500 Grand Concourse, Bronx, New York 10451 (718) 518- 4121 or 4267
RN HANDBOOK
Rev/Updated: 07/30/2025 HEGIS CODE 5208.10
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A.A.S. NURSING PROGRAM
Dear Nursing Student:
Welcome to the Associate in Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) Degree Nursing Program. It should be noted that NYS is mandating that every Associate Degree Nurse is required to obtain the baccalaureate degree within ten (10) years after receiving licensure as a Registered Nurse. See It has been our practice to invite CUNY's School of Professional Studies and other baccalaureate programs into the graduating seniors’ class, where the students obtain information on admissions and academic programs. Entering this program is the first step in your education as a Registered Nurse.
Please familiarize yourself with the contents of the Nursing Student Handbook. It is designed to help you understand your responsibilities as a student and how to ensure your success in the program. Additional information concerning your rights and responsibilities as a student is contained in the College’s Catalogue and website.
The Nursing Faculty and other college resources are available to facilitate the learning process and to promote student progression in the program. If you ever need anything, please do not hesitate to come to a faculty member for assistance or to request a referral to the appropriate office for help.
On behalf of the faculty, I wish you success.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kathleen Ronca
Kathleen Ronca, DNP, APRN-BC, NP-C Nursing Coordinator
The Allied Health Sciences Department of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ offers three career programs: Dental Hygiene, Radiology Technology, and Nursing. The Nursing Program leads to an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree for students who complete the four semesters of nursing courses. Then, the students in the program are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). After passing the National Council Licensure Examination Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN), the student is licensed by New York State as a Registered Nurse. Thereafter, the graduate must complete their B. S. in Nursing within ten (10) years. The framework for the nursing education program is based on basic human needs. The roles of the Associate Degree Nurse are emphasized throughout the program. Students learn to provide care for patients of all ages in various settings. They will care for patients in the acute general hospital setting, nursing homes, and community settings. The Nursing Program follows a Wellness-Illness Continuum. An emphasis is placed on cultural and ethnic diversity, which impacts the health of individuals, families, and communities.
The legal aspects of nursing and the nurse-client relationship are emphasized throughout the curriculum. An understanding of these concepts enables students to perform the skills necessary for a successful transition to graduate nursing. The ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ Nursing Program started admitting students in the spring of 1984. The Nursing Curriculum fulfills the requirements of and is registered by the New York State Education Department. HEGIS CODE 5208.10. In December 2017, New York State required registered professional nurses to attain a baccalaureate degree in nursing within ten years of their initial licensure; the legislation provides exemptions for those currently licensed or enrolled in nursing programs as of December 2017. For further information, please visit:
| Table Criterion 1.1 Mission of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ and the Nursing Program. |
| ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡’ Mission |
Nursing Department Mission |
Program Learning Outcomes (RN) |
| The mission of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ is to offer access to higher education leading to intellectual growth and socioeconomic mobility through the development of linguistic, mathematical, technological, and critical thinking proficiencies needed for lifelong learning and for success in a variety of programs including careers, liberal arts, transfer, and those professional programs leading to licensure. |
Our mission is to prepare diverse nursing students to be the next generation nurse leaders to improve the health of global populations, gain intellectual growth, and foster the adoption of lifelong learning for nursing career success. Nursing students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and competence in therapeutic communication, develop critical thinking skills, practice interprofessional collaboration, utilize evidence-based practice, research, and |
- Integrate knowledge from the biological, physical, behavioral, and social sciences in the nursing care of individuals, families, and groups in various healthcare settings.
- Demonstrate competency in critical thinking and the therapeutic use of self
in applying the nursing process
towards promoting, maintaining, and restoring health |
| Table Criterion 1.1 Mission of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ and the Nursing Program. |
| ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡’ Mission |
Nursing Department Mission |
Program Learning Outcomes (RN) |
| |
technology through a nursing process framework to advocate safe and legal and ethical care for all persons, families, and communities. |
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and communication skills in the delivery of nursing care in the urban community.
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to deliver competent healthcare
- Structure one’s own nursing practice within the legal boundaries and an ethical framework consistent with the scope of nursing practice.
- Utilize technology and research findings to support evidence-based practice.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the client and profession of nursing by serving as an advocate within the healthcare delivery system and the legal-political arena.
|
| Table Criterion 1.2 Mission and Philosophy at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ and the Nursing Program. |
| ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡’ Mission Six Pillars |
Nursing Department Philosophy metaparadigms |
Program Learning Outcomes (RN) |
Access to Higher Education
-Provide access to |
Nursing education
-Without access to higher education, there is no nursing education. Once admitted, students must integrate core sciences; PLO |
Integrate knowledge from the biological, physical, behavioral, and social sciences in the nursing care of |
| Table Criterion 1.2 Mission and Philosophy at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ and the Nursing Program. |
| ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡’ Mission Six Pillars |
Nursing Department Philosophy metaparadigms |
Program Learning Outcomes (RN) |
| higher education for all who seek it |
1 measures that integration through
knowledge acquisition. |
individuals, families, and groups in various healthcare settings. |
Diversity & Multiculturalism
-Ethnic - Racial - Cultural - Linguistic |
Culture, caring
-Valuing diversity calls for culturally sensitive care; “caring” underscores the relational stance, and PLO 3 confirms students can communicate and care across cultures. |
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and communication skills in the delivery of nursing care in the urban community. |
English/Math Skills Development
-Integral part of its mission -Transitional language instruction for all ESL learners
-Developmental Education (as foundation for intellectual growth) |
Nursing education
-Foundational literacy/numeracy are prerequisites for legal/ethical nursing practice; “nursing education” must shore up those skills, and PLO 5 assesses the ability to enact them. |
Structure one’s own nursing practice within the legal boundaries and an ethical framework consistent with the scope of nursing practice. |
Intellectual Growth/Lifelong Learning
-Linguistic - Mathematical - Technological - Critical thinking
- Spanish/English bilingual education offerings |
Teaching and learning
-Hostos stresses lifelong learning and intellectual growth. They are components from the critical thinking process from the PLO 2 a clinical competency that applied through the nursing process framework, critical thinking skills and reflective practice for students during patient care. |
Demonstrate competency in critical thinking and the therapeutic use of self
in applying the nursing process towards promoting, maintaining, and restoring health |
Socio-economic Mobility
-Careers - Liberal Arts - Transfer - |
Nursing
Career mobility is realized by becoming a nurse. The “nursing” metaparadigm includes collaboration and advocacy, which PLO 4 and PLO 7 measure; they are |
Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to deliver competent healthcare Demonstrate a commitment to the client and profession of |
| Table Criterion 1.2 Mission and Philosophy at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ and the Nursing Program. |
| ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡’ Mission Six Pillars |
Nursing Department Philosophy metaparadigms |
Program Learning Outcomes (RN) |
| Professional Programs |
both essential for professional advancement. |
nursing by serving as an advocate within the healthcare delivery system and the legal-political arena. |
Community Resources
-Continuing education - Cultural events -
-Community development and service |
Environment, Health, and Person
-Community engagement situates students in a real-world environment. The three metaparadigms (Environment, Health, & Person) provide a holistic lens on how the physical, social, and behavioral environments influence the effectiveness and accessibility of community services. In PLO 6 technology, evidence-based practice and research plays a crucial role in connecting the environment, health and individuals within a community. |
Utilize technology and research findings to support evidence-based practice. |
PHILOSOPHY AND MISSION OF THE PARENT INSTITUTION
ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ offers health career and liberal arts education opportunities to both English-speaking and non-English-speaking students. Although a non-traditional college, its founding was a natural outgrowth of a 130-year tradition, as the precursor to the City University of New York, the Free Academy, was established for the people of this city. At the core of the educational process at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ is the concept that, to the extent that one is educated, one understands the world. ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ was founded to provide its students with the means to exercise control over themselves, their community, and their environment. Ultimately, the mission of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ is to provide services that help the City of New York become an urban community that works for all its citizens. To achieve this, ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ challenges its students to continually remember that a serious responsibility accompanies their right to higher education. As noted in the ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ catalogue, it invites students to examine themselves and their surroundings critically. The Nursing Program aligns with the College's mission and draws upon it for the development of its philosophy, purposes, and objectives.
The nursing department's philosophy and mission align with those of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡. The philosophy and curriculum of our nursing program are crafted around six metaparadigms: person, health, nursing, environment, nursing education, social determinants of health, and teaching and learning. These metaparadigms describe the scientific foundation of the nursing profession and serve as a guide for practice.
