School of Registered Nursing (51.3801)

Faculty and Staff

Jesus Suarez
Allied Health and Human 
Services Division Chair
Email
(830) 591-7364

Dr. Margie L. Lieck
Program Director
Email
(830) 591-7230 

Rolando Lira
Instructor
Email
(830) 703-1583

Janna E. Calk
Instructor
Email
(830) 703-1503

Katherine Ellen Zaske Merenda
Instructor
Email
(830) 703-1508 

Amanda Hadley
Instructor
Email
(830) 591-7256 

Maria Elena Martinez
Instructor
Email
(830) 591-7218

Cynthia Castillo
Instructor
Email
(830) 591-7217 

Sonia D. Cruz
Instructor
Email
(830) 758-4139 

Stephanie Gray
Instructor
Email
(830) 758-5062 

Rosa D. Flores
Instructor
Email
(830) 758-4134 

Veronica Valerio
Administrative Assistant
Email
(830) 591-7320 

Purpose

This program is designed to prepare students to practice in a complex and ever-changing health care environment. In addition, the integrated concept based curriculum provides the graduate with foundational potential to progress forward to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree.

Preparation for practice as a professional nurse will be concept-based theoretical knowledge associated with concept based clinical activities provided in a structured, supervised clinical practice environment. The program is designed to provide dynamic, interactive classroom information; simulation experiences to enhance clinical capabilities: concept-based simulation scenarios to test clinical expertise; and supervised clinical experience to complete Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree requirements necessary to become a Registered Nurse (RN). This educational process will develop the student as an active participant and through the use of innovative teaching approaches, foster a safe, collaborative, and interactive educational environment.

Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs) from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) and Professional Clinical Standards of Care in nursing will provide the guidelines for the development of physical skills, clinical reasoning, clinical judgement, ethical reasoning, and therapeutic communication skills. These essentials contribute to the knowledge and skill activities that direct graduates to become a member of the health care tea. Designated curriculum, integrated with global issues and pathophysiological concepts, will ensure the graduates will be able to actively participate in society as educated, culturally astute and socially responsible individuals. Functioning within a multidisciplinary health care team requires diversity and compassion in traditional and/or non-traditional health care environments serving clients across the life span.

This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree and can be completed in two calendar years. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to apply to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Program Objectives/Outcomes

Upon completion of this registered nursing program, the graduate will function within the roles and responsibilities of the Associate Degree nurse and be able to:

1. Implement the standards of care as designated by the Board of Nursing for the State of Texas in a variety of health care settings.
2. Utilize critical reasoning, evidence-based practice and cultural diversity knowledge and skill when assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care across the life-span.
3. Engage in continuous improvement of cognitive, psychomotor and psychotherapeutic abilities necessary to comprehensively assess and provide safe and effective nursing care.
4. Demonstrate caring behaviors and utilize teaching strategies that promote wellness, a healthy life style and recovery from illness.
5. Communicate and work effectively with patients, family members and the multidisciplinary health care team.
6. Demonstrate ethical and legal principles as a member of the multi-disciplinary health care team.
7. Maintain competence upon becoming a Registered Nurse through self-evaluation, peer review and continued education.
8. Continue to develop as an accountable and responsible member of the nursing profession.

Accreditation

Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The SWTJC Associate Degree Nursing Program is an approved school of nursing under the Texas Board of Nursing and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Approval from the Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) will be sought when eligibility requirements utilizing the concept-based curriculum are met. et.

Admission Requirements

There are three steps that must be completed in sequence before an applicant can be considered a nursing student. The first step is the PREPARATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE NURSING PROGRAM. The second step is the APPLICATION PROCESS and the third step is the ADMISSION PROCESS.

PREPARATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE AASN PROGRAM

AASN students are admitted to the program each fall semester but the official admission process begins during the spring semester. Students receive guidance from College Counselors and the AASN education staff members to assist them to prepare for the admission process.

