• Home |
• Faculty and Staff Directory |
• Campus Maps |
• Contact CFCC |
• Help

Cape Fear Community College

• Future Students |
• Students |
• Continuing Ed |
• Business/Industry |
• Academics |
• Admissions |
• Community |
• Services

Nursing Transition
2009

Selective Admission Process

APPLICATION DATES:
SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 THROUGH NOVEMBER 3, 2008

CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
411 NORTH FRONT STREET
WILMINGTON, NC 28401
TELEPHONE: (910) 362 - 7558
FAX: (910) 362 - 7080

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE EACH ACADEMIC YEAR

The Nursing Transition Program provides the Licensed Practical Nurse the opportunity to continue to study to become a Registered Nurse by enrolling in the Associate Degree Nursing Transition Program.

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide nursing care to clients and groups of clients throughout the lifespan in a variety of settings.

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which is required for practice as a Registered Nurse. Employment opportunities include a wide variety of health care settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, physician's offices, industry, and community health agencies.

APPLICATION PROCESS

10 LPN's will have priority for advanced placement. If additional seats are available, LPN's wishing to transition and returning Associate Degree Nursing students who were unsuccessful in a previous semester will be admitted based on the highest point total.

It is the nursing applicants' responsibility to ensure that all requirements are met by the established deadline. Nursing deadlines, guidelines, and policies apply equally to all students; thus, there can be no exceptions.

The following must be completed by 5:00 pm on November 3, 2008.

Students must do the following:

1. Have and maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in all post-secondary courses taken in the last 3 years at Cape Fear Community College.
2. Students must have an unrestricted PN License by the application deadline of the year to enter the Transition Program.
3. Complete the CFCC General Admissions Application.
4. Complete appropriate Placement Test, if required by the Admissions Office. Meet minimum cut-off scores on Placement Test.
5. Request official high school transcript or GED scores mailed to the Admissions and Records Office. Official transcripts should be mailed from the institution(s) attended or be hand delivered in an envelope sealed by a representative of the school(s) attended.
6. Request official transcripts from all colleges or schools attended since high school mailed to the Admissions and Records Office. These will be reviewed for possible transfer credit.
7. The PN applicant MUST have at least one-year of experience in a direct patient care setting within the last two years. Documentation of this MUST BE submitted to the Counseling office prior to scheduling the PSB exam. Please submit documentation on official letterhead with the signature of the appropriate administrator. This requirement will be waived for PN's who have graduated within the last twelve (12) months.
8. Students must have completed (or be currently enrolled Fall semester of year applying) BIO 168 (Anatomy & Physiology I) and PSY 150 (General Psychology) with a grade of "C" or better.
9. Meet with a counselor in Room A-220 Downtown or Room NA-100 North Campus (during the application period) to complete the "Intent to Apply" form and schedule an appointment to take the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Exam. The "Intent to Apply" Form is not an application to the Nursing Program.
10. Take Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) exam and meet minimum percentile cut-offs. Information about the PSB examination will be discussed later on this page. 

A $20.00 fee will be charged to take the Registered Nurse PSB Exam. Applicants must appear in person at Cape Fear Community College. The PSB exam fee must be paid by check, cash or credit card at the time the PSB exam is scheduled.  If there are circumstances beyond the applicant's control and he/she misses the scheduled test date and provides documentation of the extenuating circumstance, the Director of Counseling MAY choose to issue a “Stand By Pass” for testing.  A “Stand By Pass” does not guarantee admission to the test; Admission to the test may be determined by seat availability.

MINIMUM ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

1. PLACEMENT TEST SCORES

To be considered for admission to the program, all applicants must meet the minimum requirements on the appropriate Placement Test*.

*Completion of English 111 or its equivalent and Math 115 or higher with a grade of "C" or better may eliminate taking a Placement Test.

* This requirement can be met by having completed MAT 070, 080, 161, 171 or higher.

If an applicant scores less than the minimum cut-off scores on any of the above Placement Test, the student will be required to complete the essential sequence of developmental courses. If the student completes all of the required remedial courses with a grade of "C" or better prior to the application deadline date and meets the other minimum requirements, the applicant may be considered eligible to apply to the Program.

The Placement Test or any combination of Placement Tests may be taken twice in twelve (12) consecutive months and must have been taken in the last five years. Applicants who violate the testing policy will not be disqualified. However, when a nursing applicant has tested more than twice in twelve consecutive months, only the first two attempts will be considered in the application process. Placement test scores that violate the testing policy will be disregarded.

If the Placement Test has been taken at another community college (in the past five years), it is the student's responsibility to ensure that an official copy of the scores is received by Cape Fear Community College.

Accommodations for testing due to special needs may be made with the Coordinator of Disabilities Services (A-215) or call (910) 362 - 7012.

