ADN Handbook, Section 1: Overview

Nursing Education

We believe that the TMCC Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program Learning Outcomes with Supporting Definitions serve as the guide for nursing education.

Nursing education in an institution of higher learning incorporates knowledge gained from nursing courses and those in general education, physical, behavioral and social sciences and cultural diversity. Identification of general education courses provides a common foundation for all students in the Nursing Program.

We recognize that individual educational and life experiences also contribute to each student’s nursing education process. A balance between general education and nursing courses with early introduction of technical skills and person/student interaction facilitates development of nursing knowledge by recognizing needs of the individual adult learner.

Nursing education must address use of the nursing process across the life span at various points along the health-illness continuum and in a variety of health care settings. Nursing education at the community college must also consider the demographic and cultural needs of the community that will serve as the nursing practice environment for the graduate of the Nursing Program.

Integral to the education of nursing students is providing opportunities to observe and participate in both simulated and actual patient centered learning experiences. Laboratory, simulation, and clinical courses are structured to allow application of concepts and principles learned from theory courses. Each semester of education builds upon previous learning and encourages the development of clinical decision making.

Nursing faculty are both educators and skilled practitioners of nursing responsible for maintaining expertise and current knowledge and serve as role models for the importance of lifelong learning. Nursing faculty are responsible for identifying learning experiences that will expose the students to a variety of settings and serve as liaisons with registered nurses within those settings. Nursing faculty review and analyze current trends in nursing and health care issues that impact the role of the registered nurse.

The ultimate goal of nursing education at TMCC is to prepare a safe, competent, beginning level practitioner who possesses knowledge, skills and professionalism required by the registered nurse. The nursing education obtained by the graduate of the TMCC Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program serves as the starting point for continued development and education as an accountable and responsible member of the nursing profession. 

Program Outcomes: Statements and Measures

Program Outcomes

• Outcome Statement 1: Students completing the Associate of Science, Nursing degree will achieve a passing score on the NCLEX-RN.
  Measure: 80% of first-time test takers will pass the NCLEX-RN.
• Outcome Statement 2: Students completing the Associate of Science, Nursing degree will complete the program in a timely manner.
  Measure: Graduation within four semesters of admission will be achieved by 80% of students.
• Outcome Statement 3: Students completing the Associate of Science, Nursing degree will be employable.
  Measure: Upon completion of the program, 75% of graduates will report themselves as employed on the Graduate Survey.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Implement one's role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices and an evolving professional identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice, caring, advocacy and quality care.
2. Demonstrate appropriate written, verbal and nonverbal communication in a variety of clinical contexts.
3. Integrate social, mathematical and physical sciences, pharmacology and pathophysiology in clinical decision-making.
4. Provide patient centered care by utilizing the nursing process across diverse populations and health care settings.
5. Minimize risk of harm to patients, members of the healthcare team and self through safe individual performance and participation in system effectiveness.
6. Collaborate with the multidisciplinary health care team to provide effective patient care throughout the lifespan.
7. Use information and technology to communicate, manage data, mitigate error and support decision-making.

Community College Education

TMCC is a leader in innovative education, meeting student and community needs.

Create a future you will love with accessible, innovative educational opportunities at TMCC. Together we can make it happen.  

The values upon which Truckee Meadows Community College bases its mission and vision statements are the principles, standards and qualities the college considers worthwhile and desirable. Truckee Meadows Community College is committed to:

• Student access and success
• Excellence in teaching and learning
• Evidence of student progress through assessment of student outcomes
• Nurturing a climate of innovative and creative thought
• Collaborative decision making
• Community development through partnerships and services
• Ethical practices and integrity
• Respect, compassion, and equality for all persons
• Responsible and sustainable use of resources
• Fostering attitudes that exemplify responsible participation in a democratic society
• A healthy environment and a healthy college community

The population utilizing TMCC as an institution of higher learning includes residents from the greater Reno-Sparks community, outlying areas of Fernley, Fallon, Dayton and Carson City. Fostering flexibility and diversity through classroom, online and distance education course offerings in addition to workforce or continuing education courses provides a variety of learning opportunities to the community.

Learner

The adult learner in the Associate Degree Nursing Program has unique values, beliefs, needs, experiences and educational backgrounds. Each individual has personal and professional aspirations that serve as motivation to succeed. The combination of readiness, motivation, culture and life experiences of the learner will influence the learning process.

It is the responsibility of the learner to take advantage of all educational opportunities, to adhere to program and course policies and requirements and to seek out academic and support services as needed.

Nurse Educator

The nurse educator:

• Facilitates learning by providing a variety of meaningful learning experiences and assisting learners to develop the core competencies of nursing.
• Provides ongoing evaluation of the learner, utilizing verbal and written feedback to stimulate growth. 
• Is a professional role model in the classroom and clinical settings.
• Participates in continuing education and professional activities, including maintaining membership in professional organizations and involvement in community service.

Non-Discrimination Statement

TMCC is an EEO/AA (equal employment opportunity/affirmative action) institution. For more information, visit the Equity, Inclusion and Sustainability Office.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Qualified, self-identified students with documented disabilities have the right to free accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities at TMCC. For assistance, contact TMCC's Disability Resource Center.

Accreditation

TMCC is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.

The A.D.N. Program is accredited by:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 404-975-5000 | Fax: 404-975-5020

Associate of Science Degree (ADN) and Licensure

The TMCC Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program meets all the Nevada Systems of Higher Education minimum degree requirements for the Associate of Science Degree

Upon completion of the program, student are awarded an Associate of Science Degree with an emphasis in Nursing (ADN).

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for registered nursing. Upon successful completion of the NCLEX, the graduate is licensed as a registered nurse, provided all State Board of Nursing requirements are met.

Completion of TMCC's Nursing Program is not a guarantee of licensure or employment as a registered nurse. See Graduation and Licensure for more information.

Notification of Program Changes to Currently Enrolled Students

All student policies of the Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program are developed and approved by the faculty. Approved policies are contained in a Nursing Student Handbook, which is available to all students on the TMCC website.

Each semester, new and returning students will read the Nursing Student Handbook and submit a handbook acknowledgement form.

• Input from students will be considered a part of data gathering regarding policy changes.
• New policies or those needing revision will be reviewed and approved, modified, or denied during a faculty meeting by a majority vote of all faculty.
• New and revised policies will be incorporated into the Nursing program website.
• Changes to the Handbook become effective at the beginning of the Fall Semester.
  • If a policy or process is implemented prior to the next scheduled handbook revision, students will be provided with changes in writing, and sign an acknowledgement of receipt.
  • The effective date will be included.

Faculty and Staff

View information regarding the Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program faculty and staff on our website.

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