Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN) Orientation

Welcome to nursing, and congratulations on choosing nursing as a profession!

Introductions

Dee Austin, RN, MSN Cheryl Kollath, RN, MSN

Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program

The program functions under the guidelines

of the Wisconsin Board of Nursing, is accredited by the NLNAC, and complies with all requirements established for nursing within the state.

ADN Program Overview

The program is designed for completion in four semesters. Students will receive theoretical and practical education to function as a registered nurse.

Upon completion of the first two semesters of the program, students are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN).

ADN Program Overview Upon completion of the ADN program,

students are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Graduates of the program are prepared for employment in beginning level registered nursing positions.

ADN Program

Upon completion of this program, graduates are eligible to go on to a BSN completion program

UW-Green Bay offers this program, as do

many private colleges

Job Opportunities

Nursing Home/Extended Care Facility Clinic Hospital Insurance Company Home Health Short Stay Surgery Military

Job Opportunities School Work Site Correctional System Public Health

…and the list goes on…

Potential Contraindications to a Nursing Career

Back problems Difficult to get hired with a pre-

existing condition Lifting and bending are functional

requirements (We will address later) Latex allergies

Potential occupational exposure could be life-threatening

First Semester (19 credits) Nursing Fundamentals Nursing Skills Nursing Pharmacology Nursing: Intro to Clinical Practice Written Communication General Anatomy & Physiology Developmental Psychology

Second Semester (17 Credits)

Nursing Health Alterations Nursing Health Promotion Nursing Clinical Care Across the Lifespan Nursing: Intro to Clinical Care

Management Oral/Interpersonal Communication Advanced Anatomy & Physiology

Third Semester (19 Credits)

Nursing Complex Health Alterations I Nursing: Mental Health & Community

Concepts Nursing: Intermediate Clinical Practice Nursing Advanced Skills Microbiology Intro to Psychology Elective

Fourth Semester (15 credits)

Nursing Complex Health Alterations II Nursing Management & Professional

Concepts Nursing: Advanced Clinical Practice Nursing: Clinical Transition Intro to Sociology Elective

Grading Policy

A “C” is the minimum for passing in all nursing courses, which is an 80% or above.

All exams will be taken on the day scheduled. If the student misses taking a test at the scheduled time, the instructor must be contacted and the test must be taken on the day of return to class. If the exam is taken outside of class, 5% will be deducted from the score, regardless of circumstances.

Math

Almost every nursing coursecontains a math competency. Review the handout to determineyour math readiness Seek help from math lab, nursing tutors or academic coach

Additional Assistance

For additional help, inquire about

Study Skills Critical Thinking Test Taking Strategies

http://www.nwtc.edu/Search-orig/Prospective_Students.htm

Expectations of ADN Program Students Responsibility for learning is the

student’s, with outside prep time necessary for all classes EXPECT to have school as a priority

Attendance It is expected. Absences negatively impact

student success. Don’t schedule vacations or weddings

during the academic year.

Expectations of ADN Program Students Compliance with all policies of school,

program, and clinical agencies

For every hour spent in class per week, expect 2 – 3 hours of study per week (i.e.: 6 hrs in class = 12 - 18 hrs of study time)

Limit working during the academic year to NO MORE THAN 16 hours per week

Clinical Information

Day or Evening Clinical May start as early as 6 a.m. and end as late

as 11 p.m. Be prepared for potential child care needs Adjust work schedules accordingly

Dress – Uniform as outlined in ADN Handbook

Requirements to Attend Clinical

Prior to clinical, must have: CPR – needs to be the American Heart

Association Healthcare Provider, renewed every 2 years

Physical Exam Caregiver Background Check – needs

to be done every 4 years TB Test – needs to be done annually

Requirements to Attend Clinical

Completion of Nursing Assistant course Expected to be competent in CNA skills Skills review courses available (8 hours)

Prior health care experience not required

Clinical

Functional Ability (ability to perform necessary tasks) – will be reviewed and signed

Confidentiality Agreement – will be signed for each clinical

Evaluation – will be ongoing

Clinical Evaluation

Evaluation is based on course objectives

Students are expected to perform the tasks to which they are assigned with professionalism, accuracy and safety at the Registered Nurse (RN) level.

Students are expected to show continual progress in skill and proficiency in performing their patient care.

Clinical Evaluation

Evaluation will be on a weekly basis and at the end of each clinical rotation.

Behaviors will be evaluated and documented in order to indicate areas of strengths as well as areas needing improvement, by self and instructor.

Clinical Attendance

Attendance and punctuality are expectations

Promptness and regular attendance are considered mandatory in order to assure: Satisfactory student progress Accurate evaluation by faculty Safe performance in the clinical arena

Clinical Expectations Notification of the instructor/clinical site 1

hour prior to any absence from clinical.

Student is responsible for completing course objectives – a significant alternate assignment will be given for clinical absences.

Patterns of absence will be referred to the counselor.

Program Costs

Tuition/Testing/Course Packets Fees related to lab courses for

supplies Extra fees for physical exam and

other requirements Fees for NCLEX exams and licensure

Financial Aid/Scholarships

Look for any available money – the less you worry about finances, the more successful you will be in your course work

Graduation Requirements Complete Petition to Graduate and

pay graduation fees. Complete all course requirements

and obtain passing grades in all required courses.

Grade point average of 2.0 or better, with a minimum of “C” in nursing courses.

Fulfill all financial obligations to NWTC.

For more information:

Refer to your NWTC Associate Degree Nursing Program Student Handbook, which will be given to you at the start of your program.

Questions? Call 920-498-5543