Registered Nursing, AS

Program Description

The Associate of Science in Nursing provides the student with the knowledge, skills, ability, values, and competencies required to practice nursing at the professional level. Through classroom instruction and clinical experiences this program prepares individuals to perform nursing skills and provide care to patients in all arenas of healthcare - from the acute care bedside to hospice or the home. Use of clinical sites will include acute care facilities in the Acadiana area as well as outpatient, home health, and hospice settings. Students should note that some courses have prerequisites, which must be completed before enrolling into upper level courses and continuing in the program. Graduates will be eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which must be successfully passed before applying for licensure with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) to practice as a registered nurse (RN). A selective admission process is used to select candidates for enrollment in the program. Although a terminal degree program, general education requirements as well as the core nursing courses may be transferable to a baccalaureate of nursing (BSN) program.

Program Goals

To enable students to acquire the general education competencies expected of an associate of science degree graduate
Teach basic scientific and clinical concepts which will prepare students for entry-level as RNs for safe and competent nursing practice utilizing the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains
Provide students with an opportunity to develop clinical skills necessary to function effectively in a variety of healthcare settings
To meet state and national expectations within the nursing profession

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Associate of Science degree in Nursing will

Demonstrate the ability to function as an advocate for patients and families while providing culturally-sensitive patient-centered care in a variety of healthcare settings
Synthesize use of current evidence-based practices in making nursing judgments and clinical decisions to promote health and wellness
Collaborate with the nursing team and interdisciplinary team members to provide safe, competent care for ensuring optimal patient outcomes
Demonstrate and apply knowledge, skills, and attitudes as a beginning nurse generalist to improve the quality and safety of healthcare
Demonstrate knowledge of current technology and safety factors in providing care to assigned patients
Demonstrate and apply professional integrity and accountability within established legal standards and ethical principles
Practice safe and competent nursing care utilizing the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains
Meet national and state expectations within the nursing profession as demonstrated by successfully completing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam

Specific Degree Requirements

Students wishing to earn an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing must:

Meet college entrance requirements for college math and English
- Math: ACT of 19; COMPASS of 40 (Algebra) or take required developmental math courses
- English: ACT of 18; COMPASS of 58 (Writing) or take required developmental English courses
Complete application packet to the program by stated due date - admission to the program is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Have completed required pre-requisite courses before applying to the program for admission
Pass the required nursing entrance test
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) requires all applicants to complete an Application for Approval to Enroll in a Clinical Nursing Course form and an authorization form for a criminal background check. Applicants who have been charged with, pled guilty or nolo contendere to, been convicted of, or committed a criminal offense that involves a crime of violence or distribution of drugs may be denied the right to practice nursing as a student in Louisiana.
Submit History & Physical examination report(s) certifying they are physically and emotionally fit for the program
Submit proof of current immunizations
Provide recent (less than one year) TB skin test or Chest x-ray and annual updates
As documented by a physician on the history & physical exam document, students must demonstrate ability to meet following technical/performance standards (related to ADA compliance) while receiving the instruction as outlined in each course syllabus:
- Read and communicate orally and in writing using the English language.
- Hear with or without auditory aids to understand normal speaking voice without viewing the speakers face.
- Visually, with or without corrective lenses, observe changes in client’s condition and actively participate in learning process.
- Utilize stamina, strength and psychomotor coordination necessary to perform routine nursing procedures at floor or bed level.
- Demonstrate use of gross and fine motor skills necessary to provide independent, safe and effective nursing care.
- Solve problems and apply critical thinking skills while providing safe and efficient client care.
- Interact with individuals/families/groups from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
- Adapt and function in a multi stressor environment while adhering to legal/ethical guidelines of the school, Louisiana Nurse Practice Act and clinical agencies.
Pass a background check
Pass drug screen(s)
Purchase the required class and clinical uniform(s), and supplies as outlined by instructor
Obtain CPR for Healthcare Provider certification
Adhere to HIPAA and other confidentiality clauses involving client care or clinical training.
Arrange transportation to clinical sites or any additional trainings or extra-curricular activities.
Have a degree program adjusted SLCC cumulative average of 2.0.
Have earned at least 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree through SLCC courses.
Have earned at least a “C” in each course unless stated by a specific program.
Have earned two-thirds of credits in degree-required major courses at SLCC and have no more than 50 percent of total degree-required credits from non-traditional sources, Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), unless required by a specific program.
Have completed at least the number of credits stipulated in the degree program.

Special Conditions

Employment opportunities may be limited for students with back problems or other medical or physical conditions which limit ability to lift or function in long periods of physical exertion (such as patient movement and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation).