama College System Standardized Nursing Curriculum at Shelton State Community College, the student must:

1. Maintain a grade of C (70) or better in all required general education courses, a grade of C (75) or above in nursing courses, and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA
2. 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 Assistant Dean for Health Programs.
3. Maintain ability to meet essential functions for nursing with or without reasonable accommodations.
4. Maintain current CPR at the health care provider level.

Nursing Non-Progression

Nursing non-progression is defined as failure of one or more courses in a semester OR withdrawal (for any reason) from one or more courses in two separate semesters. Students withdrawing from one or more courses in the same semester are not considered under this definition to have experienced a nursing non-progression and should return to repeat the required courses at the first course offering. Students returning to repeat a course due to withdrawal will be allowed to register for said course(s) on a space available basis.

Reinstatement

Students who experience non-progression in the nursing program and who desire reinstatement in the program must apply for reinstatement to the program. A student must request reinstatement within one year from the term of non-progression to be eligible for reinstatement. Students dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe client care in the clinical area will not be allowed reinstatement to the nursing program. Reinstatement to the program will be allowed one time only.

Reinstatement to the nursing program is based on space availability and is not guaranteed. Selection for reinstatement is based on GPA in nursing program required courses. Students must adhere to nursing curriculum and program policies and procedures in effect at the time of reinstatement. Reinstatement can be denied due to, but not limited to, any of the following circumstances:

1. Space unavailability,
2. Refusal by clinical agencies to accept the student for clinical experiences,
3. Twelve months have elapsed since the student enrollment in a nursing course.

Criteria for Reinstatement

1. Demonstrate a 2.0 GPA in nursing program required courses.
2. No more than one non-progression since program admission.
3. Demonstrate acceptable skills proficiency.
4. Meet acceptability criteria for placement at clinical agencies for clinical experiences.
5. Demonstrate ability to meet essential functions for nursing with or without reasonable accommodations.
6. Demonstrate current CPR at the health care provider level.

Process for Reinstatement

1. Students should first schedule an appointment with a nursing faculty/advisor to discuss eligibility for reinstatement.
2. Students must apply for reinstatement to the nursing program and submit the application by published deadlines.
3. Students must apply for readmission to the college if not currently enrolled. College readmission must be accomplished by published deadlines.
4. Update all drug testing and background screening according to program policy.

Readmission

Students not eligible for program reinstatement may apply for program admission as a new student. If accepted, all nursing program courses (NUR prefix) will have to be taken.

Transfer Policy

The transfer policy applies only to students desiring to transfer between Alabama Community College System institutions. It does not apply to students wishing to transfer from other institutions.

Criteria for Transfer

1. Must meet minimum admission standards for the nursing program.
2. Must possess a grade of C or better in all nursing program required courses taken at another institution and possess a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA at time of transfer.
3. Dean/Director of previous nursing program must provide a letter of eligibility for progression in previous nursing program.
4. Must comply with all program policy requirements at accepting institution.
5. Complete at least 25 percent of the nursing program required courses for degree/certificate at the accepting institution.
6. Must meet acceptability criteria for placement at clinical agencies for clinical experience.
7. Acceptance of transfer students into nursing programs is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal standards does not guarantee acceptance.
8. Student selection for transfer is based on GPA in nursing program required courses.

Transient Study Policy

The transient policy applies only to students desiring to transfer between Alabama Community College System institutions. It does not apply to students wishing to transfer from other institutions.

Criteria for Transient Status

1. Must meet minimum admission standards for the nursing program.
2. Must possess a grade of C or better in all nursing program required courses taken at another institution and possess a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
3. Dean/Director of previous nursing program must provide a letter of eligibility for progression in previous nursing program.
4. A student enrolled at another institution must secure permission from that institution by submitting an application for admission to the College and a Transient Student Form completed by an official (Nursing Program Dean/Director) of the primary institution.
5. Transient students must complete a Transcript Request Form at the end of the term before a transcript will be issued to the primary institution.
6. Must comply with all program policy requirements at accepting institution.
7. Must meet acceptability criteria for placement at clinical agencies for clinical experience.
8. Acceptance of transient student into a nursing program is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal standards does not guarantee acceptance.
9. Student selection for transient status is based on GPA in nursing program required courses.

ADN Transfer to LPN Program

Associate Degree nursing students may apply for admission to the third semester of the practical nursing program after they have completed the first two semesters of coursework –  MTH 100 , ENG 101 , BIO 201 , BIO 202 , NUR 102 , NUR 103 , NUR 104 , NUR 105 , and NUR 106   – with a grade of C or better. Students who elect to transfer to the last semester in the practical nursing program will be required to meet the current program admission/readmission requirements. Students will be admitted on a space available basis to the PN program.

