Nursing

The Mission of the Department of Nursing at Nashua Community College (NCC) is to provide students the opportunity to earn an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing, which prepares them to take the licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) to become Registered Nurses, for employment in entry-level positions in nursing, and for further education and professional development.

Fall 2024 Admission Requirements for the Associate in Science in Nursing Program (ASN) Requirements for the Associate in Science in Nursing Program (ASN). In an effort to provide you with the most current and comprehensive information about our program, prospective nursing students must attend a Nursing Information Session prior to submitting an application. Dates and times for information sessions can be found online at www.nashuacc.edu/admissions/ information-sessions.

Deadlines and Early Acceptances

ASN applications deadline for Fall 2024 must be completed by February 1, 2024, to be considered for acceptance in the Fall 2024 class. Application completed after the deadline will be considered on a space availability basis through April 30, 2024.

A completed application is the responsibility of the nursing candidate. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Candidates must complete the college admission requirements, the Nursing Department admission requirements and provide documentation of the following criteria for admission consideration:

• Attendance at a Nursing Information Session.
• Complete and submit application for the program.
• Complete Anatomy & Physiology I and Introduction to Psychology with a C+ or higher. (Science credits must also be no more than five years old with a minimum grade of C+. Introduction to Psychology and Human Growth and Development must be no more than eight years old from the start of the first nursing course with a minimum grade of C+)
• Two professional confidential references, work or education– related on forms provided by the college. References must be submitted in a sealed envelope.
• Pre-admission examination: the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) by Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) with an adjusted individual score in the following categories:
  • Reading – 71.1% or better,
  • Math – 75.3% or better,
  • Science 57.2% or better
  • English 66.3% or better.
  • The TEAS test evaluates the academic ability of prospective RN students.
  • Applicants are permitted to take this test three times in a calendar year; no sooner than four weeks between attempts. 
  • Must be taken within two years prior to the start of the first nursing course.
  • See www.atitesting.com for more information about preparing for the test and to register for the TEAS.

• Ability to meet the Health, Character, and Technical Standards for the ASN program (please see below).

Selection Criteria

Selection is determined by a cumulative point system that is based on applicable courses and grades, TEAS scores, and references. Applications will be reviewed and admission decisions will be made by the Chair of Student and Community Affairs and the Director of the Department of Nursing. Preference will be given to applicants who:

• Are New Hampshire residents.
• Have Higher grades for A&P I and II relative to the applicant pool
• Have completed a greater number of nursing related general education courses relative to the applicant pool.
• Have a history of academic success.

Qualified students who are not accepted in the initial selection process may be assigned to a prioritized wait list according to the above criteria. They may be subsequently admitted if an opening becomes available. The wait list will expire once classes begin. Applicants still desiring admission must reapply

Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) may have the opportunity to transfer into the ASN program with advanced standing in the spring semester of the first year on a space-available basis. Applicants must have an active LPN license and successfully complete the National League for Nursing (NLN) Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) with a required overall percent score of 74% or better. Applicants who successfully complete the NLN NACE exam and are accepted into the program will be awarded 8 credits in place of NURS125N: Fundamental Concepts and Skills for Nursing Practice. Applicants must also show documentation of completion of Human Growth and Development and A&P II with a C+ or better prior to entering the program in the spring semester. The deadline for LPN advanced placement applications is:

• Deadline for Spring 2024 – October 31, 2023.

Transfer Students

Transfer students who have been enrolled in a nursing program within the past five years may have the opportunity to transfer into the ASN program at NCC on a space-available basis. Nursing credits must be no more than five years old prior to beginning the first NCC nursing course. A minimum grade of C+ is required for previous coursework to be accepted for transfer.. Science credits must also be no more than five years old with a minimum grade of C+. Introduction to Psychology and Human Growth and Development must be no more than eight years old from the start of the first nursing course with a minimum grade of C+. Applicants must also submit a letter of reference from the director of the nursing program at the previous school. Transfer students must also complete the ATI Proctored Assessment: RN Fundamental Exam with an ATI Proficiency Level II or greater and complete a skills assessment within the simulation lab. Transcripts of previous college credits may be submitted and will be evaluated for transferability.