2. BIOLOGY COMPETENCY WITH A GRADE OF "C" OR BETTER.

All students who wish to apply for the Nursing Transition Program must have completed a Biology or "General Science" course in high school or college, and achieved a grade of "C" or higher. If a high school general science course is used, it must have precisely the course title of "General Science". Nursing applicants who have taken the GED may also meet this requirement if a standard score of 45 or 450 on the GED Natural Science Test.

3. PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES BUREAU (PSB) NURSING ADMISSIONS TEST

Students who meet the minimum requirements discussed previously will be scheduled an appointment to take the PSB Nursing Admissions exam. Nursing applicants may take the PSB one time per application period. More information about the PSB will be provided when the applicant is scheduled for the PSB. There are several resources that can be used to help prepare for this exam such as a dictionary, 8th grade arithmetic textbooks, high school science textbooks, GED Study Guide, SAT Study Guide, and the ARCO Nursing School & Allied Health Entrance Exams by Marion F. Gooding, R.N., Ph.D.  The CFCC Learning Lab (910) 362-7137 offers tutoring for the PSB exam.

In order to apply to the Nursing Transition Program, a student must meet the minimum score requirements on the PSB of 30th percentile in each of the following six (6) areas: Verbal, Arithmetic, Non-Verbal, Spelling, Reading Comprehension, and Natural Science. Those who have taken the PSB in previous years should be aware that only those scores from the two most recent attempts will be considered.

NURSING SELECTION PROCESS

The point system was implemented as an objective means for evaluating nursing applicants.

Fifty percent (50%) of the applicant's total points from the PSB test will be added to fifty percent (50%) of the applicant's total points from related high school and/or college classes completed prior to the application deadline to equal a total point count.

Nursing applicants will be ranked based upon points earned, and the students with the highest number of points will be selected. If two or more students have the identical point count total, the date that the "Intent to Apply" Form was completed in the Counseling Office will be the determining factor.

1. Points For the PSB Exam

Raw scores in all seven (7) areas of the PSB Exam -- Verbal, Arithmetic, Non-Verbal, Spelling, Reading Comprehension, Natural Sciences, and the Vocational Adjustment Index are used in calculating the total number of points earned in this section.

2. Points for grades earned

Prior High School Or College Level Classes

College and/or high school courses taken with a grade of "C" or better will earn the applicant points. (For point distribution, refer to the point count worksheet.)

SPECIAL NOTES: BIO 168 and BIO 169 must have been taken in the last five (5) years of start of the Nursing Transition Program. First attempt with a letter grade of "C" or better will be counted for the point count. This may be waived at the discretion of the ADN Director.

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective: Humanities and Fine Arts electives are listed on pages 67-68 in the 2008-2009 catalog. If choosing a foreign language, the elective must be a third level course; i.e. FRE 211, GER 211 or SPA 211.

All applicants who meet the minimum requirements in all six (6) areas will be invited in to discuss their point count assessments with a counselor.  APPLICANTS WHO FAIL TO ATTEND THIS POINT COUNT ASSESMENT WILL WAIVE THEIR RIGHT TO CONTEST THEIR POINT TOTALS. Applicant's point counts are confidential; please do not call to inquire about your point count. To protect your privacy, point count totals will not be discussed on the telephone.

NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE

Transition students may enter the Spring semester of the Associate Degree Nursing Program on a space available basis. Night students must have completed most general education courses or have the flexibility to enroll during the day. In addition, night students may occasionally be required to attend during day hours and will be given the dates at the beginning of the each semester.

Selected students will be notified when to complete the following information:

1. Medical Reports

   All completed health/medical reports must be received by the specified date noted in acceptance letter.

2. Drug Screen

   Nine (9) panel urine drug screen is mandatory. Methadone will be included in the urine drug screening. Testing positive on the drug screening, or evidence of tampering with a specimen, will disqualify a student from participation in the clinical assignment, thus result in dismissal from the ADN program. Information on obtaining a drug screen will be provided at orientation. For further information, students should see the "Drug and Alcohol Policy" in the CFCC Student Handbook (pgs. 47-49).

3. CPR

   Students must also submit documentation of current CPR certification (infant, child and adult certification required).

4. Criminal Background Check

   Clinical sites require a drug screening and a criminal background check prior to allowing students into the clinical setting. (Any associated fees will be the responsibility of the student). In addition, certain criminal activity, as evident by a criminal background check may also disqualify a student from clinical participation. Please be aware that failure to participate in a clinical assignment based on either the drug screening or criminal background check will result in dismissal from the Associate Defree Nursing Program. Cape Fear Community College will not accept the background checks. It is your responsibility to hold this report for the clinical site if needed. Information on obtaining a criminal background check will be provided at orientation.

1. PROGRESSION POLICY

   Students admitted to the Nursing Transition Program must achieve or have achieved a "C" in each course in the curriculum in order to progress semester by semester.
   
