THE PRACTICE

Nursing is the career where science and art, high tech and human touch, still connect. The newest advances in science and technology are incorporated into direct client care through prevention, diagnosis and treatment of health conditions and delivery of services. This service is provided within the context of caring relationships - Caring for self and caring for others.

The IECC nursing program graduates practitioners who demonstrate professional values and adhere to professional practice standards and ethical codes. General education and nursing courses prepare students to interact with diverse populations across the life span.

Students are provided varied clinical experiences to facilitate responsibilities of the practitioner. The focus is on decision making for provision, delegation and management of care, membership within the profession of nursing and commitment to lifelong learning.

THE PROMISE

Nursing is exemplary in that the basis remains grounded in the concept of service to others. The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice enter the practitioner into a promise, a trust, with those they serve. The public trusts that the nurse will help, will be competent and caring, and will advocate for their best interest. Students who choose this career also choose this commitment.

THE PROFESSION

There are more than 2.9 million nurses in this country. Three out of every five nurses work in hospitals. Nearly 180,000 registered nurses work in ambulatory care and about the same number in nursing homes. Other nurses are distributed into community-based services; public health, home care, hospice and private care. Still others are working with government agencies and corporations doing marketing, education or peer reviews. Nurses are also working with telehealth and web-based education, information, linkages and referrals.

Since 1969, the four college Nursing Program has graduated over 2500 students with an associate degree in Nursing. These are the nurses caring for us, our friends and families. They are immunizing our children. They are providing pregnancy and birth care. They are providing health education and end-of-life caring. They are providing trauma and critical care in emergency departments and intensive care units. They are serving in the armed forces. If you are looking for a career with multiple opportunities that will utilize all your talents and provide lifelong challenge and personal satisfaction, the IECC Nursing Program is the place to start.

©2008 Illinois Eastern Community Colleges