Nursing

Program Mission
In accordance with the mission of the college, the mission of the Nursing program is to provide high-quality, comprehensive, student-centered nursing education. The fundamental focus exemplifies current clinical and educational evidence-based practices which enables students to provide safe, comprehensive nursing care to diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities. The nursing education program in collaboration with its community partners, provides an avenue for students to achieve career and life goals through the application of knowledge, critical thinking, clinical judgment, and interpersonal skills necessary to practice as a registered nurse. 

Program Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this degree, graduates have demonstrated the ability to:

• Demonstrate well-planned, safe and effective, culturally appropriate, patient-centered care using the nursing process.
• Utilize the principles of communication, engagement, caring, presence, accountability, and service within a legal and ethical framework.
• Practice collaboratively within nursing and with multi-professional healthcare providers.
• Incorporate best current, evidence-based practice in planning and implementing care for optimal health and wellness.
• Utilize healthcare systems resources to plan, organize and deliver care.
• Interact effectively with patients, families, and colleagues using therapeutic communication.
• Demonstrate accountability and professionalism in the nursing role using legal, ethical, regulatory, and humanistic principles.
• Participate in leadership and spirit of inquiry that contribute to lifelong learning, professional growth, and the body of nursing knowledge.

Program Purpose Statement
The Associate in Science degree in Nursing prepares students to provide safe, comprehensive nursing care to diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities in various structured settings, including acute, ambulatory, long-term, and mental-health. Students in the degree take courses in nursing, science, and general education. Nursing courses include classroom courses, simulation laboratories, and clinical experiences. Learning experiences and clinical/practical experiences may vary in time and locations.

Students may enroll in the Nursing program on a full-time or part-time basis, but they must take classroom courses and clinical components concurrently. Students have three years from the date of entry into the first nursing course to complete all nursing courses.

Students admitted into the Nursing program must take nursing courses in sequence and must achieve a minimum grade of C+ (76.67) in all major theory and science courses (Nursing, Anatomy and Physiology I/II, and Microbiology), To continue, they must also achieve a C (73.33) in all other general education program requirements, and a grade of  “Pass” in clinical.

Admission Requirements: Applicants must:

1. Meet college requirements for admission. Submit official high school and previous college transcripts to the WMCC Admissions Department.
2. Achieve a minimum total score of 60.0% or better on the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (ATI TEAS). Applicants are allowed three attempts. Test scores are valid for three years. Contact the WMCC Admissions Office for exam dates and cost.
3. Have completed science courses within five years of their first Nursing course at WMCC for the courses to be eligible for transfer credit. Transfer credits are awarded for Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Microbiology only if the grade is a C+ or better.
4. Submit two professional references, work or education related.

Applications are not complete until all the above-mentioned documents have been received. To qualify for admission, applications must be completed by March 15th.

Selection Criteria
Selection is determined by the Nursing Admission Rubric, which evaluates applicable college courses and grades, the ATI TEAS score, and references. Qualified students who are not accepted at first may be assigned to a prioritized waiting list based on the above criteria. They may be subsequently admitted if an opening becomes available prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Students desiring admission in the future must reapply.

Upon Acceptance: All students accepted into the Nursing program must:

1. Submit a current physical examination (within one year prior to beginning their first Nursing course), including all immunizations/titers.
2. Possess and maintain personal health insurance.
3. Acquire and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider certification.
4. Complete a criminal background check through the program’s approved vendor.
5. Complete a drug screening through the program’s approved vendor.

LPN to RN Completion Option
Licensed Practical Nurses wishing to advance their education and complete their Associate in Science degree in Nursing may transfer into the second semester of the Nursing program pending seat availability after meeting the following criteria: They must:

1. Have successfully completed a practical Nursing program from an accredited school or college.
2. Provide evidence of a current unencumbered LPN license and recent practice.
3. Meet all College requirements.
4. Provide evidence of first semester courses:
   • Human Growth and Development with a C or better.
   • Anatomy and Physiology I with a C+ or better and completed within the last five years.
   • Science courses completed within five years of the students’ admission into the Nursing program. Transfer credits are awarded for grades of C+ or better for Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Microbiology.
5. Achieve a 77% or better on a drug calculations test.
6. Take ATI Practical Nurse Comprehensive Predictor and achieve 68% or better.
7. Demonstrate competency in specified skills, including assessment of vital signs, medication administration, and sterile technique.

