Registered Nurse

Mission & Philosophy

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program supports the mission and goals of the college. The ADN program is designed to provide educational opportunities to qualified students for a career as registered nurses, thereby helping to meet the expanding healthcare needs of the community. Our goal is to prepare individuals to give client care in beginning staff level positions as providers of care, managers of care, and members within the discipline of nursing and interdisciplinary team.

SMCC ADN Program Philosophy

Professional nursing practice is grounded in the biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual sciences. It is devoted to promoting, maintaining, and restoring optimal health status of clients. Nursing practice consists of providing supportive care to individuals and families to promote a peaceful, dignified death.  Registered nurses are members of the health care team who work in the context of the health care system. As part of this team, the RN cares for diverse individuals and families across the lifespan in a variety of clinical and community-based settings. The RN provides culturally and spiritually sensitive, individualized client-centered care.

Client-centered care is accomplished through the nursing process. RNs manage client care using clinical judgment, incorporating the nursing process and caring as essential tools. Client education is provided by RNs to achieve positive clinical outcomes through effective communication skills.

Professional values guide interactions with clients and interdisciplinary members of the health care team. RNs demonstrate professional conduct by exhibiting accountability for their decisions and actions by practicing within their scope of practice and assuming legal and fiscal responsibilities.  RNs uphold their commitment to the public by adhering to an established code of ethics as outlined in the American Association Code of Ethics, which provides a context for making judgments and offers guidelines for maintaining professionalism.   

The major roles of the RN include provider of nursing care, coordinator of client care, and member of the nursing profession. As providers of care, RNs are responsible for teaching health promotion to clients, identifying current and emerging client problems, and functioning as an advocate for clients and communities.  As coordinators of care, RNs communicate, collaborate, and provide leadership within the interdisciplinary health care team to promote and maintain client health and ensure continuity of care.

As members of the health care team and nursing profession, RNs recognize that interprofessional collaboration is critical to system-based practice and for delivering safe, quality client-centered care. Ongoing quality improvement activities are performed in collaboration with other members of the health care team. Throughout this collaborative process, the RN preserves and protects clients’ autonomy, dignity, and rights.

As members of the profession of nursing, RNs are accountable for maintaining professionally established standards of nursing practice, adhering to practice regulations specified by each respective state, as well as adhering to established legal and ethical directives. In addition, continued formal education provides registered nurses an opportunity for personal advancement within the profession.

RNs must be committed to lifelong learning as a means of assuring that practice is continually based on current knowledge.  Application of evidence-based practice, skills in informatics, and client care technology is essential to the delivery of quality care while ensuring safety.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Assume the role of the RN in providing client centered care by developing and integrating an individualized plan of care using evidence-based research ensuring care is age and culturally appropriate, based on needs, preferences, and values.
2. Practice nursing within legal and regulatory guidelines while demonstrating a moral compass of ethical characteristics as well as responsibility for lifelong learning to advance professional growth and responsible behavior.
3. Utilize data to enhance safe nursing practice that promotes and maintains a safe healthcare environment for self, clients across the lifespan, and other healthcare providers.
4. Demonstrate appropriate clinical decision-making skills, including clinical reasoning, differential diagnosis, reflective practice, and self-reflection/assessment.
5. Communicate effectively with clients across the lifespan and with members of the interdisciplinary health care team valuing cultural and personal diversity using written, verbal, and nonverbal modalities.
6. Function as a productive member of the interdisciplinary health care team to ensure continuity of client care and leadership that directs others to achieve optimal client outcomes.
7. Utilize advanced communication technologies to gather, interpret, summarize, and deliver health data in order to provide safe, quality centered care.

Performance Standards 

These standards set forth cognitive, sensory, affective and psychomotor performance requirements for applicants as well as those enrolled in the program. These standards are required abilities and activities students are expected to possess in order to perform essential functions required of the program. Applicants and students who cannot meet one or more of the standards will be considered on an individual basis in terms of whether reasonable modification/accommodation can be made. (Southern Regional Education Board [SREB] – The Americans with Disabilities Act: Implications for Nursing Education, 2015) In order to successfully complete the program of study, an applicant/student must be able to do the following:

1. Critical Thinking- ability for effective clinical reasoning and clinical judgment consistent with level of educational preparation. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
2. Prioritize information and identify cause-effect relationships in the clinical setting
3. Analyze assessment findings and use findings to plan and implement care
4. Evaluate plan of care and make revisions as appropriate
5. Make decisions using logic, creativity and reasoning to make sound clinical judgments based on standards of nursing care
6. Demonstrate arithmetic ability to correctly compute dosages, tell time, and use measuring tools
7. Managing multiple priorities
8. Professional Relationships- interpersonal skills sufficient for professional interactions with diverse population of individuals, families, and groups. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
9. Respect differences among clients and exhibit an attitude accepting of clients as individuals
10. Establish rapport in order to communicate effectively with clients, families, significant others, and health team members work effectively in small groups as a team member and a team leader c. Recognize crises and institute appropriate interventions to help resolve adverse situations
11. Peer accountability
12. Communication- Abilities sufficient to interact appropriately with individuals, families, and groups of people from a variety of backgrounds. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
13. Speak coherently to clients, families, and other staff members
14. Clearly explain treatment procedures and initiate health teaching for clients, families, or groups based on assessed needs, available resources, age, lifestyle, and cultural considerations
15. Provide clear, understandable written client documentation based upon proper use of the English language
16. Convey critical information to other caregivers through graphic, print, and/or electronic media in an accurate, timely, and comprehensible manner
17. Maintain therapeutic relationships with clients and colleagues
18. Respect the rights of others and socio-cultural differences in clients, families, and groups
19. Mobility/Activity Tolerance- Physical ability sufficient to move about on a nursing unit, clients’ rooms, and provide nursing care. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
20. Physical mobility and strength sufficient to propel wheelchairs, stretchers, etc. through doorways and close-fitting areas alone or with assistance
21. Stand, walk up to 75% of 8 to 12 hour shifts
22. Stoop, bend, squat, reach overhead as required to reach equipment and provide nursing care
23. Lift a minimum of 15 pounds of weight
24. Use correct body mechanics
25. Respond quickly in emergencies
26. Provide for activities of daily living (bed bath, oral hygiene, dressing, etc.)
27. Perform CPR satisfactorily and respond quickly in an emergency situation
28. Motor Skills- Gross and fine motor skills sufficient to respond promptly in providing safe and effective care. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
29. Demonstrate physical dexterity and coordination in delivery of care, treatment, and medications
30. Hold skin taut with one hand while inserting needle in skin or vein with other hand and perform other procedures requiring the use of 2 hands
31. Pick up, grasp, and effectively manipulate small objects such as dials, syringes, switches
32. Calibrate and use equipment
33. Maintain sterile technique when performing sterile procedure
34. Perform CPR
35. Hearing- Auditory ability necessary to monitor and assess the client and the environment. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
36. Hear monitors, alarms, emergency signals, lung/heart sounds, bowel sounds, and cries for help, telephone, intercom interactions, and public address systems (codes)
37. Perceive and receive verbal communications from clients, families, and health team members
38. Visual- Visual acuity necessary in the observation and assessment of the client and environment in providing nursing care. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
39. Read written words and information on paper and computer screens, small print, gauges, measuring cups, syringes, and other equipment
40. Discriminate colors; changes in color, size and continuity of body parts
41. Discriminate alterations in normal body activities such as breathing patterns and level of consciousness
42. Observe hazards in environment (water spills, safety rails, restraints) and harmful situations
43. Tactile Sense- Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
44. Perform physical assessment: palpate pulses, feel for heat or cold, tap body surfaces
45. Environmental- Ability to tolerate environmental stressor. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
46. Adapt to rotating shifts
47. Work with chemical compounds and tolerate exposure to odors, blood/body fluids
48. Gown, glove, and mask appropriately
49. Tolerate wearing gloves and other protective devices
50. Accountability and Responsibility- Cognitive/emotional abilities necessary to demonstrate responsibility and accountability in providing safe nursing care.
51. Ability to understand and abide by legal and ethical standards
52. Shows a caring attitude toward others
53. Demonstrate an attitude of honesty and openness throughout the learning process
54. Ability to comprehend, understand, and abide by established policies and procedures
55. Ability to monitor own emotions
56. Be flexible and adaptive

FEES AND EXPENSES:

The regular college fees are listed on the college website. There are additional costs specific to the nursing program. These additional costs are an estimate and are subject to change.