Our conceptual framework comprises four interrelated concepts: client needs, the role of the associate nurse, the nursing process, and the threads. This conceptual framework is grounded in the theories of Jean Watson and Lenninger. Watson's human caring theory focuses on the well-being of the patients. Lenninger’s theory emphasizes the importance of culturally congruent care in promoting the well-being of diverse patient populations.
Caring
Watson describes the 10 caritas process for human caring. Caring is the act of nurturing someone holistically, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. A nurse has the responsibility and commitment to provide safe care by assessing patients' health care needs. The nurse should respect the patient's values, preferences, and needs, which fosters a sense of trust and a healing environment, enabling the delivery of safe care.
Culture
Lenninger describes nurses' roles as providing transcultural, universal care to diverse patients. Nurses must be culturally competent to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations. Lenninger believes nursing care should be culturally congruent and incorporate patients’ values, beliefs, and norms to foster effective communication.
Person
A person is a member of society who interacts with families, groups, communities, or populations. A unique biopsychosocial, cultural, and spiritual being who functions as a whole in response to his or her environment. Each person possesses a fundamental right to health equality, which promotes dignity and respect for self-determination. When consenting to treatments, a person has the right to participate in decisions that affect their life. Additionally, he/she can grow and adapt by interacting with the environment to meet basic human needs. American Nurses Association [ANA ], (2015) described that, “The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person (Provision,1). The nurse needs to develop a wealth of
knowledge and skills to provide care to diverse patient populations. ANA(2015) provision 2 stated that” The nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population (p,37).
Health
Health is the ability of a person, family, and community to balance internal and external factors to achieve an optimal level of wellness. It is a dynamic process that constantly evolves through a continuum ranging from wellness to illness through the lifespan. A person who achieves optimal health
is described as balancing body, mind, and spirit to maintain homeostasis. Also, it is a dynamic state of mental, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. Nurses utilize the nursing process to deliver collaborative care by monitoring a person’s health status, as well as the health of their family, groups, and the community, in collaboration with other healthcare team members. ANA (2015) described that “The nurse collaborates with other healthcare professionals and the public to protect human rights, promote health diplomacy, and reduce health disparities (Provision 8, p. 37).
Nursing
ANA (2015) described “Nursing as the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, facilitation of healing, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations”(p1). It is a profession best described as an art and a science. The nurse builds trust, develops therapeutic communication, and demonstrates emotional intelligence to deliver safe care. As a science, nursing practice is based on a body of knowledge from other disciplines, including behavioral, natural, social, and health sciences, which incorporates an understanding derived from concepts and theories. Nursing science is applied through critical thinking skills, utilizing a five-step nursing process framework to deliver patient care. The steps of the nursing process are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. They serve as a foundation for clinical decision-making and clinical reasoning skills in clinical practice.
Environment
The environment is where nursing is practiced. It is constantly evolving and may encompass both internal and external factors that influence the development of individuals, groups, or communities. These factors affect a person's healthcare outcomes, nursing practice, and healthcare delivery. ANA (2015) acknowledged that “The nurse practices in an environmentally safe and healthy manner” (Standard 17, p. 6). In this environment, nurses must advocate for their patients by providing the necessary support to enable informed healthcare decisions. For example, psychosocial factors, culture, community, healthcare systems, and diverse populations are all components of this environment. The environment influences the healthcare needs of persons, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Nursing students learn in an environment that requires the demonstration of knowledge, skills, and attitudes by using cognitive, psychomotor, and affective behaviors.
Nursing Education
The faculty believes that nurse education should occur in institutions of higher learning. Nursing education facilitates student learning by integrating sound judgment, critical thinking, and reasoning skills, as well as legal and ethical values. Nursing education describes how student nurses progress from a simple to a complex knowledge base, enabling them to achieve their learning outcomes.
Student nurses are expected to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes in a safe learning environment in clinical settings or during simulated learning experiences. ANA (2015) mentioned that “a nurse seeks knowledge and competence that reflects current nursing practice and promotes futuristic thinking”(Standard 12, p. 5).
Teaching and learning
Learning is
a lifelong, dynamic process that facilitates interaction between a student and a teacher, incorporating life experiences and knowledge, and helps demonstrate a mutual interest in the learning process. Additionally, learning is viewed as a
lifelong process that influences behaviors, requiring nursing students to be self-efficacious, responsible, prepared, and self-motivated to deliver safe and high-quality care. They must develop nursing skills essential to lifelong learning by utilizing learning resources through new
technology platforms,
evidence-based practice, and research. Further, the teacher's and students’' roles are to maintain academic and nursing professional excellence through a
lifelong learning process. They are expected to be active in learning to construct their understanding when caring for patients. ANA (2015) stated that”… a nurse is responsible for assessing one’s competence and is committed to the process of
lifelong learning” (p 32).
References
American Nurses Association, [ANA ], (2015). Nursing Scope and standard of practice. Retrieved from: Standards.pdf
Upon completion of the course of study, the ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ A.A.S. Nursing Program graduate will demonstrate the ability to:
- Integrate knowledge from the biological, physical, behavioral and social sciences in nursing care for individuals, families, and groups in a variety of health care settings.
- Demonstrate competency in critical thinking and the therapeutic use of self when applying the nursing process towards the promotion, maintenance, and the restoration of health.
- Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and communication skills in the delivery of nursing care in the urban community.
- Collaborate with other health care professionals in the delivery of competent health care.
- Structure one’s own practice within the legal boundaries and an ethical framework consistent with the scope of nursing practice.
- Utilize technology and research findings to support evidence-based nursing practice.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the client and the profession of nursing by serving as an advocate within the health care delivery system and the legal-political arena.
THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF THE NURSING PROGRAM
The Conceptual Framework is grounded in the program’s Philosophy and Objectives, and is centered around three major concepts: nursing practice, research, and education.
NURSING PRACTICE:
Nursing practice involves the application of clinical knowledge, compassionate care, and evidence-based interventions to promote health and support patients across the lifespan. It requires critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication to achieve safe and patient-centered outcomes. Through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, nurses advocate for individuals, families, and communities in diverse healthcare settings.
Safety – Freedom from threats to one’s physical and psychological well-being.
Activity – The goal-directed use of time, energy, and attention. Human activity is categorized into six main areas: self-care, work, play, leisure, rest, and sleep.
Rest & sleep – Human activity that protects and restores body functions.
Comfort – Mentally relaxed, free from worry, and physically calm.
Nutrition/regulation – The adequate intake of nutrients allows the body to carry out metabolic processes.
Fluid/electrolytes – The balance between intake and output of fluids and electrolytes and their distribution in the body.
Oxygenation – The state of optimum oxygen delivery to the cells through the mechanisms of ventilation, perfusion, and transportation of gases.
Elimination – The body’s removal of excess fluids and waste.
Psychosocial – Adaptation of both psychological and social behavior.
Nursing Process:
Assessment: Collecting and organizing information, which includes observation and purposeful communication, to gather data about patient needs.
Analysis: Identifying and validating patient needs to prioritize care. Both short and long-range goals and expected outcomes are identified.
Plan: Designing strategies with patients and families to achieve the goals of care according to priorities.
Implementation: Performing nursing actions skillfully to accomplish patient goals. Evaluation: Measuring patient responses to nursing actions against the expected outcomes established during planning and in making necessary modifications.
NURSING EDUCATION
The faculty believes that the associate degree Nurse functions in three interrelated roles: member of the nursing discipline, provider of care, and manager of care. Functioning in the role of a care provider and utilizing the nursing process, the associate degree Nurse delivers care to patients in various healthcare settings, including the community, adhering to established protocols. As manager of care, the graduate is prepared to collaborate with other disciplines to identify and set priorities for patient care and to serve as an advocate for clients. As a member of the nursing discipline, the entry-level associate degree Nurse is expected to demonstrate competence and compliance with the appropriate
role expectations for a professional nurse, guided by the
laws and ethics that distinguish nursing practice.
Member Within the Discipline of Nursing: In nursing education, students are expected to acquire
foundational knowledge and demonstrate self-direction in their professional development. As members of the nursing discipline, they are responsible for:
- Upholding and promoting the integrity of the nursing profession.
- Demonstrating accountability for their own nursing actions.
- Practicing within established legal and ethical boundaries.
- Taking responsibility for ongoing professional growth and development.
- Addressing and seeking to correct unsafe or unethical practices through appropriate organizational channels.
