Nursing

The Associate in Science Degree Registered Nursing Program at Sacramento City College is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Students enrolled in this program are required to complete general education, science, and nursing courses with related clinical experiences in local hospitals.

The Vocational Nursing Program is approved by the California Board of Licensed Vocational Nursing- Psychiatric Technicians. Students enrolled in this program are required to complete general education, science and vocational nursing courses with related experiences in local clinical facilities. There is an Associate Degree and Certificate available in Vocational Nursing.

Nursing applications for all programs are held once a year during the period of February 1 to 28.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

• A.S. in LVN-RN Transition to Registered Nursing
• A.S. in Nursing, Registered
• A.S. in Nursing, Vocational
• LVN-RN 30-Unit Option Certificate
• Nursing, Vocational Certificate

• Dean Paulette Lopez
• Department Chair Mara Manuel RN MSN
  
• Phone (916) 558-2271
• Email sccn@losrios.edu

Associate Degrees

A.S. in LVN-RN Transition to Registered Nursing

The Associate in Science LVN-RN Transition Registered Nursing Program at Sacramento City College is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Students enrolled in this program are required to complete general education, science, and nursing courses with related clinical experiences in local hospitals. The nursing courses are three semesters in length.

In addition to regular expenses such as enrollment fees, living costs, activity fees, and books, nursing students have the expense of uniforms, equipment, malpractice insurance, graduation, and licensing costs. They also are responsible for their physical examination, immunizations, background check, and drug screen, as well as transportation to and from clinical agencies for day and evening learning experiences. All enrolled students must have a current American Heart Association Health Provider CPR with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) card. The nursing program is a rigorous course of study. In order to ensure academic success and to protect students’ health, full time employment is not advisable. It is recommended that students who must continue outside employment reduce their hours to improve their success in the program.

Nursing courses must be taken in sequence. Informational meetings are held several times each semester to provide prospective students with information about program prerequisites, enrollment process, and other requirements in the program.

A 75% passing grade is mandatory in theory and clinical practicum of each nursing course for progression in the program. In order to obtain a Registered Nursing license as a graduate, a student must have an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing an pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Enrollment options for Licensed Vocational Nurses: LVNs seeking entry are subject to space availability. These applicants have several options for becoming Registered Nurses. In the "30 Unit Option" the LVN must complete physiology and microbiology prior to entering the second year nursing courses. This option does not lead to an Associate in Science Degree. The LVN to RN Transition option does lead to an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing. This LVN must meet all the program requirements of the generic program. After successfully completing NURSE 307, they transition into the second year of the Registered Nursing Program. A third option is completion of the entire generic associate degree nursing program and all enrollment requirements.

A Diploma RN graduate of a hospital school of nursing who is currently licensed in California may earn an Associate in Science Degree. This Registered Nurse will need to complete requirements for an Associate in Science Degree and fulfill a residency requirement by completing at least 12 units at Sacramento City College.

Transfer students must present evidence of comparable theory and clinical practice courses. Transfer students are admitted on a space available basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

The LVN-RN Transition to Registered Nursing Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

• Licensure as an Licensed Vocational Nurse in the state of California.
• Application and acceptance into the LVN-RN Registered Nursing Associate in Science Degree Program at Sacramento City College.
• BIOL 430, BIOL 431, and BIOL 440 with grades of "C" or better and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• PSYC 300 or PSYC 480; ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 or ENGWR 488; COMM 301 or COMM 331or COMM 481; SOC 321 or SOC 482 or ANTH 310 or ANTH 481 with grades of "C" or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. In-progress grades will not be accepted for prerequisite courses.
• A SCORE of 70 or higher on the Registered Nursing Multi Criteria Enrollment Form.
• It is strongly recommended that students complete all general education requirements (Area I-VI) and competency requirements (reading, writing, and mathematics) prior to application to the program.
• Completion of the latest edition of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI). A minimum composite score is necessary to be eligible for application to the program. Additional information is available from the SCC Nursing website at https://scc.losrios.edu/academics/programs-and-majors/nursing.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

