Nursing, A.A.S.

Purpose

The Nursing Program is designed to prepare graduates to practice as a registered nurse once licensure requirements are met. The Associate Degree Nursing Program prepares students for professional nursing practice while providing a knowledge base for career mobility and further academic study. The program is committed to providing accessible, high-quality nursing education to meet diverse and changing healthcare needs of individuals of all ages in a variety of healthcare settings. The curriculum emerges from the seven core values identified by the National League of Nursing: caring, diversity, ethics, integrity, patient-centeredness, excellence, and holism.

The full Nursing Program is available on the Logan Campus. The Boone/Lincoln, Williamson, and Wyoming/McDowell campuses offer the general education/program support courses only.

Program Level Outcomes:

1. Nursing Judgment 

Make judgments in practice, substantiated with evidence, that integrate nursing science in the provision of safe, quality care and that promote the health of patients within a family and community context. 

• Generate safe and effective patient centered care using the nursing process.

• Incorporate effective communication strategies to reduce risk and injuries in the healthcare environment.

2. Professional Identity, A.A.S.

Implement one’s role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice, caring, advocacy, and safe, quality care for diverse patients within a family and community context.

• Create caring relationships with patients and support systems consistent with NLN Competencies and West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses.

• Evaluate the utilization of healthcare system resources to efficiently and effectively manage care. 

3. Spirit of Inquiry, A.A.S.

Examine the evidence that underlies clinical nursing practice to challenge the status quo, question underlying assumptions, and offer new insights to improve the quality of care for patients, families, and communities. 

• Integrate current best practices to plan and implement safe and effective patient care.

4. Human Flourishing, A.A.S.

Advocate for patients and families in ways that promote their self-determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings.

• Collaborate with the patient or designee to plan and provide nursing care that respects the patient’s individual values and needs.