Provider of care: This role utilizes the
Nursing Process to organize nursing activities. In this role, the nurse demonstrates caring behaviors, utilizes goal-directed communication skills, and implements individualized teaching plans that address the client's needs.
Manager of Care: The role of a manager encompasses nursing activities required to provide care in structured settings to groups of patients with well-defined altered needs. In this role, the nurse establishes
priorities for nursing care, acts as a patient advocate, and is responsible for delegating nursing care to other health care workers.
Practice is within the legal boundaries consistent with the scope of practice for the registered professional nurse.
Nursing Education Threads
In nursing education, "threads" refer to consistent concepts or themes that are woven throughout the curriculum to ensure a unified and organized approach to learning. These threads help students expand upon foundational knowledge and reinforce essential ideas across multiple courses. As students advance in their studies, the threads promote deeper insight and support the development of critical thinking and professional nursing competencies. They serve as a foundation for designing and organizing educational content across courses. These threads also define the core competencies nursing students are expected to achieve throughout the program. Threads that the faculty have selected are further integrated within each course. These threads are as follows:
Wellness-Illness- An ever-changing continuum where, at the highest level, a person feels satisfaction and a sense of contribution. At the lower level, there is an increase in unmet needs.
Growth and Development - Those physical, psychosocial, and cultural changes an individual experiences across the life span, beginning with conception and ending with death.
Pharmacology- The art of accurately preparing and administering drugs. The study of the effects of drugs to diagnose, treat, cure, and prevent disease requires altered needs.
Culture- A system of beliefs and practices that are shared by a group of people and passed down from generation to generation. Cultural ideas and perceptions about wellness and illness govern a person’s health-related behaviors.
Ethnicity – The condition of belonging to a specific ethnic group, a set of individuals who share a unique cultural and social heritage that is passed from one generation to another.
Legal and Ethical Aspects- The legitimate expectations of persons within a society at a given time. Ethics serve to protect the rights of human beings. Everyone has rights and responsibilities. Nurses must adhere to specific standards of practice and conduct essential to the ethical discharge of their professional duties.
Urban Community- A geographic reference to city living with its identifiable presentation of different needs.
NURSING RESEARCH
Nursing research education, when used as a conceptual framework, offers a systematic foundation for fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practice in nursing students. It combines theoretical foundations with hands-on research strategies to deepen understanding of complex healthcare issues. This approach promotes a spirit of inquiry, empowering nurses to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and improvement of patient care. Incorporating research education across the curriculum encourages continuous learning and supports the professional development of future nurses. The integration of technology and research findings is essential for advancing evidence-based nursing practice and improving patient care. By combining digital tools with the latest scientific evidence, nurses can perform more accurate assessments, streamline care delivery, and make well-informed clinical decisions. This ensures that nursing practice stays up-to-date, efficient, and aligned with ongoing innovations in healthcare.
THE A.A.S NURSING PROGRAM AND ITS PURPOSES
The Nursing Program at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ is a course of study leading to the Associate Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree. The students who graduate will be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN examination. Opportunities are provided for continuation in a baccalaureate nursing setting, preparing our graduates for career mobility. The curriculum equips graduates who, as accountable nursing care providers, can:
- Provide direct care for patients with common health problems in structured environments.
- Manage the care of either one patient or a group of several patients.
- Become contributing members of the nursing profession.
CURRICULUM
Students must assume responsibility for ensuring that their course requirements for the program are met in a timely and sequential fashion. The curriculum at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ prepares graduates to be competent and safe. Overall, the curriculum includes liberal arts, urban health, biological sciences, physical
sciences, and nursing courses, which encompass lectures, laboratory, and clinical learning experiences. Basic nursing skills are learned and practiced in the entry clinical course, starting with NUR 216, The Fundamentals of Nursing. Advanced nursing skills are developed and refined through subsequent nursing courses.
General education, combined with nursing courses, affords the student a strong foundation for assuming the role of a beginning nurse. All learning in the program is centered around objectives, which are designed to be met through lectures (didactic), laboratory experiences, and clinical experiences. Students develop the manual proficiency required for safe functioning in the clinical areas through practice in the Simulated Laboratory. This is in accordance with HEGIS Code #5208.10.
CLINICAL SIMULATION LABORATORY
The Clinical Simulation Laboratory, where students practice their skills, is located on the 4
th floor of the Allied Health building. It is a spacious setting, featuring a large practice area, storage room, and office space for College Laboratory Technicians (CLTs). The laboratory simulates a hospital setting, providing a realistic environment for patient care and skills development. Students have the opportunity to learn and practice skills in a nurturing, safe, supportive, stimulating, and comfortable environment before attempting them in an actual clinical site. This promotes confidence and improves the skills and awareness necessary for providing safe patient care under supervision in the clinical area.
The laboratory serves as an area with simulated patient care setting with authentic patient scenarios. The students utilize advanced mannequins to simulate birthing, as well as the care of an infant, child, or adult. Nursing faculty with College Laboratory Technicians provide a total educational experience by using visual aids, anatomical simulators, and other faculty/staff directed activities. Attendance during scheduled hours is mandatory.
| Associate Degree in Nursing (AAS) |
 |
Policy
Number |
|
| Revision Date |
Jan. 2025 |
| Admission Requirements |
Application, Process, and Retention for the A.A.S. Nursing Program
The information given to new applicants will include, but will not be limited to:
- Acceptance into the College does not guarantee entrance into the nursing program. The RN Day Program admits in the Fall Semester, and the RN Evening Program admits in the Spring Semester.
To apply to the nursing program, students must pass the ACTR, ACTW and Math Remedial Tests, and have taken the following pre-requisites:
*ENG 110 Expository Writing 3.0 credits
| PSY 101 |
General Psychology |
3.0 credits |
| BIO 230 |
Anatomy and Physiology I |
4.0 credits |
| *MAT 120 |
Statistics |
3.0 credits |
| ENG 111 |
Literature and Composition |
3.0 credits |
| *BIO 240 |
Anatomy and Physiology II |
4.0 credits |
| PSY 110 |
Life-Span Development of Behavior |
3.0 credits |
| SOC 101 |
Introduction to Sociology |
3.0 credits |
| HLT 215 |
Nutrition |
3.0 credits |
| *BIO 310 |
Microbiology |
4.0 credits |
| *CHE 110 |
Chemistry for Allied Health Sciences |
4.0 credits |
Students are required to complete all pre-requisites prior to the start of the clinical nursing component.
* ENG 110, BIO 230, 240, 310, CHE 110 and MAT 120 requires a minimum grade of B- for admission to the RN Program. BIO 310 may be taken with NUR 216 but it is highly recommended it be completed before NUR 216. The student must have a grade of B- or higher in BIO 310 or they cannot progress in the Nursing Program.
FALL SPRING FALL SPRING
SPRING FALL SPRING FALL
Nursing Clinical Course Sequence Day Program
NUR 216Fundamentals of Nursing 6.0 credits
*BIO 310 Microbiology 4.0 credits
NUR 220Pharmacology 3.0 credits
NUR 317Nursing Care of the Adult I 6.0 credits
NUR 316Nursing Care of the Client with Mental Illness 3.0 credits NUR 326Nursing Care of the Adult II 7.0 credits
NUR 320Issues and Trends in Nursing Practice 3.0 credits NUR 227Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family I 3.0 credits NUR 228Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family II 3.0 credits
Evening Program
NUR 216Fundamentals of Nursing 6.0 credits
*BIO 310 Microbiology 4.0 credits
NUR 220Pharmacology 3.0 credits
NUR 317Nursing Care of the Adult I 6.0 credits
NUR 316Nursing Care of the Client with Mental Illness 3.0 credits NUR 326Nursing Care of the Adult II 7.0 credits
NUR 320Issues and Trends in Nursing Practice 3.0 credits NUR 227Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family I 3.0 credits NUR 228Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family II 3.0 credits
The Assessment Technologies Institute TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam is required for admission to the Nursing Program. Information and testing information is available at
atitesting.com
- Students who have not been permitted to enter, progress or graduate from another nursing program may not transfer any nursing credits into the ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ Nursing Program. They are however permitted to seek entry into our program of study.
- All science courses required for the Nursing Program must be completed within five (5) years of admission into the nursing program, which is the start of NUR 216, Fundamentals of Nursing.
- CUNY is committed to providing New York State with significant numbers of new Registered Nurses to help alleviate the ongoing shortage. Recently, the university was informed by the Nurses Service Organization (NSO), the leading provider of malpractice (liability) insurance for nursing students, that it is prohibited from covering individuals who do not have documented status in the United States. Also, increasingly, CUNY-affiliated health facilities have denied clinical placements and/or access to electronic patient medical records to nursing students who are undocumented. These new developments have made it impossible for undocumented clinicians to secure clinical placements. Therefore, reluctantly, the University has decided that it must begin to limit access of undocumented students into our nursing programs.
Starting in the Fall 2009 semester, all CUNY nursing departments will require applicants for admission into nursing clinicals to provide documentation in one of the following categories:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Permanent Residency
- International Student with F1 Status
- Granted Asylum, Refugee Status, Temporary Protected Status, Withholding of Removal, or Deferred Action Status by the U.S. government.
Further information related to documentation status can be accessed via this link,
All undocumented students who indicate an interest in nursing are going to be strongly urged to consult with the CUNY Citizenship and Immigration Project, which provides free counseling and assistance to all CUNY students who need help with their immigration status. ().
As of June 2020 the Office of Academic Affairs has issued this revised guidance for students seeking admission to CUNY’s nursing programs to reflect current law, recently updated CUNY policy, and better reflect the University’s strong support of non-citizen students and its long-standing reputation for creating a pathway to education for immigrants. To this, end,
effective immediately, all CUNY nursing
programs will consider students to be eligible for admission consistent with the regulations of the New York State Education Department (NYSED) that make professional licensure available not only to U.S. citizens but to non-citizens so long as they are “not unlawfully present in the United States,” including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and those who are permanently residing in the United States under color of law (PRUCOL).
New Nursing Admission Eligibility Requirements
To be admitted or advance into a NYSED-approved nursing program in fall 2020 and beyond, students must provide documentation for one of the categories listed in the attached policy. Namely, applicants may demonstrate eligibility through documents that verify that they: 1) are U.S. citizens, 2) have legal permanent resident status, or 3) are in another eligible category set forth in the policy, generally through presentation of an employment authorization document (see useful document from U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services: List of Documents that Establish Identity and Employment Authorization, ).
Nursing Admission Policy Communications
Each campus must include the official criteria and documentation requirements cited in the revised policy in all virtual and written communications on admission eligibility for nursing students. This includes adding the new criteria to the list of other eligibility requirements for advancement into the nursing program (i.e., prerequisites, minimum GPA, etc.).
The updated policy does not affect students who have advanced into the clinical component of CUNY’s nursing programs, or those considered for advancement prior to summer 2020. Students who were not previously eligible for admission may re-apply for consideration under the revised policy, pending their satisfactory completion of ALL required admission criteria, as outlined and reviewed by the respective nursing program.
Each campus must also disseminate the revised admission policy and criteria to faculty, academic advisors, career counselors, admissions, registrar, and other relevant staff.
Student and Faculty Support Services
Students may be directed to consult with CUNY Citizenship Now! for free and confidential immigration law services available to all members of the community (both CUNY students and non-students).
Faculty are advised to consult with the College Legal Affairs Designee for any questions on eligible immigration categories and documentation to verify status.
Office of Academic Affairs 205 East 42 Street, 9th Floor New York, NY 10016 646.664.8065
REVISED NURSING PROGRAMS ADMISSION POLICY
Effective immediately, all CUNY nursing programs will consider applicants for admission who are eligible for licensing in New York under the regulations of the New York State Education Department. The regulation provides eligibility for citizens and non-citizens who are “not unlawfully present,” including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and those permanently residing in the United States under color of law (PRUCOL).
Applicants may demonstrate eligibility through documents that verify that they meet the required criteria. The most common documents include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship through a birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship.
- Proof of legal permanent resident status with what is known as a “Green Card”.
- Proof of various eligible categories, listed below, generally through an employment authorization document (EAD) or other satisfactory documentation.
- Eligible immigration categories:
- International student with F-1 status
- Asylee
- Refugee
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Individuals paroled into the United States whose parole has not expired.
- Persons residing in the U.S. pursuant to an Order of Supervision
- Persons granted a stay of deportation/removal.
- Persons granted an indefinite voluntary departure.
- Persons on whose behalf an immediate relative petition has been approved.
- Persons who have filed an application for adjustment of status to permanent resident.
- Persons granted Deferred Action Status
- Persons who entered and have continuously residency in the U.S. before 01/01/1972.
- Persons granted suspension of deportation or cancellation of removal.
- Cuban/Haitian entrants
- Persons with a pending application for asylum, withholding of removal or deportation, protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT), cancellation of removal, or TPS.
- Persons in T or U non-immigrant status
- Self-petitioner under the Violence Against Women Act
- Other persons living in the U.S. who are not unlawfully present.
- Students must complete all coursework. No incomplete grades are accepted for any required or elective courses at the time of registration.
- All required courses must be taken in the identified sequence.
- Science courses must be taken within five years of entering NUR 216.
- A minimum grade of B- is required in English 110, MAT 120, BIO 230, BIO 240, and BIO 310, and CHE 110.
- Students may repeat only one required non-nursing course once. For example if a student gets less than a B- grade in CHE 110 and therefore has to repeat it, he/she may not repeat another required non-nursing course.
- The required G.P.A. is 3.0 for entrance and a 2.5 for progression through the nursing program.
- Two Writing Intensive (WI) courses are required for graduation from ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡. The Writing Intensive courses are offered in NUR 228 and NUR 320.
- Students who are completing the pre-requisite courses may be scheduled to take the ATI TEAS Examination, which is required for admission. There are fees associated with this ATI TEAS test. The ATI TEAS Test must be scheduled and taken at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡, the semester prior to admission. If the ATI TEAS Test is passed, admission may be deferred for one semester if the student presents a valid reason and it is approved by the Nursing Coordinator. Thereafter, the student's deferred admission is based on a space availability the next semester. Students may repeat the ATI TEAS Examination, if necessary, after one semester has elapsed. Students who successfully achieve a passing ATI TEAS Test score are admitted to the nursing program, conditioned upon successful completion and compliance with the other existing requirements.
- Admission to the nursing program is competitive. Students with the highest GPA in the following pre-requisite courses (ENG 110, ENG 111, MAT 120, BIO 230, BIO 240, BIO 310, CHE 110, PSY 101,
PSY 110, SOC 101, HLT 215) and the highest scores on the ATI TEAS Examination will have their credentials reviewed by the Nursing Faculty ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ Committee. The most qualified candidates will be selected.
14.There is no waiting list; the application process begins anew each semester. The RN Day Program admits in the Fall Semester and the RN Evening Program admits in the Spring Semester.
- Students who are officially accepted into the nursing major are registered for NUR 216.
Policies Related to the A.A.S. Nursing Program
- All science courses required for the Nursing Program must be completed within a five-year period.
- All required nursing courses must be taken in the identified sequence. Students must complete all coursework. No incomplete grades are accepted for any required and/ or elective courses, at the time of registration.
- A grade of 73% or higher must be achieved to pass any nursing course with an NUR code.
- A failure in a nursing course results in the student being dropped from the Nursing Program. When the student fails NUR 216, NUR 220, or NUR 317, the student is dropped from the RN Program and is not eligible to reapply. As to the other RN courses, NUR 227, NUR 228, NUR 316, NUR 320 or NUR 326, if a student fails, only one nursing course may be repeated only once. Before being readmitted, a student is required to take and pass the ATI Proctored Examination, with a grade equivalent to the Examination’s Program Mean, for any prior completed Nursing Courses. In this case, when a student fails a nursing course, all requests to rejoin the Nursing Program are subject to space availability.
- If a student withdraws from a nursing course, they may reapply to the Nursing. If a student withdraws from a nursing course, they may reapply to the Nursing Program by submitting a written request for consideration to the coordinator. The request will be reviewed and the student will receive a written decision. Before repeating any nursing course that the student withdrew from, the student will be required to take and pass the ATI Proctored Exam with a grade equivalent to the Examination’s Program Mean, for any prior Nursing Course. Students may withdraw from one (1) nursing course, one (1) time ONLY. In this case, when a student voluntarily withdraws from a nursing course, all requests to rejoin the Nursing Program are subject to space availability.
- A G.P.A. of 2.5 must be maintained throughout study in the nursing major.
- Prior to admission, students may have one opportunity to repeat only one required non-nursing course. That course may be repeated one time only.
- Attendance in all courses is required for lectures, nursing laboratory and clinical components. The Nursing Faculty review absence to determine if a student may remain in the program. Students are expected to be present from start to adjournment of a class (See CUNY attendance/lateness policies). If a student does not attend an entire class, the quiz grade for that day will result in a “0” (zero). At the discretion of the Professor, students will not be permitted to enter the class once the quiz has started. Students must wait until the lecture begins in order to enter the classroom.
