Nursing Degrees Online

Nursing Aide NAD

Nursing programs
(815) 921-3261

NAD 101 - Nursing Aide
IAI: None 1.2
Nursing Aide provides an introduction to the principles of patient care. Emphasis is placed on communication and technical skills necessary to function as an important member of the nursing team. Students are given opportunities to develop their skills in a variety of classroom and clinical settings. (Approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health.)
Credit: 6 semester hours
Lecture: 4 Lab: 5

Nursing NRS

Nursing programs
(815) 921-3261

NRS 105 - Professional Nurse Role I
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on the role of the professional nurse as caregiver, educator, client advocate and health team member and establishing the ethical parameters of professional nursing. Selected strategies to implement the role will be utilized.
Prerequisite: NRS 110, NRS 111
Corequisites: NRS 214, 217
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 1 Lab: 0

NRS 108 - Pathophysiology Altered
Health Concepts
IAI: None 1.2
This course introduces mechanisms of disease and illness that affect health in individuals throughout the lifespan. Alterations in physiological processes are examined with an emphasis on client health. Pathophysiology as a foundation for professional nursing is introduced.
Prerequisite: BIO 185 or BIO 281 and 282, BIO 274.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

NRS 110 - Core Concepts I for
Professional Nursing
IAI: None 1.2
This course provides an opportunity to explore the nature and interrelationship of four components of nursing: environment, nurse, person, and health. The student is introduced to the characteristics of the healthcare delivery system, legal aspects, and the use of the nursing process and the Neuman Systems Model to assess an individual client’s status, derive nursing diagnosis, plan, implement and evaluate care.
Prerequisite: BIO 185, 274 and PSY 170
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS 111 - Core Concepts II for
Professional Nursing
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on the use of the nursing process and the Neuman Systems Model to promote physiologic wellness for individual adult clients. The common physiologic needs generally encountered by the individual client requiring care are addressed. The culminating learning experience integrates pathophysiologic and core concepts for the individual client undergoing the planned trauma of surgery. Laboratory and selected clinical experiences are assigned.
Prerequisite: NRS 108, 110, PNU 107,
FWS 237
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 4

NRS 207 - Pharmacology for Nursing Care
IAI: None 1.2
This course builds on the principles of pharmacology introduced in PNU 107. Pharmacokinetic factors in drug therapy are examined in relation to the major body systems and management of client health. The pharmacological aspects of nursing care are integrated using the nursing process. Major drug classification prototypes and the related nursing implications are discussed.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program or permission of the Director of the Nursing Program.
PNU 107, NRS 111.
Credit: 2 semester hour
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS 210 - Transition to Associate Degree Nursing
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on the transition of the Licensed Practical Nurse into the Rock Valley College Associate Degree Nursing program. Students examine the philosophy of the associate degree program and major concepts of the role of the registered professional nurse. The course includes an emphasis on application of the nursing process and the Neuman Systems Model for selected health problems. Learning experiences are provided in the laboratory to evaluate the student’s knowledge of nursing concepts and performance of selected nursing skills.
Prerequisite: Admission to the LPN Bridge for the Nursing program.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

NRS 212 - Adult Health Nursing II
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on adult clients as individuals and families with alteration in cardiopulmonary function. The use of the nursing process in promoting and restoring health and preventing illness is integrated.
Prerequisite: NRS 213, 215, 232, 234
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS 213 - Adult Health Nursing I
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on the adult clients using the Neuman Systems Model. Emphasis is on metabolic and elimination dysfunction. The use of the nursing process in disease prevention, health promotion, and restorative concepts is integrated.
Prerequisite: NRS 207, 214, 217, 222, 224
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS 214 - Family and Reproductive Health Nursing
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on the client needs from conception through the post-partum period. Emphasis is on the nursing process, health promotion and the prevention of illness. The alterations in health during the reproductive cycle are addressed. Selected aspects of the perioperative nursing role and care are integrated.
Prerequisite: NRS 111
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS 215 - Child and Family Health Nursing
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of children and families. Disease prevention, health promotion, and restorative concepts are integrated.
Prerequisite: NRS 207, 214, 217, 222, 224
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS 217 - Psychiatric Nursing
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of clients experiencing psychiatric disorders and maladaptive behaviors. Emphasis is on the community mental health-illness continuum throughout the lifespan.
Prerequisite: NRS 111
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS 218 - Adult Health Nursing III
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on adult clients as individuals and families with alterations in cognition, sensation, motion, and burn injuries, from emergency care through rehabilitation. Use of the nursing process in promoting and restoring health and preventing illness is integrated.
Prerequisite: NRS 213, 215, 232, 234
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS 222 - Family and Reproductive Health Clinical
IAI: None 1.2
This course provides an opportunity to care for the mother and newborn in the context of the family system. Selected experiences are provided in caring for the client in the antenatal, intrapartum, postpartum family from birth through adolescence.
Prerequisite: NRS 111
Corequisite: NRS 214
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 0 Lab: 6

