Nursing
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Dalton State College offers a nursing program leading to the Associate of Science in Nursing Degree (RN). This program provides persons with the knowledge and clinical expertise necessary to give direct nursing care to patients in a variety of settings. Some clinical experiences involve out-of-town travel and may include evening hours. Prospective students should be aware that all clinical sites are tobacco free areas and smoking is prohibited. The program of study includes general education and nursing theory, and provides opportunities to care for patients of all ages. This program has full approval with the Georgia Board of Nursing and continuing accreditation with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, Phone: 404-975-5000; Fax: 404-975-5020. www.acenursing.org). Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for Registered Nurse (RN) licensure.
There are specific practices and/or acts delineated in the Nurse Practice Act which might prevent a candidate from being granted a license to practice as a Registered Nurse. Clinical facilities used by the program require students to submit to background checks and drug screenings before they are allowed in the facility. Based on the information obtained, these facilities can refuse student access. Failure to be accepted into clinical facilities may jeopardize a student’s ability to complete the program. For more information, contact the Nursing Department.
Pre-Nursing Requirements
- Admission to Dalton State College and exit (or exempt) all areas of Learning Support.
- High School graduate or G.E.D. equivalent.
- SAT (math and verbal scores only) or ACT (composite score) by the application deadline. Students with an Associate or Bachelor's degree will not be required to have SAT/ACT scores in order to apply.
Students meeting the selection criteria are not guaranteed admission to the Nursing program. Since enrollment in the Nursing program is limited, those students meeting pre-nursing requirements will be evaluated by the nursing department using the nursing admission worksheet and the most qualified students will be selected. The nursing department selects two cohorts annually - Fall and Spring semester. All documentation (ACT/SAT scores, TEAS scores, etc.) must be submitted by the application deadline. The selection process for the Fall cohort takes place in February with students being notified by email of their status in the class in late March. The selection process for the spring cohort takes place in October with students being notified by email of their status in the class in mid November. Students transferring through the Biology department or may choose to retake the courses. This should be completed before the application deadline.
Selection Criteria
- SAT (Math and Verbal only) or ACT (Composite) scores by the application deadline.
- Completion of Biology 2251K, 2252K, and 2260K; Math 1001, 1101, 1111 or 1113; and English 1101 before applying to the program. Applicants who are taking BIOL 2260K the semester the application deadline occurs may apply and will be considered for class selection on a provisional basis.
- The overall GPA (includes all coursework from all colleges attended) will be used for ranking purposes. The overall GPA must be at least 2.75.
- Completion of the Associate Degree Nursing Application (found on the ASN web page on the DSC web site) between November 1 - February 1 for the fall cohort or July 1 - October 1 for the spring cohort.
- Applicants must score a minimum of the 60th percentile or abo ve on the TEAS Test (overall percentage score) to be eligible for class selection. TEAS scores must be obtained within the last three years and must be submitted by the application deadline. Applicants who take the TEAS test at another testing site are responsible for having official scores sent to the Nursing Department administrative Assistant by the application deadline.
- Applicants with an active LPN, CNA, EMT or Paramedic certification/licensure will receive additional point consideration on the admission worksheet.
Students must have been accepted to the college by the application deadline for the cohort they are applying for (February 1 for the fall cohort and October 1 for the spring cohort) to be eligible for class consideration. All documentation (TEAS test scores, ACT/SAT scores, etc.) must be submitted by the application deadline. New students transferring to Dalton State College must submit unofficial transcripts to the nursing department administrative assistant by the application deadline to be eligible for class consideration. The GPA must remain at 2.75 or better to retain a place in the class. Students selected will begin nursing courses in August for the fall cohort and January for the spring cohort. For admission and retention in the nursing program, each student must meet stated performance standards. A copy of these standards are available in the Nursing Department office and online in the Student Handbook.
Former nursing students desiring to re-enter the nursing sequence and transfer students will be considered on a space available basis and MUST meet the current catalog requirements (including the 2.75 overall GPA). Students withdrawing from the nursing sequence must notify the nursing department administrative assistant to be eligible for re-entry into the program.
