Nursing

The nursing curriculum of Southeast New Mexico College prepares students for beginning nursing practice in a variety of health care settings. The program is approved by the State Board of Nursing, and the Applied Associate Degree in Nursing is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Questions regarding accreditation should be directed to ACEN to:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

Fax (404) 975-5020

email: info@acenursing.org

www.acenursing.org

Upon completion of the Certificate for Practical Nursing, graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-PN) which leads to licensure as a Practical Nurse. Upon completion of the Applied Associate Degree in Nursing, graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Exam (NCELX-RN) that leads to licensure as a Registered Nurse.

Please note that certain felonious convictions may prohibit graduates from writing the NCLEX-RN in New Mexico. Students considering application to the nursing program who have any prior felony convictions should contact the appropriate Board of Nursing through which they intend to seek licensure prior to making application to this program. Graduates licensed as registered nurses in New Mexico do not meet licensure requirements in North Dakota.

Graduation Requirements

ENGL 1110G Composition I with a C- or higher; placement into college-level math and reading courses or completion of developmental courses with a C- or higher; cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. A minimum of 15 of the 60 credits for the associate’s degree must be completed at SENMC. A minimum of 12 credits earned toward the certificate must be completed at SENMC.

Program Entrance Requirements

BIOL 2210C Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture & Laboratory
CHEM 1120G Introduction to Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory (non majors).
NA 101 Nursing Assistant Theory and Lab
Completion of developmental studies English, math and reading as indicated by the student’s placement test results if needed
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher in courses applicable to the nursing curriculum
HESI A2 composite score of 75% and 60% in each subject area: Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Grammar, and Anatomy & Physiology
Submission of a program application packet by May 15. Packets are available in the Nursing Administration Office in the Allied Health Building and online at senmc.edu
Science courses repeated more than twice will not be considered for admission requirements.

Courses from other nursing programs are evaluated by the Nursing Program Director; call (575) 234-9300 to inquire. Evaluation of non-nursing credits are processed by the registrar’s office.

Curriculum Notes

All courses that are part of the nursing curriculum must be completed with a C- or higher.
Students must be formally accepted into the nursing program to enroll in courses listed under “Nursing Program Requirements.”
CHEM 1120G Introduction to Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory (non majors) may not be used to fulfill elective credit. Note that CHEM 1120G Introduction to Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory (non majors) is required for the BSN degree at NMSU Las Cruces.
NURS 210 Pharmacological Requisites of the Childbearing Family is not required for the LPN option. However, if this course is not taken and the student decides not to exit at the LPN level and wants to continue in the associate degree, the student must take NURS 210 Pharmacological Requisites of the Childbearing Family (offered only in the spring) before progressing to the second year of nursing.
Some out of state travel is required for certain clinical experiences.

Essential Eligibility Requirements

The following essential requirements and examples of necessary activities (not all inclusive) should be used to assist each applicant in determining whether accommodations or modifications are necessary.

Essential Eligibility Requirements
Essential Function	Example of Necessary Activities
Critical thinking abilities sufficient for clinical judgment.	Identify cause/effect relationships in clinical situation; develop nursing care plans.
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.	Establish rapport with patients/families and colleagues.
Communication abilities sufficient for interactions with others in verbal and written form.	Explain treatment procedures, initiate health teaching, document and interpret nursing actions and patient/client responses.
Abilities sufficient to move from room to room and to maneuver in small places.	Move around in patients’ rooms, work spaces, and treatment areas, and administer cardio-pulmonary procedures.
Abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care.	Calibrate and use equipment; position patients/clients.
Abilities sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.	Hear monitor alarms, emergency signals, auscultatory sounds and cries for help.
Abilities sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care.	Observe patient/client responses.
Abilities sufficient for physical assessment.	Perform palpation, functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, e.g. insertion of a catheter.
Ability to operate under stressful situations.	Perform within a crisis situation providing care to meet physical, emotional, or psychosocial needs of the patient/client.

ADA Guidelines apply to all qualified disabled persons. A qualified disabled person is a person with a disability who, with or without reasonable modification to rules, policies, or practices, and with the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services, or the participation in the programs or activities provided by a public entity and who can perform the “essential functions” of the position. Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the appropriate program chair as soon as possible to make necessary accommodations. Students should be prepared to present a disability verification form from their physician.

