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Nursing

• Information Sessions
• Admission Requirements
• Technical Standards
• NLN Pre-Admission Exam
• Professional References
• Readmission Policy
• LPN to RN Placement
• Nursing Transfer Students
• ACE Exam Bulletin
• Degree Program
• Degree Cost Estimate
• Degree Checklist

General Information

• Programs of Study
• Admissions Info
• Course Descriptions

Nursing

The Nursing Program prepares students to provide direct care to patients in acute care, long term care and other structured settings. The program consists of science, general education and nursing courses. Nursing courses include classroom, simulation lab and clinical experiences. Learning experiences and clinical practical may vary in time and in location, and may include days, evenings, and/or weekends.

The program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Classroom and clinical components of the nursing courses must be completed concurrently. All nursing courses must be completed within four years from the date of entry into the first nursing course.

Students admitted into the Nursing program must take nursing courses in sequence, and must achieve a minimum grade of C (73.33) in all major theory and science courses (Nursing, Anatomy & Physiology I & II, and Microbiology) and a grade of “Pass” in clinical courses in order to continue in the program.

Program Mission

The mission of the nursing program is to provide high-quality education and clinical evidence-based practice which enables students to achieve career and life goals through the application of knowledge, judgment and skills necessary to practice as a registered nurse.

Program Goal/Objectives

Graduates from MCC's nursing program will:

• Utilize knowledge, judgment and skills to practice nursing safely and competently.
• Utilize intellectual, interpersonal and psychomotor competence when providing patient care.
• Utilize the nursing process to assist patients to attain, maintain and retain health.
• Collaborate as member of the health care team.
• Practice nursing within a legal and ethical framework.

Admissions Requirements

Nursing program applications must be completed by February 1st* to be considered for acceptance in the fall class. If the class is not filled with qualified applicants by that deadline, we will continue to accept completed applications until July 1st. After that point, the program will be closed.

Applications that are complete and received by December 1st may be considered for Early Action Admission into the Nursing Program for fall. *For fall 2012 admission nursing program applications must be completed by January 1*.

A completed application is the responsibility of the nursing candidate. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates must complete the college admission requirements and provide documentation of the following criteria for admission consideration:

• Proof of satisfactory completion of high school algebra, biology and chemistry with grades no lower than a C. If transcript indicates a numerical grade point average with no grade equivalent, a minimum of 73.33 is required.
• Complete the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Examination-RN* with percentiles of 50 or greater in the "All" category in each of the three areas tested: Math, Science and Verbal Ability. Applicants are permitted to take this exam once in any six month period. Test scores are valid for a period of two years.
• Two professional references, work or education related. (Forms provided by college).

* The NLN Pre-Admission Examination-RN evaluates the academic ability of prospective RN students. If you would like to receive information regarding the NLN Pre-Admission Exam-RN or to register for a specific exam date, contact the Office of Admissions at (603) 668-6706 ext. 208.

Selection Criteria

Admission to the nursing program is very competitive. Selection is determined by a cumulative point system that is based on applicable college courses and grades, the NLN scores and references.

Qualified students who are not accepted in the selection process may be assigned to a prioritized waiting list based on the above criteria. They may be subsequently admitted if an opening becomes available prior to the beginning of the fall semester. The waiting list will be discarded once classes begin. Students still desiring admission must reapply for the following year.

Upon Acceptance

It is understood that acceptance is conditional upon submission of satisfactory evidence in the form of the following documents no later than four weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.

• Submit a report of a current physical examination, including all required health screening and immunizations (as indicated on the physical examination form).
• Possess and maintain personal health insurance (available through the college). When enrolled in the nursing program, students must notify the Director of any changes with health care coverage.
• Possess and maintain professional liability insurance (available through the college).
• Acquire and maintain certification in BLS for Health Care Providers.
• Have a satisfactory criminal background check (cost to be incurred by student). MCC's background check is due within 21 days after attending the mandatory nursing program orientation. Students may be required to provide more than one criminal background check throughout the course of the program based on clinical facility requirements.
• Provide documentation of Hepatitis B vaccine or submit a signed waiver.

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Advanced Placement or Transfer

Admission of advanced placement or transfer students is contingent upon space availability. In addition to the general admission criteria, students seeking advanced placement or transfer must have completed all prerequisite coursework by examination, challenge or transfer credit. Transfer credit is determined by Academic Affairs based on course congruence, grade earned and length of time since completion.

Advanced Placement and Transfer are possible through transfer credit and NLN or Excelsior College Examinations. Students may enroll in liberal arts and science courses prior to admission to the Nursing program, however, enrollment in those courses does not guarantee acceptance into the Nursing program.