• Deadline for Spring 2024 – October 31, 2023

Time Allotment for Program Completion

All nursing courses must be completed within (5) five years of the date of entry into the first nursing course. Students must follow the program of study requirements as published in the College Catalog in the academic year of their acceptance into the ASN Program. In the event of a curriculum change prior to completion and phasing out of previous courses, the student may be required to repeat one or more courses for placement in the new curriculum.

Upon Conditional 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.

• All costs associated with pre-entry requirements are the responsibility of the student. Accepted students will be given specific information regarding pre-entry requirements during orientation.
• Submit a current (within 1 year to beginning first nursing course) physical examination on the NCC Health Form including all required health screening: Two step Mantoux testing to assess exposure to tuberculosis, titers for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella, hepatitis B, and immunization for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap). Flu immunization is required yearly due in October. Students are responsible for submitting updates to immunizations yearly i.e. flu and Tdap if needed.
• *Submit documentation of COVID-19 vaccinations or documented medical or religious exemption.
• Possess and maintain personal health insurance. Students are responsible for providing documentation of insurance coverage yearly. If insurance information changes during the academic year, students must notify Nursing Department Director immediately.

*Not all clinical facilities will accept exemptions and guidelines may change during clinical rotation. Students who are seeking an exemption must contact Director of the Department of Nursing for further guidance. If a student is unable to meet clinical requirements due to making a choice not to vaccinate, they will not be able to meet clinical and course learning outcomes and will be advised to withdraw from the nursing program.

To be accepted health insurance must meet the following criteria:

• United States based insurance plan;
• Provides the 10 essential health benefits specified in the Affordable Care Act (https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/ essential-health-benefits/);
• Includes access to hospital and physician providers in the area where the student is attending a New Hampshire community college;
• Will remain in effect for the entire semester (except for termination due to the attainment of a maximum age, or other situation resulting in a loss of plan eligibility.

The following plans DO NOT meet the above criteria:

• An accident-only policy
• A short-term limited duration health plan that does not meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
• A ministry sharing plan, even if it is recognized by the ACA

Any other health benefits program (e.g., a community care program) that is not recognized by the State of NH as being health insurance (or is not a health benefits plan governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) and does not meet all of the requirements specified above.

• Possess and maintain professional liability insurance. The fee for professional liability insurance coverage is included in the first semester tuition bill.
• Acquire and maintain certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the healthcare provider level (basic life support for healthcare providers from the American Heart Association AHA or Red Cross) that will be valid for the entire two years of the program through graduation.
• Complete a criminal background check (through college's approved vendor) with satisfactory results (cost to be incurred by student). 
• Complete a drug test (through college's approved vendor) must be done within two weeks prior to the first clinical day. The cost is to be incurred by the student.
• Individuals with a court record or a criminal conviction may wish to contact the Board(s) of Registration in Nursing in any state in which they plan to work for guidelines; a previous record may affect eligibility for RN licensure. The NH Board of Nursing can be reached at 603-271-2323. This will allow the individual to make an informed decision about choosing to pursue nursing education at this time.
• Students will repeat the criminal background check, TB and drug testing prior to their senior year.

In addition: Fees may include but are not limited to:

• Clinical Fees
• Assessment Technologies Institute® (ATI) testing package.
• Uniform, stethoscope, penlight, watch with a second hand, textbooks, skills lab kit and supplies for lab practice, nursing pins, NCLEX preparation and licensure.

Please Note:

Degree requirements must be completed within five years of the first nursing course. Completion of the program does not guarantee succeeding on the NCLEX-RN, the licensing exam

Health, Character, and Technical Standards for the Associate in Science in Nursing Program

Technical standards have been established to inform the student of minimum standards to satisfactorily function in the program and ultimately in the profession. The College must ensure that patients/ clients of clinical affiliates are not placed in jeopardy by students during learning experiences. Therefore, students in service learning and clinical experiences must demonstrate sufficient emotional stability to withstand the stress, uncertainties, and rapidly changing circumstances that characterize the responsibilities of patient/ client care. Furthermore, the student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member, and establish rapport and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with patients, their families, agency staff, faculty, and classmates. Applicants must be in good physical and mental health to meet program objectives. Technical Standards information is also available in the Technical Standards section of this catalog.