NRS 224 - Psychiatric Nursing Clinical
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on the delivery of care through the use of the nursing process to clients and families experiencing psychiatric disorders and maladaptive behaviors. Emphasis is on assisting the client(s) with problem-solving in selected community mental health settings. Laboratory and selected clinical experiences are provided.
Prerequisite: NRS 111
Corequisite: NRS 217
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 0 Lab: 6

NRS 225 - Professional Nurse Role II
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on the entry into professional nursing practice and role transition. Emphasis is on ethical-legal issues in professional practice, political-economic issues in the delivery of healthcare and the nurse’s role in management of care for the client system.
Prerequisite: NRS 213, 215, 232, 234
Corequisite: 212, 218, 242, NRS 244/or director/faculty consent.
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 0

NRS 232 - Child and Family Health Clinical
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on the delivery of care through the use of the nursing process with children and families experiencing alterations in health. Emphasis is on assisting the client system with health problems in selected community settings. Laboratory and selected clinical experiences are provided.
Prerequisite: NRS 214, 217, 222, 224
Corequisite: NRS 215
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 0 Lab: 6

NRS 234 - Adult Health I Clinical
IAI: None 1.2
This course focuses on the delivery of care through the use of the nursing process with adults experiencing metabolic and elimination dysfunction. Emphasis is on assisting the client with health problems in selected community settings. Laboratory and selected clinical experiences are provided.
Prerequisite: NRS 214, 217, 222, 224
Corequisite: NR S 218
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 0 Lab: 6

NRS 250 - Independent Study in Nursing
IAI: None 1.2
Independent Study in Nursing is designed for the student who desires to conduct an individual project based on personal goals and objectives in nursing. Course requirements and hours of credit are based on the nature of the subject under study. A maximum of three credits may be earned in this course.
Prerequisite: Completion of first-year nursing courses and consent of the director of nursing.
Credit: 1-3 semester hours
Lecture: 1-3 Lab: 0

NRS 251 - Special Topics in Nursing
IAI: None 1.2
Special Topics in Nursing is designed to explore topics of special interest in a selected area of nursing. A maximum of four credits may be earned in the course. The course may be repeated three times.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 1-4 semester hours
Lecture: 1-4 Lab: 0

Hybrid Online Nursing NUR

Nursing programs
(815) 921-3261

NUR 178 – Pharmacology
IAI: None 1.2
Pharmacology focuses on reinforcing the relationship between pharmacologic knowledge and nursing practice. It provides the background needed to understand drugs currentyly on the market, as well as drugs yet to be released. Nursing implications using the nursing process are emphasized.
Prerequisites: Admission to online nursing program, BIO 185 or BIO 281/282, BIO 274, and PSY 170
Co-Requisites: NUR 179, NUR 181
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 2 online Lab: 0

NUR 179 – Fundamentals of Nursing
IAI: None 1.2
Fundamentals of Nursing is a foundation course in the nursing process which introduces the Neuman Systems Model with its emphasis on holistic health of culturally diverse clients. The Systems Model provides an integrated understanding of the client, the environment, health and nursing. Basic skills necessary for implementation of the nursing process will be include.
Prerequisites: Admission to online nursing program, BIO 185 or BIO 281/282, BIO 274, and PSY 170
Co-Requisites: NUR 178, NUR 181
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 4 online Lab: 0

NUR 181 – Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical
IAI: None 1.2
Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical introduces application of the nursing process and the Neuman Systems Model in various settings including long-term care and acute care facilities. Successful mastery of skills in an intensive laboratory setting will be accomplished pror to clinical experiences.
Prerequisites: Admission to online nursing program, BIO 185 or BIO 281/282, BIO 274, and PSY 170
Co-Requisites: NUR 178, NUR 179
Credit: 5.5 semester hours
Lecture: 0 Lab: 11

Practical Nursing PNU

Nursing programs
(815) 921-3261

PNU 103 - Practical Nursing: Fundamentals
IAI: None 1.2
Practical Nursing: Fundamentals introduces nursing principles, techniques, and interventions and focuses on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of clients utilizing concepts from Neuman’s Systems Theory. Therapeutic communication skills are integrated throughout the course. The clinical nursing laboratory and selected clinical experiences in community settings are provided concurrently.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing program and BIO 185.
Corequisite: PSY 170, PNU 107, FWS 237
Credit: 7 semester hours
Lecture: 4 Lab: 6