- Attendance is mandated for the independent, student-directed, weekly study group hour and simulated laboratory sessions.
- Students who are not permitted to enter, progress, or graduate from another nursing program may not transfer any nursing credits into the ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ Nursing Program.
- The CUNY Academic Integrity Policy, as well as the CUNY Attendance Policy, will be in effect for every nursing course.
- Students assume all responsibility for their behavior. Instances where their behavior is not in compliance with CUNY policies on academic honesty, and/or their mistreatment of other students, faculty, and staff will result in the commencement of disciplinary measures.
- All nursing students in clinical courses are required to comply with the necessary Health Clearance, BLS, and Infection Control Certifications and background checks as outlined in the course syllabi. In addition, the student must be aware that there are common expenses associated with the RN Program.
- Common expenses per semester include the following:
Approximate Ancillary Expenses per semester for Registered Nursing Students *
ATI TEAS Examination................................................ $115.00
AHA Professional Basic Life Support Certification......... $100.00
Child Abuse/Infection Control Certificate..................... $50.00
Uniforms, (Shoes, Name Pin)....................................... $200.00
Instruments and Carrying Case…………………………….. $125.00 Texts (RN)..................................................... $1,000.00
*Malpractice Insurance............................................... $50.00
* (if not provided by CUNY)
Health Clearance – depends on the student’s medical insurance NCLEX-PN or NCLEX – RN Licensure Exam $200.00
NYS registration fee $165.00
ATI software program (RN) $473
per semester
Castle branch: Background checks – Medical records management: Medical Document Manager.................. $110.00
New students.............................................................. $205.75
Returning students (
each semester).............................. $153.25
* These are current prices and are subject to change without notice.
- Students must submit all state-mandated documents and clinical requirements on the first day of class:
- Liability Insurance
- Health Requirements including proof of immunity, see annual Health Examination
- Required vaccinations as health care workers in clinical sites as outlined by the NYS Dept of Health, CDC, and/or facility preferences.
- AHA Professional Basic Life Support Certification
- Infection Control and Child Abuse Certifications*
- Satisfactory evidence of criminal background check
STUDENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS BY CLINICAL AGENCIES. This process
is additional to the Castle Branch certified background. It is completed at the student’s expense. The clinical agency may deny student’s entry into their facility. That student may not complete the Nursing Course.
- Anyone who fails a toxicology screening test must immediately withdraw from nursing courses.
- Ancillary expenses can be found in the College catalog and the student handbook. Prices are subject to change.
- Students are expected to read and adhere to all CUNY policies as outlined in the student handbook and the ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ School Catalog.
- Cell phones must be turned off and put away off of your person during every quiz and exam. Cell phones must be on silence during clinical and lecture. Failure to do so will result in expulsion from the class. This includes smart watches.
- Medication Proficiency Examination will be given at the beginning of each clinical course. Additional evaluation will be conducted by clinical faculty. A student has three opportunities to achieve a grade of 80% or higher prior to administering medications. This requirement must be met prior to mid-term. Inability to do so results in administrative withdrawal from the nursing course. After successful completion, students are then eligible to administer medications under the supervision of faculty.
- At the end of the term, all clinical objectives must be met.
NOTICE TO STUDENTS ON CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS
Current laws generally permit a state licensing board or agency to deny a license to practice nursing if the applicant has been convicted of a felony or other specified crime. Like many state licensing boards, the Office of the Professions of the New York State Education Department requires that a criminal background check be conducted before granting a license to practice nursing.
The Nursing Unit at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ does not require a criminal background check for admittance, but the Nursing Unit’s educational requirements include placement at one or more hospitals or other off-campus clinical training sites, and these sites frequently require a student to undergo a criminal background check before the student can be placed for clinical training. If, based upon the results of a criminal background check, the site determines that a student’s participation in its clinical training program would not be in the best interest of the site, the site may deny that student admission to the training program. Even if the student has already begun the placement when the
results are received, the site may elect to dismiss the student, regardless of the student’s performance while in the training program. There is no appeal from the clinical training site’s decision.
Each clinical training site that requires a criminal background check sets its own standards and procedures, and you may be asked by the site to pay the cost of the background check. You will have to complete more than one criminal background check during the course of the Nursing program at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡, depending on the number of sites where you are placed and the requirements of each site.
Please note that if a clinical training site determines that you may not take part in its training program based on the results of a criminal background check, you will be unable to complete your course requirements and to continue in the Nursing program. It is important for you to consider this before you enroll in the Nursing Program. ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ has no obligation to refund your tuition or fees to accommodate you in the event you are ineligible to complete your course requirements based on the results of a criminal background check, or if you are denied a license to practice nursing.
Faculty/ Student Advisement:
- Guidance in academic areas includes:
- Periodic review of exams and assignment grades will be done by the faculty. Students must self-monitor and record their own grades. Faculty are available for advisement and help in resolving academic difficulties;
- Attendance at the exit interview is required at the completion of each clinical course;
- Review of students’ priorities as it relates to study and work schedules;
- Discussion of academic difficulties the student may be having with nursing and support courses. Students are encouraged to seek faculty guidance which is available during office hours or at a mutually scheduled time between the faculty and student.
- When a student fails a unit exam, the faculty will discuss this with the student and assist the student in “identifying” study needs and problem areas. A Conference Note may be signed and placed in the student’s file for follow up. (See Sample on pages 37) Students are responsible for monitoring their own quiz grade averages and may seek advisement.
- Clarification of academic policies: e.g. leave of absence, grievance, academics, lateness and absence in the clinical areas are all in compliance with the applicable CUNY Policies.
- Referrals for student counseling as well as other services are available at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡. See, the current ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ catalogue and the website:
http://www2.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/legal-affairs/policies-procedures/reasonable-accommodations-and-academic-adjustments/.
- Assignment to tutorial services
- Referrals for financial assistance
- Course planning assistance
- Individualized contracts for future academic success
- Other assistance as indicated
A Conference Note which states the topic, discussion, and plan of action may be initiated during a student and faculty meeting. This is to allow follow-up and problem resolution. The Conference Note will be signed by both the student and faculty and will be placed in the student’s file. (See Sample page 37).
Contracts:
Individualized contracts may be given to students in specific situations.
| Associate Degree in Nursing (AAS) |
 |
Policy
Number |
|
| Revision Date |
Jan. 2025 |
| Technology Requirements |
Assessment Technologies Institute’s Examinations
All students are required to take the appropriate Assessment Technologies Institute’s Examinations (ATI) at the end of each nursing course. These standardized examinations help prepare for the NCLEX-RN. They evaluate the student’s progress in relationship to students in other similar types of nursing programs. The students assume the expense of these exams and are informed of the cost at the beginning of the semester. Reports are supplied to the student and the school. ATI score reflects 10% of the total course grade.
Assessment Technology Institute (ATI) Standardized Examination Process
The Nursing Education Department at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ has incorporated ATI into our curriculum, a comprehensive testing and review program to help students achieve their course and program learning outcomes. The nursing faculty use various tools to support the learning needs of students. Also, the ATI review program helps improve student test-taking abilities to prepare them for passing the NCLEX Licensure Exam. The Nursing Education Department at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ will utilize the ATI program to assess student progress each semester. Therefore, formative and summative evaluations will be employed to evaluate students' learning outcomes through standardized, proctored, comprehensive predictor, and practice ATI assessments. Further, nursing faculty will utilize various teaching methods, including online Next Generation questions, case studies, assigned readings, V-simulations, and videos, to accommodate the diverse learning needs of students.
ATI Standardized Examination
The ATI Standardized Examination is incorporated through all nursing courses, which will be proctored or customized. These exams will evaluate a student's proficiency level. Students scoring below the National Mean must undergo remediation and retake the exam.
ATI Comprehensive Predictor Exit Exam
The ATI comprehensive predictor assessment helps predict the likelihood of graduate students passing the NCLEX licensure examination. It helps assess the end of the student program learning outcomes during the last nursing course. It is designed to predict a student’s performance on the NCLEX licensure exam and is administered at the end of the 4
th semester. The students must score 90% or higher on the predictor exit exam. If students do not achieve this score, they are given a second chance to retake the exam. Students can remediate to complete a 90% score or higher for a third time. Furthermore, ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ Nursing Department mandates that all graduating students attend a mandatory three-day live review to prepare for the NCLEX licensure exam. Also, it will prepare them for entry into the nursing profession.
