Nursing

Associate Degree Nursing Program Information

Registered nurses care for patients in clinics, hospitals, homes, or other community settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. If approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, graduates of TVCC’s ADN Program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination – RN to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN).

The TVCC ADN program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. The associate degree nursing program at Trinity Valley Community College at the Health Science Center located in Terrell, Texas is accredited by the:

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

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate degree nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programSearch.htm.

There is a selection process for this program. It is the student’s responsibility to read the current health occupations brochure or contact an advisor regarding the current process. Students may apply if they expect to complete the prerequisite courses or become TSI complete by the end of the fall semester. The brochure includes information about the selection process, immunization requirements, and estimated costs, etc.

The deadline for completing all pre-admission testing requirements and submitting the online application is December 1. Applicants will have until January 31 to submit fall semester transcripts and TSI completion documentation.

Note: Criminal history may disqualify individuals from obtaining or maintaining nursing certifications.

All nursing ADN applicants will be given instructions for obtaining fingerprints for an FBI criminal background check for the Texas Board of Nursing. These should be completed at least 90 days before the start of nursing classes as the student must be cleared by the Board of Nursing before the semester starts. The Board of Nursing will contact the student if a petition for a declaratory order concerning their eligibility to take the licensing examination (NCLEX-RN) is required. The student must have a “blue” card, a positive outcome letter, or an eligibility letter (declaratory order) before starting classes. Students who need to complete this requirement will be sent an email in January with instructions. If the case must be sent to the enforcement division, the processing may take 6-24 months, so applicants must apply early. If a student is not able to start nursing courses due to waiting for a declaratory order, a space will be reserved for the following year pending a positive outcome from the Texas Board of Nursing.

Any nursing applicant who has been diagnosed with, treated, or hospitalized in the past five years for schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder, or addicted to or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug within the past five years, must petition the Texas Board of Nursing for a declaratory order concerning their eligibility to take the licensing examination, the NCLEX-RN.

The Texas Board of Nursing can be reached at 512-305-7400. The application for a declaratory order can be downloaded from the BON website at www.bon.texas.gov/forms_declaratory_order.asp.

RN-To-BSN Program Information

Nurses should be lifelong learners and the next step in academic progression for associate degree-prepared nurses is the bachelor’s degree in nursing. The RN-to-BSN program focuses more in-depth on concepts such as research, theory, community health, leadership, and health policy. The RN-to-BSN program focuses on looking at their practice from a systems or population perspective, rather than focusing on individual patient care. TVCC offers an RN-to-BSN bachelor’s degree completion program starting in each fall and spring semester. TVCC has applied for candidacy for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

The TVCC RN-to-BSN program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate nursing program at Trinity Valley Community College at the Health Science Center located in Terrell, Texas is accredited by the:

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

There is a selection process for this program. It is the student’s responsibility to read the current health occupations brochure or contact an advisor regarding the current process. Students may apply if they are Texas Core Curriculum Complete and have an unencumbered RN license (Texas or privilege to practice in Texas) or are enrolled in the last semester of an ADN program. The brochure includes information about the selection process and estimated costs, etc.

The deadline for completing all pre-admission testing requirements and for submitting the online application is March 31^stfor fall admission and October 31^st for spring admission.

ADN Courses

RNSG-1118. Transition to Professional Nursing Competencies. (1 Credit)

(1-0-4-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Transition ADN program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Transition to professional nursing competencies in the care of patients throughout the lifespan. Validates proficiency in psychomotor skills and clinical reasoning in the performance of nursing procedures related to the concepts of: clinical judgment, comfort, elimination, fluid and electrolytes, nutrition, gas exchange, safety, functional ability, immunity, metabolism, mobility and tissue integrity. Includes health assessment and medication administration. This course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Requires computer/web access. Lab fee.

RNSG-1125. Professional Nursing Concepts I. (1 Credit)

(1-1-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, PSYC 2301 and acceptance into the ADN program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Introduction to professional nursing concepts and exemplars within the professional nursing roles: member of profession, provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, and member of the health care team. Content includes clinical judgment, communication, ethical-legal, evidence-based practice, health promotion, health information technology, patient-centered care, patient education, professionalism, safety and teamwork/collaboration. Emphasizes role development of the professional nurse. This course lends itself to a concept-based concept. Lab Fee $45 includes dues to Student Nursing Association. Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-1126. Professional Nursing Concepts II. (1 Credit)