The following documents must be submitted each year the student is enrolled in a nursing class:
- Physical examination report, with documentation of required immunizations (including influenza and COVID 19). Waivers for these immunizations are available.
- CPR certification (American Heart Association BLS Provider).
- Background check and drug screen (on initial entry into nursing sequence).
- Please be advised that there are additional costs for uniforms, equipment, testing, liability insurance, tote bag, books and other items as needed.
PROGRAM NOTES
Students must maintain at least a “C” average while enrolled in the nursing program and shall earn at least a “C” in all nursing, math, and biological science courses, or the course shall be repeated. Science and/or nursing courses must have been taken within six years of admission, readmission, or transfer into the program, or they must be repeated.
Students may repeat only one nursing course for academic reasons. Students must graduate within three years of entry into the nursing sequence. Students must also comply with all ASN and Dalton State College policies.
Because the nursing program is time consuming and challenging with both theoretical and clinical components, students are encouraged to complete as many of the general education requirements as possible before entering the nursing sequence. Most of the nursing courses have 12 hour clinical components that make it difficult to schedule other classes except in the evenings.
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NURSING
Associate of Science in Nursing
Prepares students for the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a Registered Nurse.
| General Education | ||
| BIOL 2251K | Anatomy and Physiology I */**/*** | 4 |
| BIOL 2252K | Anatomy and Physiology II */**/*** | 4 |
| BIOL 2260K | Microbiology */**/*** | 4 |
| COMM 1110 | Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
| ENGL 1101 | English Composition I * | 3 |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Expressions of Culture I | ||
| Expressions of Culture II | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| World Music | ||
| American Music | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| HIST 2111 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| or HIST 2112 | United States Hist since 1877 | |
| MATH 1111 | College Algebra */*** | 3 |
| or MATH 1001 | Quantitative Skills/Reasoning | |
| or MATH 1101 | Intro to Mathematical Modeling | |
| or MATH 1113 | Precalculus Mathematics | |
| POLS 1101 | American Government | 3 |
| PSYC 1101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Major Field Courses **/*** | ||
| NURS 1111 | Basic Nursing Care | 6 |
| NURS 1112 | Intro. Pharm. & Dosage Calc. | 3 |
| NURS 1115 | Maternal Newborn Nursing | 8 |
| NURS 2015 | Med-Surg I/Mental Health | 10 |
| NURS 2016 | Med-Surg II/Nursing Issues | 10 |
| Total Hours | 70 | |
- *
Courses must be completed before entry into the nursing sequence.
- **
Science and/or nursing courses must have been taken within six years of admission, readmission, or transfer into the program, or they shall be repeated.
- ***
Grade of C or better required.
Courses
NURS 1111. Basic Nursing Care. 3-8-6 Units.
A foundation course that introduces nursing concepts and skills related to the care of multicultural individuals across the lifespan. Requires clinical applications using evidence-based practice in a variety of health care and simulated settings. (Career Course)(F)
Prerequisites: BIOL 2212K, MATH 1001, 1101, 1111, or 1113, ENGL 1101.
Corequisites: NURS 1112, NURS 1113, BIOL 2213K.
NURS 1112. Intro. Pharm. & Dosage Calc.. 3-0-3 Units.
Introduces pharmacological concepts including drug classifications, mathematical calculations, and principles of drug administration. Satisfies the computer literacy requirement. (Career Course)(F)
Corequisites: NURS 1111, NURS 1113, BIOL 2213K.
NURS 1112B. Pharm & Medication Administrat. 3-0-3 Units.
This is an online course that highlights critical thinking techniques efficiently, safely, and accurately calculate medication dosages, as well as classifying and identifying medication characteristics.One purpose is to provide an understanding of the basics of pharmacology including pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics. Drug reactions in relation to side and adverse effects; hypersensitivity reactions; drug tolerance, cumulative effects and drug toxicity; drug interactions; precautions and contraindications, are also addressed to provide the nurse with a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge needed for safe medication administration. The second purpose includes interpreting, reading, and solving calculation problems found in the preparation of medication using measurements within the metric, apothecary, and household systems. Students will learn several methods for calculating dosages of parenteral, powdered, and oral medications, adults and pediatrics weight-based medication as well as intravenous medications. Prerequisite: BIOL 2212K, BIOL 2213K, ENGL 101, MATH 1001, 1101, 1111, OR 1113 Co-requisite: BIOL 2215K, NURS 1121B
NURS 1113. Nutrition. 2-0-2 Units.
