Traditional Nursing

**Applicants previously enrolled in any nursing program other than GSCC must provide a Letter of Good Standing from the Dean or Director of the previous program. This letter will be submitted to the Program Director before the application deadline.

After acceptance to the nursing program students will be required to complete the following before registering for nursing courses:

• Present a clear criminal background check and drug screen.
• Complete a health physical.
• Submit a completed health questionnaire and immunizations records.
• Submit proof of health insurance. Students who do not show proof of insurance will not be allowed to attend clinical.
• Complete CPR certification if needed.
• Attend nursing program orientation.

Essential Functions are the fundamental job duties and skills associated with a particular position. Essential Functions for Nursing cover sensory perception, communication, interpersonal relationships, motor functions and professional behavior. All students are required to read the Essential Functions identified for Nursing Education and determine if they are capable of performing these functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Students must be able to: *

• Observe and discern subtle changes in physical conditions and the environment
• Visualize different color spectrums and color changes
• Read fine print in varying levels of light
• Read for prolonged periods of time
• Read cursive writing
• Read at varying distances
• Read data/information displayed on monitors/equipment
• Interpret monitoring devices
• Distinguish muffled sounds heard through a stethoscope
• Hear and discriminate high and low frequency sounds produced by the body and the environment
• Effectively hear to communicate with others
• Discern tremors, vibrations, pulses, textures, temperature, shapes, size, location and other physical characteristics.
• Detect body odors and odors in the environment
• Verbally and in writing, engage in a two-way communication and interact effectively with others, from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds
• Work effectively in groups
• Work effectively independently
• Discern and interpret nonverbal communication
• Express one's ideas and feelings clearly
• Communicate with others accurately in a timely manner
• Obtain communications from a computer
• Possess cognitive/critical thinking skills
• Effectively read, write and comprehend the English language
• Consistently and dependably engage in the process of critical thinking in order to formulate and implement safe and ethical nursing decisions in a variety of health care settings
• Demonstrate satisfactory performance on written examinations including mathematical computations without a calculator
• Satisfactorily achieve the program objectives
• Handle small delicate equipment/objects without extraneous movement, contamination or destruction
• Move, position, turn, transfer, and lift/ carry/assist with lifting clients without injury to clients, self, or others
• Maintain balance from any position
• Stand on both legs
• Coordinate hand/eye movements
• Push/pull heavy objects without injury to client, self or others
• Stand, bend, walk and/or sit for 6-12 hours in a clinical setting performing physical activities requiring energy without jeopardizing the safety of the client, self or others
• Walk without a cane, walker or crutches
• Function with hands free for nursing care and transporting items
• Transport self and client without the use of electrical devices
• Flex, abduct and rotate all joints freely
• Respond rapidly to emergency situations
• Maneuver in small areas
• Perform daily care functions for the client
• Coordinate fine and gross motor hand movements to provide safe effective nursing care.
• Calibrate/use equipment
• Execute movement required to provide nursing care in all health care settings
• Perform CPR and physical assessment
• Operate a computer
• Convey caring, respect, sensitivity, tact, compassion, empathy, tolerance and a healthy attitude toward others
• Demonstrate a mentally healthy attitude that is age appropriate in relationship to the client
• Handle multiple tasks concurrently
• Perform safe, effective nursing care for clients in a caring context
• Understand and follow the policies and procedures of the College and clinical agencies
• Understand the consequences of violating the student code of conduct
• Understand that posing a direct threat to others is unacceptable and subjects one to discipline
• Meet qualifications for licensure by examination as stipulated by the Alabama Board of Nursing
• Not pose a threat to self or others
• Function effectively in situations of uncertainty and stress inherent in providing nursing care
• Adapt to changing environments and situations
• Remain free of chemical dependency
• Report promptly to clinical and remain for 6-12 hours on the clinical unit
• Provide nursing care in an appropriate time frame
• Accept responsibility, accountability, and ownership of one's actions
• Seek supervision/consultation in a timely manner
• Examine and modify one's own behavior when it interferes with nursing care or learning
• Ability to make critical decisions in chaotic, disruptive, and complex environments

* The Americans with Disabilities Act requires colleges and universities to inform students of all performance expectations related to their job and school performance. In accordance with College policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be directed to the program director.

• ACT Score = 18-36 possible points. No time limit on when the ACT was taken.
• Points for grades in the following nursing required core general educational courses (ENG 101, MTH 100 or higher, BIO 201 and 202)
  • A = 3 points
  • B = 2 points
  • C = 1 point
  • D = 0 points
  • 10 pts = First admission to any nursing program (traditional applicants)
  • 10 pts = First admission to a RN or mobility program (mobility applicants)