Proctored Assessments
The following Courses have proctored assessments:
- NUR 216, NUR 220, NUR 326, NUR 326, NUR 320, NUR 227 & NUR 228.
ATI Practice Assessments A and B
ATI Practice Assessments prepare students for the comprehensive exam and evaluate nursing students’ competency levels. The practice assessments are designed to mimic the content of the actual predictor exit exam and provide students with an opportunity to assess their knowledge and skills in various nursing topics they have learned. These practice exams are usually administered to students about 3 to 4 weeks before the comprehensive assessment. Based on the results of the practice assessment scores, a focused review may be required. Students are allowed unlimited attempts until they score 90% or above.
·Remediation:
- Students are required to have a minimum 1-hour Focused Review on the initial attempt.
- For each topic missed, students must complete an active learning template and/or identify three critical points to remember.
ATI Proctored Predictor Assessment
- The ATI proctored predictor assessment is 10% of the student's grade.
Proficiency Levels
- Level 3: is 9.5 %
- Level 2: is 8.5 %
- Level 1: is 7.5 %
- Below level 1: is 10% of the student’s exam grade
| Proficiency Levels Table |
| Proficiency Level |
Description |
Score Range |
| Below Level 1 |
Scores below the Proficiency Level 1 standard can be considered below minimum expectations and indicate significant risk in this content area. ATI strongly advises these students to develop and complete an intensive plan for focused review and remediation, including ATI materials, textbooks, class notes, reference
materials, and assistance from nurse educators. |
0.0% to 48.3% |
| Level 1 |
Scores meeting the Proficiency Level 1 standard meet the absolute minimum expectations for performance in this content area. The content expert panel judged scores at this level to indicate a student was likely to meet NCLEX-RN® standards in this content area. ATI advises these students to develop and complete a rigorous plan of focused review to achieve a firmer
grasp of this content. |
50.0% to 63.3% |
| Level 2 |
Scores meeting the Proficiency Level 2 standard can exceed minimum expectations for performance in this content area. The content expert panel judged scores at this level to indicate a student as fairly certain to meet NCLEX-RN standards in this content area. ATI advises these students to continuously review continuously to improve their knowledge of this content. |
65.0% to 80.0% |
| Standardized Proctored Comprehensive Predictor Assessment |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Level 3
- Remediation is required
- Minimum 1-h Focused Review on the initial attempt
- For each topic missed, complete a handwritten active learning
template |
Level 2
- Remediation is required
- Minimum 2-h Focused Review on the initial attempt
- For each topic missed, complete a handwritten active learning
template |
Level 1
- Remediation is required.
- Minimum 3-h Focused Review on initial attempt
- For each topic missed, complete a handwritten active learning template
|
Below Level 1
- Remediation is required.
- Minimum 4-h Focused Review on the initial attempt.
- For each topic missed, complete a handwritten active learning template.
|
|
| Level 3 |
Scores meeting the Proficiency Level 3 standard can exceed most expectations for performance in this content area. The content expert panel judged scores at this level to indicate a student was likely to exceed NCLEX-RN standards in this content area. ATI advises these students to continuously review continuously to maintain and improve their knowledge of this content. |
81.7% to 100.0% |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
REMEDIATION
Instructions: For the remediation, please see the video
ATI Focused Review/Remediation (5 min) as a guide to complete the missed topics from the comprehensive predictor exam.
Student Acknowledgement
Initial all and sign below:
I have received a copy of and have read and understand [college]’s ATI Assessment and Review Policy
I understand that I am responsible for utilizing all the review modules, tutorials, and online resources available from ATI, as designated by [college].
Signature
Student printed name Date
Reference
ATI Content Mastery 2020. Retrieved from
| Associate Degree in Nursing (AAS) |
 |
Policy
Number |
|
| Revision Date |
Jan. 2025 |
| Progression and Retention |
Retention in the Nursing Program
- A G.P.A. minimum of 2.5 must be maintained for retention and progression at all times.
- All health requirements must be completed and documented.
- Anyone who fails a toxicology screening test must withdraw from nursing courses and reapply no sooner than one year for readmission to the program on a space available basis.
- Must have documentation of current malpractice insurance prior to the first day of classes if it is not supplied by CUNY.
- Must complete the Professional Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers given by the American Heart Association prior to entry into NUR 216 which is to be renewed every two years.
- Attendance on all courses is required. Absence is reviewed by the Nursing faculty to determine if a student may remain in the program. Students are expected to be present from start to adjournment of a class. (See CUNY Policy on Attendance).
- All nursing students in clinical courses are required to pay for external costs mandated by testing or the clinical placement.
- Ancillary expenses can be found in the College Catalogue and the RN Student Handbook which are subject to change.
- With the exception of the first year NUR courses (NUR 216, NUR 220 NUR 317), only one failed nursing course may be repeated if approved by the Nursing Coordinator. The student completes the necessary ATI re-testing prior to readmission. A second failure in a nursing course results in the student being dropped from the Nursing Program. Students who fail a
nursing course may audit the lecture component with permission from the faculty. An audit of courses is subject to a tuition fee. Auditing, of courses, does not guarantee re-entry into the nursing program. Failing NUR 216, NUR 220 or NUR 317 results in a final termination from the nursing program.
- If a student withdraws or fails a nursing course theymay reapply in writing to the coordinator for readmission but the necessary ATI retesting must be completed first.
EXAMINATIONS and QUIZZES
Students must be present on any quiz or exam day; if absent without any notification sent to the nursing instructor, the student will receive a zero grade. The following are valid reasons for absences, including religious observances, illness, or family emergencies. Students must give written notice for an excused absence to the nursing faculty. Although a written note is required for illness for the make-up quiz or exam, students should not reveal the nature of their illness or injury. Students with course instructor-accepted excuses may be allowed to make up the exam or quiz. This may entail an alternative examination. If unable to take a quiz, unit exam, or final exam at the appropriate time, the student must notify the nursing instructor within 2 hours of the start of the examination or quiz and explain the reason for the absence. Exam and quiz make-up, students may be given the opportunity to retake the exam or quiz as scheduled by the instructor before the end of the semester. If students cannot take the make-up examination on the scheduled date the nursing faculty selects, they must produce a doctor’s note or documentation of extenuating circumstances.
Testing for Students with Disabilities:
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, students with disabilities may be eligible for accommodations on CUNY Assessment Tests. Students must be registered with the college's Office of Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), in the Savoy Building, which will certify eligibility and coordinate accommodations with the Testing Center.
Students who think they may be eligible for accommodations and/or other services from ARC are urged to contact that office as soon as possible. For further information contact the ARC at 718-518-4454 and/or visit the office's website for additional important information.
arc@hostos.cuny.edu
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION are taught throughout the Nursing Curriculum at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡.
Policies for Written Work
All papers must be typewritten, double-spaced, and correctly documented regarding footnotes and bibliography. Written assignments are a significant element in the Nursing Program. Students are expected to write English clearly, accurately and succinctly. Acceptable standards include competence in spelling and grammar, the capacity to utilize the vocabulary of the health sciences, and the ability to manage abstract concepts.
Written papers should demonstrate logical organization, problem solving originality, and relevant, appropriately documented research. Acceptable references and useful guides for standards of written work in the A.P.A. style (format, bibliographical and footnote format) are
Located in the
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Formatting questions can be answered through the Nursing Faculty, the ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡’s Reference Librarian and the resources located on the Library’s homepage,
Requirements
- Students should make duplicate copies (i.e. Xerox copies) of all written work so originals are available for inclusion in students’ folders. *
- All papers are expected to be submitted on the due date. If a paper is submitted late, the student is subject to a decrease in grade. Therefore, students should communicate any difficulties to their Professor before the lateness occurs.
Students are expected to have mid and end semester conferences with their respective nursing faculty. Those students, who are experiencing difficulty in meeting the learning objectives and whose continuance in the program may be in jeopardy, will be at risk for failure. During this period the student will be expected to:
- Examine and redefine their priorities with regard to their desire for becoming a nurse.
- Complete and review with their faculty advisor their weekly study schedule including simulated laboratory and library usage.
- Seek tutorial assistance.
- Have the option to meet with a counselor in the counseling center.
- Review and cosign all counseling notations prepared by the nursing faculty. These remain in the student’s file.
A failed nursing course after the first year may be repeated only after receiving approval of the nursing admissions committee and space availability. Only one (1) nursing course may be repeated. (any grade below C/73% is considered a failure).
