Mission Statement
The mission of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Nursing Programs is to provide affordable and accessible high‑quality nursing education to the communities we serve. Our programs prepare competent, safe, and practice‑ready nurses who can deliver entry‑level care in today’s complex and rapidly evolving healthcare environments. Graduates are equipped to meet the diverse and increasing healthcare needs of the citizens of Virginia.
Philosophy
The VCCS Nursing Programs embrace the core competencies of nursing and nursing education. We believe that while nursing is grounded in science and the arts, its true foundation is caring and compassionate, patient‑centered practice. Ethical conduct, respect for human dignity, and awareness of cultural context guide every interaction with patients, families, and communities.
Nurses advocate for individuals and families in ways that support self‑determination, integrity, and personal growth. Nursing care is a collaborative process involving the patient, the family, and the healthcare team.
We value a spirit of inquiry and encourage nurses to examine evidence, improve quality of care, promote safety, and enhance patient outcomes. Sound nursing judgment is essential for making competent decisions that support safe and effective care. Clear communication and effective information management—through both technology and human interaction—are integral to professional nursing practice.
Nursing Program Outcomes
The program outcomes reflect the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 2017 Standards and Criteria.
- The licensure pass rate for Virginia Peninsula Community College graduates on the NCLEX-RN for first time takers will be 100%.
- Eighty percent (80%) of students who are admitted into the Virginia Peninsula Community College Nursing Program will complete the program within three years.
- Eighty percent (80%) of Virginia Peninsula Community College nursing graduates seeking employment will be employed within one year after graduation.
Student Learning Outcomes
Traditional A.A.S. Completion Rate: 50% of students who enroll in NSG 100 will complete on-time in four terms.
LPN-to-RN Bridge Completion Rate: 75% of advanced-standing LPN-RN bridge transition students will complete on-time in three terms.
NCLEX Pass Rate: The nursing program will maintain a first-time NCLEX-RN licensure examination pass rate of 80% or higher among graduates.
Job Placement Rate: 80% of graduates will report employment as a Registered Nurse within 12 months of graduation.
End Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Associate Degree of Applied Science with a major in Nursing will be expected to:
| Client-Centered Care | Provide client centered care promoting therapeutic relationships, caring behaviors, and self-determination across the lifespan for diverse populations. |
| Safety | Practice safe nursing care that minimizes the risk of harm across systems and client populations. |
| Clinical Judgment | Integrate clinical judgment when collaborating with the healthcare team in the management of care for complex clients. |
| Professional Behaviors | Practice professional behaviors that encompass the legal/ethical framework while incorporating self-reflection, leadership, and a commitment to recognize the value of life-long learning. |
| Quality Improvement | Manage client care through quality improvement processes, information technology, and fiscal responsibility to meet client needs and support organizational outcomes. |
| Collaboration | Demonstrate principles of collaborative practice within the nursing and healthcare teams fostering mutual respect and shared decision-making to achieve stated outcomes of care. |
| Pharmacology | Manage the appropriateness, accuracy, and client response to pharmacology principles for clients with complex conditions. |