Nursing Department

Effective with the Fall 09 incoming ADN and PN class, the Nursing Department has restructured various program requirements and course descriptions. See updates in Nursing or Associate Degree Nursing Course Descriptions.

The Associate Degree Nursing program admits students twice a year, for both the fall and spring semesters. The Practical Nursing Program only admits once a year in the fall.

Students applying for admission to the nursing program are required to submit admission materials and meet entrance requirements before an application will be issued or considered for review. A standardized preadmission nursing entrance examination is also required for admission into the ADN and PN programs. The examination is at the expense of the student. Selection for admission to nursing programs is determined by an admission committee after evaluation of the applications. Residents of South Suburban College’s District will be given first priority for admission into the programs. Admission to the College, completion of prerequisites or application to the programs does not guarantee acceptance to the nursing programs. If the number of qualified candidates exceeds the number of seats available, admission to the program will be competitive and selection is based on published admission requirements and residency status.

Nursing programs are challenging. Students are encouraged to meet with a nursing counselor regularly as they progress through the program. Counseling appointments are made at ext. 2306. It is strongly recommended that all nursing students complete all General Education (non-nursing) courses before entering either program to maximize success. All General Education courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. All nursing courses must also be completed with a grade of a “C” or better to progress through the program. It is strongly suggested that students carefully consider limiting the number of hours they work per week while enrolled in the nursing program. Students are required to provide their own transportation to classes and clinical sites.

Applications are available in the Counseling Center on the second floor of the main campus. All applications for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program and the Practical Nursing Program must be received in the Nursing Department office by specific dates. Any late applications will be placed on a waiting list.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Nursing Requirement Criminal Background Check Prior to Licensure

Important to mention is the requirement to submit a criminal background check as part of the qualifications for licensure/certification. All individuals applying for licensure as a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse and/or certification for Certified Nursing Assistant must submit verification of a criminal background check from a designated agent, identified by the State of Illinois. Additionally, some of the hospital agencies are requiring drug screening as well in order to provide a clinical experience. These screenings will be a student expense.

The Department of Nursing of South Suburban Community College is structured within the college administrative framework as an academic department with rights and responsibilities equal to those of other academic departments. The Department of Nursing is responsible for coordinating and delivering curricula which will produce graduates who are eligible for registered or practical nurse licensure or certification as nursing assistant. Curricula in the programs of study are designed and delivered in accordance with principles concurrent with the mission and goals of South Suburban Community College and consistent with the Nurse Practice Act of the State of Illinois. The certified nurse assistant curricula meets that of the Illinois Department of Public Health approved curricula as outlined by the Illinois Administrative Code.

The philosophy of the department of nursing is supported by the works of Jean Watson and Marjorie Gordon. The philosophy of the department expresses the faculty's beliefs about:

The Individual as a unique being who has inherent dignity and worth as a person and as a member of society. The person is capable of change through continuous adaptation and interaction with the environment to satisfy and maintain basic human needs.

Education as a continuing process preparing the individual to participate in and contribute to a dynamic and contemporary society. Learning is effected through planned integration of experiences that result in changes in behavior.

Health as a dynamic state of growth and development leading to maximum potential as a human being. It is individually defined and is a right of all persons. It is a lifelong continuum that includes economic, environmental and cultural parameters. Emphasis for individual health is focused on promotion of a state of well being. Research and technological changes in society support health.

Society as the internal and external variables the client must confront to achieve health. Societal influences may include family structures, demographics, political environment, community support systems, and individual lifestyle.

Nursing as an art and science which utilizes knowledge and skills in assisting clients to achieve their maximum potential through health promotion, restoration and prevention.

Professional Nursing as the performance of any nursing act based upon professional knowledge, judgment and skills acquired. The professional nurse functions as a provider of care, teacher, manager, researcher and member of the discipline. The professional nurse provides holistic nursing care through the nursing process to individuals, groups and families.

Practical Nursing as an integral part of nursing and involves assisting with each phase of the nursing process. The practical nurse provides direct patient care under the supervision of a physician or registered professional nurse in simple nursing situations. The practical nurse assists the registered professional nurse or the physician in more complex nursing situations.

The Nurse Assistant as an integral member of the health care team who provides delegated care to an individual under the direction (direct supervision) of a licensed practical nurse or a registered professional nurse.

The Nursing Process as a systematic organized method of providing goal-oriented caring that is both effective and efficient. It is an approach to problem solving that enables a nurse to organize and deliver nursing care.