2. ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING Carl Sandburg College offers three distinct educational paths to serve the needs of students with diverse career goals in the field of Nursing: Nursing Assistant/Aide, Practical Nursing Certificate and the Associate Degree in Nursing.
3. Associate Degree in Nursing This two-year Associate Degree in Nursing is an NLNAC-accredited program designed to prepare professional nurses to function in an ever-changing health care environment in a variety of acute health care and community-based settings. The student is prepared to function within the nursing roles of manager of care, provider of care, and member within the discipline of nursing. The curriculum, which includes six nursing courses and specified science and general education courses, prepares graduates to apply to write for the National Council Licensing Examination-RN. Upon successful completion of this exam, the student is eligible to apply for Registered Nurse licensure. Clinical experience is provided at Galesburg Cottage Hospital, OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, and Community Medical Center in Monmouth. Extended care facilities and many other community-based health care agencies in the area are also utilized.
4. Nature of the Work Registered nurses work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients recover from and cope with illness. Nurses are taught to assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate care to patients, assist physicians with treatments and examinations, administer medications, and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. Nurses also provide patient education to clients and families to help improve or maintain the optimum level of health. Hospitals employ the largest number of nurses to provide bedside nursing care and carry out medical orders. Registered nurses may also supervise and delegate care to practical nurses and nursing assistants. Nurses in hospitals often specialize in one area of care such as surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, emergency room or critical care. Other settings that employ nurses include: ambulatory care offices and clinics, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, public health facilities, schools, churches, correctional facilities, and occupational settings.
5. Working Conditions Most health care facilities provide a safe and comfortable working environment. Care is required around the clock, often in 8- or 12- hour shifts, even on weekends and holidays. Sometimes it is necessary for nurses to be on call. There are settings such as schools and offices in which nurses work more traditional hours. Employment The demand for nurses is very high and is expected to increase. Many nurses are nearing retirement age, which will create many job openings. With the life expectancy increasing, the demands of an aging population increases the need for health care providers. Accreditation The Associate Degree Nursing program is fully accredited by The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, 1-800-669-1656.
6. CSC Advantages • Interactive classroom environment • Nursing lab provides opportunity for clinical simulation • Computer lab provides interactive computer programs, including simulated NCLEX-RN testing • Clinical faculty/student ratio of 1:10 or less • Accredited by national nursing organization • Articulated program provides seamless route to continued education goals • Many job opportunities available Special Needs Carl Sandburg College complies with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws, orders, and regulations. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Affirmative Action Officer. Facilities are accessible for people with physical disabilities. Persons requiring special accommodations should make their needs known at the time of registration by contacting the Academic Support Services Office at (309) 341-5262.
7. Cost & Financial Aid For current tuition and fees, please refer to our Web site at www.sandburg.edu. A variety of scholarships, loans, grants, and other forms of financial aid are available to qualified applicants. For information contact the Financial Aid Office at (309) 341-5283. Mission Statement OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED The mission of Carl Sandburg College is to provide accessible, quality education in a caring environment by keeping the learner’s needs at the center of decision making and by working in partnership with communities of the College district. 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd. Galesburg, IL 61401 www.sandburg.edu (309) 341-5229 Toll Free (877) 236-1862, ext. 5229
