Nursing, A.S.

Associate in Science Degree Program

Hegis Code: 5208.1
NYSED Code: 01616

Program Description

Students who complete the Nursing program earn an Associate in Science degree. SUNY Ulster’s Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 800, Atlanta, Georgia 30326. Phone: (404) 975‐5000; fax: (404) 975‐5020; www.acenursing.org.

The program can be completed in two academic years or extended and pursued on a part‐time basis. Nursing courses, however, must be taken consecutively, and it is recommended that they be taken without interruption. Local hospitals and health agencies are utilized as an extension of the college laboratory, providing on‐site experience in various medical settings. Although some nursing courses and laboratories are offered during the day and evening, SUNY Ulster’s Nursing program cannot be completed totally during the evening.

It is recommended that a student who has a felony conviction on his or her record discuss it with the Nursing Department chairperson prior to enrolling in the program. He or she may complete the program and take the licensing examination (NCLEX‐RN). However, licensure determination is made by the New York State Board for Professional Licensure. Pending investigation by the State, the graduate may or may not be licensed.

Nursing students much achieve a minimum grade of C in all required Nursing (NUR), Biology (BIO) courses in order to progress in the Nursing program or to be eligible for graduation. Students may only repeat two Nursing courses. If unsuccessful, the second time, they may not continue in the Nursing program. Students must supply their own transportation to off‐campus labs and learning sites. The Nursing program course sequence must be completed within four consecutive years. If a Nursing major is dismissed from the College for academic reasons, the student may not re‐enter the Nursing program unless approved by the Nursing Department.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the AS Nursing Degree program, a student will be able to

• Describe, use, evaluate and modify the nursing process depending on the needs of the patient, family and community;
• Describe, use, evaluate and modify the concepts of Maslow while caring for the needs of the patient family and community;
• Describe, apply, practice, and analyze the role of the nurse in a model of caring;
• Describe, use, apply, evaluate, and incorporate appropriate communication skills;
• Incorporate culturally competent care;
• Identify, apply, incorporate, compare and contrast the legal and ethical responsibilities of the professional nurse;
• Identify, incorporate and design teaching/learning plans for patients, families and communities;
• Develop, identify, use and conduct beginning nursing research;
• Describe, analyze, apply and practice the role of leadership in nursing

Employment Potential

Upon satisfactory completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse licensure (NCLEX‐RN). This opens up local and nationwide employment opportunities for graduates in many settings with diverse populations.

Requirements for Program Entry

• Fall 2014 Nursing Admissions Requirements (links to http://www.sunyulster.edu/docs/academics/credit_programs/nursing_admit_req.pdf)
• 2014 Nursing Program Application (links to http://www.sunyulster.edu/docs/academics/credit_programs/nursing_app.pdf)
• Nursing Fact Sheet (links to http://www.sunyulster.edu/docs/academics/nursing_fact_sheet.pdf)
• TEAS Pre‐Entrance Examination FAQ
• Additional information about the TEAS exam and how to register to take it can be found at www.atitesting.com
• Nursing Curriculum Map (links to http://www.sunyulster.edu/docs/academics/credit_programs/nursing_curriculum_map.pdf)

Students selected to begin Nursing courses will be required to have the following in place by the beginning of the fall semester:

• Satisfactory physical examination, including immunizations, titers and TB testing are required of all students for each year of the program
• Proof of hepatitis B vaccination or a signed declination with admissions credentials
• Proof of above exams, tests and vaccinations should be faxed to the College Nurse, Mary Tyler, at 845‐687‐5259. If you have questions, email tylerm@sunyulster.edu
• Basic Life Support Certification for the healthcare professional through the American Heart Association
• Compliance with established dress code ‐ estimated cost of books, uniforms and supplies is initially about $800
• Professional liability insurance available through the College for approximately $20 annually
• Satisfactory certified background check and drug screening ‐ approximate cost $105

Developmental Assistance Available

For students who do not meet basic reading and math requirements or who have other learning issues, extra assistance is readily available through SUNY Ulster’s Learning Center, The Gary and Janaki Math Center, the Writing Center, the Peer and Friend Tutor Program, and English as a Second Language (ESL) tutors.

For More Information

admissions@sunyulster.edu
1‐800‐724‐0833 ext. 5018 or 5022
Jody Mesches
Chairperson, Nursing
Office: Hardenbergh Hall, HAR 130
Phone: 800:724‐0833, ext. 5235 or 845:687‐5235
E‐mail: meschesj@sunyulster.edu