Nursing - Associate Degree Program Code 105431

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program who becomes a Registered Nurse in a variety of health care settings will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

STAFF NURSE: is responsible for making nursing diagnoses and treating human responses to actual and potential health problems in health care facilities and insurance areas.

CHARGE NURSE: assumes the same responsibilities of a Registered Nurse in addition to directing the work flow and coordinating and managing the provision of care of patients and other staff in a medical facility.

Program Outcomes

. Adhere to professional standards of practice within legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks of the registered nurse.
. Use effective communication skills incorporating lifespan considerations.
. Assess health of individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan within the context of the community.
. Make clinical decisions to ensure assure safe and accurate nursing care.
. Provide safe caring interventions with diverse populations across the lifespan.
. Collaborate with others to respond to the needs of individuals, families, and groups across the health-illness continuum.
. Manage care to facilitate continuity within and across health care settings.
. Use teaching and learning processes to promote and restore health incorporating lifespan considerations.

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background information form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the background information form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.

Clinical Experience

Students will be required to purchase a uniform, pay for liability insurance, provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to clinical experiences. Students may be expected to travel distances, and participate in p.m. clinicals.

Accreditation

The Nursing-Associate Degree program is accredited by: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)3343 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite 500 Atlanta, GA 30326(212) 363-5555 FAX (212) 812-0391

The Nursing Associate Degree program is approved by:

Wisconsin Board of Nursing
Dept. of Regulation & Licensing
1400 East Washington St.
P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935
(608) 266-2112

Board/Certification Examinations

Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN Examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

After completion of second semester, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure as a Practical Nurse

Requirements for Program Application

. Completed application.
. High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
. As a requirement for program application, an Academic Skills Assessment (Accuplacer) or ACT assessment with appropriate benchmark scores is necessary within the last three years. Academic Skills Assessment program benchmarks of Reading Comprehension:90; Arithmetic: 80; Sentence Skills: 95, or minimum standard composite score of 22 on ACT (minimum of math 18, reading 21, sentence skills 21), must be met prior to submitting an application. Remediation options are available to reach required scores. Proof of remediation may be demonstrated by an Academic Skills Assessment post-test or completion of an approved course in the content requiring remediation. To learn more about these assessments and program benchmark scores, please contact a Counselor (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
. One year of Biology and Chemistry, passed with a “C” grade or better. If in high school, “C” in two semesters of each.
. All students must successfully complete a DHS approved Nursing Assistant course prior to submitting an application to the program.
. Applicants with documentation of completion of Introduction to Biochemistry with a “B” or better, will receive priority standing.

Requirements for Program Entry

. Attend mandatory orientation.
. Complete physical examination within three months before entering program and maintain current immunization information.
. Complete an American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR course. Students are required to maintain a current CPR card to comply with affiliating agency requirements. Recommended taking between program orientation and program start.

Flexible Learning Option

A part-time evening/weekend track is available. This option is scheduled over a ten-semester, four-year period, including three summers. For details, please refer to the Part-time Nursing-Associate Degree brochure.

Note

. Graduates are eligible to apply for direct transfer of credit in the nursing programs at the University of Wisconsin and private colleges and universities.
. Individuals with criminal records may be ineligible for licensure. Individuals with abuse records may be ineligible for employment in nursing homes.
. Licensed Practical Nurses may receive advanced standing for nursing courses in the first year of the program. Introduction to AD Nursing (10-543-120) must be taken concurrent with second-year nursing courses. Call (920) 498-5430 for information.

Curriculum

The Nursing-Associate Degree is a two-year, four-semester program. Upon graduation, a student will have completed 70 credits.

PRE-SEMESTER

FIRST SEMESTER

SECOND SEMESTER

THIRD SEMESTER

FOURTH SEMESTER

Curriculum Note
*No final grade lower than a "C" is acceptable in the nursing or natural science courses marked with an asterisk. A student must repeat the particular course with "C" or better final grade to continue in or graduate from this program. If the course is sequential, the successful retake must occur before continuing the sequence.
++No final grade lower than a "B" is acceptable in General or Advanced Anatomy & Physiology. A student must repeat the particular course with a "B" or better final grade to continue in the program. If the course is sequential, the successful retake must occur before continuing the sequence.
** Must complete 10-543-115, Advanced Clinical Practice, with a "C" or better prior to the start of 10-543-116, Clinical Transition

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

These courses provide an opportunity for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding required for employment in this field.