NURS 146 Common Health Deviations 6 Credits (6)

Common health deviations and the manner by which they alter various body functions are explored. The role of the licensed practical nurse in assisting clients with common health deviations is presented. Ethical and legal implications and the role of the practical nurse are also considered. The licensed practical nursing student will utilize the application of knowledge to client care situation both in the subacute and acute care settings. The nursing process is presented as guide for coordinating client care. Grade of C or better. Repeatable: up to 6 credits. Restricted to: NURSING majors. (4+6P)

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 156, NURS 154, NURS 157, and NURS 210 or consent of program director

Learning Outcomes

Apply each step of the nursing process as a method of organizing the nursing care for patients with common health deviations.
Explain methods the nurse can employ in allowing the patients to assume the right and responsibility for their own care.
Incorporate the concepts and principles derived from the biological, developmental, social, and computer sciences and nursing knowledge that relate to the nursing care of patients with common health deviations.
Explain the roles and functions of the members of the health care team including ancillary personnel as they relate to the care of patients with common health deviations.
Explain the rationale for the performance of the following technical skills: tracheal suctioning; cardiac monitoring; providing nutrition and medications for the patient with a feeding tube; basic wound/ostomy care
Recognize the nurse’s role in establishing therapeutic relationships with patients experiencing common health deviations.
Explain the legal responsibilities of the practical nurse as they relate to patients with common health deviations.
Selectively critique sources of current literature relevant to the care of patients with common health deviations.

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NURS 150 Medical Terminology 3 Credits (3)

The study and understanding of medical terminology as it relates to diseases, their causes and effects, and the terminology used in various medical specialties. Emphasis will be placed on learning the basic elements of medical words, appropriate spelling and use of medical terms, and use of medical abbreviations. Repeatable: up to 3 credits. Crosslist: HIT 150.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate proficient interpretation of medical abbreviations
Explain the importance of utilizing medical terms/abbreviations in the medical field
Define medical terms correctly
Interpret medical language including roots, prefixes and suffixes
Pronounce medical terms correctly
Spell medical terms correctly

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NURS 153 Medication and Dosage Calculation 1 Credit (1)

Techniques of dosage calculation for medication and fluid administration. RR applicable. Students must meet SENMC basic skills requirement in mathematics to enroll in this course.

Corequisite(s): NURS 156 and NURS 154

Learning Outcomes

Utilize the nursing process, clinical judgment, evidenced based information and knowledge from the arts and sciences to provide safe client centered care.
Coordinate and collaborate effectively through verbal, nonverbal, and technological means with individuals, families and the interdisciplinary team.
Integrate accountability and responsibility for practice within the legal and ethical standards of the nursing profession.
Apply the principles of delegation, management and leadership in providing client centered care.
Participate in activities that promote professional development and personal growth.

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NURS 154 Physical Assessment 2 Credits (2)

Beginning techniques of physical assessment by systems will be presented using the nursing process as a guide for providing safe client centered care throughout the life span. Grade of C or better is required. Repeatable: up to 2 credits. Restricted to: NURSING majors.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 1130 or BIOL 2210

Corequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 156

Learning Outcomes

Discuss the purpose, guidelines, safety factors, and equipment necessary for performing a physical exam.
Discuss and demonstrate techniques necessary to facilitate communication to obtain a health history.
Identify and demonstrate correct documentation of each body system.
Define ethical/legal implications as they relate to documentation and the physical assessment exam.
Identify and discuss the nutritional implications as they relate to the physical assessment exam.
Recognize key terms, exam techniques, and the anatomy and physiology on the assessment of each body system.
Discuss developmental and cultural differences in performing a physical assessment.
Identify and discuss components of the nursing process focusing on assessment and beginning to recognize self-care deficits.
Identify opportunities to promote self-care assessment within the physical exam. 1
Identify methods by which airing behaviors facilitate the nurse-patient relationship in the performance of a physical assessment.

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NURS 155 Special Topics 4 Credits (4)

Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes.