To be eligible for this option:

The student must

1. Complete a transfer/readmission form.
2. Have a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA at current institution.
3. Meet clinical record/health record requirements.
4. The last clinical nursing course, in which the student was successful, cannot be more than 12 months old.
5. Student will be ranked on cumulative GPA for the purposes of transfer/ readmission to the PN program.
6. Students who have two attempts in the RN program are only allowed one attempt in the PN program.
7. Students who are successful may apply for the LPN to RN Mobility Option as outlined in the college catalog.
8. If unsuccessful in the PN transfer option, the student must meet current admission/progression requirements.

Comprehensive Achievement Tests

Comprehensive achievement tests from national testing companies are administered in courses throughout the curriculum. These tests are directly related to course content and are required of all nursing students. Students are encouraged to prepare for achievement tests and are required to discuss the interpretation of their scores with their class instructor. Students who score below the expected level are required to do additional developmental work to enhance their learning experience and must provide evidence of completion of developmental work. Fees for these tests are paid by the student upon registration for each nursing course in which the test(s) are given.

Withdrawal Policy

A student who wishes to withdraw from a nursing course must do so officially via the Web or in the Office of Admissions and Records. A withdrawal from a nursing course for ANY reason or at ANY time during the semester is counted as one attempt at successfully completing the course. The student will have one additional opportunity to enroll in the course.

Graduation Requirements and Comprehensive Assessment

Requirements for graduation in AA, AS, and AAS degree programs are listed in the College catalog. (Refer to this section for detailed information.) In addition, all students (PN and AD) are required to pass a Comprehensive Assessment in NUR 109  or NUR 204   during the last semester of the program. The Comprehensive Assessment must be passed at a level designated by the faculty in order to pass the course and meet graduation requirements. Students who do not pass the Comprehensive Assessment will be required to participate in remediation activities as determined by the faculty and repeat the Comprehensive Assessment. Each student is provided three opportunities to successfully pass the Comprehensive Assessment. (Refer to Nursing Program Handbook for further information.)

Information about Licensure

Applicants for admission to Shelton State Community College Nursing programs (PN and ADN) should be aware of the following information about licensure. The Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) application for licensure by examination includes questions regarding past arrests or convictions for DUI and/or criminal offenses (misdemeanor or felony) and history of mental illness, substance abuse, placement on state or federal abuse registry and previous court-martial or military discipline. Candidates are advised to respond honestly as failure to do so can result in denial of license as specified by law according to the Nurse Practice Act of Alabama and the Administrative Code of the Alabama Board of Nursing.

Application to write the examination may be denied by the Alabama Board of Nursing based on this review. Therefore, successful completion of the PN or ADN program does not guarantee eligibility to write the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN exam for licensure. For further information contact the ABN office at 334.242.4060 or 800.656.5318 or visit their Web site, www.abn.state.al.us.

Associate Degree Nursing

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program prepares graduates to sit for the licensure exam for registered nurses. It is a balanced curriculum including both nursing and general education courses. Course content includes the role of the registered nurse, health care concepts, and technical observations and skills. Supervised clinical laboratory experiences are planned to focus on care of patients with well-defined health problems where probable outcomes of nursing interventions are predictable. Nursing courses must be taken in sequential order.

It is the goal of Shelton State Community College to graduate well prepared nurses who are strong practitioners both clinically and academically. To that end, ADN students should plan for 12-16 hours per week of clinical experience. Although these hours will be planned as conveniently as possible, there may be some evening or weekend clinical assignments. Clinical times are included in the packets available at the beginning of each nursing course. Because of the clinical time involved and the preparation time for some of the nursing courses, many students would benefit from having completed all the academic requirements (non-nursing courses) prior to admission to the ADN program.

The program offers two tracks for admission into the ADN curriculum. Students who have no nursing background may be admitted to the two-year track. Admission occurs during the fall semester and 21 months, or five consecutive semesters, are required to complete this track of study. Students who complete an approved PN program and hold a PN license may apply for admission to the career mobility track. Twelve to 15 months or three to four consecutive semesters are required to complete this track of study with admission occurring during fall semester.

Admission to the ADN program is a competitive process; the number of applicants may exceed the number of spaces available. The space available at clinical sites and student-teacher ratios required by the Alabama Board of Nursing limit the number of applicants accepted each year.