Books/Online Resources (for entire program)                        $1100

Uniforms and Accessories                                                   $300

Pins/Pictures                                                                     $100

Transportation to clinical (approximate cost per month)           $80

Laboratory fees per semester                                               $375

Malpractice Insurance (per year)                                          $15

Assessment Testing and Online resources                             $2980

CPR, Health Requirements, Criminal Background Check         $475

State Board Licensure Exam                                                 $300

Drug Testing Fee                                                                $90

Organizational Dues (per year)                                            $25

Mandatory NCLEX Review                                                   $375

READMISSION POLICY

Readmission of students is governed by the ADN Division Readmission Policy which is printed in full below. Students applying for readmission enter under the current catalog in effect at the time they re-enter the ADN program and are obligated to follow the requirements, policies, and procedures in effect at the time they re-enter the ADN program.

1. Generic entry students are allowed two readmissions to the program. A course can be repeated one time only. Students who are unsuccessful in a nursing course twice will be dismissed from the program. Calculation of GPA will include nursing course grades.
2. LPN-RN transition entry students are allowed one readmission to the program after they have completed NUR 1106 and have merged into the cohort of generic entry students.
3. Readmission is allowed if student qualifies for readmission and space is available after students progressing from the previous class and first-time LPN-RN Transition students are placed. Readmission is not guaranteed.

Priority for readmission/transfer is as follows:

1. First Priority: Students who, at the time they left the SMCC ADN program, were passing both theory and clinical.
2. Second Priority: Students who, at the time they left their previous program, were passing both theory and clinical.
3. Third Priority: Students who, at the time they left the SMCC ADN program, had less than a “77” average in theory but had demonstrated potential and safety in the clinical area.
4. Fourth Priority: Students who, at the time they left the SMCC ADN program, were performing unsatisfactorily in clinical. Readmission may be denied based upon the circumstances of the unsatisfactory clinical performance.
5. All first-time applicants within a higher priority category are admitted before those in the next priority are considered.
6. Students dismissed or unsuccessful in the ADN program may reapply to the program as first-time students after a period of 2 years.
7. Entry into a core nursing course is counted as an admission/readmission for the student once classes begin for the semester. Students who leave the nursing program (interrupt normal progression) at any time for any reason must have unused, authorized readmissions to be eligible to apply for consideration for readmission into the program. Readmission is governed by the ADN Readmission Policy.
8. Students who are dismissed or withdraw from the ADN program due to a positive substance test must comply with the requirements in the Substance Testing Policy and Procedures for Associate Degree Nursing as well as the ADN Readmission Policy before being considered for re-entry into the program.
9. Students who are unsuccessful in NUR 1106 will not be allowed to repeat the course, but may apply to enter NUR 1109 Foundations of Nursing the following semester as a Generic RN student.
10. Students not currently enrolled in the ADN program who are seeking readmission must submit an application to the ADN office by the deadline prior to the semester they wish to enter. Deadline for the fall semester is March 1; deadline for the spring semester is October 1. Deadline for students currently enrolled in the ADN program is extended to 24 hours after receiving their course grade from their instructor. Applications submitted after the deadlines may be considered if space is available.
11. Students are eligible to apply for readmission within one year of the last nursing course enrolled.
12. Students not selected for readmission must file a new readmission application for each semester that they wish to be considered. Students are responsible for providing the necessary materials by the deadline for evaluation by the nursing admission committee.
13. A student who has been dismissed from or who leaves the ADN program or LPN program under adverse circumstances (ex. unsafe clinical practice, cheating on tests or paper work, uncivil behavior, etc.) may be denied admission to the ADN and/or LPN program.
14. Acceptance of transfer credit or readmission to the ADN program is based on the ADN policies related to transfer and readmission and is determined on an individual basis and space availability.

TRANSFER POLICY

Acceptance of transfer credit to the Associate Degree Nursing Division (ADN) is determined on an individual basis and transfer policy. Transfer students applying for admission to the ADN Division must apply to the college, be accepted and meet Southwest Mississippi Community College’s (SMCC) transfer policy (see SMCC Catalog). Any student seeking transfer from another nursing program must meet the same criteria as the ADN admissions. Transfer application deadline is the same as for regular admissions (March 1st for Fall semester and October 1st for Spring semester).