Learning Outcomes

Each tutorial subject matter is dependent on which core course it is aligned with.
The courses are designed to assist the nursing student to achieve success by developing critical thinking and problem solving skills.
The course focuses on understanding of content and practice of nursing procedures through the use of critical thinking and the clincial judgement measure model.
The course includes lecture, group work, hands-on practice, on-line discussions, learning activities, and pratice exams.
See course syllabus for specific course objectives

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NURS 156 Basic Nursing Theory and Practice 6 Credits (6)

Introduction to the nursing profession and the beginning skills of nursing practice as it relates to normalcy. The nursing process is presented as a means of guiding the student in providing safe client centered care. Ethical and legal aspects of nursing practice are also included. Basic clinical nursing skills will be presented and practiced in the nursing lab. The student will perform these skills with clients in an actual health care setting. Repeatable: up to 6 credits. Consent of Program Director requires. Restricted to: NURSING majors.

Corequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 154

Learning Outcomes

Describe standards and regulations that apply to nursing and ethical practice.
Demonstrate professional attitudes, behaviors and communication skills.
Describe the basic principles of the teaching learning process.
Provide client centered care with sensitivity and respect for the diversity of human experience.
Outline individualized care for clients based on actual client needs accounting for cultural and religious influences that may impact nursing care.
Describe roles and responsibilities, scope of practice and values of the interdisciplinary team.
Demonstrate the use of the nursing process and learned skills in the provision of safe and effective client care.
Select interventions that are evidenced based with providing care.
Demonstrate safe performance of basic nursing procedures. 1
Describe standards and regulations that apply to nursing and ethical practice. 1
Identify institutional policies and procedures, health care policies and nation standards in the care of clients. 1
Identify sources of information regarding national standards or policies regarding client care across the lifespan. 1
Demonstrate the use of documents approved abbreviations and standard terminology to record and communicate client information.

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NURS 157 Maternal/Child Health Deviations 8 Credits (8)

This course introduces the student to the concepts and principles of nursing care of the family from conception to adolescence. Utilizing the assessment, analyzing, planning, and implementation phases of the nursing process (the Care map), the student focuses on the supportive-educative nursing system to assist members of the family in meeting self-care requisites and how they are affected by the health deviations common to each developmental level beginning with conception and ending with adolescence. Knowledge gained in theoretical instruction is then applied to the patient care situation. After an introduction to the necessary clinical skills in the campus laboratory setting, students will participate in clinical experiences with the focus on the family from conception to adolescence. The assessment, analysis, planning, and implementation phases of the nursing process are emphasized as a tool to assist patients in meeting universal and developmental self-care requisites. Utilizing the nursing process, the student provides safe, client- centered care to diverse clients and families. Theoretical instruction is applied to client care situations. Students collaborate with clients, families, and the interdisciplinary team in meeting health care needs. Experiences may occur in the physician's office, local health department, day care centers, schools, or the hospital. Grade of C or better required. Restricted to: NURSING majors. (6+6P)

Prerequisite(s): NURS 156, NURS 153, and NURS 154

Corequisite(s): NURS 210

Learning Outcomes

Determine how values of clients, families and medical personnel impact the involvement of clients in their health care related to maternal/child and pediatric clients.
Implement individualized client care utilizing an evidenced based approach related to maternal/child and pediatric clients.
Choose health protection, health promotion, and disease prevention strategies in the care of maternal/child and pediatric clients.
Apply the scope, risk factors, physiologic processes, and clinical management strategies to maternal/child and pediatric clients.
Choose resources for continuity of client care related to maternal/child and pediatric clients.
Give examples of significant information to report to other disciplines.
Apply the principles of delegation in the provision of client care with maternal/child and pediatric clients.
Utilize evidenced based information to implement a plan of care and employ nursing interventions for maternal/child and pediatric clients.
Use the principles of ethical practice in the delivery of nursing care for maternal/child and pediatric clients. 1
Apply policies, procedures and standards of care related to maternal/child and pediatric in the provision of client care. 1
Apply nursing interventions to reduce risk of harm to self and others related to maternal/child and pediatric clients. 1
Choose available technology for delivery of nursing care related to maternal/child and pediatric clients.