1. Prior to the spring semester it is expected that each applicant has completed requirements for admission to Southwest Texas Junior College which includes assessment and placement in basic courses as guided by the Texas Success Initiative (TSI).
   
   To complete the PREPARATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE AASN PROGRAM process, it is recommended that potential nursing applicants complete all prerequisites prior to the spring semester so faculty members have sufficient data to make thorough decisions regarding the potential success of the applicant to complete the nursing program in a successful manner. Grades from science and English courses are especially meaningful for this predictive process.

2. If applicants are enrolled in prerequisites during the spring semester, mid-term grades for their courses must be made available to nursing faculty members prior to being considered for the fall AASN student pool.

3. Following is the list of pre-requisite courses that must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” or better and a minimum GPA of 2.5 prior to implementation of the ADMISSION PROCESS.

   BIOL 2401  Anatomy & Physiology I
   BIOL 2402  Anatomy & Physiology II
   BIOL 2420  Microbiology
   ENGL 1301 Composition I
   PSYC 2314  Human Growth & Development
   PHIL 2306  Ethics

4. If any of the science courses are 5 years old at the time of application, it is required that the applicant take RNSG 1311 Nursing Pathophysiology.

APPLICATION PROCESS

1.  To be eligible for the APPLICATION PROCESS, each applicant must complete the Assessment Technologies Institute, Inc. (ATI) Test of Academic Education Skills (TEAS) assessment as well as an English proficiency assessment. The Administrative Assistant of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing Program will announce the testing dates along with instructions on scheduling an appointment for the assessment on the SWTJC Home page during the fall semester. The registration form will be posted on the SWTJC RN webpage. It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure a date to complete the two assessments.

2.  The application process begins with successful results from the ATI TEAS assessment with a recommended Adjusted Individual Total Score of 70. Scores that comprise the benchmark for the following TEAS categories are determined by ATI and reflect the national mean, including:

1. Reading - 70
2. Math - 69
3. Science - 54
4. English (Grammar) 64

3. Instructions on how to proceed with the English proficiency assessment process will be provided in writing via e-mail after the assessment has been taken.

4. On Monday after spring break each individual student must have completed designated English proficiency requirements (Reading Comprehension, vocabulary, and medical terminology lessons) to remain eligible for the program.

5. An application form will be forwarded to the applicant for completion when the student has successfully completed the ATI TEAS and English proficiency requirements. The application form must be completed and returned to the AASN Administrative Assistant’s office within two weeks of receiving the application.

6. Reference forms must be submitted directly to the AASN program from the applicant’s point of reference prior to the due date stated in the reference form.

7. A criminal background investigation is required for all SWTJC AASN applicants planning to enter the AASN program. Upon application to the AASN Program, the applicant’s personal data will be submitted to the Texas Board of Nursing so a criminal background check can be performed. A copy of all correspondence received from the TBON must be submitted to the AASN office to be filed in the student’s record.

8. Each applicant is required to go through an interview with the AASN director. The interview will be scheduled once all three reference forms have been received.

9. Licensure Eligibility – The BON has identified certain circumstances that may render a potential candidate ineligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse. The BON provides individuals with one opportunity for petition for a Declaratory Order (DO) as to their eligibility in accordance with Article 301.257 of the Nursing Practice Act. The BON website, www.bon.state.tx.us, contains eligibility questions and the declaratory order. Each applicant must review the following documents in the TBON Rules and Regulations:

213.27 Good Professional Conduct
213.28 Licensure of Persons with Criminal Offenses
213.29 Criteria and Procedures Regarding Intemperate Use and Lack of Fitness in Eligibility and Disciplinary Matters
213.30 Declaratory Order of Eligibility for Licensure

ADMISSION PROCESS

When the activities required for the PREPARATION FOR ADMISSION and APPLICATION PROCESS are completed, applicant selections will be made. A letter will be sent via e-mail identifying the applicant’s status in the program.

