NURS-AAS - Nursing

The Nursing Program leads to an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree for students who successfully complete the required five semesters of study. Students are prepared to become registered nurses upon successful completion of the course of study and satisfactory performance on the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). The framework for the nurse education program embodies basic needs, the nursing process, and the Associate Degree Nurse (A.D.N.) competencies. Students utilize the nursing process in the care of patients in acute general care hospitals and nursing homes. In addition to hospitals, students work within community settings. Teaching/learning environments also include lecture halls and patient simulated laboratory, where students practice and achieve proficiency in their technical skills to prepare them for patient assignments. Students, under the direct guidance of qualified professional nurse instructors, learn to provide nursing care for patients of all ages in a variety of settings. All students are encouraged to join the National Student Nurses Association of New York and the on-campus, Gonzalez-Tubman Nursing Club. Some scholarships are available to nursing students. The Registered Nurse program is accredited by the New York State Education Department.

Goals and Objectives of the Nursing Program

The program aims to prepare students who, as A.D.N. graduates, are able to:

• Integrate knowledge from the biological, physical, behavioral, and social sciences in nursing care of individuals. Families, and groups in a variety of health care settings.

• Demonstrate competency in critical thinking and the therapeutic use of self when applying the nursing process toward the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health.

• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and communication skills in the delivery of nursing care in the urban community.

• Structure one’s own nursing practice within the legal boundaries and an ethical framework consistent with the scope of nursing practice.

• Utilize advances in technology and research findings to support evidence-based practice.

• Demonstrate a commitment to the client and profession of nursing by serving as an advocate within the health care delivery system and the legal-political arena.

• Provide comprehensive nursing care based on the use of the nursing process in structured health care environments, and view men and women from a holistic perspective.

• Demonstrate competence as communicators, providers of patient care, patient teachers, managers of care, and as beginning members of the nursing profession.

• Collaborate with other health care professionals in the delivery of competent health care.

• Successfully complete the curriculum which includes Liberal Arts, Urban Health, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and nursing courses encompassing both lecture and clinical practice.

• Take the NCLEX-RN.

Students seeking a degree in Nursing from Hostos Community College must first satisfactorily complete the pre-requisites specified below. Students seeking entry to the Nursing Program are urged to seek academic and registration advisement from the Nursing faculty.

Note: Admission to the College does not guarantee entry to the Nursing program.

After successfully meeting all pre-requisites, students interested in the nursing program will apply for progression to the Clinical phase. Students who need remediation or developmental coursework must complete these and pre-requisite courses. Upon satisfactory completion of all pre-clinical requirements, students are evaluated for progression to the clinical phase.

Required courses must be taken in the identified sequence.Students should obtain a copy of the “RN Student Handbook”. Students are expected to read and adhere to all policies as outlined in the student handbook.

Note: All requirements for the A.A.S. degree in Nursing must be completed within five (5) years. Students are urged to seek advisement for academic and financial planning.Finally, graduates must take and pass the NCLEX-RN examination to be licensed.

Completion, Graduation, Licensing
1. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required to progress within the program.
2. A student must achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 in order to meet the CUNY requirements for graduation.
3. Completion of two (2) Writing Intensive courses (WI): NUR 228 and NUR 320 is necessary for graduation.
4. Upon successful completion of all requirements, graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination.

Description of the Clinical Simulation Laboratory
The clinical simulation laboratory for nursing students is located on the fourth floor of the Allied Health Building. The laboratory simulates a hospital setting and provides a realistic environment for patient care and skills development. Students have the opportunity to learn and practice skills in a
nurturing, safe, supportive, stimulating and comfortable environment before attempting them in an actual clinical site. This promotes confidence and improves skills, as well as awareness necessary for providing safe patient care under supervision in the clinical area.

The laboratory serves as an audiovisual / multimedia / computer area with authentic patient settings. Nursing faculty with Clinical Laboratory Technicians
provide a total educational experience by using visual aides, anatomical simulators, and other faculty/staff directed activities. Participation during scheduled hours is mandatory.

RN Clinical Nursing Courses: It is highly recommended that BIO 310 be completed prior to starting NUR 216.
Semester 1: NUR 216
Semester 2: NUR 220, NUR 317
Semester 3: NUR 316, NUR 326
Semester 4: NUR 227, NUR 228 (WI), NUR 320 (WI)