Carl Sandburg College offers a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing. The student is prepared to function within roles of manager of care, provider of care, and member within the discipline of nursing. Clinical experience is provided at area hospitals, extended care facilities, and many other community-based health care agencies.

Registered nurses work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients recover from and cope with illness. Nurses are taught to assess, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate care to patients; assist physicians with treatments and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. Nurses also provide patient education to clients and families to help improve or maintain the optimum level of health. Hospitals employ the largest number of nurses to provide bedside nursing care and carry out medical orders. Other settings that employ nurses include: ambulatory care offices and clinics, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, public health facilities, schools, churches, correctional facilities and occupational settings.

Working Conditions
Most health care facilities provide a safe and comfortable working environment. Care is required around the clock, often in 8- or 12-hour shifts, weekends and holidays, and may involve on-call work. Schools, offices, and clinics offer more traditional work hours.

Employment
The demand for nurses is very high and is expected to increase. With the life expectancy increasing, the demands of an aging population increases the need for health care providers.

Accreditation/Approval
The Associate Degree Nursing program is fully accredited by The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and Approved by the Illinois State Board of Nursing, Department of Professional Regulation.

Licensure
Graduates may apply to write for the National Council Licensing Examination-RN. Upon successful completion of this exam, the student is eligible to apply for Registered Nurse licensure in any state. To be eligible to write for the NCLEX (the nursing licensure exam) you will be required to pay a fee and be fingerprinted by an approved agency within 60 days of submitting application.)

Please be advised that nursing licenses may be denied or disciplined by the Illinois State Board of Nursing (ISBN). Possible grounds for action occur if you have been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor that involves an illegal drug offense or a felony conviction for a crime against persons. Also considered are patterns of practice and other behaviors exhibiting an apparent incapacity to practice nursing. All criminal history must be revealed at time of licensure application and will be evaluated by the ISBN before licensure is granted or denied.

Admission
Admission to the program is competitive and selection is based on a point system. All prospective students for the Associate Degree Nursing program must submit admission materials and meet admission requirements before their applications will be considered for review. The most qualified applicants who are residents of the Carl Sandburg College district will be given preference for admission to the program.

Number of Students Admitted Each Year to the First Year of the Program: 40
Number of LPN to RN Students Admitted Each Year to the Second Year of the Associate Degree Nursing Program through Articulation: Dependent on Number of Seats Available (limited)

For Additional Program Information Contact:
Advisors/Counselors

Phil Jennings pjennings@sandburg.edu or 309-341-5483

Megan Jones mjones@sandburg.edu or 309-341-5229 .

Ellen Henderson-Gasser ehenderson@sandburg.edu or 217-357-3129 ext 7247