Competencies Expected of the Associate Degree Nurse
The Associate Degree Nurse is an entry level practitioner who is competent to practice as a direct caregiver in a variety of health care settings which include diverse patient populations. The associate degree graduate nurse utilizes critical thinking and judgment and demonstrates clinical competence and accountability as a generalist nurse who is committed to caring for others and valuing the profession of nursing. Graduates are eligible for national state board of nursing licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) to receive a license to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Registered Nurses are employed in a health care delivery system that continues to grow and change. There are varied roles that the graduate can employ as a registered nurse. These may be in the acute care setting, outpatient care setting (doctor's office, urgent care, community clinics), home health care, hospice, dialysis care, IV therapy services, school nurses, and case management, to name a few.
It is the value and philosophy of the Cerritos College Nursing Program that our graduates have an inquiry and curiosity for lifelong learning and pursue a bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in preparation for advanced roles in nursing practice.