• The Associate in Science Degree Registered Nursing Program at Sacramento City College uses a multicriteria enrollment process. The latest edition of the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) must be taken before applying, and a minimum composite score must be achieved in order to apply to the program. A Los Rios Community College District student identification number is required to access the online application. Points earned from the multicriteria enrollment form determine eligibility for the random selection pool from which a class is selected. Students must apply online and reapply each year. There is no waiting list.
• Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) who desire to complete the minimum number of units required to take the licensure examination may apply for this LVN to RN option. LVNs who select the “30 Unit” option method to satisfy the requirements for licensure as a registered nurse should consult with Student Personal Assistant or Program Director for an individual program consultation to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this option. Students who obtain licensure through this option may not be allowed to practice as an RN in any state but California. Admission to the program is by special application. Please refer to LVN to RN mobility program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• integrate the nursing process with critical reasoning skills, in direct and indirect nursing care to meet the patient’s developmental and basic human needs.
• revise individualized nursing interventions to safely provide care to assist adult and older adult patients in need of preventative, restorative, or rehabilitative patient centered care.
• incorporate evidence-based practice, patient care standards, informatics, and critical thinking skills to enhance safety, quality improvement, and effectiveness of nursing care.
• generate therapeutic, respectful, and caring communication with patients and families, while promoting collegiality with peers and colleagues.
• formulate accurate and timely documentation and reporting of patient assessments, interventions, progress, and outcomes of care in the written and electronic medical record.
• design patient-centered teaching plans and assist patients and their families in developing self-advocacy skills necessary to maintain optimum levels of functioning and health.
• manage the nursing care for a group of patients, utilizing leadership skills, collaboration, teamwork, resource utilization, and supervision of team members consistent with their scope of practice.
• prioritize patient care needs, using critical thinking and time management skills, to organize and provide safe nursing care in a responsible and accountable manner.
• integrate ethical principles, legal boundaries, and cultural competency in all areas of nursing practice.
• assess learning needs through reflective thinking and use resources to engage in continuous improvement in skills and knowledge.

Career Information

This program prepares the student for employment as an entry-level staff nurse in hospitals, physician’s offices, skilled nursing or long term care facilities, surgery centers, ambulatory care settings, occupational health, and other related agencies. Registered Nurses provide nursing care to clients and groups of clients throughout the lifespan. They have many responsibilities from direct patient care to leadership roles, depending on the specific setting in which they are working.

A.S. in Nursing, Registered

The Associate in Science Degree Registered Nursing Program at Sacramento City College is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Students enrolled in this program are required to complete general education, science, and nursing courses with related clinical experiences in local hospitals. The nursing courses are four semesters in length.

In addition to regular expenses such as enrollment fees, living costs, activity fees, and books, nursing students have the expense of uniforms, equipment, malpractice insurance, graduation, and licensing costs. They also are responsible for their physical examination, immunizations, background check, and drug screen, as well as transportation to and from clinical agencies for day and evening learning experiences. All enrolled students must have a current American Heart Association Health Provider CPR with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) card. The nursing program is a full-time rigorous course of study. In order to ensure academic success and to protect students’ health, full time employment is not advisable. It is recommended that students who must continue outside employment reduce their hours to 8-12 hours or less per week.

Nursing courses must be taken in sequence. Informational meetings are held several times each semester to provide prospective students with information about program prerequisites, enrollment process, and other requirements in the program.

A 75% passing grade is mandatory in theory and clinical practicum of each nursing course for progression in the program. In order to obtain a Registered Nursing license as a graduate, a student must have an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing by the end of the fourth semester.

Enrollment options for Licensed Vocational Nurses: LVNs seeking entry are subject to space availability. These applicants have several options for becoming Registered Nurses. In the "30 Unit Option" the LVN must complete physiology and microbiology prior to entering the second year nursing courses. This option does not lead to an Associate in Science Degree. The LVN to RN Transition option does lead to an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing. This LVN must meet all the program requirements of the generic program. After successfully completing NURSE 307, they transition into the second year of the Registered Nursing Program. A third option is completion of the entire generic associate degree nursing program and all enrollment requirements.

A Diploma RN graduate of a hospital school of nursing who is currently licensed in California may earn an Associate in Science Degree. This Registered Nurse will need to complete requirements for an Associate in Science Degree and fulfill a residency requirement by completing at least 12 units at Sacramento City College.

Transfer students must present evidence of comparable theory and clinical practice courses. Transfer students are admitted on a space available basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

The Nursing, Registered Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

• Application and acceptance into the Associate in Science Degree Registered Nursing Program at Sacramento City College.
• BIOL 430, BIOL 431, and BIOL 440 with grades of "C" or better and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• PSYC 300 or PSYC 480; ENGWR 300 or ENGWR 488 or ESLW 340; COMM 301 or COMM 331 or COMM 481; SOC 321 or SOC 482 or ANTH 310 or ANTH 481 with grades of "C" or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. In-progress grades will not be accepted for prerequisite courses.
• A SCORE of 70 or higher on the Registered Nursing Multi Criteria Enrollment Form.
• It is strongly recommended that students complete all general education requirements (Area I-VI) and competency requirements (reading, writing, and mathematics) prior to application to the program.
• Completion of the latest edition of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI). A minimum composite score is necessary to be eligible for application to the program. Additional information is available from the SCC Nursing website at http://www.scc.losrios.edu/~nursing/.