   Grading Policy

   A	Excellent	92-100
   B	Good	84-91
   C	Average	76-83
   D	Poor	68-75

   
   Credits in the Nursing Transition Program are determined as follows:

   Class	1 hour credit for each hour class
   Lab	1 hour credit for three hours lab
   Clinical	1 hour credit for three hours lab

   
   A semester credit hour is equivalent to 16 hours of classroom instruction or 48 hours of laboratory or clinical instruction.
   
   
2. PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE EXPECTATIONS OF A STUDENT NURSE
   

   Nursing is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor performance requirements. For purposes of nursing program compliance with the 1990 Americans with Disability Act, a qualified individual is one who, with or without reasonable accommodation or modification, meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in the nursing programs.

   If a student believes that he or she cannot meet nursing program requirements without accommodations or modifications, the nursing faculty will determine on an individual basis, whether or not the necessary accommodations or modifications can be reasonably made. Further information regarding the physical and cognitive expectations of a student nurse and CORE performance standards may be found in the student policy manual for nursing.

   CORE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

   ISSUE	STANDARD	SOME EXAMPLES OF NECESSARY ACTIVITIES (Not all Inclusive)
   Critical Thinking	Critical Thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment	Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations, develop nursing plans
   Interpersonal	Interpersonal abilities to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and Intellectual backgrounds	Establish rapport with patients/clients and colleagues
   Communication	Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form	Explain treatment procedures, initiate health teaching, document and interpret nursing actions and patient/client responses
   Mobility	Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small places	Moves around in patients rooms, work spaces, and treatment areas, administers cardiopulmonary procedures
   Motor Skills	Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care	Calibrate and use equipment; position patients/clients
   Hearing	Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs	Hears monitor alarm, emergency signals, auccultatory sounds, cries for help
   Visual	Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in nursing care	Observes patient/client responses
   Tactile	Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment	Perform palpation, functions of physical examination and/or those related to therapeutic intervention, e.g. insertions of a catheter

3. DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
   Students may be denied admission to or continuation in the nursing programs for any of the following reasons:

1. Physical or emotional health, which indicates impairment in ability to provide safe nursing care to the public.
2. Conduct not in accordance with the standards of a registered nurse:
   1. has given false information or has withheld material information;
   2. has been convicted of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to any crime which indicated that the individual is unfit or incompetent to practice nursing or that the individual has deceived or defrauded the public;
   3. has used any drug to a degree that interferes with his or her fitness to practice nursing;
   4. has engaged in conduct which endangers the public health.

Accepted applicants will be required to take a nine (9) Panel urine drug screen and a criminal background check prior to clinical rotation. The college follows agency protocol regarding drug screening and criminal background checks.  Without access to the clinical facilities, students will be unable to satisfactorily complete the nursing courses.

Students who register for nursing classes after acceptance and then withdraw before classes begin or during the first semester will be given the opportunity to apply ONLY ONCE MORE.

4. LEGAL LIMITATIONS OF LICENSURE

Students who enroll in the Nursing Transition Program should be aware that the application for licensure at the completion of the program may be denied or restricted by the North Carolina Board of Nursing for the following reasons:

• The student practiced fraud or deceit in attempting to procure a license to practice nursing.
• The student has been convicted of a misdemeanor/felony (excluding a minor traffic violation).
• The student is mentally or physically incompetent or uses any drug to a degree that interferes with fitness to practice nursing.
• The student engages in conduct, which endangers the public health.

NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF NURSING
LICENSURE APPLICATION WITH PRIOR CONVICTIONS
AND/OR DISCIPLINARY ACTION

As a regulatory agency, the Board of Nursing does not become involved in reviewing the applicant's conviction record until such time as application is made to take the national examination. On the application, the question is asked whether or not the applicant has ever been convicted of a misdemeanor/felony. If the response is yes, a certified copy of the criminal record and a detailed written explanation must be submitted. In addition, as of January 1, 2002, criminal background checks including fingerprints are required. Review of the record is made by the Board staff in accordance with guidelines established by the Board. The applicant may take the exam. After the Board staff reviews the record, one of several actions may occur.

1. There may be a request for additional information
2. The license may be issued once the exam is passed.
3. The applicant may be notified that it will be necessary for him/her to appear before the Board of Licensure Committee. This may be necessary if:
   • A felony conviction occurred after the applicant entered the nursing program
   • The conditions of the conviction have not been satisfied
   • The type and/or number of convictions bring into question the applicant's ability to safely and competently practice nursing

If an appearance before the Licensure Committee is required, the committee will make a decision and one of several actions may be taken.

1. The license is issued when the applicant is successful on the exam
2. The license is issued with a probational status and the applicant will be told the reason and will have the right to address the Board concerning the decision.

COUNSELING

If you have questions or concerns regarding the selective admissions process, please contact a counselor at the Wilmington Campus in room A-220 or at the North Campus in room NA-100.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE
CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE NURSE TRANSITION PROGRAM

Tuition and Fees table

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY: $15.00 PER SCHOOL YEAR

Tuition is established by the North Carolina State Legislature and is subject to change without prior notification.