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Associate Degree of Nursing

General Information

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The Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing at UA Fort Smith offers a competency based associate degree nursing program that combines nursing theory and clinical experiences that enables the graduate to practice in today's dynamic healthcare environment. Passing rates on the NCLEX-RN, the examination for RN licensure, remain consistently above both national and state averages. Graduates are actively recruited by employers, both locally and regionally. The ADN program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Accreditation

[IMAGE: adn3.jpg] The ADN Program in the Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The NLNAC may be contacted at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30326, telephone 404-975-5000.

The Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing also has approval from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

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Mission

The mission of the UA Fort Smith Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing is consistent with the mission of UA Fort Smith by its design and program outcomes. The nursing education programs challenge students to think critically in an environment that facilitates educational mobility, personal growth, and a pattern of lifelong learning. The mission of the associate degree nursing (ADN) program is to educate qualified students to earn an associate of applied science degree, to pass the NCLEX-RN, and to integrate knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes essential for entry level nursing practice.

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Philosophy

The faculty of the Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing hold certain values about nursing and the educational process. These values form the framework in which learning activities move in a logical progression throughout the curriculum and are based on the following concepts:

A human being is a unique holistic individual with worth, rights, and responsibilities. All human beings have needs. Fulfillment of these needs occurs within the context of their culture and responses to life experiences.

Health is a dynamic state that encompasses the holistic human being. Health results from the human being’s response to change in his/her internal and external environments. Health occurs along the wellness/illness continuum and is influenced by personal and cultural values.

Environment is the conditions or influences within which the human being exists. Stimuli within the internal and external environment are constantly interacting and affect the individual, family, and community’s position on the wellness/illness continuum.

Nursing, as an art and science, is a dynamic profession with an evolving body of knowledge that is supported by research within the profession as well as from principles and theories from other disciplines. Nursing focuses on assisting human beings to meet needs along the wellness/illness continuum. Nurses use the nursing process in the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health in culturally diverse clients throughout the lifespan. Changes in the current healthcare environment reflect an increased complexity in client needs and in delivery systems and, thus, necessitate various levels of nursing educational preparation.

Nursing education is the means by which students learn to practice nursing and is best provided in an institution of higher learning. Learning is a lifelong activity that is purposeful and motivated by individual need. The various levels of nursing education include, but are not limited to, practical nursing, associate degree nursing, and baccalaureate degree nursing. Each type of nursing educational program provides a unique and valuable contribution to healthcare.

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Organizing Framework

The Competency Outcomes and Performance Assessment model (COPA) was used to structure and organize the nursing curriculum. The COPA model emphasizes practice-based outcomes, practice-focus learning, and structured, objective assessment of performance competencies. Competency outcomes utilized throughout the curriculum are based on professional standards and guidelines for safe nursing practice determined by nationally recognized nursing organizations and the eight core competencies identified in the COPA model. The eight core competencies are operationalized to determine student learning, course, and program outcomes and are used by faculty to facilitate student achievement of these outcomes. The eight core competencies identified in the COPA model are: assessment and intervention skills, communication skills, critical thinking skills, teaching skills, human caring relationship skills, leadership skills, and knowledge integration skills. Students demonstrate achievement of outcomes through successful demonstration of competency on assessment measures throughout the curriculum. These assessment measures are termed Competency Performance Evaluations (CPEs) and Competency Performance Assessments (CPAs).

The curriculum is further organized around the human being and needs of the human being along the wellness/illness continuum according to Maslow’s hierarchy. The needs of the human being occur within the context of environment and values and are reflective of the uniqueness of the individual, the individual within the family, and the individual within the community. A body systems approach focused on common health problems of individuals across the lifespan is used for acquisition of knowledge and skills needed by the Associate Degree nurse to safely care for diverse populations in diverse settings. The complexity of learning concepts and skill progresses from simple to complex across the four semesters of the associate degree nursing program and are reflected in the course outcomes and settings utilized for clinical experiences.