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

• The Associate in Science Degree Registered Nursing Program at Sacramento City College uses a multicriteria enrollment process. The latest edition of the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) must be taken before applying, and a minimum composite score must be achieved in order to apply to the program. A Los Rios Community College District student identification number is required to access the online application. Points earned from the multicriteria enrollment form determine eligibility for the random selection pool from which a class is selected. Students must reapply each year. There is no waiting list.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• integrate the nursing process with critical reasoning skills, in direct and indirect nursing care to meet the patient’s developmental and basic human needs.
• revise individualized nursing interventions to safely provide care to assist adult and older adult patients in need of preventative, restorative, or rehabilitative patient centered care.
• incorporate evidence-based practice, patient care standards, informatics, and critical thinking skills to enhance safety, quality improvement, and effectiveness of nursing care.
• generate therapeutic, respectful, and caring communication with patients and families, while promoting collegiality with peers and colleagues.
• formulate accurate and timely documentation and reporting of patient assessments, interventions, progress, and outcomes of care in the written and electronic medical record.
• design patient-centered teaching plans and assist patients and their families in developing self-advocacy skills necessary to maintain optimum levels of functioning and health.
• manage the nursing care for a group of patients, utilizing leadership skills, collaboration, teamwork, resource utilization, and supervision of team members consistent with their scope of practice.
• prioritize patient care needs, using critical thinking and time management skills, to organize and provide safe nursing care in a responsible and accountable manner.
• integrate ethical principles, legal boundaries, and cultural competency in all areas of nursing practice.
• assess learning needs through reflective thinking and use resources to engage in continuous improvement in skills and knowledge.

Career Information

This program prepares the student for employment as an entry-level staff nurse in hospitals, physician’s offices, skilled nursing or long term care facilities, surgery centers, ambulatory care settings, occupational health, and other related agencies. Registered Nurses provide nursing care to clients and groups of clients throughout the lifespan. They have many responsibilities from direct patient care to leadership roles, depending on the specific setting in which they are working. Program graduates are eligible to apply for the examination given by the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

A.S. in Nursing, Vocational

The Vocational Nursing Program at Sacramento City College is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Upon successful completion of the three-semester, 51-unit program, the student is eligible to apply for the National Licensing Examination to qualify as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Students enrolled in this program are required to complete nursing courses with related clinical experiences. The program issues a certificate upon completion and prepares the graduate for employment. With completion of additional requirements, an Associate in Science Degree may be achieved. In addition to regular expenses such as enrollment fees, living costs, activity fees, and books, nursing students have the expense of uniforms, equipment, malpractice insurance, graduation, and licensing costs. Students are also responsible for their physical examination, immunizations, background check, and drug screen, as well as transportation to and from clinical agencies for day and evening learning experiences. All students must have a current CPR with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from the American Heart Association or Professional Rescuer American Red Cross.

The nursing program is a full-time rigorous course of study. In order to ensure academic success and to protect students’ health, full time employment is not advisable. It is recommended that students who must continue outside employment reduce their hours to 8-12 hours or less per week.

Informational meetings are held several times each semester and provide prospective students with information on program prerequisites, enrollment process, and other facts about the program.

Recommended high school preparation: classes in biology, mathematics, and English.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Prerequisite Courses

The Nursing, Vocational Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

• Complete program application and submit by due date to be considered for acceptance into the program.
• 12th grade or equivalent as granted by the California State Department of Education
• BIOL 100 with a grade of B or better; or BIOL 430 and BIOL 431 with grades of “B” or better.
• AH 311, EDUC 300 or PSYC 370, NUTRI 300 or NUTRI 480, and PSYC 300 or PSYC 480 with a grade of "C" or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in these four (4) courses.
• ENGRD 11 for applicants who do not have an Associate Degree or higher.
• In-progress grades will not be accepted for prerequisite courses. Courses taken for Pass/No Pass (P/NP) will be calculated into the GPA as a "C" grade.
• It is highly recommended that the student take a medical dosage calculation class prior to beginning the program.
• A grade of 75% or better is mandatory in each required course for progression in the vocational nursing program. If the clinical performance is “unsatisfactory,” the semester grade will be “F” regardless of achievement in theory.
• Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), latest version, developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI).

