Nursing (NUR)

The Nursing Program offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) and graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

The Nursing Program is registered by the New York State Education Department (www.nysed.gov) and fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).  Information regarding the accreditation status of the Program may be obtained by contacting ACEN (www.acenursing.org)

This rigorous program is structured to prepare graduate nurses to work in clinical facilities using the nursing process to provide direct, safe and efficient patient care.  Nursing courses include lecture, laboratory experiences, including simulation (SIM) and clinical practice in local healthcare facilities, in addition to online learning activities that supplement classroom instruction.

Students are evaluated in Math, Reading, English and Biology to determine placement in courses. The four- semester sequence is only possible when a student has tested into ENG 101, BIO 131, college-level math and achieve a score of “Proficient” on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).  The total credits required to achieve the A.A.S in Nursing is sixty-four (64). Please note that students often require six (6) or more semesters to complete the A.A.S degree due to the entry requirements. If accepted into the Program, the course of study for completion is four semesters.

Due to an overwhelming interest in nursing, entrance into the DCC program is highly competitive. You must have resided in New York State for one year, prior to submitting your application. A maximum of 14 seats will be allotted for New York State residents who live outside Dutchess or Putnam Counties. Students from outside Dutchess or Putnam counties must comply with all requirements to be considered for admission.

End of Program Learning Outcome

The Nursing Program at Dutchess Community College strives to prepare its graduates to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to continuously improve the quality and safety of the healthcare systems within which they work. (QSEN.org)

• QSEN: Patient Centered Care

Student will recognize the patient or designee as the source of control and full partner in providing compassionate and coordinated care based on respect for patient's preferences, values, and needs.

• QSEN: Evidence Based Practice

Student will integrate best current evidence with clinical expertise and patient/family preferences and values for delivery of optimal health care.

• QSEN: Informatics
  The student will use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error, and support decision making.

• QSEN: Teamwork and Collaboration

Student will function effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care.

• QSEN: Quality Improvement

Student will use data to monitor the outcomes of care processes and use improvement methods to design and test changes to continuously improve the quality and safety of health care systems.

• QSEN: Safety
  Student will minimize risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness and individual performance.

Program Total Credits: 64

Notes:

• Students are admitted into the Nursing Program only when all requirements are met and on a space-available basis. Once admitted, students are expected to enroll in the nursing courses in a sequence. Students who deviate from the sequence (failure or withdrawal) cannot be guaranteed re-entry into either a particular course or semester.
• Placement into clinical courses requires that a student is Basic Life Support (BLS) certified, must clear a criminal background check and drug test (drug-test must be completed at a recommended testing facility).
• All students are required to submit a competed physical examination form (provided by the nursing department) prior to clinical courses. All immunizations indicated on the form must be current. When the form is on file, the College Health Office will issue a waiver clearing the student foe the clinical courses.  Hepatitis B Vaccine series is highly recommended and may be required by the clinical facility under the OSHA Standard on Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens.