Nursing

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Graduates of the program are granted an Associate in Applied Science degree and attain the academic requirements for application for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The program offers a balance of general education and nursing courses to prepare students for Registered Nurse positions. These graduates have a significant role in the delivery of nursing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, community agencies and other healthcare institutions. 

Students who wish to pursue admittance into the Nursing Program should apply to CCM and list Nursing as their requested major. Upon acceptance into the college, students are placed in the pre-professional phase and take all the general education and science courses required for the Nursing major. Admission into the professional phase is not guaranteed once pre-professional course work is completed. 

Students must file a Nursing Professional Phase Application Form to be considered for acceptance into the professional phase. Acceptance into the professional phase is competitive. Institutional GPA must be 2.5 or higher, with a minimum grade of “C” or better in all courses. The granting of a seat is based on a point system that assigns points for Science and English grades. Information regarding professional phase criteria for all students can be found at https://www.ccm.edu/wp-content/uploads/pdf/nursing/Admission-to-Professional-Phase-Nursing.pdf.

Additional information regarding professional phase criteria for transfer students can be found at https://www.ccm.edu/wp-content/uploads/pdf/nursing/Transfer-Information-Nursing-Students.pdf.

All students accepted into the professional phase (clinical) must meet additional requirements as set forth by the healthcare facilities that are utilized to provide clinical experience. Established technical standards that are the minimum fundamental abilities necessary to perform the activities requisite to obtaining credit for education and subsequent entry-level employment in the nursing profession must be met. In addition, students will undergo a Criminal History Background Check and Urine Drug Screening. Students must obtain malpractice insurance at their own expense, carry personal health insurance that provides coverage for accident and sickness, obtain health clearance, including immunization records, flu vaccination, COVID vaccination, and be CPR certified (Basic Life Support) by the American Heart Association. All Nursing students are required to wear the County College of Morris Nursing uniform when in the clinical setting. Uniforms are obtained at the student’s expense. Transportation to the clinical facility must be provided by the individual student.  

Several study tracks have been designed to accommodate individual learning needs. Please see the Nursing Program Flyer and the CCM website: https://www.ccm.edu/academics/divdep/health-professions-natural-sciences/department-of-nursing/nursing-study-tracks/ for an explanation of the study tracks. The curriculum requirements can be completed in a minimum of six sequential semesters (excluding summer) of study. For the professional (clinical) phase, a day cohort is admitted in the Fall Semester (September), and an evening cohort is admitted in the Spring Semester (January). The Nursing Professional Phase Application Form must be filed in with the Nursing Department by September 15 for Spring Semester and March 15 for Fall Semester.

Nursing Program Flyers are available from the Office of Admissions or the Nursing Department or on the County College of Morris website at https://www.ccm.edu/wp-content/uploads/pdf/academics/flyers/Nursing.pdf.  

Articulation Agreements

Credits are readily transferable into RN-BSN programs upon graduation. Students should check with Transfer Services about specific articulation agreements with this program.

Accreditation

The Nursing Program at the County College of Morris is accredited and approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. This accreditation qualifies graduates of the Nursing Program to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, (NCLEX-RN)

State of New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs

New Jersey Board of Nursing
124 Halsey Street
Newark, NJ 07101
(973) 504-6430

The associate nursing program at County College of Morris located in Randolph, New Jersey is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000

The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the associate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation.

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program at: http://www.acenursing.com/accreditedprograms/programsearch.htm

 AAS Nursing

(P3800)

General Education Foundation
Communication6
English Composition I
English Composition II
Math-Science-Technology
CHM-117Introductory Chemistry Lecture3
or CHM-125 General Chemistry I - Lecture
Technology/Math0/1
Social Science or Humanities3
Choose from General Education course list
General Psychology cannot be used to meet this requirement
General Education Electives8
Anatomy and Physiology I
Anatomy and Physiology II
General Education Foundation Credits20
Nursing Core
Health & Wellness Elective2
PSY-113General Psychology3
BIO-215Microbiology4
Nursing Core Credits9
Professional Phase
NUR-105Foundations of Nursing1
NUR-121Fundamentals of Nursing6
NUR-123Basic Medical/Surgical Nursing10
NUR-213Maternal-Child/Mental Health Nursing10
NUR-214Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing10
NUR-224Nursing Colloquium1
Professional Phase Credits38
Total Credits67

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

Progression through the professional phase courses requires successful completion of each course before entry to the subsequent course(s) is permitted. Prerequisites and corequisites are determined by the track of study: traditional, Advanced Placement or NJ STAR. Students should consult with a faculty advisor prior to registration to discuss their program progression and plan. Registration in all professional phase courses requires permission from the department. 

Due to continual program revisions mandated by the accrediting agencies and/or changes in state mandated requirements, students should consult their academic advisors when selecting courses.

Science courses completed by students prior to entering Fundamentals of Nursing must be less than seven years old. If the science courses exceed the seven-year limit, students can prove their competency by testing or they must retake the courses.

A statewide criminal record search through the New Jersey State Police and a National Criminal History Database Search are performed on all students upon initial acceptance into the professional phase of the program and annually thereafter. If a record is found in the criminal record searches, admission into the professional phase of the program may be denied. If there is no record upon admission but subsequent searches result in a record found, the student may be dismissed from the program.

When a graduate applies for licensure as a nurse in New Jersey, the New Jersey Board of Nursing requires a Criminal History Background Check. If the Criminal History Background Check reveals a criminal conviction, a review of the application by the Board of Nursing is required.

A Urine Drug Screening is performed on all students upon initial acceptance into the professional phase of the program. If the test is positive for illegal substances, admission into the professional phase of the program may be denied. In addition, illegal use of prescribed substances will result in denial of admission into the professional phase of the program.

Lesley Andrew, DNP, R.N., CNE
Chair, Nursing
Assistant Professor, Nursing
DNP, Rutgers University
MSN, Fairleigh Dickinson University
BSN, Rutgers University
B.S., Queen’s University
CH 301   973-328-5352   landrew@ccm.edu

Kathleen Prokop, M.A., M.Ed., R.N., CNE
Assistant Chair, Nursing
Professor, Nursing
M.Ed., Teachers College, Columbia University
M.A., Teachers College, Columbia University
BSN, Georgetown University
CH 311   973-328-5215   kprokop@ccm.edu

Bernadette Schicho, MSN, R.N., CNE
Assistant Chair, Nursing
Associate Professor, Nursing
MSN, William Paterson University
BSN, Fairleigh Dickinson University
B.A., West Virginia University
CH 315   973-328-5369   bschicho@ccm.edu

Natasha Agnihotri, MSN, RN-BC
Instructor, Nursing
MSN, William Paterson University
BSN, Ramapo College
AAS, County College of Morris
CH 315   973-328-5346   nagnihotri@ccm.edu

Vivek Agnihotri, DNP, R.N., APN, CCRN
Associate Professor, Nursing
DNP, MSN, William Paterson University
AAS, County College of Morris
CH 320   973-328-5320   vagnihotri@ccm.edu

Tatiana Costa, MSN, RN-BC, OCN
Instructor, Nursing
MSN, Sacred Heart University
CH 311 973-328-5342 tcosta@ccm.edu

Brittany Hagopian, MSN, RN-BC
Instructor, Nursing
MSN, Drexel University
BSN, Seton Hall University
CH 315   973-328-2494   bhagopian@ccm.edu

Joyce Kucerovy, MSN, R.N., CMSRN, WCC
Assistant Professor, Nursing
MSN, Grand Canyon University
BSN, College of Saint Elizabeth
Diploma, Mercy Hospital School of Nursing
CH 303   973-328-5387   jkucerovy@ccm.edu

Laura Parker, MSN, R.N., CCRN, CNE
Professor, Nursing
MSN, Seton Hall University
BSN, The College of New Jersey
CH 307   973-328-5349   lparker@ccm.edu

Buffy Reilly, MSN, R.N. CNE, FN-CSA
Associate Professor, Nursing
MSN, BSN, St. Peter's College
CH 311   973-328-5343   breilly@ccm.edu

Sharon Roché, M.S., RNC-NIC
Assistant Professor, Nursing
M.S., New York University
BSN, William Paterson University
CH 303   973-328-5345   sroche@ccm.edu

Samir Samour, MSN, R.N., CNE
Associate Professor, Nursing
MSN, University of South Carolina
BSN, Jerusalem University
Diploma, Baptist School of Nursing
CH 303   973-328-5344   ssamour@ccm.edu

Jessica Shepherd, MSN, R.N.
Instructor, Nursing
MSN, BSN, Chamberlain College of Nursing
BAS, West Virginia University
AAS, County College of Morris
CH 303   973-328-5348   jshepherd@ccm.edu

M. Celeste Wayne, DNP, R.N., CNE
Professor, Nursing
DNP, Fairleigh Dickinson University
MSN, Columbia University
BSN, Colegio de Sta. Isabel School of Nursing
CH 318   973-328-5380   cwayne@ccm.edu

Courses

Course usage information

NUR-012. Nursing Transition: Advanced Placement Status. 0 Credits.

LECT 1 hr LAB 1 hr
This is a mandatory pre-requisite course required of all students granted advanced placement, prior to starting NUR-123, Basic Medical/Surgical Nursing. This course is designed to assess readiness and facilitate a smooth transition for the advanced-placement student into CCM's nursing program. Emphasis is placed on the conceptual framework of the CCM Nursing program, use of the nursing process, communication skills, ethical and legal issues, the role of the registered professional nurse, and safe and effective care. Physical assessment, patient safety, dosage calculation and medication administration are also reviewed and evaluated in a simulated laboratory environment.
Prerequisites: Permission of department chair
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

NUR-105. Foundations of Nursing. 1 Credit.

LECT 1 hr
This course provides the foundational concepts on which nursing education and practice are built. Students apply basic knowledge of these concepts as they begin to learn the practice of nursing. Historical, sociocultural, ethical and legal tenets are studied. Students gain an appreciation for the profession of nursing as well as awareness of the responsibility and accountability expected.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into NUR-121 and permission of department chair
Corequisites: NUR-121 or NUR-123 (Advanced Placement track only).

Course usage information

NUR-106. Medical Terminology. 2 Credits.

LECT 2 hrs
This course is intended for any student interested in learning the basic construction of medical words. Students acquire a solid foundation to aid in retention of medical vocabulary and facilitate understanding of new terms. Prefixes, suffixes, and root words are introduced in a logical manner. A brief outline of the anatomy and physiology of each body system is presented, followed by the related pathophysiology. Included are terms describing diseases, disorders and related surgical, diagnostic and treatment terms. Students become proficient in word building and recognition of medical terms as they relate to anatomy and physiology. Students become familiar with terminology relevant to pharmacology as well as psychiatry.

Course usage information

NUR-121. Fundamentals of Nursing. 6 Credits.

LECT 3 hrs LAB 3 hrs CLIN 6 hrs
This course serves as the foundation for all subsequent nursing courses. The nursing process is introduced with concentration on the assessment of man's basic health needs, which are identified as psychosocial, elimination, rest and activity, safe environment, oxygen and nutrition. The development and use of fundamental nursing skills and interventions are included. Concepts of clinical decision-making skills are introduced. Learning experiences are planned, using the classroom, campus laboratory and community clinical facilities.
Prerequisites: Permission of department chair
Corequisites: Acceptance into the Professional Phase and permission of the department chair.
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

NUR-123. Basic Medical/Surgical Nursing. 10 Credits.

LECT 6 hrs CLIN 12 hrs
This course focuses on the study of adults with a variety of commonly occurring medical-surgical problems that interfere with the ability to meet basic health needs. Students utilize the nursing process to prioritize and provide appropriate nursing interventions for patients with higher acuity. Students use assessment skills to develop appropriate nursing diagnoses, outcomes and plans of care. Related theory, therapeutic communication skills and nursing care skills are employed in the provision of patient care in clinical facilities. Clinical decision-making skills are further developed.
Prerequisites: NUR-012 or NUR-121 and permission of department chair
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

NUR-213. Maternal-Child/Mental Health Nursing. 10 Credits.

LECT 6 hrs CLIN 12 hrs
The focus of this course shifts from the study of the adult as an individual to that of the family and community. Concentration is placed on the health needs/problems of psychiatric and maternal/child patients. Utilization of the nursing process with special populations to address patient problems is provided across a range of healthcare settings. Knowledge of community, psychiatric, and maternal/child nursing is developed through clinical decision-making skills, group projects, case studies and clinical experiences. Selected medical-surgical skills will be reviewed and/or experienced.
Prerequisites: NUR-123, and permission of department chair
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

NUR-214. Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing. 10 Credits.

LECT 6 hrs CLIN 12 hrs
This course provides students with the opportunity to further develop and apply clinical decision-making skills to patient care. The PERSON approach is utilized to provide care for patients with health problems resulting when the ability to meet one or more health needs is severely compromised. Evaluation of the outcomes of care given is a significant focus. Appropriate learning experiences are planned involving patients with multiple acute and chronic problems using the classroom, campus laboratory and various health care facilities.
Prerequisites: NUR-213 and permission of department chair
Corequisites: NUR-224
Additional Fees: Course fee applies.

Course usage information

NUR-224. Nursing Colloquium. 1 Credit.

LECT 1 hr
This course involves an examination of selected topics and issues that students in the final semester of the professional phase of the Nursing Program will experience as they transition from the role of student nurse to graduate nurse. Topics concerning professional development and preparation for the workplace are addressed. Ethical, legal and professional issues that impact the practice of the graduate nurse are examined.
Prerequisites: NUR-213 and permission of department chair
Corequisites: NUR-214.