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

• A Los Rios Community College District student identification number is required to access the online application. Enrollment eligibility consists of successful completion of prerequisite courses in order to qualify for the random selection pool from which a class is selected. Students must reapply each semester. There is no waiting list.
• Successful completion of the online application, along with all supporting documents as stipulated on the online page, must be submitted to the Science and Allied Health Division by the posted due date.
• Students accepted into the program will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a 10-panel urine drug screen prior to their clinical laboratory experience.
• NOTE: Vocational Nursing courses must be taken in sequence.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• utilize the nursing process within organized health care systems to help patients with common illnesses meet their basic human needs through direct patient care services.
• provide individualized nursing measures to assist patients in need of rehabilitation, including lifestyle changes in the hospital, home, or in the community.
• apply established standards of care, critical thinking skills, and scientific knowledge when performing nursing functions or procedures.
• maintain therapeutic communication essential to the achievement of health related patient and/or organizational goals.
• demonstrate the ability to accurately report and document patient assessments, interventions, changes in patient status, and outcomes of care in the written and electronic medical record (EMR).
• act as a patient advocate and teacher in assisting patients and families to prevent illness and maintain their optimum level of functioning and health.
• organize care for a group of patients and participate in providing direction for personnel with less preparation or experiences in other than acute care settings.
• apply knowledge of cultural patterns, beliefs, and practices in providing culturally sensitive competent care.
• assume responsibility for his/her own professional development and function with accountability within the legal boundaries of LVN practice.

Career Information

This program prepares the student for employment as a licensed vocational nurse. The LVN may work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, ambulatory care settings, skilled nursing facilities, correctional facilities, home health, and extended care facilities to provide basic patient care to clients of all ages under the supervision and direction of physicians or registered nurses. The specific procedures performed vary greatly depending on the work setting.

Certificates of Achievement

LVN-RN 30-Unit Option Certificate

The 30-unit option provides the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) the opportunity to qualify for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This option is available to LVNs entering the SCC Registered Nursing Program but does not meet the requirements for an associate degree in nursing.

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) who desire to complete the minimum number of units required to take the licensure examination may apply for this LVN to RN option. LVNs who select the “30 Unit” option method to satisfy the requirements for licensure as a registered nurse should consult with Student Personal Assistant or Program Director for an individual program consultation to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this option. Students who obtain licensure through this option may not be allowed to practice as an RN in any state but California. Admission to the program is by special application. Please refer to LVN to RN mobility program.

In addition to regular expenses such as enrollment fees, living costs, activity fees, and books, nursing students have the expense of uniforms, equipment, malpractice insurance, graduation, and licensing costs. They also are responsible for their physical examination, immunizations, background check, and drug screen, as well as transportation to and from clinical agencies for day and evening learning experiences. All enrolled students must have a current health provider America Heart Association CPR with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) card. The nursing program is a full-time rigorous course of study. In order to ensure academic success and to protect students’ health, full time employment is not advisable. It is recommended that students who must continue outside employment reduce their hours to 8-12 hours or less per week.

A 75% passing grade is mandatory in theory and clinical of each nursing course for progression in the program.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

• Possession of a current clear and active California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license at the time of application and throughout program completion.
• Completion of a minimum of six months recent LVN work experience, preferably in the medical-surgical area.
• Completion of BIOL 431 or equivalent 4-5 semester-unit physiology course and BIOL 440 or equivalent 4 semester-unit microbiology course with a grade of "B" or better prior to enrollment in the nursing courses.
• Completion of the current curriculum planning summary sheet including the semester in which the pre-enrollment packet is being submitted.
• LIBR 307 is recommended.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• integrate the nursing process with critical reasoning skills, in direct and indirect nursing care to meet the patient’s developmental and basic human needs.
• revise individualized nursing interventions to safely provide care to assist patients of all ages in need of preventative, restorative, or rehabilitative patient centered care.
• incorporate evidence-based practice, patient care standards, informatics, and critical thinking skills to enhance safety, quality improvement, and effectiveness in nursing care.
• generate therapeutic, respectful, and caring communication with patients and families, while promoting collegiality with peers and colleagues.
• formulate accurate and timely documentation and reporting of patient assessments, interventions, progress, and outcomes of care in the written and electronic medical record.
• design patient-centered teaching plans and assist patients and their families in developing self-advocacy skills necessary to maintain optimum levels of functioning and health.
• manage the nursing care for a group of patients, utilizing leadership skills, collaboration, teamwork, resource utilization, and supervision of team members consistent with their scope of practice.
• prioritize patient care needs, using critical thinking and time management skills, to organize and provide safe nursing care in a responsible and accountable manner.
• integrate ethical provisions, legal boundaries, and cultural competency in all areas of nursing practice.
• assess their own learning needs through reflective thinking and use resources to engage in continuous improvement in skills and knowledge.

