Purpose: The two-year Associate in Applied Science degree curriculum in Nursing is designed to prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of the healthcare team, rendering direct patient care as beginning practitioners of nursing in a variety of health service facilities. Upon successful completion of the curriculum, students will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination leading to licensure as a registered nurse (RN).

The Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing program is designed to meet the requirements leading to professional licensure in the state of Virginia. Each state has its own requirements concerning licensure where passing the NCLEX degree is one of those requirements; other requirements may differ from those in Virginia. Additional information regarding out of state licensure can be found on their professional licensure website or the NCSBN webpage for professional licensure requirements:  https://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm.

It is also designed to provide a base of general education from which the individual student will grow and develop as a person, worker, and citizen of the community. Students who successfully complete the curriculum are awarded the Associate in Applied Science degree with a major in Nursing.

End of Program Student Learning Outcomes: Student outcomes for the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree are guided by the Mission, Vision and Values of the Nursing Department and are expanded on in the supporting key courses. Students completing the AAS degree are expected to be able to incorporate competencies that accomplish outcomes:

1. Provide patient-centered care promoting therapeutic relationships, caring behaviors, and self-determination across the lifespan for diverse populations.
2. Practice safe nursing care that minimizes risk of harm across systems and client populations.
3. Integrate clinical judgement when collaborating with the healthcare team in the management of care for complex clients.
4. Practice professional behaviors that encompass the legal/ethical framework while incorporating self-reflection, leadership and a commitment to recognize the value of life-long learning.
5. Manage client care through quality improvement processes, information technology, and fiscal responsibility to meet clients needs and support organizational outcomes.
6. Demonstrate principles of collaborative practice within the nursing and interdisciplinary teams fostering mutual respect and shared decision-making to achieve stated outcomes of care.
7. Manage the appropriateness, accuracy, and client response to pharmacology principles for clients with complex conditions.

To ensure graduates are successful in achieving these program outcomes, the faculty incorporate the *National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s current NCLEX-RN Test Plan.

*www.NCSBN.org for NCLEX-RN Test Plan and Licensure.

Accreditation: The Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326 and approved by the Virginia State Board of Nursing, Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, (804) 367-4515.

Nursing Performance Standards: Students admitted to the Germanna Community College nursing program can be expected to complete course requirements that prepare students to perform essential job functions as registered professional nurses. Those functions or skills that are deemed essential to the profession must be performed with or without accommodations. Any student who thinks he/she does not possess one or more of these functions should contact the Special Needs Counselor in the Office of Student Development Services. Provisions for accommodations will be made in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Occupational Objectives: Employment opportunities for the Registered Nurse include staff positions in hospitals, home health care, extended care facilities, health departments, physicians’ offices, clinics, daycare centers, as well as civil service, military service, and community health services.

Admission Requirements for All Nursing Applicants:

Germanna Community College utilizes a guided admissions process to prepare students for healthcare professions program enrollment. To learn more about the special admissions requirements, please click here.