Course Catalog

Nursing - ND73 Degree


The two-year associate level nursing program is a sequence of courses designed to prepare students for positions in the nursing profession. The curriculum is designed to produce highly trained, technically advanced, competent and caring individuals who are prepared to practice professional nursing in a variety of healthcare settings. The purpose of the program is to provide the learner with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to practice competently and safely as a beginning nurse generalist, in a variety of acute and long-term care settings. The nurse is viewed as a caring holistic person who possesses critical thinking/problem solving skills, integrity, accountability, a theoretical knowledge base, refined psychomotor skills, and a commitment to life-long learning. Program graduates receive an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree. Graduates are then eligible to apply and take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN, and licensure by the Georgia Board of Nursing, graduates are employed as registered nurses in a variety of settings.

Requirements:

  • Submit a completed application and application fee
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Submit official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
  • Present acceptable SAT or ACT scores taken within the last 60 months, or acceptable ACCUPLACER, COMPASS or ASSET scores taken within the last 60 months. Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores.

Additional Program Requirements:

  • Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the Registered Nursing program.
  • Students are accepted to the program based on a competitive admissions process. Program-specific competitive admission requirements are available online.
  • American Heart Association Provider CPR Certification, physical examination, up-to-date immunizations, criminal background check and drug screen required prior to start of clinical rotation.

Start Terms:

  • This program begins each Spring semester on the Valdosta campus.

This nursing education program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing - ACEN

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Phone: (404) 975-5000
Fax: (404) 975-5020
Email: info@nursing.org
Web: acenursing.org

Curriculum Outline (66 hours)
General Core Courses 15
Area I - Language Arts/Communication (3 Hours) 3
ENGL 1101

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II - Social/Behavior Science - (3 Hours) 3
PSYC 1101

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.

3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics (3 Hours) 3
MATH 1111

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts - Complete 3 Hours 3
General Education Core Elective - Complete 3 Hours 3
Occupational Courses 51
BIOL 2113

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101 Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.

1
BIOL 2114

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.

3
BIOL 2114L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

1
BIOL 2117

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): (BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L) OR (BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1111L) w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2117L Provides students with a foundation in basic microbiology with emphasis on infectious disease. Topics include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, microorganisms and human disease.

3
BIOL 2117L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): (BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L) OR (BIOL 1111 and BIOL 1111L) w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2117 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2117. The laboratory exercises for this course include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, and microorganisms and human disease.

1
RNSG 1350

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-Requisites: ENGL 1101, MATH 1111, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite: BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, RNSG 1355, RSNG 1360 This course is designed to introduce the student nurse to professional Nursing, the nursing process, health-promotion, illness-prevention practices, basic care of the adult and older adult population, and the role of the associate degree nurse. The focus of this course is on nursing history, professional organizations, ethical issues and values, cultural diversity, hygiene and safety, infection control and prevention, communication, collaboration, documentation, critical thinking, and patient teaching. The student learns about urinary and bowel elimination, pain management, nutrition, skin integrity and wound care. The student nurse learns correct technique in nursing skills and how to accurately obtain and chart vital signs. This course includes classroom, skills lab, and a clinical rotation. The course must be successfully completed with a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and a minimum grade of 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

6
RNSG 1355

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-Requisites: ENGL 1101, MATH 1111, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite: BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, RNSG 1350, RNSG 1360 This course is designed to prepare the student with necessary skills essential to perform accurate medication calculations in the metric system. The student will learn how to competently prepare and administer medications including oral, subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, intravenous formulas and injections, conversions between systems and reconstitution of solutions. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and precision necessary for accuracy in drug calculations. The student will learn medication classifications, side effects, adverse reactions, action, peak, route of administration and medication safety. This course includes classroom, and a skills lab. This course must be successfully completed with a minimum theory grade of 70 percent.

3
RNSG 1360

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-Requisites: ENGL 1101, MATH 1111, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L Co-Requisite: BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, RNSG 1350, RNSG 1355 This course introduces the student to physical examinations and health assessment of patients in the clinical environment. The student learns how to perform a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship and how to conduct a head-to-toe assessment including each body system. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and skills necessary for acquiring, organizing, recording and interpreting data from a health promotion perspective. This course includes lecture and a laboratory component. This course must be successfully completed with a minimum grade of 70 percent.