Career Information

This program prepares the student for employment as an entry-level staff nurse in hospitals, physician’s offices, skilled nursing or long-term care facilities, surgery centers, ambulatory care settings, occupational health, and other related agencies. Registered nurses provide nursing care to clients and groups of clients throughout the lifespan. The State of California allows the LVN-RN 30-unit option student to be eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The LVN seeking this path to RN licensure may not receive reciprocal RN licensure in other states. LVNs considering moving out-of-state are encouraged to consult with that state's board of nursing for RN licensure requirements before committing to the 30-unit option.

Nursing, Vocational Certificate

The Vocational Nursing Program at Sacramento City College is approved by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Upon successful completion of the three-semester, 51-unit program, the student is eligible to apply for the National Licensing Examination to qualify as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. Students enrolled in this program are required to complete nursing courses with related clinical experiences. The program issues a certificate upon completion and prepares the graduate for employment. With completion of additional requirements, an Associate in Science Degree may be achieved. In addition to regular expenses such as enrollment fees, living costs, activity fees, and books, nursing students have the expense of uniforms, equipment, malpractice insurance, graduation, and licensing costs. They are also responsible for their physical examination, immunizations, background check, and drug screen, as well as transportation to and from clinical agencies for day and evening learning experiences. All students must have a current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR with Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

The nursing program is a full-time rigorous course of study. In order to ensure academic success and to protect students’ health, full time employment is not advisable. It is recommended that students who must continue outside employment reduce their hours to 8-12 hours or less per week. Informational meetings are held several times each semester and provide prospective students with information on program prerequisites, enrollment process, and other facts about the program.

Recommended high school preparation: classes in biology, mathematics, and English.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Prerequisite Courses

Enrollment Eligibility

To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:

• Complete program application and submit by due date to be considered for acceptance into the program
• 12th grade or equivalent as granted by the California State Department of Education
• BIOL 100 with a grade of "B" or better; or BIOL 430 and BIOL 431 with grades of “B” or better
• AH 311, EDUC 300 or PSYC 370, NUTRI 300 or NUTRI 480, and PSYC 300 or PSYC 480 with a grade of "C" or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in these four (4) courses
• ENGRD 11 for applicants who do not have an Associate Degree or higher
• In-progress grades will not be accepted for prerequisite courses. Courses taken for credit/no credit (C/NC) will be calculated into GPA's as a "C" grade.
• It is highly recommended that the student take a medical dosage calculation class prior to beginning the program.
• A grade of 75% or better is mandatory in each required course for progression in the vocational nursing program. If the clinical performance is “unsatisfactory,” the semester grade will be “F” regardless of achievement in theory.
• Completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), latest version, developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute, LLC (ATI). A minimum composite score is necessary to be eligible for application to the program. Additional information is available from the SCC Nursing website at http://www.scc.losrios.edu.edu/~nursing/
• Admission, Reentry or Transfer: please see SCC Vocational Nursing website at https://www.scc.losrios.edu/nursing/nursing-vocational/

Enrollment Process

Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:

• A Los Rios Community College District student identification number is required to access the online application. Enrollment eligibility consists of successful completion of prerequisite courses in order to qualify for the random selection pool from which a class is selected. Students must reapply each semester. There is no waiting list.
• Successful completion of the online application, along with all supporting documents as stipulated on the online page, must be submitted to the Science and Allied Health Division by the posted due date.
• Students accepted into the program will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug screen prior to their clinical laboratory experience.
• NOTE: Vocational Nursing courses must be taken in sequence.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• utilize the nursing process within organized health care systems to help patients with common illnesses meet their basic human needs through direct patient care services.
• provide individualized nursing measures to assist patients in need of rehabilitation, including lifestyle changes in the hospital, home, or in the community.
• apply established standards of care, critical thinking skills, and scientific knowledge when performing nursing functions or procedures.
• maintain therapeutic communication essential to the achievement of health related patient and/or organizational goals.
• demonstrate the ability to accurately report and document patient assessments, interventions, changes in patient status, and outcomes of care in the written and electronic medical record (EMR)
• act as a patient advocate and teacher in assisting patients and families to prevent illness and maintain their optimum level of functioning and health.
• organize care for a group of patients and participate in providing direction for personnel with less preparation or experiences in other than acute care settings.
• apply knowledge of cultural patterns, beliefs, and practices in providing culturally sensitive competent care.
• assume responsibility for his/her own professional development and function with accountability within the legal boundaries of LVN practice.

