ADN Handbook, Section 1: Overview

Mission Statement

The mission of Truckee Meadows Community College’s Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program is congruent with the College’s mission, providing high-quality associate degree nursing education in order to positively influence the health and well-being of the community and the clients our students serve. Valuing social and cultural differences, the faculty believes that students are active learners and use current nursing educational theory and practice to prepare students to be critical thinkers and competent professionals. The importance of lifelong learning for the graduate is emphasized.

Philosophy of the Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program

The philosophy of the Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program at TMCC embraces the nursing paradigm of person, health, environment and nursing.

Nursing Paradigm Definitions

Person: An individual who has the moral right to make life choices without interference from others to the best of his/her/their ability; who actively seeks meaning and creates knowledge from his/her/their prior experience; and is biologically, spiritually, and culturally unique.

Nursing Instructor Checking Patient

The individual also possesses unique biological, psychosocial, spiritual, cultural, religious, and intellectual qualities. The person defines the specific cultural, ethnic, religious, social, family structure and gender identification. All of the aforementioned are considered by the professional nurse when collaborating with the person to attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life.

Health: Health is the extent to which an individual or group is able to realize aspirations and satisfy needs and to change or cope with the environment. The optimum level of wellness, which is uniquely identified by the person, is the level that allows maximum participation in personally valued activities of daily living and interpersonal interactions.

Health is a resource for everyday life, not the objective of living; it is a positive concept, emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities (World Health Organization, 1984).

Source: The World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe (1984). Health promotion: a discussion document on the concept and principles: summary report of the Working Group on Concept and Principles of Health Promotion, Copenhagen, 9–13 July 1984 (ICP/HSR 602(m01)5 p). Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe.

Environment: Environment is the aggregate of all dynamic internal and external conditions affecting the life and development of a person or a population. These influences, any or all of which may allow the person to attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life, influence the health status of the person or population and may be biological, spiritual, social, or cultural. These environmental influences may either positively or negatively affect the health of the person or population.

Nursing: Nursing is both art and science and is an evolving profession requiring dedication to lifelong learning.

The nurse is an expert in the art and science of nursing, which is the application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes to the collaborative education and care of individuals and population groups across the lifespan. The art and science of nursing also encompass the integration of objective data with subjective experiences to assist persons, families, and populations to attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life.

The nursing program incorporates the six competencies outlined by the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN), which include Patient-centered Care, Safety, Teamwork and Collaboration, Evidence-based Practice, Quality Improvement, and Informatics. This philosophy also provides additional structure and support and outlines some of the challenges of nursing education within a state-supported community college.

Nursing is both art and science, incorporating theories and concepts from the biological, physical, behavioral and social sciences. Evidence-based nursing practice, nursing process, and standards of nursing care are combined with legal, ethical and cultural considerations to provide collaborative holistic care to individuals, families and communities.

Nursing is an evolving profession and requires dedication to lifelong learning. The core nursing concepts addressed throughout the program include professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, caring interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration and managing care (Coxwell, G. & Gillerman, H. (Eds) (2002). Educational competencies for graduates of associate degree Nursing Programs. (Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers)

Nursing Education

We believe that the TMCC Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program Learning Outcomes with Supporting Definitions serve as the guide for nursing education.

Nursing education in an institution of higher learning incorporates knowledge gained from nursing courses and those in general education, physical, behavioral and social sciences and cultural diversity. Identification of general education courses provides a common foundation for all students in the Nursing Program.

We recognize that individual educational and life experiences also contribute to each student’s nursing education process. A balance between general education and nursing courses with early introduction of technical skills and person/student interaction facilitates development of nursing knowledge by recognizing needs of the individual adult learner.

Nursing education must address use of the nursing process across the life span at various points along the health-illness continuum and in a variety of health care settings. Nursing education at the community college must also consider the demographic and cultural needs of the community that will serve as the nursing practice environment for the graduate of the Nursing Program.

Integral to the education of nursing students is providing opportunities to observe and participate in both simulated and actual patient centered learning experiences. Laboratory, simulation, and clinical courses are structured to allow application of concepts and principles learned from theory courses. Each semester of education builds upon previous learning and encourages the development of clinical decision making.

Nursing faculty are both educators and skilled practitioners of nursing responsible for maintaining expertise and current knowledge and serve as role models for the importance of lifelong learning. Nursing faculty are responsible for identifying learning experiences that will expose the students to a variety of settings and serve as liaisons with registered nurses within those settings. Nursing faculty review and analyze current trends in nursing and health care issues that impact the role of the registered nurse.

The ultimate goal of nursing education at TMCC is to prepare a safe, competent, beginning level practitioner who possesses knowledge, skills and professionalism required by the registered nurse. The nursing education obtained by the graduate of the TMCC Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program serves as the starting point for continued development and education as an accountable and responsible member of the nursing profession. 

