Nursing Education

Program Description

Multiple educational opportunities are offered through the nursing department: Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), and Practical Nursing (PN).

The Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN) is a comprehensive educational program. The sequence of theory and clinical courses allows for progression of knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for the graduates’ entry into practice. Upon completion of the ADN program, the graduate is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. After successfully passing the licensure examination the individual can enter into practice as a registered nurse. The program is offered at the Grand Island campus, the Columbus Campus and the Kearney Center. Travel will be required to complete course and clinical needs. The program is approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing, and accredited by ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, Georgia, 30326, 404-975-5000.

The LPN to ADN/Advanced Placement program allows the Licensed Practical Nurse, with an active, unencumbered license to enter 2nd year coursework. Upon completion of the program they are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

The Practical Nursing Program (PN) is completed within the first year of the program course work and provides the common body of knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for the practical nurse’s entry into practice. Upon completion of this first year a diploma is awarded, and the graduate is eligible to take the NCLEX-PN. After successfully passing the licensure examination, the individual can enter into practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. The program is approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing.

NURS Student Learning Outcomes

• Advocate for patients and families in ways that promote their self-determination, integrity and ongoing growth as human beings. (Human Flourishing)
• Formulate judgments in practice, substantiated with evidence, that integrate nursing science in the provision of safe, quality care, and promote the health of patients within a family and community context.(Nursing Judgment)
• Uphold the role of the nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving identify as a nurse committed to the evidence-based practice, caring, advocacy, and safe, quality care for diverse patients within a family and community context.(Professional Identity) 
• Analyze the evidence that underlies clinical nursing practice to challenge the status quo, question underlying assumptions, and offer new insights to improve the quality of care for patients, families, and communities.(Spirit of Inquiry)

Admissions Information

Admission to the Nursing Program is selective. Applicants must apply to the college and also to the nursing program through the admissions office. Official transcripts of transferable course work, and college required pre-enrollment assessment must be completed and achieve required exam entry scores. Students must meet academic eligibility in general education course work; a grade of “C” or higher is required for all general education and nursing courses in order to progress through the program, except for Anatomy & Physiology which requires a B or better. Students must have successfully completed a Nurse Aide course and be listed in the Nebraska Nurse Aide registry (excluding the LPN to ADN student). For more detailed information on the nursing admissions procedure, see the college website or contact the Admissions Office.

Notes:

• Immunizations are required. See website for specific information.
• Admission to the program requires a satisfactory background check and drug testing (at student’s expense).
• Fees cover nursing patches for uniforms, nursing graduation pin, student in-practicum insurance, and Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) materials.
• Additional program costs include uniforms, professional supplies, books, background check and drug testing.

Programs

Associate Degree in Nursing

• •  Associate Degree in Nursing

Diploma

• •  Practical Nursing Diploma