Career Information

This program prepares the student for employment as a licensed vocational nurse. The LVN may work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, ambulatory care settings, skilled nursing facilities, correctional facilities, home health, and extended care facilities to provide basic patient care to clients of all ages under the supervision and direction of physicians or registered nurses. The specific procedures performed vary greatly depending on the work setting.

Nursing (NURSE) Courses

NURSE 299 Experimental Offering in Nursing

• Units: 0.5 - 4
• Prerequisite: None.
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

NURSE 307 LVN-RN (Associate Degree Nursing) Transition

• Units: 5
• Hours: 54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
• Prerequisite: See Enrollment Limitation
• Enrollment Limitation: Enrollment in the Associate Degree Nursing (Registered Nursing) program and a licensed vocational nurse (LVN)
• Transferable: CSU
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This course is designed for the California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) who is admitted for advanced placement into the second year of the Registered (Associate Degree) Nursing Program. Theory and clinical experiences are related to helping medical surgical adult and older adult patients adapt to acute and chronic pathophysiological stressors in preventative, restorative, or rehabilitative settings. Content focuses on the LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) transitioning into the role of the associate degree RN (Registered Nurse). The concepts of basic human needs, safety, human development, nutrition, communication, sexuality, cultural and spiritual diversity, legal and ethical aspects of nursing, pharmacology and pathophysiology, are integrated in the course. Emphasis is given to clinical decision making, critical thinking, safety, teamwork, and collaboration.

NURSE 308 LVN-RN 30-Unit Option

• Units: 8
• Hours: 72 hours LEC; 216 hours LAB
• Prerequisite: See enrollment limitations.
• Enrollment Limitation: Acceptance into the LVN-RN 30 unit option track and completion of BIOL 431 and BIOL 440 with grades of "B" or better.
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This course, designed for the LVN-RN 30 unit option student, emphasizes theory and clinical experiences related to helping patients and families adapt to complex pathophysiological and pathopsychological stressors. This course focuses on the care of the medical, surgical, and psychiatric nursing patient to meet his/her needs for risk reduction and optimal wellness in preventative, restorative, or rehabilitative settings. The sub-concepts integrated throughout the course include safety, human development, nutrition, sexuality, cultural and spiritual diversity, pathophysiology, pharmacology, legal and ethical principles. Course emphasis is on mental health and psychopathology, acute advanced medical and surgical content, end-of-life care, and evaluation of patient-centered outcomes. Learning experiences in the classroom, simulation lab, and clinical setting provide students the opportunity to utilize critical thinking, evidence-based practice, technology, teamwork, collaboration, clinical decision-making, and interdisciplinary communication principles in the delivery of quality nursing care.

NURSE 315 Pharmacology and Implications for Nursing

• Units: 3
• Hours: 54 hours LEC
• Prerequisite: None.
• Advisory: BIOL 100 (Introduction to Concepts of Human Anatomy and Physiology) with a "C" or better
• Transferable: CSU
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This course is an introduction to the science of pharmacology and nursing. The role of the nurse in safely administering medications and evaluating the therapeutic response is emphasized. Drug classifications and their actions, interactions, and adverse effects, are specifically related to patient developmental stages and nursing professional standards.

NURSE 325 Medical Dosage Calculations

• Units: 1
• Hours: 18 hours LEC
• Prerequisite: None.
• Transferable: CSU
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This course prepares students to accurately calculate oral and parenteral drug dosages for medication administration. Students will learn three systems of measurement and conversion from one system to another. Basic flow rates of IV fluids will be covered. Course content will also include: 1) review of basic arithmetic operations used in dosage calculations; 2) interpretation of drug labels; 3) common medical abbreviations used in dosage calculations; 4) use of the following methods: basic formulas, ratio and proportion, fractional equation, and dimensional analysis in dosage calculations.

NURSE 388 Labor and Delivery Nursing Care - Transition into Practice

• Units: 3
• Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
• Prerequisite: None.
• Enrollment Limitation: Active California Registered Nurse License and current employment as a Registered Nurse.
• Transferable: CSU
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This course provides a review of labor and delivery nursing care principles to those nurses who wish to cross train or orient into labor and delivery and receive a refresher course. Coursework includes overview of labor and delivery nursing content, such as reproductive health, preconception and inter-conception health; physiologic and psychosocial adaptation to pregnancy, process of labor and delivery (normal and complications), Cesarean birth and post anesthesia care unit, complications of pregnancy and delivery, perinatal infections, postpartum and newborn assessment and care, neonatal complications, perinatal loss and perinatal safety and risk management. The didactic portion (36 lecture hours) is designed to be taken concurrently with the hospital training (54 lab hours) in the labor and delivery unit. This course is graded as Pass / No Pass.

