Nursing

School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety

CONTACT INFORMATION

Program information is available from the Ask CNM Contact Center at (505) 224-3000 or go to cnm.edu.

Program Description

All CNM nursing courses emphasize a holistic approach that encourages students to embrace the concepts of clear communication, critical thinking and compassion when caring for patients. The Nursing program curriculum includes classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinical instruction that combines an essential set of arts and sciences classes with the nursing courses.

Graduates of the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program meet the requirements set by the New Mexico State Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. Specific terms of licensure can be obtained through the New Mexico Board of Nursing.

The ASN program is accredited through the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Special Requirements

The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program, Practical Nursing Certificate, and LPN – Mobility programs, are designated as Limited Entry Programs at CNM. Students who wish to pursue these degrees will need to apply and be accepted before they can start the program. Students who will apply in fall 2011 should refer to the Nursing Program Website for information about the application process and admission criteria.

Students who wish to apply in spring 2012 or later should refer to the Office of Limited Entry Programs for information on selection criteria, and deadlines, which will be different from those used in 2011.

Criminal Background: Students are required to undergo state and federal criminal background checks with fingerprints prior to starting their program or prior to beginning their clinical experiences. Students must have a valid social security number in order to participate in the criminal screening. Students with a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to start or remain in the program; additionally any student found to have a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to register for any Allied Health or Nursing programs.

Drug Screen: Students are required to undergo a routine drug screening prior to starting their program. Students with a positive drug screen will not be allowed to enter the program.

Physical Requirements: Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Completed physical examination and health forms with evidence of current immunizations must be completed before beginning clinical courses. Students must be able to safely perform program specific activities and lift a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the HWPS Office at (505) 224- 4111 for more information.

Professional CPR: Students must have evidence of current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for health professionals before beginning clinical courses; certification must be kept current throughout the program. Students are required to have a New Mexico driver’s license and a social security number.
 

Career and Educational Opportunities

ASN Graduates find employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health care and physicians’ offices. Nurses can attain specialty credentials through employment and specialty course offering. CNM nursing students are encouraged to continue their education toward a bachelor of science in nursing degree in order to pursue leadership positions in nursing and in the community.

Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies  ) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.

For the graduation policy refer to the Moving On  section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.