GGC's Nursing Program

Being a decent person motivates you to want to help others. Whether it be your family, friends, or even a stranger. I enjoy all three aspects of helping others, which is why I decided to take up nursing. This decision was both easy and hard for me to make. I have always known I wanted to be in the medical field, so growing up and doing research helped me understand what profession I was headed towards. Understanding and profiling the school I attend helped me realize they had many resources to help me achieve my dream. Georgia Gwinnett College is a four-year college that encourages students to join and participate as many clubs and programs as possible. One of those programs includes their distinguished and outstanding nursing Program. They have been fully approved by the “Georgia Board of Nursing and received a NSNA Stellar School Chapter Recognition in 2020-2021" (Bachelor). Although I have not been able to join the program, I know that it was “created to develop health care leaders who succeed in today's dynamic health care system” The website goes on to explain that “the nursing program's integrated educational experience, with innovative use of technology, offers students the opportunity to work within inter-professional teams and further develop their intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social dimensions” (Bachelor). All of which are important qualities in a successful and serious program. The program is not an easy thing to get into. There are many steps to apply to the program. GGC's application deadlines differ from the nursing program applications. An applicant should apply to GGC two months before the nursing application deadline (Catalog). All applicants must have completed the prerequisites outlined in the nursing program admission requirements before the semester they are applying for. These prerequisites include, English 1101 and 1102, Math 1001, 1111, 1113,1401 and 2200, ITEC 1001, a human/ fine arts class for six hour credits, and many more. "The 60-credit nursing curriculum, offered over four semesters, has 16 courses which include four integrated Wellness and Illness courses, health assessment, research, population health, leadership, two integrated pathophysiology and pharmacology courses, three professional nursing courses, and a capstone course” (Catalog). The number of professional and leadership courses shows a commitment to the fundamental ideas put out by the faculty, particularly by the local health care community, and will act as a link across program. Strong scientific and liberal arts backgrounds are emphasized in the integrated health assessment and research courses, which create a solid foundation for nursing skills. Many students have reached their academic potential by involving themselves in learning how each program benefits them and why. There are multiple nursing schools and programs in the state of Georgia, but what GGC’s nursing program brings to the table is much more than an education. They offer “innovative use of technology, offer students the opportunity to work within inter-professional teams and further develop their intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual and social dimensions “(Bachelor). The nursing program at GGC is located in the H building. The building sets an environment that is a “dynamic, competitive program dedicated to preparing students for the wide variety of nursing opportunities in the health care field. New, modern facilities and partnerships with community health care organizations provide real-world clinical experiences that enhance learning” (School). The school holds elevated expectations from each of their students. Their objective is to have high values coming from each student starting with high-academic standards, professionalism, social responsibility, integrity, life-long learning, and personal responsibility in student-faculty engagement (School). The program helps students understand the environment of the nursing world. Walking out of the program already encourages students to be the best they can be with the knowledge now embedded in their heads. To get closer I had an in-person interview with one of the striving students looking to obtain her bachelor's in nursing. Asking her opinion on the program and how it challenges her mentally. She gave honorable responses on how competitive the programs are and why she liked how intuitive some of the classes can be. “GGC nursing program is extremely competitive, and I wanted to join because of that. Their NCLEX passing rate is extremely high. Only 30 students get accepted per semester, so I wanted to apply and challenge myself” (Par). I asked her if she would recommend this program for other upcoming nursing students. Her response was, “I would recommend this program to other students. Their student ratio is very student to staff, a small ratio; It is much easier to get one on one time with your professor” (Par). Her answers ensured that students could have sit downs with professors which motivates them to get the help they need in their course. NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination. It is a nationwide exam for the licensing of nurses in the US. GGC’s NCLEX pass rate is 90.5%, an encouraging number for students researching which program best suits them. Professors in the program make it their objective to have their students think, act, and talk like nurses. Their clinical experience is a big part of that to graduate. GGC maintains partnerships with several healthcare facilities in the area. “Each semester, nursing students complete 180 clinical hours in addition to class time. These clinical hours include time in the Nursing Skills Lab, Nursing Simulation Lab and at various clinical facilities. Additionally, students complete 45 hours of population health clinical hours in non-acute clinical settings” (Clinical). Students learn to provide basic care and comfort, safely administer medications, perform health assessments, plan, and evaluate nursing care, teach, and perform more complex nursing interventions in each of these areas. The clinical and class components complement each other as integrated elements of a course that facilitate the accomplishment of course outcome goals. Students must pass both the clinical and class-oriented subjects. GGC’s nursing program would be perfect for any students trying to challenge themselves in the medical field. Their expertise in student engagement and communication, helping students to become the best nurses they can become upon graduation. Upon completion of the program students will know how to Develop a personal philosophy of caring for and caring about others and self. They will synthesize nursing knowledge, skills, and abilities to promote health, prevent disease, and manage care for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations across the lifespan. Recognize and respect the unique perspective of all individuals by valuing oneself and others of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Demonstrate professionalism and commitment to the School of Health Sciences core values, which include ethics, integrity, responsibility, accountability, and life-long learning (Catalog). All the reasons I choose GGC nursing program to be the perfect program for me and for you!