Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.N.)
Accreditation. The Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3343 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000, www.acenursing.org.
Program Description. The Nursing program offers two pathways to the A.A.S. in Nursing: the Traditional pathway and the Bridge pathway. Students following the Traditional pathway may complete general education and other required biology courses along with nursing courses, but it is recommended that the non-nursing courses be completed before students enter the Nursing program. Students following the Bridge pathway must have completed a diploma or other certification program for LPN or EMT-P licensure and will receive credit for NURS 1150 Fundamentals of Nursing after completing NURS 1170 Bridge to Registered Nurse (RN) Practice . Students following the Traditional pathway begin nursing courses in the fall semester; students following the Bridge pathway will begin nursing courses in the summer semester. The Nursing program is offered at the Blount County, Magnolia Avenue, and Strawberry Plains campuses. Per criteria of the Tennessee Board of Nursing, graduates are eligible to take the nursing licensure exam (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses and begin a nursing career.
Program goals. Upon completion of the Nursing program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:
I. Provide competent nursing care at the advanced beginner level to diverse populations.
II. Establish and maintain ethical relationships in order to act within the context of the Nurse Practice Act.
III. Provide nursing care that promotes, protects, and improves health for individuals, families and communities.
IV. Deliver culturally competent care that reflects sensitivity to racial, ethnic and cultural diversity.
V. Utilize nursing and allied health related research in the delivery of nursing care.
VI. Participate in coordinated care by practicing shared decision-making, delegating aspects of care, and working in teams.
VII. Deliver nursing care that is cost-effective and assures financial accountability.
VIII. Utilize multiple sources of information, which include computer-based data, to critique and improve clinical decisions.
IX. Engage in critical self-assessment in order to maintain life-long learning.
X. Practice and evaluate caring behaviors in clinical nursing.
Contact(s): Pre-Nursing Advising Center, (865) 694-6460; or Nursing Department, (865) 981-5353, www.pstcc.edu/departments/nursing