The Nursing Ladder
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Iowa Western's Nursing program is a true ladder program, building from the Certified Nurse Aide (C.N.A.) certificate to the Associate of Applied Science Degree, making students eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam. Fully articulated into midwestern area Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) programs, Iowa Western offers students the solid foundation for bedside as well as advanced practice nursing.
Iowa Western's nursing program received a full six-year accreditation from the Iowa Board of Nursing in October, 2005.
Realizing that students are a diverse group with different learning styles, faculty strive to enhance their teaching styles. Through professional development seminars and individual coursework, faculty expand their knowledge base on curricular issues, classroom management and assessment. Faculty take pride in the concept of IWCC as a "learning college" and encourage students to take the responsibility of their own learning seriously.
All levels of nurses are needed in today's society. As the population ages, nursing skills are needed in hospitals, nursing homes and community clinics. If you enjoy people, enjoy a challenge and want to make a difference, nursing is the profession to be a part of.
THE FIRST RUNG OF THE NURSING LADDER: cNA
The skills taught in the CNA course are imperative to nursing practice. The skills taught in this course are necessary for patient comfort, cleanliness and mobility. No one enjoys lying on a wrinkled bed, but a sick person can develop skin sores quickly if the sheets are wrinkled. One of the first things a CNA is taught is to make a tight bed to prevent skin breakdown. This is only one of many skills the student entering the nursing program must have. To learn more about the CNA course offered at Iowa Western, go to Continuing Education . All nursing students are required to have a certificate of course completion before starting the nursing program. This ensures all students have basic care-giver skills and are ready to move to the advanced skills required of nurses.
ONE STEP UP ON THE LADDER: THE PRACTICAL NURSE
The National Council of the State Boards of Nursing describes a Practical Nurse in part as one who works 'under the direction of the registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, licensed physician or other health care provider authorized by the state; is guided by nursing standards established or recognized by the board." The description goes on to discuss the duties of the LPN. Iowa Western's PN program closely follows the Iowa Board of Nursing's standards and guidelines for practice. "The Licensed practical nurse shall perform services in the provision of supportive or restorative care under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician as defined in the Iowa Code."
IWCC CURRENT NCLEX PASS RATE:
PN - 99.5%
THE ASSOCIATE DEGREE: TO EARN YOUR RN
Critical thinker, autonomous, and leader. These words describe the RN who graduates from Iowa Western's AD nursing program. As a member of the National Organization of Associate Degree Nursing (NOADN) Iowa Western maintains ties with other nursing programs in the nation to insure that we are on the cutting edge of the educational arena. The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines nursing as "the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human responses, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities and populations." From ANA's Nursing's social Policy Statement, Second Edition, 2003.
The Gallup poll lists Nursing as the "most trusted profession." Associate degree nurses comprise over 60% of the nursing workforce, and staff hospitals, nursing homes, as well as working in the community.
IWCC CURRENT NCLEX PASS RATE:
RN - 95%
ON TO THE TOP RUNGS
Differentiated practice is a term used when discussing the difference between Associate degree and Bachelor's degree nurses. The entry to practice exam is the same, but the course offerings during the program are different and the programs have a different focus. Evaluate both types of programs before making a decision which college to attend. Visit with hospitals and medical centers, as many will offer tuition assistance for the higher degrees while Associate Degree Nurses work in their facility. Iowa Western articulates into many BSN programs in Iowa and Nebraska, allowing nurses to earn their BSN in 12-15 months after passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
Advance practice nurses are gaining autonomy throughout the nation and are seen as an integral part of the health care team. The Associate Degree is a good nursing foundation; and the advance practice degree offers certification in specialty areas as well as an expansion of nursing roles.
Iowa Western has a Practical Nurse program, and Associate Degree Nurse program resulting in eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN, and an Advance Placement program for practicing Practical Nurses who want to further their education.
HOW DO YOU KNOW NURSING IS FOR YOU? IS THIS THE LADDER YOU WANT TO CLIMB?
Nursing is an art and a science. This means people entering the profession need to be compassionate, caring and understand the human body, both in it's normal mode and when illness occurs. Communication skills, patience, and a good understanding of the human life cycle are necessary nursing skills.
Iowa Western's nursing program has a foundation of science. Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Nutrition are all necessary concepts for a nurse to fully understand on entering practice. It is highly encouraged for all students to take these courses before beginning the nursing curriculum. Nursing students learn about cancer and anti-cancer medications, and if you know about the normal cell, what the cell function is and how it works, it is much easier to understand the cancer and how the medication attacks the individual cells to help the cancer patient go into remission and survive the disease.
Nursing is a demanding and physical profession. Incoming students must meet the criteria outlined in the Iowa Core Performance Standards as well as have a completed health history and physical form. Select immunizations must be current for entry into clinical areas. Felony background checks will be completed before admission and drug screens will be completed before the first clinical day.
TAKING THE FIRST STEP
Admission to the program is competitive, taking into account standardized testing, coursework completed at the high school and college level. The process of admissions and information specific to admission to the nursing program can be accessed through IWCC .
Nursing Information Night is designed to introduce the prospective student and family to the nursing curriculum, to show the importance of a social support system, and to lay the groundwork for time management while in college. 2009 dates for NIN is: November 2. NIN is held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. To make a reservation to attend NIN call Peggy at: 712/325-3392 or email to register for NIN.
The NET (Nurse Entrance Test) is taken by prospective students after minimum scores are obtained on the compass test or ACT and the certificate of completion for the 75 hour CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) course is received. The NET is used as part of the admission process as an entrance criteria as well as an advising tool throughout the program.
Application to the college may be completed on-line, but prospective nursing students will need to meet with an admissions counselor to plan coursework, and have a transcript review done.
CLIMBING THE LADDER
Progression
Students progress from first year (PN) to second year (RN) after completion of two semesters of nursing. Sixty-four (64) students are accepted into the June AD class yearly. Criteria are explained to students on entering the program and available in the Nursing Student Policy manual. Eligibility for progression is based on classroom and clinical skills, as well as standardized test scores.
Graduation
Iowa Western graduates nursing students twice a year. Twenty six (26) practical nurses and fifteen (15) Associate nurses (R.N.'s) graduated during the December 2008 ceremony. Eighty-eight (88) practical nurses and Sixty-three (63) Associate nurses (R.N.'s) graduated in the May, 2009 ceremony. Iowa Western is very proud of it's nursing graduates, who consistently score above the state and national average on first-pass NCLEX scores, both for PN and RN. Iowa Western nurses can be found throughout the metro area, in acute and long term care, as well as throughout the nation.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
With advancements in medicine and technology the job opportunities for nurses has grown rapidly, offering many new fields for nurses to enter. Searching the internet for specialty openings as well as local newspapers can give you an idea of the job market. General information about nursing, working conditions, discussion of types of jobs, job outlook and earnings can be found at http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you have a waiting list? No, students who are not accepted are asked to submit a "change of start date" form, and continue taking general education courses until they have sufficient points to be accepted.
How many points do I need to be accepted? It varies with each student group. Applicants with the highest point totals are accepted each semester. Obviously, the more general education courses you have completed, and the better your grades, the better prepared you are for nursing. It is advisable to meet with an admissions counselor to insure your transcripts have arrived and review your points.
What about the Compass test? Prospective nursing students are required to attain minimum scores on the Compass test given by the college testing service. Students are responsible for insuring these scores are less than two years old. If scores are too old, you may retake the test. If you fail the test the first time, you may retake the portion of the test you failed. If you fail the test a second time, you need to pass a developmental course before entering nursing.
Why do I have to go to Nurses Information Night? A major asset to nursing students is the family support system. Nurse's Night outlines the curriculum and discusses support systems. We ask prospective students to bring their families so everyone knows what is expected of the students as they go through school.
OTHER RESOURCES
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office of Enrollment Services
Iowa Western Community College
Box 4-C, 2700 College Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51502
712-325-3277 or 1-800-432-5852