To complete the ADMISSION PROCESS, all requirements listed below must be completed and evidence of these requirements presented to the AASN Administrative Assistant office prior to August 1st. Students will not be registered for classes until they have completed the ADMISSION PROCESS.

1. Declared a Registered Nursing major with the office of admissions by completing the Declaration of Major Field of Student Form.
2. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification* from the American Heart Association class “C” for Health Care Providers. A current BLS card is required before the applicant can attend clinical rotations.
3. Evidence* of mental and physical health as documented in a physical.
4. Evidence* of all immunizations or acceptable serum titer levels, in writing, as required by the Texas Department of Health (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, (MMR): Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTap); Varicella; Meningitis; and Hepatitis “B” series).
5. Current documentation* of negative Tuberculin screen either through a TB skin test (TST) or blood assay for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (T-Spot or QFT-GIT) or chest x-ray if previous positive blood assay. For applicants who have received the bacilli Clamette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine or those who are a positive reactor to TST must show documentation of a negative blood assay. Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if applicant has had positive blood assay, a chest X-ray is required with accompanying documentation indicating no active symptoms of active TB such as productive cough, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss. Annual TB Skin test or blood assay is required.
6. Evidence* of health insurance. Such insurance must be maintained for the duration of enrollment in the nursing program.
7. Negative drug urine screen* (instructions will be provided). A positive drug screen on admission to the program for an unauthorized substance will cause the applicant to no longer be eligible to come into the program.
8. Purchase of the approved school uniform, patch lab coat, fully closed white shoes, and laboratory supplies (approved blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, pen light, bandage scissors, hemostat, and watch with second hand) as required.
9. Basic computer skills must be evident by a course grade or ability to demonstrate computer competence.
10. All nursing students are required to have a working computer and continuous access to the internet. Ability to scan documents for uploading into Canvas and Thypon is also required. This can be done on a computer using one of many free phone apps. Scanners are also available in the SWTJC libraries.
11. Students are required to carry liability insurance* throughout the program. The fee for this insurance is included in the admission fees.

*All health documentation and insurance carriers must be based in the United States. No foreign insurance or health documentation will be accepted for any reason.

Notification of Selected Applicants

All applicants will be notified via e-mail regarding their acceptance status. Selected applicants and alternates will be will be required to attend an orientation session as specified in the notification letter at the time and date notified in the confirmation letter. Failure to attend the orientation will result in forfeiture of acceptance in the program. The alternate list will be maintained until the program begins in August. Alternates will be notified in the order determined if openings become available.

Point System for Applicants 

Points will be accumulated from data supplied by the applicant and address the following issues:

1. One (1) point will be given for each of the required pre-requisite courses in the curriculum completed with a grade of “B” or better. (6) Points ______

2. One (1) point will be given if the applicant has been on the SWTJC President’s List; SWTJC Dean’s List, member of PTK or can show evidence of academic recognition from other colleges or universities attended. (1) Points ______

3. Three (3) points will be given if the applicant receives a grade of “A” on the first attempt of Anatomy & Physiology I or II. Five (5) points will be given if the applicant receives a grade of “A” on the first attempt of both Anatomy & Physiology I and II. (5) Points _____

4. One (1) point will be given if the applicant has received a “C” or better on all general education courses within the past 5 years. (1) Points _____

5. One (1) point will be given if at least 10 semester credit hours have been completed at SWTJC. (1) Points _____

6. Points will be given based on cumulative GPA; two (2) points will be given for cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 4.0; one (1) point will be given for cumulative GPA between 3.0 and 3.49. (2) Points _____

7. Points will be given if the applicant has had clinical experience and has a current licensure/certification as a Vocational Nurse, Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic, Military Medic, Certified Nurse Assistant, or Patient Care Technician (4) Points _____

a. 1 - 2 years experience             1 Point
b. 3 – 5 years experience            2 Points
c. 6 – 10 years experience          3 Points
d. 11 or more years experience   4 Points

