Division of Nursing
There are two degree offerings in the Nursing Division at Southern Vermont College.
Nursing Accreditation Public Notice
svc offers SIMULATION LEARNING
SVC will venture into simulation learning in a newly constructed, state-of-the-art simulation laboratory in Hunter Hall. Simulation learning allows learners to practice collaborative learning, which will enhance their cognitive, social and leadership skills. This year, within the laboratory setting, learners will be able to practice a wide range of nursing skills (from birth to adulthood and beyond) on anatomically correct patient simulations in the safety of a simulated practice setting. They will participate in computer-programmed simulation of complex medical, surgical, pediatric and psychiatric emergencies. Learners will also engage in computer-programmed conversations to practice interviewing and communication skills. The simulation laboratory setting allows for repetition of difficult skills and the opportunity to practice unusual cases that a learner may face in real-life, clinical situations. Equipped with advanced audio and visual technology, coverage of simulation scenarios allows for group debriefing with discussion, analysis and evaluation. For an introduction to a typical simulation laboratory, please watch this video >>>
The Mission
The mission of the Nursing Division of Southern Vermont College is to provide entry into the profession of nursing by offering career mobility through associate and baccalaureate education. The associate degree program prepares individuals to enter the field of nursing as novice technical nurses, while baccalaureate education provides an opportunity for registered nurses to practice as professional nurses. The Division strives to educate students in the art and human science of nursing in an environment which emphasizes caring, praxis and holism. The programs promote knowledge development, skill acquisition, legal and ethical values and experience through practice.
Career Opportunities and Graduate Study
In order to be employed as a registered nurse, a person must be licensed by the state in which he/she will practice. The associate degree in Nursing enables students to apply for licensure by examination through any State Board of Nursing. Successful completion of the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) and compliance with all requirements for licensure as established by the state board of nursing is required for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Questions asked of applicants seeking licensure include the following:
1. Has any state, territory or other jurisdiction denied your application for a license, certificate or registration in any profession or occupation?
2. Has any state or federal licensing authority restricted, suspended, revoked or taken any other disciplinary action against your license, certificate or registration that you hold or held in any profession or occupation?
3. Have you been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation?
4. Do you have a physical or mental condition or disorder which in any way impairs or limits your ability to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety?
5. Has your use of alcohol, drugs or medications in any way impaired or limited your ability to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety?
6. Are you currently participating in a supervised program or professional assistance program which monitors you in order to assure you are not engaging in the illegal use of controlled dangerous substances?
Answering yes to any of these questions may affect a person’s ability to obtain a Nursing license.
Registered Nurses have a wide variety of job opportunities including positions in Acute Care Practice, Long-term Care Facilities, Primary Care Practice, Hospice Care, School Nursing, Traveling Practice, etc.
Registered nurses may choose to seek additional education to become Nursing Specialists or Advanced Practice Nurses (APN). Nurse Specialists can become certified in a wide variety of areas including Oncology, Pediatrics and Infusion Therapy. Advance Practice Nurses include Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and Certified Nurse Midwives.
Take the next step and apply now.
Graduate Study
Nurses seeking careers as Nurse Educators, Nurse Administrators, Researchers or in some nursing speciality areas will need to complete a master's or doctorate degree in Nursing.
Accreditation
All Nursing programs at Southern Vermont College are accredited by the Vermont State Board of Nursing at 802-828-2396 and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. (NLNAC). The NLNAC may be contacted at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30326; by telephone at 404-975-5000; or via the Internet at www.nlnac.org.
The Nursing degree programs are rigorous and require dedication of many hours each week to class, study and clinicals. Students are encouraged not to take on other responsibilities that require a significant time commitment when enrolled in Nursing courses.
SVC Nursing students have achieved an outstanding National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate, with 100% of first-time candidates succeeding in 2008.
FACULTY
- Patricia Wrightsman, MSN, RN (Chair)
- Melissa Colvin-North, BSN, RN
- Sandra Fleischmann, MSN, RN
- Eileen Rice, MS, RN
- Susan O. Sykas, MSN, APRN, PNP
- Mary Grace Cahill, RN, MS, CHCNS (part time)
- Jean Lemieux Cody, MS, RN (part time)
- DeMayo, Melissa A., MSN, RN (part time)
- Barbara K. Fane, MSN, ANP (part time)
- Lorraine M. Forfa, MSN, RN (part time)
- Laurene Grande, BSN, RN (part time)
- Gail Hanlon, MSN, RN (part time)
- Kevin O'Hara, BSN, RN (part time)
- Pamela A. Provisor, BSN, RN, CCRN, CEN (part time)
- Pam Schnare, BSN, RN (part time)
- Harriet Sullivan-Bibee, BSN, RN (part time)

