NURSING (2NURS)

Coordinators

Suzanne Kuhn
Altoona Campus
(814) 949-5114
skk6@psu.edu

JoAnne Carrick
Behrend Campus
(814) 898-7583
jam39@psu.edu

Melissa Miner
Fayette Campus
(724) 430-4221
mbm12@psu.edu

Carranda Barkdoll
Mont Alto Campus
(717) 749-6205
cmb207@psu.edu

Verna Saleski
Worthington-Scranton Campus
(717) 963-4757
vxs12@psu.edu

University Faculty Senate Approved Curriculum

2NURS Degree Audit

The Associate Degree Program in Nursing consists of a basic foundation in the scientific and humanistic disciplines inherent in liberal education. Nursing courses provide the foundation to enter the nursing discipline at a beginning level of competency. In addition to courses in nursing, other studies complement the nursing component and provide a basic level of general education. The structure of the Associate Degree Program in Nursing follows the same pattern as that of other associate degree programs at the university.

Approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, (212-363-5555), the Associate Degree Program in Nursing is currently offered at five regional campus locations: Altoona, Behrend, Fayette, Mont Alto, and Worthington-Scranton. Students are admitted fall semesters only, and enrollment is limited at each location. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as registered nurses. The curriculum of the Associate Degree Program in Nursing is fully articulated with the baccalaureate degree program, and all 68 credits apply directly to baccalaureate requirements.

The suggested curriculum sequence is provided below to assist interested students in planning their academic program. Note that the nursing courses NURS 111, 112, 113, 114, 211, 212, 213, and 214W comprise a four-semester sequence which must be completed as indicated.

Students admitted beginning summer 2005 to the Associate Degree Program in Nursing must satisfy university requirements for a writing intensive course within the major (NURS 214W) and must satisfy the United States Cultures and International Cultures competence (US; IL designation). Students must pass the clinical component of each required nursing course.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Application Process

All applications are to be sent by the applicant directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at University Park. Applications submitted by November 30th are given priority for class seats. Applications submitted after that date are considered on a seat available basis.

Change of major requests and applications for re-enrollment should be sent to the Office of the University Registrar of the college/campus of choice (Altoona, Behrend, Fayette, Mont Alto or Worthington-Scranton) no later than the November 30th deadline to be given priority for a class seat.

Offers of admission will be made beginning in February of the year in which admission is requested.

Advanced Placement

A licensed practical nurse who is admitted to the Associate Degree Program in Nursing is eligible to earn up to 16 credit hours of first-year nursing course work through a combination of successful portfolio assessment (equivalent to Nursing 111 – 4 credits and Nursing 112 – 4 credits) and successful credit by examination (equivalent to Nursing 113 – 4 credits and Nursing 114 – 4 credits).

Advanced standing credits may also be received through other examinations (e.g., CLEP), and by transfer of credit from other colleges and universities.

Requirements for Clinical Study

All nursing majors have clinical experiences in a variety of settings that will require travel to clinical sites. The School of Nursing's policy is that students assume responsibility for providing their own transportation to and from a clinical site. The use of a car is a necessity.

Before a student is allowed to participate in the clinical component of required nursing courses, the following additional requirements must be met:

• Entrance and annual health examinations.
• Hepatitis B immunization. Students are encouraged to begin the series of injections early. The series of injections takes six months to complete.
• Liability (malpractice ($1,000,000/6,000,000)) insurance coverage.
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification is required while enrolled in clinical nursing courses. Only American Heart Association (Health Care Provider) or American Red Cross (CPR for the Professional Rescuer) certification is accepted. A copy of a card indicating completion of CPR training must be kept on file in the Nursing Records Office.
• Background check: Act 151 (criminal) and Act 34 (child abuse) clearance.
• Approved School of Nursing Associate Degree Program uniform.
• Proof of current health insurance is required by some clinical agencies prior to care of patients. Failure to provide proof of health insurance will result in your not being able to meet clinical requirements.

Restriction to Licensure

The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing will not issue a license to an applicant who has been convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance unless: (1) at least ten years have elapsed from the date of conviction, (2) significant rehabilitation has occurred; and (3) the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in or authorized by this act (The Professional Nursing Law, Section 6, as amended September 20, 2002).