Excelsior College and NLN examinations are necessary to meet Nursing course requirements as follows:

Advanced Placement Into NURS112

You must be a currently NH licensed LPN and successfully complete the National League for Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam Book One: Foundations of Nursing, with a “Decision Score” of 70% or better.

Transfer Into NURS112

In order to be considered for Transfer from another nursing program students must: have successfully completed (a minimum course grade C) a Nursing Fundamentals course within the past 2 years and successfully complete the following: Excelsior College examination; #403: Fundamentals of Nursing with a grade of C or better.

Advanced placement and transfer students accepted into NURS 112 must attend Nursing Process Seminar prior to the start of NURS112.

A hybrid Nursing 112 section may be available in the summer semester depending on space availability, student credentials and permission of the Director of Nursing.

Transfer Credit Policy

In addition to specific nursing course transfer policies noted above and other MCC transfer credit policies, Anatomy & Physiology I and II and Microbiology must be taken within an eight year period from the time of acceptance into the Nursing program.

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Nursing Readmission Policy

Students matriculated in the Nursing program who withdraw or do not achieve the required minimum grade in the Nursing or science courses and are not able to continue in the Nursing program may be eligible for readmission consideration. A student may be readmitted to the Nursing program one time only. Readmissions are contingent upon space availability. The student applying for readmission will be required to meet the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of readmission. In order to be reconsidered for admission, the student must:

• Submit a written, dated letter requesting readmission to the Director of the Department of Nursing. In this letter, briefly outline the reason(s) you were previously unable to continue in the program, identify which Nursing course you are requesting readmission, and your plan for successful completion of the program.

Students who have requested readmission will be ranked according to their Nursing course average. As space availability is determined, students will be readmitted based on their ranking order. Students will then be notified of the status of their request in writing by the Director of the Department of Nursing. Students who are readmitted to the Nursing program will follow the program of study in place at the time they are readmitted.

Students who have failed a Nursing course because of unsafe practice involving actions or non-actions are not eligible for readmission to the Nursing program (see Nursing Course Syllabi: Evaluation Methods).

Accreditation

The Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON). Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to apply to the NHBON for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). MCC’s NCLEX pass rates can be viewed at www.nh.gov/nursing. The NHBON’s licensing regulations may restrict candidates who have been involved in civil or criminal legal proceedings. Questions about licensing restrictions should be addressed to the NH Board of Nursing, 21 South Fruit Street, Suite 16, Concord, NH 03301, (603) 271-2323. Questions about the status of accreditation for the Nursing program should be addressed to the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlantic, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000. www.nlnac.org.

Employment /Transfer Opportunities

Prior to meeting all program course requirements, matriculated nursing students may be eligible to apply to the NHBON for additional licensure after successful completion (defined as achieving a minimum course grade of C) of the following nursing courses:

• Nursing I - Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
• Nursing III - Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

The nursing program maintains articulation agreements with Emmanuel College, Endicott College, New England College, Rivier College, St. Joseph’s College of Maine, University of New Hampshire and articulation and dual admission with Franklin Pierce University. Further information on application for dual admission can be obtained from FPU or from the Director of Nursing at MCC.

Technical Standards

MCC must ensure that patient/client safety is not compromised by students during learning experiences. Therefore the student is expected to demonstrate emotional stability and exercise sound judgment, accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member and establish rapport and appropriate interpersonal relationships with peers, staff, and patients/clients and their families.

The following technical standards have been established to provide guidance to students as to skills and abilities required to function successfully in the program and ultimately in the profession of nursing. Applicants who think they may not be able to meet one or more of the technical standards, should contact the Director of Nursing to discuss individual cases.

• Sufficient hearing to assess patient needs and to understand instructions, emergency signals and telephone conversations.
• Sufficient visual acuity to observe patients, manipulate equipment, and interpret data: visual acuity sufficient to ensure a safe environment, identify color changes, read fine print/writing and calibrations.
• Sufficient verbal ability to express and exchange information when interacting with patients, family members, physicians, peers and other ancillary medical personnel.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions, respond appropriately in emergencies or unexpected situations, and to cope with variations in workload and stress levels.
• Sufficient strength and motor coordination to perform the following physical activities: manual dexterity to operate and handle equipment, moving and transfer of patients; and performing CPR.
• Travel Policy: Transportation to and from the clinical site is the responsibility of the student.

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Nursing Degree Program

Total Credits - 69/70

* Students who wish to continue their education toward the Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing degrees are encouraged to complete MATH202 as the mathematics requirement.

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