(1-1-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: RNSG 1128, 1216, 1430, 1125, and 1161) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Expanding professional nursing concepts and exemplars within the professional nursing roles. Applying concepts of clinical judgment, ethical-legal, evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, professionalism, safety, and team/collaboration to the exemplars presented in the Health Care Concepts II course. Introduces concepts of leadership and management. Emphasizes role development of the professional nurse. This course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-1128. Introduction to Health Care Concepts. (1 Credit)

(1-1-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit.(Prerequisite: BIOL 2402, BIOL 2402, PSYC 2301 and acceptance into the ADN program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. An introduction to concept-based learning with emphasis on selected pathophysiological concepts with nursing applications. Concepts include acid-base balance, fluid and electrolytes, immunity, gas exchange, perfusion, metabolism, coping and tissue integrity. This course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-1137. Professional Nursing Concepts III. (1 Credit)

(1-1-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: RNSG 1126, 1533 & 2362 OR RNSG 1324, 1128, 1118, & 1162 or 1163) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Application of professional nursing concepts and exemplars within the professional nursing roles. Utilizes concepts of clinical judgment, ethical-legal, evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, professionalism, safety, teamwork and collaboration. Introduces the concepts of quality improvement, health information technology and health care organizations. Incorporates concepts into role development of the professional nurse. This course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Lab Fee $80 includes SNA dues and registration fee for mock trial. Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-1161. Clinical I. (1 Credit)

(1-0-0-4) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, PSYC 2301 and acceptance into the ADN program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Lab Fee $87 includes drug screen and professional liability insurance. Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-1162. Transition Clinical, Paramedic. (1 Credit)

(1-0-0-4) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Transition Nursing Program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. The student must pass both RNSG 1128, 1324, 1118 and 1162 concurrently in order to be able to progress to the Level III nursing courses. Lab fee $74 includes drug screening and lab fees. Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-1163. Transition Clinical, LVN. (1 Credit)

(1-0-0-4) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Transition Nursing Program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Lab fee includes drug screening and lab fee. Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-1216. Professional Nursing Competencies. (2 Credits)

(2-0-8-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, PSYC 2301 and acceptance into the ADN program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Development of professional nursing competencies in the care of patients throughout the lifespan. Emphasizes psychomotor skills and clinical reasoning in the performance of nursing procedures related to the concepts of: clinical judgment, comfort, elimination, fluid and electrolytes, nutrition, gas exchange, safety, functional ability, immunity, metabolism, mobility and tissue integrity. Includes health assessment and medication administration. This course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Requires computer/web access. Lab fee.

RNSG-1324. Concept-Based Transition to Professional Nursing Practice. (3 Credits)

(3-2-4-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Transition Nursing Program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Integration of previous health care knowledge and skills into the role development of the professional nurse as a provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, member of health care team, and member of the profession. Emphasis is on clinical decision-making for patients and their families. Review of selected health care and professional nursing concepts with application through exemplars. Health care concepts include comfort, diversity, elimination, functional ability, human development, mobility, nutrition, sensory perception, sleep, coping, thermoregulation, tissue integrity, acid-base balance, clotting, cognition, fluid and electrolyte balance, gas exchange, immunity, metabolism, nutrition, grief and perfusion. Professional nursing concepts include clinical judgment, communication, ethical-legal, evidence-based practice, health promotion, health information technology, patient-centered care, patient education, professionalism, safety, and teamwork and collaboration. Introduces concepts of leadership and management. This course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Lab fee includes HESI package fee and lab fees ($672.50). Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-1430. Health Care Concepts I. (4 Credits)

(4-3-4-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, PSYC 2301 and acceptance into the ADN program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. In-depth coverage of foundational health care concepts with application through selected exemplars. Concepts include comfort, diversity, elimination, functional ability, human development, mobility, nutrition, sensory perception, sleep, thermoregulation, grief and tissue integrity. Emphasizes development of clinical judgment skills in the beginning nurse. This course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Lab Fee includes HESI package, simulated EHR, ATI package, and lab fee ($598.75). Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-1533. Health Care Concepts II. (5 Credits)

(5-4-4-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: RNSG 1128, 1216, 1430, 1125 and 1161) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. In-depth coverage of health care concepts with application through selected exemplars. Concepts include acid-base balance, coping, clotting, cognition, fluid and electrolytes, gas exchange, immunity, metabolism, nutrition, comfort and perfusion. Provides continuing opportunities for development of clinical judgment skills. This course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Lab Fee includes HESI testing package, ATI package, and lab fees ($598.75). Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-1538. Health Care Concepts III. (5 Credits)