Transfer students in the ADN program must complete all required courses in the prescribed sequence. Academic credits will transfer as usual; however, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (BIO 202  and BIO 201 ) credits must have been completed within the past five years. If not, at least one of the two courses must be repeated for credit. Nursing transfer credits are evaluated on an individual basis. Verification of knowledge and skills may be required (See Transfer Policy ).

The Associate Degree Nursing program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN), RSA Plaza, Suite 50, 770 Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 303900, Montgomery, AL 36130-3900, and telephone number 334.242.4060 or 800.656.5318. Visit their Web site at www.ABN.State.al.us. The ADN program is also accredited by The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326, telephone number 404.975.5000. Visit their Web site at NLNAC.org.

Note: At the date of this publication, there are statewide revisions taking place in the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education Nursing programs that may necessitate changes in the curriculum, policies and procedures.

Minimum Admission Standards for the ADN Program (Two-Year Track):

1. Unconditional admission to the College.
2. Receipt of completed application packet for the ADN Two-Year Track by June 1st.
3. Minimum of 2.50 GPA on last 24 hours of credit (undergraduate or graduate) for students with previous college credit.
4. Minimum of 2.50 cumulative high school GPA for students without prior college work (GED is acceptable in lieu of a high school transcript).
5. Eligible to enroll in or must have completed:
   1. ENG 101  and MTH 100  or higher math as determined by college placement.
   2. BIO 201  during the first term of nursing courses.(As a prerequisite to BIO 201 , students must successfully complete BIO 103  or achieve a passing score on the ACS approved placement exam.)
6. In good standing with the College.
7. Meet the essential functions or technical standards required for nursing.
8. An official Test of Essential Skills V (TEASV) score taken prior to application and taken within the last three years.

Admission to the Two-Year Track program is competitive, and the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Information for Admission

Calculation of Points for Students Meeting Minimum Two-Year Track Admission Standards:

After meeting all minimum requirements, applicants are rank-ordered using a point system based on:

1. COMPASS or ACT Reading scores, the higher the score the greater the points received;
2. Points from selected college courses (i.e. BIO 201 , BIO 202 , BIO 220 ) or selected high school courses (i.e. Algebra II or higher level math, highest level Biology, Chemistry) are awarded based on grade received in course. A grade of “A” is assigned more points than a grade of “C”; and
3. Additional Points
   Additional Points (maximum 11)
   

A total of 251 points is possible with these selection criteria.

Minimum Admission Standards for the ADN program (Mobility/LPN to RN Track):

1. Unconditional admission to the College.
2. Receipt of completed application packet for the Mobility Track Nursing program by November 1st.
3. Minimum of 2.50 GPA on last 24 hours of credit (undergraduate or graduate) for students with previous college credit.
   (official college transcripts must be on file in the nursing admissions office).
4. Completion of prerequisite courses which include: ENG 101 - English Composition I , MTH 100 - Intermediate College Algebra  or higher math as determined by college placement, BIO 201 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I , BIO 202 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II , and NUR 200 - Nursing Career Mobility Assessment  (Not required for students who apply within two years of graduating from an approved Alabama College System PN program using the standardized state curriculum).
5. A valid unencumbered Alabama practical nurse license.
6. Documentation of employment as an LPN for a minimum of 500-clock hours (approximately three months’ full-time employment) within the 12 months prior to admission.
7. Be in good standing with the College.
8. Meet the essential functions or technical standards required for nursing.
9. An official Test of Essential Skills V (TEASV) score taken prior to application and taken within the last three years.

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 minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Information for Admission

Calculation of Points for Students Meeting Minimum Two Year Track Admission Standards:

After meeting all minimum requirements, applicants are rank-ordered using a point system based on:

1. COMPASS or ACT Reading scores, the higher the score the greater the points received for the selection process;
2. Points from selected college courses (i.e., BIO 201 , BIO 202 , BIO 220 ) are awarded based on the grade earned in the course. (A grade of A is assigned more points than a grade of C); and
3. Additional Points
   Additional points (Maximum 11 points)

A total of 251 points is possible with these selection criteria.

Two-Year Track Curriculum

Mobility/LPN to RN Track Curriculum

 Prerequisite Courses Prior to NUR 200/201

• MTH 100 - Intermediate College Algebra 3 Hrs. OR higher math
• **  BIO 201 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Hrs.
• BIO 202 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4 Hrs.
• ENG 101 - English Composition I 3 Hrs.

Mobility/LPN to RN Track Curriculum

Nursing Program of Study Areas I-IV

Two-Year Generic Track and Mobility Track

Note: Nursing program information, policies and curriculum are subject to change due to restructuring of statewide standardization of nursing programs.