PNU 107 - Basic Principles of Pharmacology for Nursing
IAI: None 1.2
This course introduces concepts of basic pharmacology. The principles of medication administration and calculation of dosages are emphasized. Practice for medication administration assignments will be required.
Prerequisite: Admission to the Practical Nursing or the Associate Degree Nursing program and Math 095 or two semesters of high school algebra in the past five years.
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 1 Lab: 0

PNU 120 - Nursing Throughout the Lifespan: Mental Health
IAI: None
Nursing Throughout the Lifespan: Mental Health focuses on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of the client experiencing mental disorders utilizing concepts from Neuman’s Systems Theory. The mental health aspects of growth and development are presented, as are common mental disorders specific to the child and through the middle adult years.
Prerequisite: PNU 103, PNU 107, PSY 170
Corequisite: ENG 101
Credit: 1 semester hour
Lecture: 1 Lab: 0

PNU 140 - Nursing Throughout the Lifespan: Conception Through Adolescence
IAI: None
This course focuses on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of the client from conception through adolescence. Selected clinical experiences in community and acute care settings are provided concurrently.
Prerequisite: PNU 103, PNU 107, PSY 170
Corequisite: ENG 101, PNU 120
Credit: 6 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 6

PNU 160 - Nursing Throughout the Lifespan: Young Adult Through Middle Adulthood
IAI: None
Nursing Throughout the Lifespan: Young Adult through Middle Adulthood focuses on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of the client from young adulthood through middle adulthood utilizing concepts from Neuman’s Systems Theory. The normal physiologic and psychosocial aspects of growth and development are presented, as are common illnesses specific to the young adult through middle years. Selected clinical experiences in the acute care setting are provided concurrently.
Prerequisite: PNU 140
Corequisite: ENG 101, PNU 120
Credit: 6 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 6

PNU 201 - Nursing Throughout the Lifespan: Geriatric
IAI: None 1.2
Nursing Throughout the Lifespan: Geriatric focuses on the use of the nursing process to meet the needs of the elderly utilizing concepts from Neuman’s Systems Theory. The normal physiologic and psychosocial aspects of aging are presented as are common illnesses affecting the elderly. Selected clinical experiences in community settings are provided concurrently.
Prerequisite: PNU 160
Credit: 6 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 6

Nurse assistants are in great demand with the current shortage of nursing personnel. This program prepares students to enter the health care workforce. Nurse assistants work as caregivers in all types of healthcare facilities and agencies. As health team members, nursing assistants work under the supervision of nurses and provide routine daily care and essential duties related to patient care. Classroom, skill lab, and clinical attendance are required.

Employment and career mobility

The nursing aide course grade of C or higher, a passing criminal background check, and a passing score on the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation prepares the student for employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant and for partial completion of nursing program admission requirements. The average salary for a nursing assistant is $11-13 per hour.
The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Students who successfully complete the program are eligible for the Nurse Aide Training Competency Evaluation.

Program Overview

This program prepares graduates to function with the knowledge, skill and judgment of an entry level staff nurse in a variety of health care settings. This program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Work and career advancement

Registered nurses care for the sick and help people stay well. They provide bedside nursing care in collaboration with a physician in the hospital, in long-term care facilities or in the home. Nurses also provide services in community facilities like schools and clinics. Industry is another setting where nurses are employed. With experience and education, nurses may work in specialized areas such as pediatrics, emergency or intensive care units. Nurses may obtain bachelor’s degrees and advanced degrees such as master’s or doctorate degrees.

Program approval and professional licensure

The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Program graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN according to the requirements for licensure in the Illinois Nursing Practice Act.

Information sessions

Same as in MRE. Contact www.NIOIN.org
1. Complete RVC general admission procedure.

2. Attend a hybrid online nursing information meeting.

3. Meet with the Health Career Education Counselor and develop an academic plan.

4. File a current nursing program application form with the Director of Nursing for the hybrid online program.

5. Submit three letters of recommendation from employers and/or supervisors to the Director of Nursing for the hybrid online program, using the form distributed at the information meeting.

Admission requirements

1. High school graduate or GED.

2. Listing in good standing as CNA on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Health Care Worker Registry.

3. Reading/vocabulary at 13th grade level and accepted passing score on ATI standardized nursing entry exam.

4. Minimum of three semester credits of online general education course/s which meet nursing program requirements with grade of “B” or better. Additional online courses which apply to the BSN may meet this requirement if required courses are already completed or not available online. Those courses will be evaluated individually.

5. Elementary algebra with a grade of “B” or better at the college level or the equivalent on a college math placement test.

6. High school chemistry with lab with grade of “B” or better or college chemistry with lab with grade of “C” or better.

7. Five – eight semester credits of college level Anatomy and Physiology and four credits of Microbiology with a grade of “C” or better.

