Associate Degree Nursing (ADNR) classes start in August. An acceptance form will be sent to those applicants admitted; this form must be returned by the specified deadline to secure a position in the next available class. Some applicants may be selected as alternates. If a position becomes available in the class the alternate will be asked to fill the position.

The nursing program is designed to prepare students for employment as registered nurses. The practitioner will develop entry level skills and is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN: National Council (of State Boards of Nursing) Licensing Examination-Registered Nurses. The program meets the requirements for accreditation by the Bureau of Examining Boards, Board of Nursing of the State of Nebraska. Mid-Plains Community College is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association. The Associate Degree in Nursing Program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission**. Advanced placement for LPNs is available. (Call or write for specific information.)

The nursing program includes nursing and non-nursing courses. (Non-nursing courses are available at the NPCC South Campus and McCook Community College.)

Clinical sites will be in local hospitals, long term care facilities and various other community agencies and clinics.

The Associate Degree in Nursing program is a selective admission program. Approval for admission will be granted by the Faculty Organization in the ADN program.Early application is encouraged for high school students meeting the ACT requirement. All admission requirements must be met to be accepted into the ADN program. Failure to respond to requests for information, incomplete files, or failure to meet deadlines will inactivate the application for admission. Eligibility for licensing in Nebraska is determined by the Regulations Governing the Practice of Nursing. Contact the nursing program for that criteria.

The applicant will need to have a completed file to be accepted into the ADN Program. Please read andcomply with the following admission requirements:

1. Fulfill Mid-Plains Community College’s General Admission Requirements. (See catalog).
2. Complete application to Mid-Plains Community College specifying interest in ADN/RN program.
3. Submit official high school transcript or GED.
4. Submit official college transcripts if other than Mid-Plains Community College.
5. Complete COMPASS/ESL® testing. Scores will be used to determine admission into ADN/RN programs.
   COMPASS/ESL® Test Scores must meet the nursing criteria of: Pre-algebra 43; Reading 80; and Writing 74.
6. Submit two letters of recommendation from teachers and/or current employers.
7. Submit ACT scores which must have a composite score of at least 21 with all subscores 19 or higher OR complete 12 credit hours from the ADN program of study to include 8 credits from the required sciences (A&P I & II, Chemistry or Microbiology) with a grade of “C” or higher.
   Check with science department for prerequisite courses for required sciences. Nutrition and Pharmacology must be taken within 7 years of the date of acceptance into the ADN program.
8. Must complete a math exam after completing #5 and #7.
9. Must speak and understand the English language in order to communicate with patients and staff clearly.

Once all of the above criteria are met, the applicant will be accepted into the first available class and receive written notification of acceptance. It is the applicant’s responsibility to notify the Nursing Department when the applicant thinks the file is complete. The following must be completed by the first day of class:

1. Immunizations must be current (refer to immunization form.)
2. Current CPR card (2-man provider).
3. Proof of professional liability insurance.
4. Criminal background check.
5. A pproval of clinical facilities.
6. Must successfully complete a nursing assistant class within six months of beginning the ADN program, be currently employed as a nursing assistant, or complete a Nursing Assistant Skills Check Off the summer prior to beginning the program if not currently working as a nursing assistant.

Program Objectives

1. Contribute to the on-going database to identify human needs for clients of all ages.
2. Utilize the nursing process to meet patient’s needs in a caring, non-judgmental manner utilizing goal directed critical thinking with scientific rationale.
3. Provide competent, knowledgeable care to patients with health problems utilizing therapeutic communication and patient education.
4. Utilize knowledge gained from the nursing, humanistic, physical and behavioral sciences to provide specialized nursing care to clients.
5. Participate in life-long learning to enhance professional growth.
6. Functions in beginning management role while planning and providing care for a group of patients.
7. Demonstrate accountability by functioning within nursing’s ethical and legal frameworks.
8. Prepare to pass the licensing exam (NCLEX-RN)

Career Potential

The Associate Degree Registered Nurse gives care within the framework of his/her educational background.The curriculum is designed to prepare the graduate to provide nursing care in a variety of structured health care settings. Such areas include: hospitals, long-term care facilities and medical offices. Job openings are present throughout the country and in a variety of health care agencies. Mid-Plains Community College actively assists the graduate in job placement. Salary levels will vary with geographical area and the type of position.

ASSOCIATE OF NURSING

Sequence of Study

*Highly recommended that students take science courses prior to taking nursing theory courses.

**National League for Nursing
Accrediting Commission, Inc.
3343 Peachtree Rd., N.E. Ste. 500
Atlanta, GA 30326
866-747-9965
www.nlnac.org

Progression in the Nursing Program

Students must receive grades of “C” or above in all courses in the nursing curriculum, including all required general education courses in order to progress to the next semester. If a student receives a grade lower than a “C” in a course required during a given semester, withdrawal from the program is required. Unsatisfactory clinical performance will result in a non-passing grade for the nursing course.

Educational Advancement

The Associate Degree Nursing Program coordinates efforts to maximize the number of credits that can be transferred into a four-year nursing program. The acceptance of transfer credits is subject to that college’s or university’s policies. Students are encouraged to contact the other college as early as possible to facilitate the process.