*NUR 27 offered as dual enrolled course for the high schools only. Those who have completed high school can enroll in NRCC’s short-term nurse aide program offered through NRCC Workforce Development.  To enroll or for more information, (call 540) 674-3613 or visit nr.edu/workforce/credentials.

For related NSG programs, see Related Programs Listing .

Purpose: The career studies certificate program is a response to the non-conventional short-term program of studies needed by many adults within the college’s region. It offers a series of specialized program options which represent a wide variety of adult career and academic interest course areas. The options within this program are intended to represent the minimum amount of college course work considered representative of these fields of study. Each of the program options is designed as a distinct “mini-curriculum” within a broader range of adult educational possibilities.

Admission Requirements: Applicants should meet the general requirements for admission to the college. Placement tests may be required in some areas.

The career studies certificate is designed to train individuals for employment as nursing assistants and give graduates proficiency in the skills needed to assist with nursing care in nursing homes, hospitals, and home health. Upon successful completion of NUR 27 Nurse Aide I , students are eligible to sit for the competency evaluation required by the Virginia Board of Nursing in order to be placed on the nurse aide registry.

Program Requirements: Students interested in NUR 27 Nurse Aide I  must note that the Virginia Board of Nursing has the authority to deny certification to a nurse aide applicant who has violated certain federal, state, or other statues. Examples include conviction of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, and alcohol or drug related issues. A prospective student who has been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contender to any illegal offenses other than minor traffic violations may contact the nursing program director with questions. Information is also available from the Virginia Department of Health Professions, Virginia Board of Nursing, located at Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233. Phone (804) 367-4515.

Working in the role of a nurse aide is physically, emotionally, and intellectually demanding. Students engaged in clinical experiences while enrolled in the program must be able to perform in the role of a nurse aide. The chart, based on expectations published by the Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing, describes activities associated with classroom and clinical requirements.

Category	Examples of Clinical Competencies and Responsibilities*
Analytical and Critical Thinking	Read and understand written documents in English (e.g. protocols), focus attention on task in distracting/chaotic environment, identify cause-effect relationships, use long and short-term memory.
Professional Relationships	Deal with the unexpected (e.g. patient crisis), handle strong emotions of others while controlling personal responses.
Communication	Communicate in English with patients, families, and agency staff members (both orally and written).
Mobility	Move within confined spaces, reach above shoulders (e.g. I.V. poles) and reach below waist (e.g. plug in electrical appliances), walk six to eight hours, stand at bedside up to 60 minutes to assist with patient care.
Motor Skills	Perform CPR, operate a fire extinguisher, key/type (e.g. use a computer), manipulate an eye dropper.
Hearing	Hear faint body sounds (e.g. blood pressure), hear monitor alarms, hear in situations when not able to see lips (e.g. when masks are used).
Visual	See objects near (e.g. computer screen), see objects far (e.g. patient at end of the hall), distinguish color intensity (e.g. flushed or pale skin), read digital displays, read graphic printouts, read small print on labels.
Tactile Sense	Use sense of touch to gather assessment data (e.g. palpate pulses, detect warmth vs. coolness).

*Examples are intended as clarification, not as a comprehensive list

Costs associated with the textbook, uniforms, and any needed accessories are directed by high schools offering the NUR 27 class.

Eligibility for and transportation to and from clinical sites are directed by high schools offering the NUR 27 class.

The student is responsible for the costs of personal medical care incurred as a result of accidents or incidents in the clinical or laboratory setting.

Fees associated with the application and competency evaluation required by the Virginia Board of Nursing in order to be placed on the nurse aide registry are addressed by high schools offering the NUR 27 class.