Attendance/lateness:
The statement on “Attendance” found in the current ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ catalogue is observed. In addition, the following are adhered to for the Nursing Program:
- Students are expected to attend and participate in lectures. If absent, the student is responsible for content presented and related assignments.
- Attendance in the clinical agency is mandatory. If too ill to attend, the student must notify the unit at the facility and the faculty member at least one hour prior to the start of the assignment.
- The student may be dropped from the Nursing Program if absent for more than two clinical days. A certified letter is mailed to the student.
- A second absence in clinical laboratory necessitates student to appear before faculty to ascertain if he/she may continue in nursing program.
- Students are expected to be in clinical on time. Lateness distracts from the student’s ability to meet specific learning objectives and is disruptive to the entire hospital unit.
- Students are allowed one lateness (15 minutes) for a clinical experience. The student who is tardy beyond 15 minutes will be sent home and marked absent.
- Attendance at Clinical Simulation Laboratory is mandatory; if too ill to attend you must notify
C.L.T. prior to the start of the laboratory experience. The college absenteeism policy will be in effect for the Clinical Simulation Laboratory.
| Associate Degree in Nursing (AAS) |
 |
Policy
Number |
|
| Revision Date |
Jan. 2025 |
| Formal Conflicts and Grievances |
Communication Channels for Conflict Resolution:
Step I = Discuss the problem, as you perceive it with the person with whom the disagreement exists.
Step II = If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, make an appointment to
meet with your course lead instructor. When your lead instructor is also the person involved in Step I, make an appointment to see the Nursing Program Coordinator.
Step III = If the problem is not resolved at Step II, make an appointment to see the Chairperson, Allied Health Division. The Nursing Program is part of this division.
Step IV = The next official to contact if problem not resolved at Step III, is the Dean of Student Services.
Step V = The next official to contact and make an appointment is the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Step VI = President of ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ is the next official to contact. Bear in mind that all efforts should be made to settle the problem at Step I.
Good communication will facilitate your successful completion of the course of study. There are certain issues that can only be resolved within the confines of the program, e.g. lateness, attendance, uniforms, and grades. In these instances, appeals to various levels may be of little assistance.
Conduct and Dismissal
The Nursing Program’s guidelines are consistent with those of the College in relation to the expected behavior of students. Additional professional expectations are imposed because the program leads to licensure and membership in the profession of nursing. All students are expected to become familiar with and adhere to the Code for Nurses and CUNY wide policies as authorized in the college catalog. Failure to conform to stipulations of affiliation agreements established between clinical agencies and the College and/or professional codes of conduct are grounds for dismissal.
Integrity is a fundamental value of nursing practice and as health care professionals it is critical to the students’ or nurses’ ability to provide safe and effective care.
Grounds for potential dismissal from the nursing program include:
- the use of abusive, profane language in class, in the clinical area or the laboratory.
- Sexual harassment and/or assaultive behavior involving touching another person.
- uncontrolled loss of temper, acting out behavior.
- leaving the clinical area without the knowledge and consent of the instructor
- proven falsification of documents, e.g. hospital records.
- unauthorized administration of medications
- plagiarism.
- engagement in the possession, sale or use of controlled substances.
- alcohol intoxication in class or clinical.
- excessive absences.(See Attendance/Lateness)
- unsatisfactory/unsafe performance in the clinical area.
- failure to conform with affiliation agreements established between clinical agencies and ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡, including HIPPA Violations.
Nursing Appeals Committee
Students have the right to appeal. The appeal is made to the Nursing Appeal Committee, which is convened, as necessary, by the Nursing Coordinator. The committee consists of nursing faculty members and an additional faculty representative from Allied Health. This appeal hearing follows CUNY Regulations. The Nursing Appeals Committee renders a decision that is mailed to the student and a copy of the decision will be placed in the student’s file. The student has the right to appeal the decision to the Chair of the Allied Health Department and then further on. The Appeals Process is located in the ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡’s website and follows CUNY’s policies.
Clinical Health Requirements
All students are required to have an annual physical examination including selected laboratory tests and immunizations as outlined on the Health Requirement form prior to entering nursing courses with a clinical component. For NUR 216, 227, 228, 316, 317 and 326, completed forms are due the week prior to the start of class.
Failure to provide the above documentation on the above-identified days will result in the student being marked absent. The health form is available from the nursing office. The physical exam must be done on an annual (calendar year) basis. The health requirements stipulated by the agencies are those mandated by the NY Health Department. If pregnant, notify your clinical instructor.
Prior to beginning clinical experience students must meet and have documented current mandated requirements.
- American Heart Association Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) for health care providers
- Infection Control
- Child Abuse course
- Malpractice Insurance
At this time CUNY is providing Malpractice Insurance for the students. If CUNY does not provide it, all nursing students are required to have malpractice insurance prior to their first clinical rotation. One to three million-dollar aggregate policy is required. Insurance may be purchased from a company of your choice. The insurance policy must be renewed on a yearly basis. No student will be allowed to go to the clinical agency without presenting current documentation of an insurance policy. This must be submitted with the completed health forms.
Employment
Students are advised to limit employment during their course of study. The academic program is rigorous and demanding. Thus, the student’s focus must be directed to meeting curriculum requirements. Students are to be available M-F 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
All religious attire worn by a student will be respected and permitted. The requirements for dress will be adhered to without exception. A student who arrives at the clinical pre-conference in inappropriate attire will be deemed unprepared and dismissed by the Clinical Instructor. This will count as an absence. All students must appear neat, clean and well groomed.
- Clinical Attire
- Women
White scrub pants or skirt may be worn with a navy blue scrub top. The logo of the ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ Nursing Program must be worn on the shirt. The dress must be at or below the knees over a white slip. Fit must be comfortable and accommodate the movements expected of the nurse in the clinical area. If wearing a skirt, white stockings is mandatory.
Name pins and photo ID must be worn at all times.
Clean white nursing shoes and plain, stockings are acceptable. Not acceptable are sneakers, pumps, high heels, clogs or flat healed slippers.
- Men
A navy blue uniform shirt is to be worn with white scrub pants, white socks and white shoes. No sneakers, clogs, or jeans will be permitted.
- The ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ photo identification is mandatory in clinical sites. Tag and name pin bearing title: Mrs., Ms., or Mr., first initial, last name and ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ Nursing Student is optional.
- Blue scrub jackets may be worn for comfort. No other long sleeves permitted.
- Women – hair must be off the face and collar and contained. Simple combs or barrettes may be used.
5.The only jewelry permitted are plain post earrings and plain wedding bands.
- Nails must be short. Clear polish is permitted. No artificial nails, wraps, or acrylic tips are allowed.
- No gum chewing is allowed.
- Students must carry a black pen, stethoscope, bandage scissors, penlight, PDA, clamp, watch with second hand and a small note pad. Personal equipment is subject to clinical sites’ regulations.
- No cellular phones or paging systems are allowed in the clinical setting. In the classroom these must be on vibration or silent mode.
- No personal items or valuables will be allowed in the clinical area.
Clinical Area Supervision
Orientation will be provided to each clinical agency where students are assigned. The instructor will identify the time periods for breaks, meals and post-conferences.
The instructor will:
- select and assign each student a patient.
- guide each student through the steps of the nursing process to meet the needs of the assigned patient.
- review and approve documentation of patient care (nurse’s notes) before the student makes entry on the official hospital record.
- evaluate the plan of care as prepared by the student for the individual patient.
- conference the student during the semester to keep her/him appraised of progress toward meeting the objectives of the course.
- evaluate the student’s clinical performance at mid and end semester. The evaluation forms are signed by the student and the instructor and kept as part of the student’s academic record.
Simulated Clinical Laboratory Protocol
Clinical Instructors will demonstrate all techniques and procedures that students will be expected to perform in the clinical area. The C.L.T. is responsible for supervising students during their laboratory practice sessions. The faculty will then validate the acquired skills before allowing the student to apply them in the clinical area.
Students may utilize the laboratory during the posted open hours to enhance their
skills. Scheduled practice hours in the laboratory are
mandated and certain protocols must be observed. These are as follows:
- Students are expected to treat the C.L.T. and their peers with respect.
- Return all equipment to the proper location.
- Clean up before leaving area.
- Turn off all electrically powered equipment before you leave the room.
- Place all waste materials in the trash receptacle.
- Do not smoke, eat or drink in the laboratory at any time.
- Follow fire alert system for the area and familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures.