10-543-101 NURSING FUNDAMENTALS ...focuses on basic nursing concepts that the beginning nurse will need to provide care to diverse patient populations across the lifespan. Current and historical issues impacting nursing will be explored within the scope of nursing practice. The nursing process will be introduced as a framework for organizing the care of patients with alterations in cognition, elimination, comfort, grief/loss, mobility, integument, and fluid/electrolyte balance. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Nursing-AD Program; Corequisite: 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology)

10-543-102 NURSING SKILLS ...focuses on development of clinical skills and physical assessment across the lifespan. Content includes mathematic calculations and conversions related to clinical skills, blood pressure assessment, aseptic technique, wound care, oxygen administration, tracheostomy care, suctioning, management of enteral tubes, basic medication administration, glucose testing, enemas, ostomy care, and catheterization. In addition the course includes techniques related to obtaining a health history and basic physical assessment skills using a body systems approach. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Nursing-AD Program; Corequisites: 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology; 10-543-101, Nursing Fundamentals; 10-543-103, Nursing Pharmacology; 10-543-104, Nursing Intro to Clin Practice)

10-543-103 NURSING PHARMACOLOGY ...this course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications and their effects on the body. Emphasis is on the use of the components of the nursing process when administering medications. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Nursing-AD Program; Corequisite: 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology)

10-543-104 NURSING: INTRO TO CLINICAL PRACTICE ...this introductory clinical course emphasizes basic nursing skills and application of the nursing process in meeting the needs of diverse clients across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on performing basic nursing skills, the formation of nurse-client relationships, communication, data collection, documentation, and medication administration. (Prerequisite: Accepted into Nursing-AD Program; Corequisites: 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology; 10-543-101, Nursing Fundamentals; 10-543-102, Nursing Skills; 10-543-103, Nursing Pharmacology)

10-543-105 NURSING HEALTH ALTERATIONS ...this course elaborates upon the basic concepts of health and illness as presented in Nursing Fundamentals. It applies theories of nursing in the care of the clients through the lifespan, utilizing problem solving and critical thinking. This course will provide an opportunity to study conditions affecting different body systems and apply therapeutic nursing interventions. It will also introduce concepts of leadership, team building, and scope of practice. (Prerequisite: Completion of 1st semester coursework; Corequisites: 10-543-108, Nursing:Intro to Clin Manag; 10-806-179, Advanced Anatomy & Physiology)

10-543-106 NURSING HEALTH PROMOTION ...this course focuses on topics related to health promotion for individuals and families throughout the lifespan. We will cover nursing care of the developing family, which includes reproductive issues, pregnancy, labor and delivery, post-partum, the newborn, and the child. Recognizing the spectrum of healthy families we will discern patterns associated with adaptive and maladaptive behaviors applying mental health principles. An emphasis is placed on teaching and supporting healthy lifestyles choices for individuals of all ages. Nutrition, exercise, stress management, empowerment, and risk reduction practices are highlighted. Study of the family will cover dynamics, functions, discipline styles, and stages of development. (Prerequisite: Completion of 1st semester coursework; Corequisite: 10-543-107, Nursing:Clin Care Life Span; 10-806-179, Advanced Anatomy & Physiology)

10-543-107 NURSING CLINICAL CARE ACROSS LIFESPAN ...this clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic interventions to clients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to concepts of teaching and learning. Extending care to include the family is emphasized. (Prerequisite: Completion of 1st semester coursework; Corequisites: 10-543-106, Nursing Health Promotion; 10-806-179, Advanced Anatomy & Physiology)

10-543-108 NURSING: INTRO TO CLINICAL CARE MANAGEMENT ...this clinical experience applies nursing concepts and therapeutic nursing interventions to groups of clients across the lifespan. It also provides an introduction to leadership, management, and team building, (Prerequisite: Completion of 1st semester coursework; Corequisites: 10-543-105, Nursing Health Alterations; 10-806-179, Advanced Anatomy & Physiology)

10-543-109 NSG: COMPLEX HEALTH ALTERATIONS 1...prepares the learner to expand knowledge from previous courses in caring for clients across the lifespan with alterations in cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and hematologic systems as well as clients with fluid/electrolyte and acid-base imbalance, and alterations in comfort. (Prerequisite: Completion of 2nd semester coursework; Corequisites: 10-543-110, Nsg: Mental Health; 10-543-111, Nsg:Intermediate Clin Practice; 10-543-112, Nsg: Advanced Skills; 10-809-198, Intro to Psychology; 10-806-197, Microbiology)

10-543-110 NURSING: MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY CONCEPTS ...this course will cover topics related to the delivery of community and mental health care. Specific health needs of individuals, families, and groups will be addressed across the lifespan. Attention will be given to diverse and at-risk populations. Mental health concepts will concentrate on adaptive/maladaptive behaviors and specific mental health disorders. Community resources will be examined in relation to specific types of support offered to racial, ethnic, economically diverse individuals and groups. (Prerequisite: Completion of 2nd semester coursework; Corequisites: 10-543-109, Nsg: Comp Health Alt 1; 10-543-111, Nsg:Intermediate Clin Practice; 10-543-112 , Nsg: Advanced Skills; 10-809-198, Intro to Psychology; 10-806-197, Microbiology )

10-543-111 NURSING: INTERMEDIATE CLINICAL PRACTICE ...this intermediate level clinical course develops the RN role when working with clients with complex health care needs. A focus of the course is developing skills needed for managing multiple clients and priorities across the lifespan. Using the nursing process students will gain experience in adapting nursing practice to meet the needs of clients with diverse needs and backgrounds. (Prerequisite: Completion of 2nd semester coursework; Corequisites: 10-543-109, Nsg: Comp Health Alt 1; 10-543-110, Nsg:Mental Hlth Concepts; 10-543-112, Nsg: Advanced Skills; 10-809-198, Intro to Psychology; 10-806-197, Microbiology)