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NURS 210 Pharmacological Requisites of the Childbearing Family 1 Credit (1)

Basic concepts of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics, and their relationship to nursing care will be discussed focusing on medications commonly utilized with the childbearing family. Medication classes to be discussed include labor and delivery, analgesic, vitamins, respiratory, gynecological, endocrine, and anti-microbial/anti-infective drugs. Grade of C or better required.

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 154 and NURS 156

Corequisite(s): NURS 157

Learning Outcomes

Incorporate the values, preferences and expressed needs of maternal/child and pediatric clients in the administration of pharmacotherapeutics to these clients.
Apply principles of teaching/learning in education maternal/child and pediatric clients on the use, adverse effects and interactions of pharmacotherapeutic agents.
Explain how members of the health care team collaborate in the delivery of pharmacotherapeutics to maternal/child and pediatric clients.
Discuss pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs specific to the maternal/child and pediatric client.
Apply evidenced based information to the administration of pharmacotherapeutics to maternal/child and pediatric clients.
Give examples of policies, procedures and standards of care related to pharmacotherapeutics utilized in the care of maternal/child and pediatric clients.

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NURS 211 Pharmacological Requisites of Simple Health Deviations 1 Credit (1)

Basic concepts of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics, and their relationship to nursing care are addressed focusing on medications related to the psychiatric, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, gynecological, hematological, and anti-neoplastic client. Grade of C or better required.

Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2210 and BIOL 2225 and NURS 153, NURS 154, NURS 156, NURS 157 and NURS 210

Corequisite(s): NURS 246 and NURS 258

Learning Outcomes

Identify and discuss each of the major classifications of drugs and drugs within the class, including the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics involved for the following body systems: : Central Nervous System; Immune/Hematological; Gastrointestinal; Musculoskeletal
Discuss the relationship between the use of pharmaceuticals and the treatment of disease in clients with health deviations.
Discuss the importance of client education as it relates to each classification of drug presented, especially in preventing drug-drug and food drug interactions.
Describe the role of the nurse in safe medication administration to clients with simple health deviations.

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NURS 212 Pharmacological Requisites of Complex Health Deviations 1 Credit (1)

Basic concepts of pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics, and their relationship to nursing care is examined focusing on medications related to complex health deviations. Drug classes to be discussed include cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, and neurological. Grade of C or better required.

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 154, NURS 156, NURS 157, NURS 246, NURS 258, NURS 210 and NURS 211

Corequisite(s): NURS 256 and NURS 260

Learning Outcomes

Apply principles of teaching/learning in educating clients on the use, adverse effects and interactions of pharmacotherapeutic agents used to treat complex health deviations.
Collaborate with members of the health care team in the delivery of pharmacotherapeutics to clients with complex health deviations.
Give examples of commonly prescribed drugs used to treat clients with complex health deviations and related pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Discuss the relationship between the use of pharmacotherapeutics and the treatment of disease in clients with complex health deviations.
Identify safety issues and minimize risk potential associated with pharmacotherapeutics.

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NURS 246 Health Deviations I 7 Credits (7)

Introduction to medical/surgical clients, whose health care needs are routine and predictable. Focus is on simple health deviations, including concepts relative to health promotion and maintenance. The nursing process is utilized to provide evidenced based, safe client centered care. Students are expected to apply clinical judgment, communicate and collaborate with clients and the interdisciplinary team in providing care for a group of two to three clients. Grade of C or better required. Repeatable: up to 7 credits. Restricted to: Nursing majors. (4+9p)

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 156, NURS 154, NURS 157 and NURS 210

