Nursing

About

Nursing is a profession which combines both the art and science of compassionate care for people of all ages, from all walks of life, in a wide variety of health care settings to promote health, prevent illness and to care for ill, disabled and dying people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management, and education are also key nursing roles. (International Council of Nurses, 2014).

STCC Department of Nursing Philosophy:

Nursing education, at the associate degree level, is the minimum educational preparation for registered nurse practice.  Students are viewed as self-directed in the learning process, interacting with educators and other health-care providers in attainment of nursing competencies.  The graduate is prepared to communicate effectively and provide health promotion and health maintenance as well as administer direct care to persons and families with health problems.

Faculty guide students towards academic and career achievement in a positive, caring and encouraging environment. Faculty responsibilities include: supporting nursing ethical and practice standards, acting as an advocate in promotion of the profession, providing a role model for students, and demonstrating a commitment to professional growth.

STCC offers an Associate Degree in Nursing. We prepare students for careers as Registered Nurses. Student graduating from our program are eligible to take the licensing exam by the National Council Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses (RN).

Our program admits new students each Fall and is designed as a two year (four semesters) day-time program. Although the curriculum is laid out over four semesters, we strongly encourage students to complete the non-nursing courses prior to applying to the program.

The STCC Nursing curriculum is rigorous and includes classroom lectures, a nursing skills laboratory, participation in patient simulation in our nationally recognized SIMS Medical Center (www.simsmedicalcenter.com), and clinical rotations each semester which take place in a variety of hospitals and health care agencies in the Springfield and the Pioneer Valley region of Western MA. 

Although the STCC Nursing Program is a day-time program, clinical experiences may be scheduled during both evening and weekend hours.