10-543-112 NURSING ADVANCED SKILLS ...this course focuses on the development of advanced clinical skills across the lifespan. Content includes advanced IV skills, blood product administration, chest tube systems, basic EKG interpretation and nasagastric/feeding tube insertion. (Prerequisite: Completion of 2nd semester coursework)

10-543-113 NURSING: COMPLEX HEALTH ALTERATIONS 2 ...prepares the learner to expand knowledge and skills from previous courses in caring for clients across the lifespan with alterations in the immune, neurosensory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, renal/urinary and the reproductive systems. The learner will also focus on management of care for clients with high-risk perinatal conditions, high-risk newborns and the ill child. Synthesis and application of previously learned concepts will be evident in the management of clients with critical/life threatening situations. (Prerequisite: Completion of 3rd semester coursework; Corequisites: 10-543-114, Nsg:Mgt & Profess Concepts; 10-543-115, Nursing Advanced Clinical Practice; 10-543-116 Nursing Clinical Transition)

10-543-114 NURSING: MANAGEMENT/PROFESSIONAL CONCEPTS ...this course covers nursing management and professional issues related to the role of the RN. Emphasis is placed on preparing for the RN practice. (Prerequisite: Completion of 3rd semester coursework; Corequisites: 10-543-113, Nsg Complex Health Alterat 2; 10-543-115, Nursing Advanced Clinical Practice; 10-543-116, Nursing Clinical Transition)

10-543-115 NURSING: ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE ...this advanced clinical course requires the student to integrate concepts from all previous courses in the management of groups of clients facing complex health alterations. Students will have the opportunity to further develop critical thinking skills using the nursing process in making clinical decisions. Continuity of care through interdisciplinary collaboration is emphasized. (Prerequisite: Completion of 3rd semester coursework; Corequisites: 10-543-113, Nsg: Complex Health Alterat 2; 10-543-114, Nsg: Mgt & Profess Concepts)

10-543-116 NURSING CLINICAL TRANSITION ...this clinical experience integrates all knowledge learned in the previous courses in transitioning to the role of the graduate nurse. The course promotes relatively independent clinical decisions, delegation, and works collaboratively with others to achieve client and organizational outcomes. Continued professional development is fostered. (Prerequisite: Completion of 3rd semester coursework; Corequisites: 10-543-115, Nsg: Adv Clinical Practice; 10-543-113, Nsg:Complex Health Alterat 2; 10-543-114, Nursing Management Concepts)

10-806-186 INTRODUCTION TO BIOCHEMISTRY ...water/polarity, acids/bases, equilibrium, hydrocarbons, alcohols, amines, aldehydes/ketones, carboxylic acids, proteins, enzymes/vitamins, carbohydrates, lipids, energy, hormones, neurotransmitters/drugs, homeostasis, DNA/RNA, protein synthesis, and biotechnology. (Prerequisite: 10-806-134 General Chemistry OR 10-806-155, Chemistry-Basic, OR High School Chemistry with a "C" or better OR College Chemistry transfer credit with a grade of C or better.) 3 cr.

10-801-195 WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ...the nature and scope of academic and business writing. Develops writing skills which include pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on subject matter and content. Also develops critical reading and thinking skills through the analysis of a variety of written documents. 3 cr.

10-806-177 GENERAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY ...overview of the human anatomy/physiology using a body-systems approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between form/function at the gross and microscopic levels. (Prerequisite: 10-806-134, General Chemistry OR 10-806-155, Chemistry-Basic OR High School Chemistry with a "C" or better OR College Chemistry transfer credit with a grade of "C" or better) 4 cr.

10-809-188 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY ...defines human development; examines theories; heredity and environmental effects; prenatal development and birth; evaluates biosocial, cognitive psychosocial development through the life span; aging, death, and dying. 3 cr.

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...the communication process, perception and self-concept, language, listening, nonverbal communication, interpersonal relationships, communication in groups and public communication; prepare and deliver an oral presentation. 3 cr.

10-806-179 ADVANCED ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY ...normal human anatomy and physiology are studied using a body systems approach with emphasis on the interrelationships between form and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, Gen Anatomy & Physiology, with a "C" or better) 4 cr.

10-806-197 MICROBIOLOGY ...history, morphology, physiology, nutritional growth requirements, metabolism, methods of identification. Focus on disease-causing microorganisms, appropriate prevention, treatment, control mechanisms. Specific/non-specific host defense mechanisms, applications of immunology examined. (Prerequisite: 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology, with a "C" or better.) 4 cr.

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. 3 cr.

10-809-196 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY ...the nature and variety of groups; inequality, race and ethnicity; family, population, social integration, and change; collective behavior; politics, economics, religion, education, and the effects of technology. 3 cr.