NURSE 407 Fundamentals of Health and Nursing Care

• Units: 12
• Hours: 108 hours LEC; 324 hours LAB
• Prerequisite: See Enrollment limitations
• Enrollment Limitation: Acceptance into the Registered (Associate Degree) Nursing Program and completion of BIOL 430, BIOL 431, and BIOL 440 with grades of "C" or better and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. PSYC 300 or PSYC 480; ENGWR 300 or ENGWR 480 or, COMM 301 or COMM 331; SOC 321 or ANTH 310 or ANTH 481 with grades of "C" or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. It is strongly recommended that students complete all general education requirements (Area I-VI) and competency requirements (reading, writing, and mathematics) prior to application to the program.
• Advisory: EDUC 300, NUTRI 300, or PSYC 370 with a grade of "C" or better
• Transferable: CSU
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This course utilizes the conceptual framework of the curriculum (Basic Human Needs, Life Cycle Development, Health Illness Continuum, Significant Health Problems, and Stress Adaptation) to provide the foundation for the following three semesters of the program. It includes an introduction to professional nursing, its evolution, present trends and issues, legal aspects, and concepts underlying current practice. Basic principles of delegation, management, teamwork, and collaboration are introduced and integrated into appropriate content. The theory and related clinical experiences prepare the student to apply the nursing process when providing direct patient care to patients with common medical surgical problems, with a focus on basic human needs. The student is introduced to critical thinking and clinical decision-making, while using evidence-based practice to support patients’ adaptive mechanisms for attaining and maintaining wellness during early, middle, and late adulthood. The sub concepts integrated throughout the course are personal hygiene, safety, nutrition, communication, human sexuality, cultural/spiritual diversity, legal/ethical aspects, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. Emphasis is given to the promotion of health and risk reduction in adults and elders in theory, clinical, and the simulation lab.

NURSE 417 Nursing and Health Maintenance Through the Lifecycle

• Units: 12
• Hours: 108 hours LEC; 324 hours LAB
• Prerequisite: NURSE 407 with a grade of "C" or better
• Enrollment Limitation: Enrollment in Associate Degree Nursing (Registered Nursing) program
• Transferable: CSU
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This course continues integration of the conceptual framework of the curriculum (Basic Human Needs, Life Cycle Development, Health Illness Continuum, Significant Health Problems, and Stress Adaptation). The second semester provides theory and clinical experiences for medical surgical, pediatric, and maternal-child patients in need of preventative, restorative, or rehabilitative nursing care, in acute, home, or community settings. Content focuses on application of patient-centered care and health promotion principles to prevent illness and achieve optimum wellness. There is emphasis on the utilization of the nursing process, critical thinking, evidence-based practice, safety, life cycle development, nutrition, communication, human sexuality, cultural/spiritual diversity, self-advocacy, legal/ethical aspects, quality improvement, teamwork and collaboration, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. Learning experiences provide students with opportunities to acquire new clinical skills, develop clinical judgment, use reflective practice, and apply previously learned concepts and principles in a variety of settings including the classroom, clinical, and simulation lab.

NURSE 427 Nursing Complex Health Problems Through the Life Cycle

• Units: 12
• Hours: 108 hours LEC; 324 hours LAB
• Prerequisite: NURSE 417 with a grade of "C" or better
• Enrollment Limitation: Enrollment in Associate Degree Nursing (Registered Nursing) program
• Transferable: CSU
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This course emphasizes theory and clinical experiences related to helping patients and families adapt to complex pathophysiological and pathopsychological stressors. This course focuses on the care of the medical, surgical, and psychiatric nursing patients to meet their needs for risk reduction and optimal wellness in preventative, restorative, or rehabilitative settings. The sub-concepts integrated throughout the course include safety, human development, nutrition, sexuality, cultural and spiritual diversity, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and legal/ethical principles. Course emphasis is on mental health and psychopathology, medical surgical content, end-of-life care, and evaluation of patient-centered outcomes. Learning experiences in the classroom, simulation lab, and clinical setting provide students the opportunity to utilize critical thinking, evidence-based practice, technology, teamwork, collaboration, clinical decision-making, and interdisciplinary communication principles in the delivery of quality nursing care.