8. Five (5) points will be given to applicant with military service. (5) Points _____


(25) Total Points: _____

Licensure Eligibility

The Texas Board of Nurses determines eligibility requirements for applicants for the initial licensure by examination. All candidates for licensure will be required to answer the following questions:

1. Been convicted of a misdemeanor?
2. Been convicted of a felony:
3. Pled no lo contendere, no contest, or guilty?
4. Received deferred adjudication?
5. Been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty?
6. Been sentenced to serve jail or prison time or court-ordered confinement?
7. Been granted pre-trial diversion?
8. Been arrested or have any pending criminal charges?
9. Been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
10. Been subject of a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment, punishment, or action?

Expunged and Sealed Offenses

While expunged or sealed offenses, arrests, tickets, or citations need not be disclosed, it is your responsibility to ensure the offense, ticket, or citation has, in fact, been expunged or sealed. It is recommended that you submit a copy of the Court Order expunging or sealing the record in question to our office with your application. Failure to reveal an offense, arrest, ticket, or citation that is not in fact expunged or sealed, will at a minimum, subject your licensure to a disciplinary fine. Non-disclosure of relevant offenses raises questions related to truthfulness and character of the Nurse.

Orders of Non-disclosure

Pursuant to Tex. Gov’t Code §552.142(b), if you have criminal matters that are the subject of an order of non-disclosure, you are not required to reveal those criminal matters on this form. However, a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure may become a character and fitness of duty issue. Pursuant to other sections of the Gov’t Code Chapter 411, the Texas Nursing Board is entitled to access criminal history record information that is subject of an order of non-disclosure. If the Board discovers a criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure, even if you properly did not reveal the matter, the Board may require you to provide information about any conduct that raises issues of character.

• Are you currently the target or subject of a grand jury or governmental agency investigation?
• Has any licensing authority refused to issue you a license or ever revoked, annulled, cancelled, accepted surrender of, or suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew a license, certificate of multi-state privilege held by you now or previously, or ever fined, censured, reprimanded or otherwise disciplined you? (You may exclude disciplinary actions previously disclosed to the Texas Board of Nursing on an initial or renewal licensure application).
• *In the past five (5) years have you been diagnosed with or treated or hospitalized for schizophrenia and/or psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder which impaired or does impair your behavior, judgment, or ability to function in school or work? (You may answer “No” if you have completed and/or are in compliance with TPAPN for mental illness OR you’ve previously disclosed to the Texas Board of Nursing and have remained compliant with your treatment regime and have no further hospitalization since disclosure).
• *In the past five (5) years, have you been addicted or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug? (You may answer “No” if you have completed and/or are in compliance with TPAPN).

*Pursuant to the Occupations Code §301.207, information, including diagnosis and treatment, regarding an individual’s physical or mental condition, intemperate use of drugs or alcohol, or chemical dependency and information regarding an individual’s criminal history is confidential to the same extent that information collected as part of an investigation is confidential under the Occupations Code §301.466,

If your response is yes to any of these questions, you are strongly encouraged to submit a petition for “Declaratory Order” to the Texas Board or Nurses prior to acceptance or within the first notification of acceptance. For information or guidance in this process to determine eligibility for licensure by examination, contact the Texas Board of Nurses at 512-305-7400 or go to the website: www.bon.texas.gov. The “Declaratory Order” form can be accessed at https://www.bon.texas.gov/forms_declaratory_order.asp.

If you have any questions or concerns, or need additional clarification, contact the Associate Degree Nursing Program Director at (830) 591-4163.

Program of Study

Registered Nursing Resources

2022 - 2023 Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree Student Handbook

TEAS Assessment Preparation Information

SWTJC Student Handbook

Occupations

Occupational Profiles

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Registered Nursing Program Costs

$5,475 for in-state tuition and fees

$11,355 for out-of-state tuition and fees

$2,789 for books and supplies

$8,264 for off-campus room and board

$14,144 for on-campus room and board