Nursing
Associate of Science
Division: STEM and Health Professions
Division Chair: Kathleen Hopkins, khopkins@sunyrockland.edu
Department Chair: Lisa Schachter, lschacht@sunyrockland.edu
Department Support Staff: Lori Jelen, ljelenst@sunyrockland.edu
Department Office: Technology Center, Room 8210, Phone: 845-574-4222
Why Study Nursing?
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. This program prepares students to apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Please see the Nursing Program website for more detailed descriptions of this program at www.sunyrockland.edu/go/nursing.
Degrees Offered:
Occupational Objectives:
Employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 26 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Department of Labor. Growth factors include technological advancements, an increased emphasis on preventive care, and the healthcare requirements of an aging baby-boomer population living longer and more active lives. Students who successfully complete the program and become licensed may find careers in a variety of nursing specialties such as: pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiac care, psychiatric and mental health, labor and delivery, and more.
5 Top Reasons
To Study Nursing at RCC:
- VALUE: Affordable tuition, financial aid, scholarships.
- CAREER: Clinicals provide real-world experience.
- FLEXIBILITY: Part-time study can accommodate work, family or other time commitments. On-campus childcare available.
- SUPPORT: Small class sizes, more individual attention, free tutoring.
- TRANSFER: Articulation agreements with many four-year colleges.
Opportunities at Rockland Community College:
A very active Student Nurses Association (SNA) is one of some 40 student clubs at RCC. The SNA is dedicated to the successful advancement of student nurses through workshops, support groups and a network of experienced faculty and peers. Graduates of RCC’s nursing program have a high rate of success on the NCLEX exam. The curriculum prepares students for the licensing exam and for continuing their education to pursue a baccalaureate degree.
Program Goals:
The overall goals of the associate degree Nursing Program at Rockland Community College are to:
- Meet the needs of the community for individuals who are both informed citizens and registered nurses.
- Provide access into practice as a registered nurse and the foundation for baccalaureate and higher education in nursing for all who desire it.
These goals are consistent with the College’s mission statement to provide an accessible, responsive, student-centered learning environment and to facilitate the achievement of educational, professional and personal goals.
Program Learning Outcomes:
The specific educational objectives of the nursing curriculum support the College’s mission statement. These graduate competencies, which were revised and approved by the nursing faculty in January 2015, state that upon completion of the Nursing Program, the graduate is prepared to:
- Provide patient-centered care utilizing a collaborative approach which includes the patient, family, significant others and members of the nursing and healthcare team.
- Practice with competence and humanism and provide a safe and cost-effective healthcare environment.
- Coordinate care for groups of patients utilizing organizational skills and the concepts of delegation, accountability and advocacy.
- Practice within the ethical, legal and regulatory framework of nursing in accordance with professional standards.