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Admission Criteria

[IMAGE: adn2.jpg] Admission to the UA Fort Smith ADN Program is selective. To be considered for admission to the program, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Complete admission requirements to enter UA Fort Smith
2. Submit official transcripts from any college(s) previously attended
3. Have a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average for all college course work (including transfer work and excluding zero-level developmental courses).
4. Meet minimum skill levels in reading and math according to one of the following criteria:
   • Provide recent (taken within the last four years) ACT or COMPASS scores indicating no reading required and placement into MATH 1403 College Algebra or higher.
   • Provide college transcript(s) indicating acceptable reading and math placement.
5. Obtain a minimum score of 60% on the NLN Pre-Admission Exam (PAX-RN).

ADN Information Packet(PDF)

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Selection

A limited number of students are admitted to Nursing Technology I in the fall semester and to Transition/Bridge in the summer semester. Students who meet the minimum criteria are eligible to submit an application for admission to the ADN program.

Application Deadlines

• May 15 for the class starting in August
• April 15 for the LPN/Paramedic to RN summer Transition/Bridge class

1. Eligible students must contact the Coordinator of Academic Support Services for the College of Health Sciences during the 30 days prior to the application deadline
2. The program application will be completed at this appointment
3. A review of the student’s transcripts will be conducted by the coordinator to determine quality points and cumulative GPA

Admission is competitive and selection is based on the following weighted system:

Ranking System

Admission for those student with no prior college course work is based on the following weighted system:

Ranking System

NOTE: In the event that applicants have identical ranking scores, priority will be given to the student with the highest cumulative grade point average.

Additional Documentation

• The Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form – this form will be provided to each student accepted into the program and must be completed before beginning the program
• Proof of immunizations (shot records must be on file in our office)
• CPR Certification: American Heart Association CPR for Healthcare Providers
• Criminal Background Check

MEETING THE MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION OR TAKING COURSES IN THE ADN DEGREE PLAN DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMISSION TO THE ADN PROGRAM. Students not admitted must reapply to be considered for another semester. Students chosen as alternates are not guaranteed a position in the next class.

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College Level Examination Program (CLEP)/ Advanced Placement (AP) Credit

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Degree Requirements

View the degree requirements for the AAS in Nursing Technology.

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Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form

Students accepted into the ADN program will be required to provide documentation of good physical and mental health by completion of the Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form. Documentation of all health problems and a medical release form will be required. Copies of immunization records and a valid CPR certification must be submitted to the Coordinator of Academic Support Services for the College Health Sciences by the first day of class. No student will be allowed to attend a clinical rotation without the required health data records on file in the program director's office.

• Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form(PDF)

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NLN Pre-Admission Exam (PAX-RN)

[IMAGE: adn6.jpg] The PAX-RN will be given at least 5 times a year. Registration for the PAX-RN is required in advance of the scheduled exam dates. Test candidates are required to create a user account, complete an online registration form, and make payments at [https://www.nlnonlinetesting.org][www.nlnonlinetesting.org]]. The content areas of the PAX-RN exam include: Science, Math, Verbal skills and Reading comprehension. The test is timed for three (3) hours.

• The non-refundable test fee is $35.00. If you cancel and re-schedule a test, you are required to pay a new test fee of $35.00 plus a $15.00 service charge to NLN.
• A study guide and general test information is available at www.nlnonlinetesting.org.

There is a 3 month waiting period before those who fail the test can retake it again. Students are allowed one retake during that semester. Retakes are for test failures only. The most recent score will be used for ranking purposes. Scores may be used for two years following the date of examination.

REMEDIATION is strongly recommended for success on the RETAKE

• Study guides are available for your use in the College of Health Sciences Learning Resource Center (HS116), or they may be purchased online when registering.
• An online practice assessment and study guides are also available for purchase online.

Pre-entrance Exam Dates

2010 Exam Dates & Registration Information(PDF)

Each semester students scheduled to take the (PAX-RN) exam have the opportunity to attend a free workshop to improve their study and test taking skills. For more information, or to register for a workshop, please contact: Rebecca Kaszubowski phone: (479) 788-7392 or e-mail: rkaszubo@uafortsmith.edu

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Progression and Graduation

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Progression

The ADN Program is competency based in skills and theory. A student must demonstrate satisfactory clinical performance, 100% mastery on all Competency performance Examinations (CPE), and maintain an average cumulative score of 77% on Competency Performance Assessments (CPA) including the final for each course. A student who discontinues the nursing sequence for any reason must petition the Admission/Readmission Committee for readmission to the nursing program. Student are permitted only one readmission. Acceptance for readmission is based on availability of space. Students who are readmitted are accountable for the degree requirements in force at the time of readmission.