A meeting with the Nursing Program Coordinator is recommended to ensure students are prepared for entry into the second semester of the first year.

Transfer Policy
Transfer into the Nursing program may be an option only if there is space available. Transfer requests are evaluated individually based on the student’s qualifications and seat availability. Contact the Nursing Program Coordinator for further information.

Readmission Policy
Students matriculated in the Associate in Science degree in Nursing who withdraw or do not achieve the required minimum grade may be eligible for readmission. Readmission requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must occur within one year of the student’s exiting the program. Readmission requests are contingent upon space availability. Students applying for readmission are required to meet the curriculum requirement in effect at the time of readmission.

Students who have failed a Nursing course because of unsafe practice involving actions or non-actions are NOT eligible for readmission into the Nursing program.

Program Accreditation:
WMCC’s Associate in Science degree in Nursing meets the state education requirements for a registered nurse license in the state of New Hampshire. WMCC has not determined if its degree in Nursing meets the state education requirements for any other state, any US territory, or the District of Columbia. Students should contact the state regulatory agency for nursing requirements in any other state for which this information is needed.  

The Associate in Science degree in Nursing is approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON). Upon satisfactory completion of the degree, graduates are eligible to apply to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON) and Pearson VUE NCLEX Candidate Services for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The New Hampshire Board of Nursing’s licensing regulations may restrict candidates who have been involved in civil or criminal legal proceedings. Questions about licensing restrictions should be addressed to:

Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
Division of Health Professions
Board of Nursing
7 Eagle Square
Concord, NH 03301

board.questions@oplc.nh.gov
https://www.oplc.nh.gov/new-hampshire-board-nursing   

The Nursing program at WMCC located in Berlin, NH is accredited by:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
www.acenursing.org 

For WMCC’s Nursing program, the most recent accreditation by the ACEN Board of Commissioners was done by Initial Accreditation. Information regarding this accreditation appears in ACEN’s public disclosure at http://www.acenursing.us/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm.

Employment and Advanced Educational Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the degree, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Prior to meeting all course requirements for the degree, students may be eligible to apply to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing for additional licensure after the successful completion of Nursing I (LNA) and Nursing III (LPN). The New Hampshire State Board of Nursing may restrict licensing of candidates who have been involved in civil or criminal legal action. 

Questions about licensing restriction should be addressed to:

Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
Division of Health Professions
Board of Nursing
7 Eagle Square
Concord, NH 03301
OPLCLicensing10@oplc.nh.gov
603-271-2152 Press 1, to speak with one of our Customer Support Representatives.
Email us at CustomerSupport@oplc.nh.gov
https://www.oplc.nh.gov/nursing

The Nursing program maintains articulation agreements with colleges and universities throughout New England. Further information can be obtained from the Nursing Program Coordinator.

Technical Standards
All students in the WMCC Nursing program must be able to perform diverse, complex, and specific functions and skills. Technical and professional standards for nursing are essential standards that speak to a student’s ability to participate and succeed in the Nursing program. WMCC must ensure that patient safety is not compromised by students during their learning experiences. Therefore, students are expected to demonstrate emotional stability, exercise sound judgment, accept directions and guidance from supervisors or faculty members, and establish rapport and appropriate interpersonal relationships with peers, staff, patients, and their families.

The following technical standards provide guidance to students regarding the skills and abilities necessary for them to function successfully in the program and ultimately in the nursing profession. Applicants who think they may not be able to meet one or more of the technical standards must contact the Nursing Program Coordinator to discuss individual cases. They must have:

• Adequate strength and motor coordination to perform the following physical activities: Operating and handling equipment, moving and transferring patients, and performing CPR.
• Adequate hearing to assess patient needs and to understand instructions, emergency signals, and telephone conversations.
• Adequate visual acuity to observe patients, manipulate equipment, interpret data, ensure a safe environment, identify color changes, and read fine print/writing and calibrations.
• Adequate speech and language ability to express, comprehend, and exchange information and ideas verbally and non-verbally. Adequate speech and language ability to interact clearly and logically with patients, family members, physicians, peers, and other medical personnel.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions, to respond appropriately in emergencies or unexpected situations, and to cope with variations in workload and stress levels.
• Ability to maintain mature, effective relationships with patients, students, faculty, staff, and other professionals under all circumstances.
• Ability to understand instructions, emergency signals, and telephone conversations.