1. Sufficient hearing to assess patient needs, physiological signs, understand instructions, identify emergency signals, assess body functions, and engage in telephone conversation.
2. Sufficient visual acuity to observe patients, manipulate equipment, interpret data, ensure a safe environment, identify color changes, read fine print/writing, and do fine calibrations.
3. Sufficient speech and language ability to express, comprehend, and exchange information and ideas in English verbally, nonverbally, and in writing, and to interact clearly and logically with patients, family members, physicians, nurses, faculty, peers, and other ancillary medical personnel.
4. Sufficient tactile ability to assess pressure, temperature, position, vibration, and movement.
5. Ability to work with frequent interruptions, to respond appropriately in emergencies or unexpected situations, and to cope with extreme variations in workload and stress levels.
6. Sufficient emotional intelligence to exhibit empathy and compassion, to maintain productive relationships in classroom and clinical settings, and to integrate direction, instruction, and criticism into behavioral changes.
7. Sufficient strength, endurance, and motor coordination to perform the following physical activities: participation in lengthy classroom activities; fine and gross motor skills to carry out procedures; ability to safely and frequently handle, lift, and/ or carry equipment and patients up to thirty pounds; stamina to complete an eight to twelve hour work shift; and ability to perform CPR.
8. Sufficient information technology access and skills to complete assignments according to program standards.
9. Applicants with latex allergies are advised to seek professional medical consultation.

ACEN Accreditation

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Nashua Community College meets prelicensure education requirements to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX- RN) in the states of New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Nashua Community College has not determined if the program meets the education requirements in any other state, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia. Please contact the specific regulatory agency for nursing to determine prelicensure nursing education required for NCLEX-RN eligibility in other jurisdictions.

The Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the
New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON). Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to apply to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON) and Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).The New Hampshire Board of Nursing’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 via email at board.questions@ oplc.nh.gov or calling (603) 271-2323. The NH Board of Nursing is located at 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301.

The Associate Degree Nursing Program at Nashua Community College is accredited by:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN);
3390 Peachtree Road NE
Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
P. 404.975.5000
F. 404.975.5020
Website: www.acenursing.org

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board
of Commissioners for the associate degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at: http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm

Criteria for Progression in the Program

The curriculum includes a general education component that supports courses in nursing. Students must earn a minimum grade of C+ in Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology (within five-years to the start of the nursing program). A minimum grade of C+ in Introduction to Psychology, Human Growth and Development (within eight-year to the start of the nursing program). Students admitted into the Nursing program must take nursing (NURS) courses in sequence and must achieve a minimum grade of C+  (77%) and a grade of "Pass" in clinical courses in order to continue in the program. Students who do not meet criteria for progression may seek reentry at the point of last success with approval from the Director of the department and on a space available basis. Re-entry is not guaranteed. A student may be granted one opportunity to reenter the program.

Continuing Education

Graduates of the program are encouraged to earn the Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Nursing. Articulation agreements are maintained with Franklin Pierce University, Granite State College, Rivier University, and Southern NH University. Students may also identify other programs that meet their specific needs. Students planning to continue their education toward the Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science in Nursing should plan their program of study with an academic advisor from the Department of Nursing. Further information can be obtained from the respective programs or from the Director of the Department of Nursing.

End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the degree in Nursing, graduates will be able to:

1. Provide safe individualized nursing care to diverse patients, families, and groups by integrating the nursing process, evidence-based practices, and principles of education across the levels of prevention. 
2. Practice collaboratively on the multi-disciplinary health care team using principles of teamwork, leadership, and conflict management to achieve shared goals.  
3. Select appropriate evidence from professional data bases to make informed clinical decisions that promote safe and effective patient care.  
4. Use health care system resources and technology to evaluate and improve the quality of nursing care to patients, families, and communities. 
5. Communicate effectively with patients and the health care team using written, verbal, nonverbal, and electronic modalities.   
6. Demonstrate accountability for professional nursing practice that reflects legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines.   

In addition, the graduate will be able to demonstrate competency in the general education outcomes.

Program Outcomes, Associate in Science in Nursing, Nashua Community College, (Approved by faculty 5-12-2021)

NURSING:

* Proof of successful completion with a C+ or higher and taken within five years of the first nursing course. Anatomy and Physiology I and Intro to Psychology, must be submitted by the nursing application deadline date.