Corequisite(s): NURS 211, NURS 258

Learning Outcomes

Incorporate interventions into the plan of care while remaining aware of the cultural, spiritual and ethical needs of the client (1)
Utilize the beginning skills of interpersonal relations in establishing a therapeutic relationship with diverse clients and families. (2)
Demonstrates skill in using client care technologies that support safe client care. (2)
Demonstrate effective writing skills by using information systems and writing the entire nursing process at a level of 76% or better.
Demonstrate clinical judgement and problem solving skills by utilizing the nursing process as a guide in providing nursing care and rationale to clients with simple health deviations
Assist members of the interdisciplinary team in the planning of safe client care and evidence based practice outcomes for clients with simple health deviations.
Operate within the ethical and legal responsibilities of nursing and society as they relate to the client with simple health deviations.
Utilize knowledge from current research studies and evidence based practice applicable to the care of clients when assessing, analyzing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care.
Demonstrate behavior that reflects the values and ethics of the nursing profession.: Integrate the client’s value system, culture, or religious beliefs while maintaining a non-judgmental attitude; Select to be respectful and courteous; Share compassion and empathy; Integrate therapeutic interpersonal skills; Integrate genuine concern for the client and his/her welfare; Select discharge planning as one method of preparing the client for self-care; Integrate the concepts of confidentiality and privacy at all times; Share a commitment and ownership to nursing; Promote safety and quality improvement as an advocate of nursing care 1
Demonstrate knowledge of delegation, management, and leadership skills. (4)

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NURS 256 Health Deviations II 8 Credits (8)

Concepts and principles applied to clients with complex health deviations. Building upon knowledge gained in NURS 246, focus will be on acutely ill clients. The nursing process continues to serve as a guide to provide safe, client centered care. The student collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in all aspects of client care. Student experiences the role of the staff nurse under the guidance and direction of the nursing instructor. Grade of C or better required. Repeatable: up to 8 credits. Restricted to: Nursing majors. (6+12P)

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 154, NURS 156, NURS 157, NURS 210, NURS 211, NURS 246, and NURS 258

Corequisite(s): NURS 212, NURS 260

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NURS 258 Psychosocial Requisites: A Deficit Approach 3 Credits (3)

Nursing theory and practice as it relates to the care of the client experiencing psychosocial health deviations. The role of the nurse is discussed along with the ethical and legal aspects of care for the client with psychosocial disorders. Building upon the communication skills of listening and responding, the student develops the therapeutic skills of interpersonal relationships. Grade of C or better is required. Repeatable: up to 3 credits. Restricted to: Nursing majors. (2+3P)

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 154, NURS 156, NURS 157, NURS 210, and NURS 246

Corequisite(s): NURS 211, NURS 246

Learning Outcomes

Describe the effects of psychosocial deviations on the client’s ability to maintain self-care
Describe therapeutic communication and explain how to employ therapeutic interpersonal skills in the nurse-client relationship
Analyze the influence of cultural elements on his/her attitudes and behaviors toward mental health and mental illness
Utilize the nursing process to assist client’s experiencing psychosocial health deviations
Identify nursing interventions to meet the safety needs of the client with a psychosocial health deviation
Analyze the legal and ethical issues regarding the client with a psychosocial health deviation

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NURS 260 Management of Patients with Health Deviations 2 Credits (2)

A capstone course to the nursing program in which principles in management and delegation to less prepared personnel is explored. A review of leadership roles, legal issues, quality initiatives, informatics and scope of practice is included. Preparation for the NCLEX is an integral portion of the course. Grade of C or better is required. Repeatable: up to 2 credits. Restricted to: Nursing majors.

Prerequisite(s): NURS 153, NURS 154, NURS 156, NURS 157, NURS 210, NURS 211, NURS 246, and NURS 258

Corequisite(s): NURS 212, NURS 256

Learning Outcomes

Discuss nursing practice concepts relevant to the practice of professional nursing.
Evaluate principles of quality improvement and safety into nursing practice within healthcare organizations and systems.
Apply leadership concepts through the application of policies that apply to healthcare delivery.
Promote a culture of safety through anticipating and eliminating potentially harmful situations.
Collaborate in systems analysis when clinical errors or near misses occur to reduce harm, minimize blame, and encourage transparency.
Integrate evidence in determining best clinical practice.
Demonstrate basic knowledge of healthcare policy, finance, and regulatory environments, including local, state, national, and global healthcare trends.
Use an ethical framework to evaluate the impact of policies of healthcare, especially for venerable populations.

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Academic Catalog

Nursing

Graduation Requirements

Program Entrance Requirements

Curriculum Notes

Essential Eligibility Requirements

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

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Learning Outcomes

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