Introduces basic nutrition concepts of digestion, absorption and metabolism. Concentrates on essential nutrients including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Addresses nutritional needs from infancy through adulthood and includes eating disorders. (Career Course)(F, S, M)
NURS 1115. Maternal Newborn Nursing. 3-5-8 Units.
A foundation course that concentrates on nursing concepts and skills related to the care of multicultural individuals in the maternal newborn setting. Addresses common well-defined health alterations as related to pregnancy, childbirth and the newborn as well as incorporating the child-bearing family. Requires clinical applications using evidenced-based practice in the maternal newborn and simulated settings. (Career Course) Prerequisite: NURS 1111, NURS 1112, NURS 1113, BIOL 2213K Corequisite: BIOL 2215K, PSYC 1101
NURS 1121B. LPN/Paramedic to ASN. 3-3-6 Units.
This course is offered in the first semester of the LPN/Paramedic Pathway (Bridge) to RN in the nursing program. The course introduces the transition student to the framework of the program of study and provides the foundation for professional nursing practice in the promotion and maintenance of health, prevention of illness, and care of patients/clients experiencing alterations in physiological and psychobiological health. The existing knowledge base of the student will be built upon with the introduction of new concepts and skills. The application of the nursing process and concepts of holistic care, diversity, critical thinking, basic human needs, psychosocial needs, growth and development, legal/ethical issues, pharmacological principles, therapeutic interventions, and communication skills are emphasized. The role of the professional nurse is introduced and expanded to include patient/family education and collaboration with patients, families, the interdisciplinary team, and community agencies. This course includes classroom, skills lab, and virtual simulations. (Career Course) Prerequisites: BIOL 2212K, BIOL 2213K, ENGL 1101, MATH 1001, 1101, 1111, or 1113 Corequisites: BIOL 2215K, NURS 1112B
NURS 2015. Med-Surg I/Mental Health. 3-5-10 Units.
A continuation course offered in the third semester of the Associate of Science in Nursing program. The course addresses promotion and maintenance of physiological, psychological and psychobiological health, prevention of illness, and care of patients/clients experiencing well-defined health alterations. The course concentrates on nursing concepts and skills related to the medical-surgical care and mental health of multicultural individuals across the lifespan and requires clinical applications using evidence-based practice in a variety of health care, community-based, and simulated settings. (Career Course)(F, SP)
Prerequisites: NURS 1111, NURS 1112, NURS 1113, NURS 1115, NURS 1116, BIOL 2215K.
NURS 2015B. Med-Surg 1/Mental Health. 3-5-10 Units.
A continuation course offered in the second semester of the LPN/Paramedic Pathway (Bridge) to an Associate of Science in Nursing. The course addresses promotion and maintenance of physiological, psychological and psychobiological health, prevention of illness, and care of patients/clients experiencing well-defined health alterations. The course concentrates on nursing concepts and skills related to the medical-surgical care and mental health of multicultural individuals across the lifespan and requires clinical applications using evidence-based practice in a variety of health care and community based settings.
Prerequisites: NURS 1112B(O), NURS 1121B (H) Co-requisite: Any additional core courses needed for completion of the pathway.
NURS 2016. Med-Surg II/Nursing Issues. 3-5-10 Units.
A culmination course offered in the fourth semester of the Associate of Science in Nursing program. This course concentrates on nursing concepts and skills related to the care of multicultural individuals across the lifespan. Addresses complex well-defined health alterations. Involves team management of patients and health care workers. Discusses current issues in nursing, prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, and facilitates the transition from student to health care professional. Requires clinical applications in a practicum environment using evidence-based practice in a variety of health care, community based, and simulated settings. (Career Course)(F, SP)
Prerequisites: NURS 1111, NURS 1112, NURS 1113, NURS 1115, NURS 2015, BIOL 2215K, and all general education courses.