8. Minimum over-all college GPA of 3.0.

Application deadlines

Application deadlines will be posted on the hybrid online nursing program’s website: www.NIOIN.org.

Out of district applications

Out-of-district applications to the hybrid online nursing program will be considered only if space is available and there are no qualified in-district applicants.
Program requirements
1. Criminal background checks will be required before enrollment in clinical courses. See handbook for further information.

2. All hybrid online nursing courses, both theory and clinical, require a “B” to pass. Students who do not earn a “B” or better will be contracted in writing and a plan for re-entry, if appropriate, will be developed. No more than one NUR course may be repeated.

3. General education courses may be taken for a “C”, as long as the overall GPA is a 3.0.

Program contacts

RVC Academic Counselor at 815-921-4100.
Kathleen Johnson, NIOIN Director of Nursing at 815-232-4309.

Online Nursing Degree Requirements 50 Sem/Hrs
NUR 178 Pharmacology 2
NUR 179 Fundamentals of Nursing 4
NUR 181 Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical 5.5
NRS 108 Pathophysiology 3
NUR 182 Med/Surg I 4
NUR 183 Med/Surg I clinical 5.5
NUR 280 Family Health 5
NUR 281 Family Health Clinical 3
NUR 282 Med/Surg II 3
NUR 283 Med/Surg II Clinical 3
NUR 284 Professional Roles Nursing 1
NUR 285 Mental Health 2
NUR 286 Mental Health Clinical 3
NUR 287 Med/Surg III 3
NUR 288 Med/Surg III Clinical 3

General Education Requirements 29 Sem/Hrs
BIO 185 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 5
BIO 274 Introductory Microbiology 4
PSY 170 Intro to Psychology 3
ENG 103Composition II 3
SPH 131 Introduction to Oral Communication 3
PSY 270 Lifespan Developmental Psychology 3
MTH 095 or higher 5
FWS 237 Nutrition for Optimal Wellness 3

Suggested Program

The nursing courses are organized to be completed in a two-year sequence. It is recommended that as many general education credits as possible are completed before beginning the nursing curriculum. It is often beneficial to minimize additional classes in the same semester as nursing courses.

Summer Sem/hrs
MTH 095 or higher 5
PSY 170 Introduction to Psychology 3
6

First Semester Sem/hrs
NUR 178 Pharmacology 2
NUR 179 Fundamentals 4
NUR 181 Fundamentals Clinical 5.5
FWS 237 Nutrition for Optimal Wellness 3
14.5

Second Semester Sem/hrs
NUR 182 Med/Surg I 4
NUR 183 Med/Surg I clinical 5.5
PSY 270 Lifespan Developmental Psychology 3
ENG 103 Composition II 3
15.5

Summer Sem/hrs
SPH 131 Fundamentals of Communication 3
Humanities/Fine Arts 3
6

Third Semester Sem/hrs
NUR 280 Family Health 5
NUR 281 Family Health Clinical 3
NUR 282 Med/Surg II 3
NUR 283 Med/Surg II Clinical 3
14

Fourth Semester Sem/hrs
NUR 284 Professional Roles Nursing 1
NUR 285 Mental Health 2
NUR 286 Mental Health Clinical 3
NUR 287 Med/Surg III 3
NUR 288 Med/Surg III Clinical 3
12

Following acceptance you will receive instructions on when to complete these clinical participation requirements. This list may vary, depending upon the specific health career program.

CPR Certification
Students must maintain current AHA Health Care Provider Level C CPR certification. Students will not be able to participate in clinical experiences without this verification. Students are responsible for paying any fees required for certification. AHA Health Care Provider Level C CPR courses are available through Harper College Continuing Education, at area clinical facilities, and in the community.

Criminal Background Investigation
All students seeking to enroll in health career programs or classes including clinical placements are required to authorize an investigation to determine if the student has been convicted of any criminal or drug offenses.

The student shall provide authorization for the investigation to the Harper College Public Safety Department. The student shall be responsible for paying the fee of $20 required by the State Department of Police for conducting such investigation.

For information on convictions that will disqualify you for a health career you should call the Illinois Department of Public Health (1-217-782-2913). If you have a disqualifying conviction, the IDPH can clarify the process you should initiate to apply for a waiver. This waiver would allow you to enter a health career program.
HealthStream

Health Requirements
All health career students must complete health requirements as stipulated by our affiliating clinical agencies. Health requirements may include: physical examination, screening tests, immunizations, blood titers, and/or urine drug screen. Verification of health insurance is required. Validation of health requirements is coordinated by Health and Psychological Services.

Photo ID
Students will be issued a Harper College photo ID badge. This ID badge must be worn at all times while students are participating in clinical experiences. Fees may be required.