Transition to RN Frequently Asked Questions
A Registered Professional Nurse (RN) is one who has obtained significant knowledge of the sciences that guide nursing care, and the medical & surgical therapies that are used in the treatment of illness/disease.
The RN is totally responsible and accountable for the care that (s)he gives. The RN develops the plan of care based on nursing assessments. The plan may include therapies that are ordered by physicians, but the nurse must be responsible for determining that they fit the over-all picture for that client. The RN is responsible for implementation of the plan of care, either through direct activities or supervision of others in their duties.
Duties of the Registered Nurse can include medication administration, personal (and sometimes intimately personal) care, management of IVs, procedures, assisting physicians with medical/surgical procedures, documentation, collaboration with other healthcare providers, and many other duties.
The Licensed Practical nurse is involved in all aspects of the care of the client, but may perform only under the supervision of a physician or Registered Nurse. The LPN has extensive clinical preparation, and a basic understanding of sciences and medical-surgical therapies.
Both the Associate Degree and the Baccalaureate in Nursing prepare the graduate for the test that allows one to practice as a Registered Nurse. The main difference in the programs is that in the Baccalaureate program, there is more emphasis on leadership, management, comprehensive physical assessment, and nursing within families or communities. There are some differences in the focus and philosophy based on setting as well.
In Florida, there is an articulation agreement between Community Colleges and Universities, which allows for somewhat seamless advancement between the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and university programs.
No. There is a selective admission process, however. Selections are made based on points accumulated as described in the Selection Guidelines that are part of the Application Process.
Up to 40 students are admitted in each cohort. There are two cohorts per year. Several applicants are designated as "standby" status to fill vacancies in the event any of the admitted applicants decline to enter the program.
The EFSC Transition to Associate Degree Nursing / RN program is thirteen months in length. Students must take support courses and general education courses prior to acceptance into the ADN program.
Nurses require a broad range of mental, physical, sensory and social skills. Please see the Performance/Technical Standards for the Associate Degree Nursing Program that apply to students in the Transition to RN track.
General Education and Support courses must be completed prior to the application deadline.
Yes, the Nursing courses follow a sequence, and there is a continuation and completion policy stating that both theory and clinical courses taken in the same term must be successfully completed before moving on to the next term.
Yes. A.S. degree graduates with a Florida nursing license can apply for Eastern Florida State College's RN to BSN online bachelor's degree.
Most Florida universities also allow for advanced standing in their programs if the student has completed the Nursing Associate in Science Degree through a Florida community college or a Florida state college. Interested students should speak to the particular University they wish to attend for more information.
The admission committee will make selections approximately eight weeks after the deadline. Letters will be mailed immediately after the committee meets. No results will be given over the phone.
The Associate Degree Nursing Program is nationally accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 33 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA, 30326; Phone: 404-975-5000
The Associate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, FL, 32399; 850-488-0595
Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to take the national examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN).
EFSC’s Nursing programs prepare students for licensure as Nurses and convey the appropriate standards and skills that students will need as a responsible member of their profession.
As with any health program, students interested in re-locating to another state must ensure that they meet the appropriate guidelines to practice in that state. If you have any concerns, please contact Nancy Montgomery via email at MontgomeryN@easternflorida.edu