(5-4-4-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: RNSG 1126, 1533 and 2362 OR RNSG 1324, 1128, 1118 & 1162 or 1163) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. In-depth coverage of health care concepts with nursing application through selected exemplars. Concepts include cellular regulation, end of life, immunity, interpersonal relationships, grief, human development, intracranial regulation, mood/affect, comfort, sexuality, mobility and reproduction. Provides continuing opportunities for development of clinical judgment skills. The course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Lab Fee includes HESI package, Mock Trial Fee, EHR Tutor, and World package. Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-2138. Professional Nursing Concepts IV. (1 Credit)

(1-1-1-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: RNSG 1538, 1137 and 2363) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Integration of professional nursing concepts and exemplars within the professional nursing roles. Synthesizes concepts of clinical judgment, ethical-legal, evidence-based practice, leadership and management, patient-centered care, professionalism, teamwork and collaboration through exemplars presented in the Health Care Concepts courses. Emphasizes concept of quality improvement and introduces health policy. Incorporates concepts into role development of the professional nurse. This course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Requires computer/web access. Lab fee.

RNSG-2360. Clinical IV. (3 Credits)

(3-0-0-12) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: RNSG 1538, 1137, and 2363) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Lab fee. Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-2362. Clinical II. (3 Credits)

(3-0-0-12) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: RNSG 1128, 1216, 1430, 1125 and 1161) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Requires computer/web access. Lab fee.

RNSG-2363. Clinical III. (3 Credits)

(3-0-0-12) This course is taken for academic credit. Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. Lab fee includes professional liability insurance and simulated EHR. Requires computer/web access.

RNSG-2539. Health Care Concepts IV. (5 Credits)

(5-4-4-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: RNSG 1538, 1137 and 2363) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. In-depth coverage of advanced health care concepts with nursing application through selected exemplars. Concepts include, cognition, immunity, clotting, fluid and electrolyte balance, gas exchange, metabolism, nutrition, perfusion, tissue integrity and interpersonal relationships. Continuing development of clinical judgment with integration of all health care concepts. The course lends itself to a concept-based approach. Lab fee includes HESI testing package, lab fees, class photos, and Mock Trial. Requires computer/web access.

To be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination-RN and qualify as a registered nurse, students must attain a grade of C or better in all courses, nursing and non-nursing.
Support courses must be completed prior to or taken concurrently with nursing courses as outlined each semester in the curriculum plan.
Students who have completed an ADN level I nursing transfer contract or ADN level II nursing contract should contact the provost of the health science center for information regarding course credit options.

RN-to-BSN Courses

These courses will be offered in 2021 - 2022 upon approval of the RN-to-BSN program by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

NURS-3300. Cooperative Nursing. (3 Credits)

(3-3-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: NURS 3350) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. The cooperative nursing course integrates the registered nurse’s career-related experience in the workplace with classroom study. The purpose is continued development of the knowledge, skills, and behaviors associated with the role of the bachelor’s prepared registered nurse. Requires computer/web access.

NURS-3301. Health Assessment for the RN. (3 Credits)

(3-2-3-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Acceptance into the RN-to-BSN Program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. This course focuses on the registered nurse’s synthesis of nursing knowledge and skills to perform a comprehensive health assessment of individuals across the lifespan. Requires computer/web access. Lab fee.

NURS-3350. Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing Practice. (3 Credits)

(3-3-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Acceptance into the RN-to-BSN Program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Synthesis of previous knowledge and skills provide the foundation for development of the baccalaureate prepared nursing roles as a provider of patient centered care, patient safety advocate, member of the interdisciplinary team, and member of the profession. Discussion includes examination of historical aspects of healthcare and nursing as a profession, analysis of nursing theory, application of clinical judgment, legal and ethical standards, professionalism, teamwork, and collaboration. Requires computer/web access.

NURS-3351. Research & Evidence-Based Nursing Practice. (3 Credits)

(3-3-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisites: NURS 3350, NURS 3301, NURS 4314 and NURS 3326) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. Scholarly exchange prepares the baccalaureate nurse to understand the language of research and the scientific process through evaluation of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method research methodology as a foundation for evidence-based practice in the healthcare setting. This course will investigate research methods and findings and promote appraisal skills to support evidence-based, patient-centered care, quality improvement, and safety outcomes. Requires computer/web access.

