Orientation
We look forward to welcoming you to the North Country Community College Nursing community! We are excited to assist you in your transition from an accepted student to a NCCC nursing student.
Onsite orientation for the Practical Nursing Program is offered exclusively at the Saranac Lake campus for all PN students. Attendance is strongly recommended as we cover critical information. Dates are sent to students by the Registrar's Office.
If you have questions regarding registration, please call the Registrar's Office at 518-891-2915 ext. 1689. All other questions may be directed to the Nursing Program Interim Director, Tana Hare, thare@nccc.edu prior to the end of the academic year.
MAKING THE TRANSITION
The following topics will be reviewed during orientation:
- Compliance Requirements include completing the Pre-Entrance Health Forms. For more information, and to download the forms visit the applicable link:
-Nursing Requirements Checklist and Forms (AAS/ADN)
-Nursing Requirements Checklist and Forms (PN Certificate)
- Equipment
- Watch with a second hand
- Stethoscope (Littman Classic II or III recommended)
- Optional: Pen Light and Aneroid blood pressure cuff (Adult size)
- Uniforms:
- STUDENTS MUST BE IN UNIFORM ON THE FIRST LAB DAY
- Books and Backpack
- Approximately one month prior to the beginning of your program your book list will be available through the NCCC Campus Book Store. We recommend you purchase books with access codes as assignments during the year will require having the codes.
- Computers
- Access to a personal computer, with the specifications as detailed in your welcome letter is required. NCCC has a limited number of laptops that are available to loan to students based upon need.
- Insurance
- All students must obtain malpractice insurance. Nursing Service Organization is the recommended source: https://www.nso.com/malpractice-insurance/individual
- Choose STUDENT as your profession.
- Mailing Dates
- Mailing dates outlined by the program require strict adherence. Failure to submit fees and all listed documents may result in loss of fall placement.
PREPARATION
In preparation for a key nursing course, Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, all students must enter with core knowledge of medication dosage calculation. In order to achieve a consistent level of knowledge within the student body, each student must purchase the book bundle from the bookstore, study chapters 6, 7, and 8 from Pharmacology Clear and Simple, and complete the mathematics and medication problems at the end of each chapter. During the course, the basic information you have learned will be expanded upon and presented in greater detail. It is important for you to achieve a preliminary level of knowledge before additional information is presented.
- Dosage Calculation: You are expected to pass the dosage calculation assessment exam with a 90% or higher. You have three attempts and this does not count for a grade. Please use the Dosage Calculation Worksheet for practice and to guide you in your studies.
- APA Style
- https://youtu.be/uYyZMid4WJs
- https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/reference_list_electronic_sources.html
- https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/in_text_citations_the_basics.html
- https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html
- https://www.google.com/search?q=apa+format&rlz=1C1RQEB_enUS699US699&source=lnms&tbm=vid&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjx64HR1ojmAhUOVd8KHSM7AqwQ_AUoAnoECBIQBA&biw=1440&bih=789
- Medical Terminology
Students who encounter any difficulties within the first two weeks of school will be referred to the LAC for tutoring. Students can also self refer.