NURSE 437 Nursing in Complex and Multiple Patient Care

• Units: 12
• Hours: 108 hours LEC; 324 hours LAB
• Prerequisite: NURSE 427 with a grade of "C" or better
• Enrollment Limitation: Enrollment in the Associate Degree Nursing (Registered Nursing) program
• Transferable: CSU
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This final semester course presents theory and evidence-based practice related to multiple patient assignments for patients with complex, critical health problems in the acute medical surgical setting. The student will use the nursing process to provide for the patient's basic human needs in a safe and effective care environment. The learning experiences in the classroom, simulation lab,and acute hospital setting, including clinical preceptorships, provide the student with opportunities to continue refining assessment skills, emphasizing priority setting, time management, clinical decision making, critical thinking, leadership, management, ethical/legal concepts, teamwork, and collaboration. There is continued integration of the curriculum framework and sub-concepts throughout the course, including basic human needs, life cycle development, communication, nutrition, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and cultural/spiritual diversity. There is emphasis on entry-level nursing practice, the professional nursing role, use of informatics, quality improvement, and current health care policy and finance.

NURSE 499 Experimental Offering in Nursing

• Units: 0.5 - 4
• Prerequisite: None.
• Transferable: CSU
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.

Vocational Nursing (VN) Courses

VN 120 Meeting Adult Basic Health Needs

• Units: 12
• Hours: 108 hours LEC; 324 hours LAB
• Prerequisite: See Enrollment Limitations
• Enrollment Limitation: BIOL 100 with a grade of "B" or better; or BIOL 430 and BIOL 431 with grade of "B" or better; AH 110, EDUC 300, NUTRI 300 or NUTRI 480, and PSYC 300 or PSYC 480 with a grade of "C" or better and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in these four (4) courses. ENGRD 11 with a grade of "C" or better if applicant does not have an AA Degree or higher; and, acceptance into the Vocational Nursing Program.
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This course is an orientation to Vocational Nursing and the role of the Vocational Nurse within the health care team, including historical, ethical, and legal aspects. Theory and practice introduce the nursing process and related concepts of basic human needs, life-cycle development, health-illness continuum, and major health problems related to cardiovascular, respiratory, nutrition-elimination, mobility, hormonal disturbances, and surgical interventions. Fundamental skills and responsibilities involved in patient care, including medication administration, principles of communication, health teaching, cultural diversity, and human sexuality are included. Emphasis is on assessment of patient needs and basic nursing interventions for adults of all ages.

VN 130 Meeting Health Needs of All Age Groups

• Units: 12
• Hours: 108 hours LEC; 324 hours LAB
• Prerequisite: VN 120 with a grade of "C" or better
• Enrollment Limitation: Enrollment in the Vocational Nursing program
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Students apply theory in utilizing the nursing process to meet the needs of: 1) adult patients with major health problems related to more complex regulatory, cardio-vascular/respiratory, and reproductive disturbances; 2) mothers during the maternity cycle and newborns; 3) hospitalized children of various ages. Emphasis is on increasing independence in the implementation of care of the patient. Focus is also directed at enhancing the contribution of data to the care plans under the supervision of the Registered Nurse. Concepts and principles related to legal and ethical aspects of nursing care, communications, health teaching, cultural diversity, and human sexuality are applied in a variety of clinical settings and with patients of all ages.

VN 140 Meeting Complex Adult Health Needs

• Units: 12
• Hours: 108 hours LEC; 324 hours LAB
• Prerequisite: VN 130 with a grade of "C" or better
• Enrollment Limitation: Enrollment in the Vocational Nursing program
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Students apply theoretical concepts in utilizing the nursing process to meet the needs of adult patients of all ages with major health problems related to more complex regulatory, elimination, cardiovascular/respiratory, and nutritional disorders. Emphasis is on understanding all steps of the nursing process and identifying the role of the Vocational Nurse as it relates to the nursing process. Principles related to legal and bio-ethical aspects, communication, health teaching, cultural diversity, and human sexuality are included. Management principles, the Vocational Nursing Practice Act, professional organizations, resume writing, and job search are presented.

VN 150 Intravenous Therapy and Blood Withdrawal

• Units: 1.5
• Hours: 27 hours LEC; 9 hours LAB
• Prerequisite: VN 130 with a grade of "C" or better; or current LVN license.
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This course will provide the student with the knowledge and skills to start and superimpose intravenous fluids and withdraw blood. The course meets the requirements of the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians for Licensed Vocational Nurses to become certified in IV therapy and blood withdrawal.

VN 299 Experimental Offering in Vocational Nursing

• Units: 0.5 - 4
• Prerequisite: None.
• Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.