NURS-4160. Community & Public Health Clinical. (1 Credits)

(1-0-0-3) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Prerequisites: NURS 3350, NURS 3301, NURS 4314 and NURS 3326) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. This course provides a health-related work-based learning experience within the community setting. Requires computer/web access. Lab fee.

NURS-4161. Leadership & Management Clinical. (1 Credit)

(1-0-0-3) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Prerequisites: NURS 3350, NURS 3301, NURS 4314 and NURS 3326) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. This course provides a health-related work-based learning experience in a variety of settings that allow the student to apply theories, skills, and concepts related to the role of nursing leader and manager. Requires computer/web access. Lab fee.

NURS-4313. Theoretical Principles of Nursing. (3 Credits)

(3-3-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Acceptance into the RN-to-BSN Program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. This course examines the theoretical and conceptual bases of nursing to encourage the student to critique, evaluate and utilize appropriate nursing theory within their own practice. Focus will be on a variety of theories from nursing. Requires computer/web access.

NURS-4326. Legal & Ethical Considerations in Nursing. (3 Credits)

(3-3-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Acceptance into the RN-to-BSN Program) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. This course for the registered nurse (RN) synthesizes ethical/legal concepts required for examination of sound decision making in clinical practice and legal responsibility. The focus is on value clarification, application of ethical theory, ethical decision-making models, and professional ethical standards. Emphasis is on ethical obligations of professional nurses in their roles as citizens, members of a profession, providers of care, and designers and managers of care. Requires computer/web access.

NURS-4345. Health Policy & Regulation. (3 Credits)

(3-3-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Prerequisites: NURS 3350, NURS 3301, NURS 4314 and NURS 3326) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. This course examines how healthcare policy and regulatory environments influence nursing practice and the delivery of health care. Emphasis is on the development and implementation of healthcare policy. Opportunities for nurse participation and influence in healthcare policy are identified. Requires computer/web access.

NURS-4355. Community & Public Health. (3 Credits)

(3-3-0-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Prerequisites: NURS 3350, NURS 3301, NURS 4314 and NURS 3326) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. This course discusses community health nursing including the history, structure, and economics of community healthcare systems, program development, and impact of health disparities, health education, and access to resources. Requires computer/web access.

NURS-4457. Leadership & Management. (4 Credits)

(4-3-1-0) This course is taken for academic credit. (Prerequisite: Prerequisites: NURS 3350, NURS 3301, NURS 4314 and NURS 3326) Students will earn an A, B, C, D, F, or W. This course explores leadership and management theories, resource allocation, the nurse as a change agent, member of the profession, communication, and quality improvement in the healthcare setting. Requires computer/web access. Lab fee.

WHAT REGISTERED NURSES DO

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.

SUMMARY

2023 Median Pay: $86,070 per year; $41.38 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None
On-the-job Training: None
Number of Jobs, 2022: 3,172,500
Job Outlook, 2021-31: 6% (Faster average)
Employment Change, 2022-32: 177,400

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. Others work in outpatient clinics and schools.

HOW TO BECOME A REGISTERED NURSE

Registered nurses usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.

PAY

The median annual wage for registered nurses was $86,070 in May 2023.

JOB OUTLOOK

Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 193,100 openings for registered nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

SUGGESTED CITATION:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Registered Nurses,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (visited July 07, 2024).

Some careers in this field will require a bachelor's degree or higher.

TVCC's AAS degree in nursing will lead to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in nursing at TVCC and at participating universities. Most of these are on-line programs. TVCC has entered into a "CABNET" (Consortium for Advancing Baccalaureate Nursing Education in Texas" agreement with several universities. These agreements list the general education requirements for the BSN degree at the participating universities. Upon completion of these general education courses and the ADN AAS degree as well as passing the NCLEX-RN to become a RN, the graduate will need to complete the final 30 hours of upper division nursing courses at the selected college or university RN-to-BSN program (the majority of which can be done on-line). TVCC's RN-to-BSN program is an affordable, accessible option which gives TVCC ADN graduates the opportunity to continue working with the faculty with whom they are familiar. See an academic advisor for more information on this transfer opportunity.
TVCC has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the University of Texas at Tyler for students to be accepted into and complete a concurrent BSN program. Students who are accepted into TVCC's ADN program and who have completed all of the required general education courses for the BSN should contact the academic nursing advisor at the University of Texas at Tyler. Students will take BSN courses on-line with UT Tyler during the summers and concurrently with the ADN semesters. Students who successfully complete all program requirements will receive the Associate of Applied Science degree and the Bachelor's of Science degree in nursing at the same time.