- Report all injuries, no matter how minor to the C.L.T. at once.
- Be responsible for all equipment assigned or borrowed. Some equipment may be removed ONLY with the EXPRESSED PERMISSION of the C.L.T.
- Refer to instruction materials issued prior to handling equipment.
- Students may not practice procedures on each other without the expressed permission of the Instructor or the C.L.T.
- Do not bring any valuables to the area as they will be your responsibility if damaged or stolen.
- Students are expected to evaluate the laboratory at the end of each clinical rotation.
- Students are expected to wear their clinical uniforms when attending lab.
Evaluation of Faculty, Clinical and Courses
To guarantee student input into the evaluation and improvement of the Nursing Program, students have the opportunity to evaluate Faculty, Clinical Agencies, Simulated Clinical Laboratory and the Curriculum after each course. These evaluations afford the faculty valuable information for overall improvement of the program.
THE GONZALEZ/TUBMAN NURSING CLUB
The Gonzalez/Tubman Nursing Club has been created to achieve the following purposes:
- Develop a mechanism for promoting college-wide awareness of nursing activities.
- Facilitate continuing dialogue among its members, and other members of the College community.
- Establish an organized nursing student body that is recognized by the National Student Nurses Association. Membership is composed of students enrolled in the Nursing Program. Officers include the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer who are elected by the students for a one year term. There is a Faculty Advisor to help the students plan events and apply for funds from the school. All students are urged to participate in all club activities.
| Associate Degree in Nursing (AAS) |
 |
Policy
Number |
|
| Revision Date |
Jan. 2025 |
| Graduation, Licensure, and Pinning |
NYS Licensure as a Registered Nurse
The State Education Department of the State of New York regulates the nursing profession. To qualify for a nursing license, you must be of good moral character as determined by the State Education Department. For further information, you should contact the Nursing Program office of the State Board for Nursing at (518) 474-3843.
Pinning
As students complete the nursing program, there is a very formal ceremony called Pinning. It is conducted in the last week of classes, prior to Graduation. Participation in this activity is voluntary. This marks the completion of nursing studies when each graduate receives the ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡'s Nursing Pin. It is a sign that they are now "registered" as a graduate and dates back to Florence Nightingale. Each graduate purchases the nursing school pin, which is presented at pinning Ceremony, and pays the costs associated with this event.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡’s nursing programs are in the process of pursuing initial accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), located at 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326 (phone: 404-975-5000). Below is the complete information for ACEN.
| Table ACEN Information |
| Name |
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
| Address |
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 |
| Telephone number |
(404) 975-5000 |
| Web Address |
|
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I have read the Student Handbook for the Nursing Program and I understand that I should also read and be familiar with the ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ catalogue. I agree to follow the rules and regulations of the Nursing Program.
ID Number:
First and Last Name:
Signature:
Date
This form must be signed and returned to nursing faculty.
CONFERENCE NOTE
NURSING COURSE:
STUDENT’S NAME:
STUDENT’S CUNY FIRST ID: SEMESTER: EXAM #: GRADE:
CLINICAL: LABORATORY
You did not pass your Exam, skill lab, or Clinical for your course. You have been counseled regarding your current academic standing.
Recommendations that have been discussed are the following:
- Collaboration: Join study groups.
·Self-Assessment:
- Re-assess your study habits and schedule.
- Evaluate one’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Work on time management during exams.
- Instructor: Meet with your instructor during office hours to review exams and quizzes.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Review all NCLEX-type questions, simulation, PowerPoint slides, Homework, LWW, ATI resources, and additional resources provided on the learning management system.
- Course/Clinical: Be punctual for class lecture and clinical time.
- Lab: Review the skills testing, and be punctual for the 2-hour laboratory time.
- Tutoring: Schedule an appointment for online or in-person tutoring.
- Nursing Process Framework: Review dosage calculation, ATI, and LWW resources.
Conference Note
Please use You can also ask for assistance with the course during the nursing faculty’s office hours. In addition, you can email the nursing faculty for additional help.
Student Signature: Date
Faculty Signature: Date
A.A.S. Nursing Program
EVALUATION OF SIMULATED CLINICAL LABORATORY
Directions: The information requested is needed to help improve the Nursing Program.
Please answer as fully as possible using the following scale:
| Excellent |
= |
4 |
| Good |
= |
3 |
| Fair |
= |
2 |
| Poor |
= |
1 |
RATING
| 1. Availability of supervision |
|
| 2. Access to equipment for practice |
|
| 3. Availability of equipment for practice |
|
| 4. Scheduled hours suitable for your needs |
|
| 5. Adequacy of space for demonstration/practice |
|
| 6. Skills improved as result of practice |
|
| 7. Environment conducive to practicing |
|
Comments, if any:
Average amount of time you spent in lab this semester: Hours per week Weeks per semester
.
A.A.S. Nursing Program LABORATORY REFERRAL SLIP
TO: (Student) FROM:
RE: LABORATORY PRACTICE
DATE:
You must make an appointment with the Clinical Laboratory Technician within one week from the above date to practice:
You must return the appropriate copy of this form to your Clinical Instructor prior to your next clinical experience.
DATE:
TIME IN: TIME OUT: COMMENTS:
R.N.’s SIGNATURE:
FACULTY AND STUDENT EVALUATION OF AGENCY CLINICAL SITE
| FACULTY or STUDENT: |
COURSE: |
| AGENCY CLINICAL SITE: |
SEMESTER: |
INSTRUCTIONS: Please complete the clinical site evaluation tool to provide constructive feedback on whether it can help assess the achievement of the student learning outcomes (SLOs). Use the scale below and respond to each item. If an item does not apply, check N/A.
| |
4
Strongly Agree |
3
Agree |
2
Disagree |
1
Strongly Disagree |
NA
Does not Apply |
| 1. |
The clinical agency provides sufficient hands-on clinical experiences for students to apply
safety when caring for patients. |
|
|
|
|
|
| 2. |
The clinical agency is appropriate for patient situations and promotes evidence-based
practice learning experiences. |
|
|
|
|
|
| 3. |
The clinical agency staff supports teamwork and collaborative relationship and offers
assistance and guidance as needed. |
|
|
|
|
|
| 4. |
The clinical agency staff is a role model and supports students’ learning needs to provide
patient-centered care. |
|
|
|
|
|
| 5. |
The clinical agency supports student learning by using informatics to retrieve patient’s information from electronic health records
(EHR). |
|
|
|
|
|
| 6. |
The space and resources from the clinical agency for clinical learning activities are adequate and help the achievement of the
SLOs. |
|
|
|
|
|
| 7. |
Students apply the nursing process, prioritize care, use delegation, and develop effective communication skills during the clinical
learning experiences. |
|
|
|
|
|
| 8. |
The clinical agency gives students an orientation about their rules and regulations, legal and ethical issues, confidentiality, and quality improvement approach to patient
care. |
|
|
|
|
|
| 9 |
Can the clinical agency be chosen for future |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
learning experiences? |
|
|
|
|
|
| 10 |
Does the clinical agency facilitate the achievement of the SLOs and help you
advocate for patient needs? |
|
|
|
|
|
* student learning outcomes (SLOs)
American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses
| Provision 1 |
The nurse practices with compassion and respect
for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person. |
| Provision 2 |
The nurse’s primary commitment is to the
patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population. |
| Provision 3 |
The nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects
the rights, health, and safety of the patient. |
| Provision 4 |
The nurse has authority, accountability and
responsibility for nursing practice; makes decisions; and takes action consistent with the obligation to provide optimal patient care. |
| Provision 5 |
The nurse owes the same duties to self as to
others, including the responsibility to promote health and safety, preserve wholeness of character and integrity, maintain competence, and continue personal and professional growth. |
| Provision 6 |
The nurse, through individual and collective
effort, establishes, maintains, and improves the ethical environment of the work setting and conditions of employment that are conducive to
safe, quality health care. |
| Provision 7 |
The nurse, in all roles and settings, advances the
profession through research and scholarly inquiry, professional standards development, and the generation of both nursing and health policy. |
| Provision 8 |
The nurse collaborates with other health
professionals and the public to protect human rights, promote health diplomacy, and reduce health disparities. |
| Provision 9 |
The profession of nursing, collectively through its
professional organizations, must articulate nursing values, maintain the integrity of the profession, and integrate principles of social
justice into nursing and health policy. |
Reference: American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics with interpretative statements. Silver Spring, MD: Author. Retrieved from Ethics-For-Nurses.html, Accessed 7/28/2018.