2
RNSG 1365

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 1350, RNSG 1355, RNSG 1360 Co-Requisite: BIOL 2117, BIOL 2117L, RNSG 2350 This initial medical-surgical course is designed to introduce and prepare the student to care for patients with selected medical disorders and surgical conditions. This course includes classroom, simulation and a clinical rotation which builds on concepts and skills taught in the Fundamentals of Nursing Care course. The role of the nurse as provider of care will be utilized to include patient care, basic clinical decision making, patient teaching, coordination of care, clinical reasoning, and collaboration of care with other disciplines. Specific medications related to health care conditions will be taught. The application of the nursing process in caring for patients experiencing alterations in cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hematologic, musculoskeletal, neurologic, respiratory, and renal systems are included. Infusion therapy is introduced. The student will learn about the perioperative patient. Emphasis is placed on diversity and in care of the elderly considering developmental, cultural and spiritual needs of each patient. This course must be successfully completed with a minimum grade of 70 percent in the theory component and 70 percent in the clinical component.

6
RNSG 2015

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 4 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): RNSG 1365, RNSG 2350 Co-requisite(s): RNSG 2355 This course prepares the student to provide competent, compassionate evidenced-based nursing care for the childbearing patient, family and the pediatric patient. Concepts will be introduced which include normal pregnancy and childbirth, complications in pregnancy and childbirth, care of the newborn, assessment, planning and intervention as well as nutritional care, patient education, health promotion strategies and illness prevention practices for the childbearing family. Emphasis is placed on disease processes and management, interventions and critical knowledge skills with care of the child. Pharmacologic principles are incorporated as applies to the obstetrical and pediatric patient. Students learn to provide safe and culturally competent care for obstetrical and pediatric patients and their families. The student will learn concepts and theories related to developmental stages. This course requires supervised clinical rotations in clinical environments to enhance the educational opportunities and meet course objectives. This course requires a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and a minimum of 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

6
RNSG 2350

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 1350, RNSG 1355, RNSG 1360 Co-Requisite: RNSG 1365, BIOL 2117, BIOL 2117L This course introduces the student to care for patients across the lifespan with alterations in mental health. The focus is on the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship and behavioral and emotional responses. Emphasis is placed on building the therapeutic relationship, milieu environment, assessment, and psychopharmacology. A project is required in this course which places emphasis on mental illness and variations in mental health. This course includes classroom, and a clinical rotation at an acute care facility and/or a state hospital. This course requires a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and a minimum grade of 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

4
RNSG 2355

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 1365, RNSG 2015 Co-Requisite: RNSG 2350 This course prepares the student to care for patients with complex medical and multisystem disorders. This course includes classroom, simulation and a clinical rotation which builds on concepts and skills taught in the Medical-Surgical Nursing I course. Specific medications related to health care conditions will be strengthened. The student will learn to apply the application of the nursing process in caring for patients experiencing disorders of the immune system, arthritis, infections, cancer, cardiac disorders and, dysrhythmias, respiratory, neurologic, musculoskeletal trauma, intestinal, pituitary and adrenal glands, renal disease and transplants. The student will learn about advanced infusion therapy. Emphasis is placed on restoration and maintenance of health. Supervised clinical inpatient hospital experiences will provide the student with opportunities to meet course competency outcomes. This course requires a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and a minimum of 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

5
RNSG 2360

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 9 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 2015, RNSG 2355 Co-Requisite: RNSG 2365 This course is the final medical-surgical nursing course. This class builds on previous instruction and includes classroom, skills lab, simulation and a clinical rotation. The student will learn about patients with complex and multisystem disorders. This course prepares the nursing student to acquire knowledge and skills in application of the nursing process to the care for patients with multi-system, emergency and life threatening disorders. This course requires a minimum grade of 70 percent in theory and 70 percent in the clinical rotation.

6
RNSG 2365

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-Requisites: RNSG 2015, RNSG 2355 Co-Requisite: RNSG 2360 This course is designed to prepare the graduate nurse to function as a role of a leader with management and leadership skills necessary to promote growth and development in the profession of nursing. This course requires a minimum theory grade of 70%.

1
Faculty
Advisor

Associate of Science Nursing Instructor

Advisor

Associate of Science Nursing Instructor

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