Program Overview
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program prepares the graduates to work as entry-level registered professional nurses. Nurses are part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team who work together, each contributing knowledge and skills, unique to their discipline, to treat the patient as a whole. Students master the knowledge and skills specific to nursing over four semesters at RVC through classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences instructed by highly experienced and credentialed nursing faculty. Nursing students will then be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam, to receive the national credentials of the Registered Nurse (RN).
Work and Employment
Graduates of the program are highly employable at all three Rockford hospitals as well as Long-Term Care facilities and community organizations. Our graduates have found employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including acute care facilities, long-term care facilities, ambulatory care, home care, hospice care, and community nursing. Specialty areas our graduates work in are: Emergency Rooms, Operating Rooms, Cardiac Catheterizations Labs, Endoscopy, Pediatrics, Mother/Baby, Cardiac Units, Orthopedic Units, ICU/PICU/NICU, General Medical-Surgical Units, Gerontology, and Transport Teams, along with other units.
RN-BSN Partnerships
Currently, local hospitals are requiring new graduates to complete their BSN within 3-5 years after gaining employment in their facilities. RVC Nursing has formed partnerships with five (5) RN-BSN Completion Programs to meet this need. New graduates can work at the local hospitals while completing their BSN and receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. RVC’s RN-BSN Completion Program Partners are:
| • Indiana-Wesleyan University (IWU) |
online program |
| • Northern Illinois University (NIU) |
hybrid program |
| • St. Anthony College of Nursing (SACN) |
hybrid program |
| • University of IL at Chicago (UIC) |
online program |
| • Olivet Nazarene University |
online program |
Information Sessions and Academic Advising
Information Sessions are held four times a semester to explain the details of the RVC Nursing Program. These Information Sessions provide the most up-to-date information about the program and the admission process. Since the educational pathway does not end at RVC, it is mandatory for students to meet with an academic advisor to plan for a seamless transfer to a RN-BSN Completion Program which meets their needs.
Pre-Admission Tests
- ATI TEAS Test and Writing Sample must be completed before the application due dates. Visit the Testing Center website for dates and details: RockValleyCollege.edu/ADNtest.
- Study resources can be found at: ATITesting.com and bookstores.
Admission Procedure
All students are required to meet with an Academic Advisor to ensure a successful pathway to the nursing program. Once Admission Criteria has been met, one may submit an application to the Nursing Division office.
- Transfer students: ALL college transcripts must be submitted to the Records Department at the time of RVC enrollment
- Application Deadlines:
– Fall Admissions:
|
Applications are accepted between
October 15 & February 15
|
– Spring Admissions:
|
Applications are accepted between
May 15 & August 15
|
Program Standards and Expectations
The Nursing Program is responsible for providing our community with quality nurses who care for their clients safely. In order to become a quality, safe practicing nurse, students will be required to attend all classes and all clinicals. Clinical experiences require travel to facilities in the college region. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to clinical sites.
All nursing courses require a minimum of “C” 80% or higher to pass. Students who do not earn a “C” or higher will remediate by course repetition. Only one nursing course repetition is allowed to continue in the Nursing Program. All supporting courses/electives required for the degree must also be completed with a “C” or higher in order to receive the A.A.S. Degree in Nursing.
Criminal Background Check and Drug Testing
Students will undergo a criminal background check and drug testing upon admission to the program. It is possible that a student’s criminal background and/or a positive drug test will prevent participation in hospital clinical practice and program completion.
Fees
Physical exam, immunizations/titers, Mantoux test, drug testing, uniform, licensure application, fingerprint background check, and NCLEX-RN exam fees are subject to change.
Licensure
Students who successfully complete the Nursing Program are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Graduates who pass this national licensing exam will earn the title of Registered Nurse (RN).
• Successful completion of the Nursing Program
|
| • Background Fingerprint |
(fee) |
| • Application for NCLEX-RN |
(fee) |
| • Registration for NCLEX-RN |
(fee) |
| • RN Licensure |
(fee) |
Admission Criteria
Students must meet the following minimum criteria in order to be considered for admission into the Nursing Program:
- Active Nurse Aide Certificate (CNA) with no disqualifying convictions (background check)
- Maintain a “C” or higher in all prerequisite and elective courses.
- Overall 2.75 GPA in the following courses:
– BIO 185
*May substitute with BIO 281/282
– BIO 274
– CHM 110 (or higher)
– ENG 101
– PSY 170
- NRS 104 Pathophysiology (within 2 years)
– Must complete with a “C” or higher (80%)
- ATI TEAS and a writing sample need to be completed at the RVC Testing Center
– Overall Composite Score ................. Proficient Level or higher
– Individual Category Scores ............ Basic Level or higher
– Visit: RockValleyCollege.edu/ADNtest.
Requirements
General Education
Prerequisite Courses:
MUST complete BEFORE admission to the program
BIO 185: Or 8 credits from BIO 281/282*.
CHM 110: Or higher.
Elective Courses: Choose 9 credits from the following:
HIGHLY recommended to complete BEFORE admission into the program
| FWS-237 | Nutrition for Optimum Living | 3 |
| MTH-220 | Elements of Statistics | 3 |
| PSY-270 | Life-Span Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| SPH-131 | Fundamentals of Communication | 3 |
| SOC-190 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Core Nursing
Prerequisite Nursing Core Course
MUST complete BEFORE admission to the program
| NRS-104 | Pathophysiology: Altered Health Concepts | 3 |
First Semester Level I
| NRS-106 | Intro to Nursing Health Assessment | 3 |
| NRS-107 | Basic Principles of Pharmacology for Nursing | 3 |
| NRS-110 | Core Concepts I: Foundations of Nursing Practice | 2 |
| NRS-111 | Core Concepts II: Fundamentals of Nursing | 5 |
Second Semester Level II
| NRS-221 | Behavioral Health/Older Adult Health Nursing | 4 |
| NRS-223 | Adult Health Nursing I | 4 |
Third Semester Level III
| NRS-235 | Family and Reproductive Health Nursing | 4 |
| NRS-237 | Adult Health Nursing II | 4 |
Fourth Semester Level IV
| NRS-241 | Child and Family Health Nursing | 4 |
| NRS-243 | Adult Health Nursing III | 4 |
| NRS-245 | Transition to Professional Nursing | 2 |