NURS 2016B. Med-Surg II/Nursing Issues. 3-5-10 Units.
A culmination course offered in the fourth semester of the Associate of Science in Nursing program. This course concentrates on nursing concepts and skills related to the care of multicultural individuals across the lifespan. Addresses complex well-defined health alterations. Involves team management of patients and health care workers. Discusses current issues in nursing, prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, and facilitates the transition from student to health care professional. Requires clinical applications in a practicum environment using evidence-based practice in a variety of health care, community based, and simulated settings. (Career Course)(F, SP)
Prerequisites: NURS 1111, NURS 1112, NURS 1113, NURS 1115, NURS 2015, BIOL 2215K, and all general education courses.
NURS 3001. RN-BSN Nursing Examination. 0-0-19 Units.
19 hours of credit granted upon successful completion of NURS 4000.
NURS 3100. Perspectives on USA Health Sys. 3-0-3 Units.
This multi-disciplinary course focuses on nursing, business, and social perspectives of the American health care system. Issues related to safety and quality, access, finance, and politics will be emphasized.(F)
Corequisites: NURS 3000, NURS 4000.
NURS 3197. Professional Nursing Practice. 3-0-3 Units.
This course is designed to enhance and facilitate the development of the RN student to the role of a BSN prepared professional nurse. The focus is on developing personal and professional growth to promote better advocacy, critical thinking, educator skills, effective communication, and leadership abilities in a complex healthcare environment. Course content includes concepts from historical contributions and theories that have guided the profession, to promoting professional philosophies, visions, and practices to help prepare for future trends in healthcare. Topics relate to culture and diversity, professional ethics, political and legal issues in nursing, and technology. Students will apply knowledge of standards of practice, evidence-based practice, and caring science to course topics.
NURS 3297. Nursing Research and Applicat. 3-0-3 Units.
This course is designed to provide the registered nurse with an overview of the major research concepts as applied to the profession of nursing, to scholarship, and to clinical practice. Analysis, critique, and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative research approaches, including ethical implications, for evidence-based nursing practice will be examined. Emphasis is placed on how to critique, analyze, and apply published and empirical research findings to evidence-based nursing practice.(F, SP)
NURS 3397. Health Assessment. 3-0-3 Units.
This course is a study of the advanced knowledge and skills beyond the Associates’ degree in Nursing, designed to enhance health assessment for nursing practice in the care of individuals across the lifespan. Theory and skills essential to completing a comprehensive and holistic health history and physical examination are emphasized. In addition, the holistic delivery of care will include cultural, spiritual, nutritional, alternative, complementary therapies, and health promotion for the delivery of safe and person-centered care. The importance of comprehensive and accurate documentation as a tool for effective communication amongst the interdisciplinary team is reviewed.(F, Sp)
NURS 4200. Nursing Capstone. 3-0-3 Units.
A course designed to allow students to explore, discuss and begin to resolve issues in professional nursing and health care. In this course, students will complete a senior thesis project.(F, Sp)
NURS 4497. Community Health Nursing. 3-0-3 Units.
This course is designed to examine the concepts and principles of community and population health nursing. The course will provide an overview of health issues that transcend borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. Emphasis is placed on roles, levels of prevent, principles of epidemiology, public health policy, and disaster preparedness.
NURS 4500. Community Leadership Practicum. 0-3-3 Units.
This course includes clinical precepting experience in leadership and community health arenas. This practicum course will build on the concepts and knowledge gained from previous nursing courses allowing for the application of theories and concepts associated with nursing leadership, research, and management of care. A clinical practicum will enhance these skills.(F, Sp)
NURS 4597. Leadership & Management. 3-0-3 Units.
This course introduces the leadership roles and management functions of professional registered nurses within the structure of an organization. The management process provides the foundational structure for the course, while the theoretical framework for this course is established through exploration of leadership styles, organizational theory, and management theory. Quality assurance and the provision of evidence-based, patient-centered care and collaborative relationships are emphasized. The impact of political and legislative processes, the integration of informatics, and the legal and ethical issues in management are also discussed.