The ADN Academic and Admissions Committee examines proposed transfer credits for uniformity with the required ADN curriculum courses. Transferable college credits must be similar in content and in theory/laboratory credit hours to those of the ADN curriculum (see SMCC Catalog).

Previous nursing courses, if equivalent in content and in theory/laboratory credit hours to NUR 1109, may be considered for transfer. No credit will be considered for nursing coursework completed more than two years prior to the student’s application for admission. Any student with a failure in a nursing course is not eligible for transfer.

Equivalent nursing courses must be completed successfully at the transferring institution to be considered for transfer credit. An LPN who has taken and failed Fundamentals of Nursing at another college is not eligible to apply to the LPN to RN Transition program.

Procedure

1. Meet the admission and acceptance criteria for SMCC;
2. Meet the admission and acceptance criteria for the ADN Division;
3. Provide the following documentation for review by the SMCC, Associate Degree Nursing Division, Academic and Admissions Committee, 1156 College Drive, Summit, MS, 39666:
   1. Letter requesting transfer
   2. Transcript copies of all college work
   3. Catalog(s) from colleges at which course(s) were taken
   4. Syllabi and any extra course materials
   5. Letter of recommendation from the director of previously attended nursing program regarding eligibility for return to that nursing program (Student must be in good standing and eligible to return to that program).

The Academic and Admissions Committee will notify the student in writing the decision regarding transfer.

OUTCOMES

ADN Program Outcomes

PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

The State Board of Nursing may deny any application for licensure due to, but not limited to, conviction of a felony, commission of fraud or deceit in application process, or addiction to alcohol or other drugs.

Requirements for Examination Applicants from State-Accredited Mississippi Programs

Applicants from state accredited Mississippi programs shall be eligible to qualify for licensure by examination and must:

1. Submit an official transcript to the board from a state accredited Mississippi nursing program showing successful completion of such program;
2. Submit official documentation of eligibility for graduation to the board if applicant has met all requirements for graduation, but degree has not been formally conferred. Applicant must submit an official transcript within 30 days after the degree is conferred. Failure to submit such transcript shall result in the voiding of the license;
3. Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-19(1) and 73-15-21 (1);
4. Submit completed board-approved application, including the notarized authorization to release information form;
5. Pay required nonrefundable application fee upon submission of application to the board;
6. Submit the application by deadline dates established by the board;
7. Register for the examination with the designated testing service; and
8. Pay required fee upon examination registration to the designated testing service.

In order to qualify for a license to practice nursing, an applicant must have successfully been cleared for licensure through an investigation that shall consist of a determination as to good moral character and verification that the prospective licensee is not guilty of or in violation of any statutory ground for denial of licensure.

Miss. Code Ann. Section §73-15-19 (1) and 73-15-21 (1) authorizes the Mississippi board of Nursing (MSBN) to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background history check of the Mississippi central criminal data base and the Federal Bureau of Investigations criminal history data base on all applicants for licensure.

Part 2820 Chapter 1: Denial, Revocation, Suspension of License Rule 1.1 Board Authority to Deny, Revoke, Suspend License, The board shall have power to deny, revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew any license or permit to practice nursing issued by the board or applied for in accordance with the provision of this act, including the power to fine said individual, upon proof that such person has violated the provisions of Miss. Code Ann. Chapter 15 as more specifically defined in Section 73-15-29. Source: Miss Code Ann. § 73-15-17 (1972, as amended).

PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE RECIPROCITY

Professional Licensure

Requirements for licensure vary from program to program and from state to state. If a student lives outside the state of Mississippi and is considering a program and desires licensure in another state, then the person should contact the appropriate state before applying to Southwest Mississippi Community College.

While it is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board Southwest will make attempts to contact students who are residing out of state while enrolled in licensure programs to prompt them to check their state’s requirements.

Southwest Mississippi Community College has been approved to participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

For your licensure or certification questions, click the appropriate link: 

• Associate Degree Nursing
• Practical Nursing

ACCREDITATION

The ADN program is accredited by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, 3825 Ridgewood Road, P.O. Box 2336, Jackson, MS 39211, Phone: (601)432-6501; and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA, 30326, Phone (404)975-5000.

https://www.acenursing.org/acen-programs-05202024/southwest-mississippi-community-college