Nursing Graduate Cap

Program Outcomes: Statements and Measures

Program Outcomes

  • Outcome Statement 1: Students completing the Associate of Science, Nursing degree will achieve a passing score on the NCLEX-RN.
    Measure: 80% of first-time test takers will pass the NCLEX-RN.
  • Outcome Statement 2: Students completing the Associate of Science, Nursing degree will complete the program in a timely manner.
    Measure: Graduation within four semesters of admission will be achieved by 80% of students.
  • Outcome Statement 3: Students completing the Associate of Science, Nursing degree will be employable.
    Measure: Upon completion of the program, 75% of graduates will report themselves as employed on the Graduate Survey.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Implement one's role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices and an evolving professional identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice, caring, advocacy and quality care.
  2. Demonstrate appropriate written, verbal and nonverbal communication in a variety of clinical contexts.
  3. Integrate social, mathematical and physical sciences, pharmacology and pathophysiology in clinical decision-making.
  4. Provide patient centered care by utilizing the nursing process across diverse populations and health care settings.
  5. Minimize risk of harm to patients, members of the healthcare team and self through safe individual performance and participation in system effectiveness.
  6. Collaborate with the multidisciplinary health care team to provide effective patient care throughout the lifespan.
  7. Use information and technology to communicate, manage data, mitigate error and support decision-making.

Community College Education

TMCC is a leader in innovative education, meeting student and community needs.

Create a future you will love with accessible, innovative educational opportunities at TMCC. Together we can make it happen.  

The values upon which Truckee Meadows Community College bases its mission and vision statements are the principles, standards and qualities the college considers worthwhile and desirable. Truckee Meadows Community College is committed to:

  • Student access and success
  • Excellence in teaching and learning
  • Evidence of student progress through assessment of student outcomes
  • Nurturing a climate of innovative and creative thought
  • Collaborative decision making
  • Community development through partnerships and services
  • Ethical practices and integrity
  • Respect, compassion, and equality for all persons
  • Responsible and sustainable use of resources
  • Fostering attitudes that exemplify responsible participation in a democratic society
  • A healthy environment and a healthy college community

The population utilizing TMCC as an institution of higher learning includes residents from the greater Reno-Sparks community, outlying areas of Fernley, Fallon, Dayton and Carson City. Fostering flexibility and diversity through classroom, online and distance education course offerings in addition to workforce or continuing education courses provides a variety of learning opportunities to the community.

Learner

The adult learner in the Associate Degree Nursing Program has unique values, beliefs, needs, experiences and educational backgrounds. Each individual has personal and professional aspirations that serve as motivation to succeed. The combination of readiness, motivation, culture and life experiences of the learner will influence the learning process.

It is the responsibility of the learner to take advantage of all educational opportunities, to adhere to program and course policies and requirements and to seek out academic and support services as needed.

Nurse Educator

The nurse educator:

  • Facilitates learning by providing a variety of meaningful learning experiences and assisting learners to develop the core competencies of nursing.
  • Provides ongoing evaluation of the learner, utilizing verbal and written feedback to stimulate growth. 
  • Is a professional role model in the classroom and clinical settings.
  • Participates in continuing education and professional activities, including maintaining membership in professional organizations and involvement in community service.

Non-Discrimination Statement

TMCC is an EEO/AA (equal employment opportunity/affirmative action) institution. For more information, visit the Equity, Inclusion and Sustainability Office.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Qualified, self-identified students with documented disabilities have the right to free accommodations to ensure equal access to educational opportunities at TMCC. For assistance, contact TMCC's Disability Resource Center.

ACEN Logo

Accreditation

TMCC is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.

The A.D.N. Program is accredited by:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 404-975-5000 | Fax: 404-975-5020

Associate of Science Degree (ADN) and Licensure

The TMCC Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program meets all the Nevada Systems of Higher Education minimum degree requirements for the Associate of Science Degree

Upon completion of the program, student are awarded an Associate of Science Degree with an emphasis in Nursing (ADN).

Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for registered nursing. Upon successful completion of the NCLEX, the graduate is licensed as a registered nurse, provided all State Board of Nursing requirements are met.

Completion of TMCC's Nursing Program is not a guarantee of licensure or employment as a registered nurse. See Graduation and Licensure for more information.

Notification of Program Changes to Currently Enrolled Students

All student policies of the Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program are developed and approved by the faculty. Approved policies are contained in a Nursing Student Handbook, which is available to all students on the TMCC website.

Each semester, new and returning students will read the Nursing Student Handbook and submit a handbook acknowledgement form.

  • Input from students will be considered a part of data gathering regarding policy changes.
  • New policies or those needing revision will be reviewed and approved, modified, or denied during a faculty meeting by a majority vote of all faculty.
  • New and revised policies will be incorporated into the Nursing program website.
  • Changes to the Handbook become effective at the beginning of the Fall Semester.
    • If a policy or process is implemented prior to the next scheduled handbook revision, students will be provided with changes in writing, and sign an acknowledgement of receipt.
    • The effective date will be included.

Faculty and Staff

View information regarding the Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program faculty and staff on our website.