A grade of “C” or better is required ALL courses applicable to the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing Technology (ADN). Science courses taken more than five years prior to entering the program will be evaluated on an individual basis by the program director and/or the college dean. See your advisor for more information and to request a science course evaluation.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of the program with a grade point average of 2.0 or better, an associate of applied science degree is awarded. The student must meet with their program advisor to complete the graduation application. The student is responsible for providing the Records Office with evidence that the criteria for graduation have been met one semester prior to graduation. After being granted the associate of applied science degree, the student is eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for a Registered Nurse.

Note: The application process for RN licensure requires a state & federal criminal background check. Students who have been convicted of a crime, including those that are sealed or expunged, must seek permission from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing to write the licensure exam to become a license registered nurse. to the top

Clinical Education

The ADN program places a strong emphasis on clinical education. As a competency based program, the clinical education component provides students with the opportunity to practice competencies necessary to integrate knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes essential for entry-level nursing practice. Over the course of the four semesters, students will follow a structured rotation schedule through various clinical agencies.

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Expenses

Tuition And Fees

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Student Nurses Association

This is a pre-professional organization for students enrolled in the ADN program. It is the representative voice for nursing students to the rest of student government and to the faculty. Through community service activities and informative guest lecturers, the student is appraised of current issues and trends impacting nursing and healthcare. Each semester, nursing students are required to attend one student nurses' association meeting. Meeting times are announced and posted.

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Advanced Placement for Licensed Practical Nurses and Paramedics

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith allows Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Paramedics to gain advanced placement in the Associate Degree Nursing Program. Admission with advanced placement is selective. In addition to the admission criteria, licensure and employment must be documented.

• Advanced Placement Information(PDF)
• Employment Verification Form(PDF) (form must be completed prior to the application deadline)

Licensed Practical Nurses

There are two methods by which LPNs may gain advanced placement in the Associate Degree Nursing Program:

1. Credit by examination: College credit for ADN 1508 Nursing Technology I is given to LPNs who successfully pass the NLN Acceleration Challenge Exam I (ACE) with a score of 75 or higher. Credit by examination allows the student to enter ADN 151A Nursing Technology II.
2. ADN 1548 Nursing Technology Transition: The nursing transition course combines the competencies LPNs need from ADN 1508 Nursing Technology I and ADN 151A Nursing Technology II. Selected LPNs are admitted into this transitional course. Successful completion of ADN 1548 Nursing Technology Transition qualifies the LPN to enter ADN 271A Nursing Technology III.

To be considered for admission with advanced placement, the following additional criteria must be met:

• Hold a current, valid, unencumbered license, which must be maintained throughout the completion of the ADN program.
• Submit proof of graduation from an LPN program within the past 12 months OR documentation of 1000 hours of nursing employment within the past two calendar years.

Paramedics

There is one method by which Paramedics may gain advanced placement in the Associate Degree Nursing Program.

ADN 1558 Nursing Technology Bridge: The nursing bridge course combines the competencies Paramedics need from ADN 1508 Nursing Technology I and ADN 151A Nursing Technology II. Selected Paramedics are admitted into this bridge course. Successful completion of ADN 1558 Nursing Technology Bridge qualifies the Paramedic to enter ADN 271A Nursing Technology III.

To be considered for admission with advanced placement the following additional criteria must be met:

• Hold a current, valid, unencumbered certification or national registry as a paramedic which must be maintained through the completion of the ADN program.
• Document 6 months of satisfactory full-time employment as a field paramedic within the past two years. A letter from the applicant's employer will be kept on file.

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Contact Information

• Student Advisement 479-788-7400, advise@uafortsmith.edu
• Pam Henderson, MSN, RN, Executive Director of ADN and PN Programs, 479-788-7844, phenders@uafortsmith.edu

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• PN Student Handbook 2009-2010(PDF)
  

• ADN Student Handbook 2009-2010(PDF)
  

• BSN Student Handbook 2009-2010(PDF)
  

• Student Nursing Association