Nursing Degree (NUR)
Overview
The Nursing Program is designed for students seeking an Associate Degree in Nursing. Students who complete the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) degree in Nursing are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX/RN). Completion of the program does not guarantee licensure.
Congruent with the mission of Morton College, the nursing program's mission is to provide exemplary teaching and learning experiences in preparing professional nurses for ethical practice and community service with a commitment to life-long learning. The Morton College nursing program believes that the education of pre-licensure nurses is accomplished through an understanding of the needs of the adult learner and by applying the principles of evidence-based teaching practices. To achieve this, the faculty and students are dedicated to creating educational experiences that encompass:
- Caring and compassion
- Ethics and integrity
- Diversity
- Human dignity and social justice
- Inquiry and critical thinking
- Communication and collaboration
- Accountability and responsibility
- Life-long learning
Professional nursing practice is both an art and a science that provides care in varied healthcare systems centered on individuals, families, communities, and populations encompassing:
- Evidence-based best practices
- Safety and quality improvement
- Informatics and technology
- Advocacy
- Communication and collaboration
- Provision of education
- Wellness promotion, injury prevention, and disease management
Program Prerequisite Courses
Successful completion of the following college courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each, by the end of the spring semester of the application cycle in which the applicant applies. Note: These courses may be completed before the program or during the Summer. But they must be completed before graduation. Science prerequisites must be current within the past 7 years.
Pre-Admission Requirements
- ENG 101-Rhetoric I (3 credits) or equivalent
- PSY 101-Introduction to Psychology (3 credits) or equivalent
- BIO 203-Anatomy and Physiology 1 (4 credits) or equivalent
Required Program Courses
- ENG 102-Rhetoric II (3 credit hours)
- BIO 204-Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credit hours)
- PSY 215- Life Span of Human Development (3 credit hours)
- BIO 212-Microbiology (4 credit hours)
- HUM-Humanities (3 credit hours)
Accreditation and Licensure
The Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commissions of Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400. Atlanta, GA 30326. (404) 975-5000; Licensure in Illinois is controlled by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation, 320 West Washington St., Springfield, IL 62786; (217) 785-0800 or (217) 782-8556; www.idfpr.com. Applicants with a conviction for a felony or misdemeanor may have difficulty obtaining a Nursing license in Illinois. It is each student’s responsibility to determine whether they comply with all criteria for state licensure.
Clinical Requirements
Students are required to participate in clinical experiences that meet both accreditation standards and state graduation requirements. These clinical experiences take place off-site, and students are responsible for their own transportation and any costs associated with participation. Before the start of clinical internships, students are required to complete a background check, 10-panel drug screening, physical exam, and other health requirements. A Social Security number is required to comply with the criminal background check.
Part of the learning experience involves direct patient care. Each student is held personally accountable for meeting specific health requirements to ensure the well-being of patients, staff, and other individuals, and to foster self-care behaviors.
Admission
The Nursing Program admits students each fall semester. Admission is selective, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Complete applications that satisfy program criteria and are submitted by the application deadline are considered based on program capacity. Preference is given to in-district applicants and residents from districts that have a current Joint Agreement with Morton College. Applications are not carried over to subsequent years.
For the most current information on admission requirements and the application process, applicants should visit the Nursing Program webpage. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to meet with their Student Success Coach before applying. Once admitted, students are expected to comply with all policies and procedures outlined in the Nursing Program Handbook.
Readmission
Students may be readmitted to the Nursing program only once, and readmission is not guaranteed.
Essential Functions
The Nursing Program requires students to develop and demonstrate a set of essential skills critical to the practice of a registered nurse. These skills encompass a unique combination of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, physical, and social abilities, all of which are necessary to perform Nursing functions safely and effectively. Mastery of these skills ensures the health and safety of clients, fellow students, faculty, and other healthcare providers, while supporting student competence in a complex and demanding healthcare discipline. Successful demonstration of these essential skills is required for both admission to and continued enrollment in the Morton College Nursing Program. The Essential Skills for Nursing could be found in the Nursing Student Handbook. The essential abilities are listed on the department website under Essential Functions.
https://www.morton.edu/academics/programs/nursing/nursing-student-checklist/essential-abilities-of-nursing/
For more information about the Physical Therapist Assistant program, please visit the program webpage.
OPTIONAL LPN-RN Bridge Program
Students with an undisciplined Illinois LPN license may apply for admission into the LPN-RN Bridge Program. All prerequisites must be completed before entering the LPN Bridge Program. Upon successful completion of the course (NUR 201) students join the RN program in the third and fourth semesters.
NUR 201 is an 8-credit hour course which was developed to incorporate all the major concepts of theory, lab and clinical of the first and second semesters in the current Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing. This course holds students accountable for learning using the same rigor as traditional students and incorporates the LPN’s current knowledge. In doing so, levels of progression are maintained thus preparing the students to be successful in the third and fourth semesters.
Admission Requirements
Required support courses (27 credits):
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Required Nursing Courses:
First year:
| NUR 107 | Foundations of Nursing Practice I | 4 |
| NUR 108 | Foundations of Nursing Practice II | 5 |
| NUR 110 | Clinical Judgement in Nursing | 2 |
| NUR 115 | Obstetrics and Pediatric Nursing | 5 |
| NUR 119 | Nursing Care of Adults I | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 20 |
Second year:
| NUR 202 | Mental Health Nursing | 4 |
| NUR 219 | Nursing Care of Adults II | 5 |
| NUR 220 | Nursing Care of Complex Patients | 7 |
| NUR 224 | Transition to RN Practice | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 19 |
Total Credit Hours: 66