Nursing Science
Nursing Science
The nursing program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and has received national accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Offered is an Associate Degree in Nursing with a program of clinical components in which the student cares for patients in the acute care and community settings.
Registered Nursing Program
Upon completion of the Associate Degree program in Nursing, students will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination leading to licensure as a Registered Nurse. The student must have fulfilled all requirements as defined by the California State Board of Registered Nursing. A licensed Registered Nurse (RN) may seek employment in an entry-level staff nurse position in a variety of healthcare settings.
General Information
Accrediting and approval agencies for Registered Nursing and LVN-RN Career Ladder Programs:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
(404) 975-5000
- Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
1747 North Market Boulevard, Suite 150
Sacramento, Ca. 95834
(916) 322-3350
- Board of Registered Nursing (Mailing address)
P.O. Box 944210
Sacramento, Ca 94244-2100
A link to NCLEX-RN pass rates is posted on the nursing website.
Many of the courses assigned to this curriculum are transfer courses and articulation is possible with the baccalaureate programs in nursing at the California State University campuses. The courses may be applied as a foundation for advanced work at the discretion of the accepting institution. Courses are taken on campus concurrently with supervised clinical experience in selected hospitals and agencies, constituting a nursing science practicum or laboratory experience. Although each course merits a letter grade, the laboratory experience is based on pass-fail and it is necessary to pass the laboratory section of the course in order to proceed in nursing. Failure in the laboratory portion of a nursing course constitutes an F in the course.
For successful completion of the program, a minimum grade of C is mandatory in all courses required for the nursing major. These include courses outside the discipline of nursing but required for the major, such as anatomy, microbiology, etc. Although a “C” is acceptable in one of the biological science courses, the overall science GPA must be 2.5 or higher with no more than one science repeat, W, D, or F in either anatomy, physiology, or microbiology. In addition, the student must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 to be admitted. If the student has a GPA of < 2.5 or more than one W, D, or F in a science course, the student must see a nursing counselor to develop a remediation plan. The student must complete the plan before they are eligible to apply. The student must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 to continue in the nursing program.
Nursing Clearance Requirements
Admission is dependent on clearance of the following requirements:
- A physical examination demonstrating that the student is physically fit. This exam must be consistent with the policies of the teaching hospitals or agencies to which they are assigned for clinical experience. Physical exams may be scheduled with a private physician or through the Student Health and Psychological Services utilizing the forms provided by the nursing department.
- Proof of immunity to rubella, rubeola, mumps, and varicella.
- Completion of the hepatitis B vaccine series (or signed declination) is required.
- TB clearance must be submitted by the posted deadline each semester to progress in the nursing program and may not expire during the semester. Two-step TB or QuantiFERON testing is required. Current influenza, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccinations (TDAP) are also required. Costs for the immunization tracking service must be borne by the student.
- Current CPR certification for BLS Provider (American Heart Association) or Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (American Red Cross) is an additional requirement and must be submitted each semester by the posted deadline to progress in the Nursing Program. Online CPR courses do not meet this requirement. Certification may not expire during the academic year.
- Criminal background checks prior to entry into the program and participation in clinical experiences. The cost of a background check is approximately $60.00 and must be borne by the student. Background checks for admission to the ADN program involve a seven year search. Misdemeanors and/or felonies within the previous seven years (including DUIs) will result in a student’s inability to be assigned to a clinical agency for patient care experiences. This will necessitate dismissal from the program. Please be aware that conviction of a felony may prohibit you from being licensed as a registered nurse. Each case is reviewed and adjudicated by the Board of Registered Nursing. The Board considers the nature and severity of the offense, additional subsequent acts, recency of acts or crimes, compliance with sanctions, and evidence of rehabilitation. For further information, contact the program director in the School of Nursing. Contact with the Board of Registered Nursing to discuss previous convictions may be initiated before entry into the program and this will be recommended in certain cases.
- Drug and alcohol screening clearance prior to entering the Nursing Program. This is a requirement of the clinical agency partners. Drug and alcohol screening may only be done one time and these results are used to determine eligibility. A failed drug/alcohol screening will result in immediate ineligibility for admission. Cost for this testing must be borne by the student and is approximately $50.00.
- Evidence of physical and emotional fitness upon admission and throughout the program is expected and is subject to the medical opinion of the college physician and to the medical opinion or policy of hospitals or agencies which are used as extended campus sites for the assigned educational experience. Students should refer to the Technical Standards outlined in the School of Nursing Student Handbook for details.
Ethical Expectations
All students admitted to a health science program are expected to maintain the highest personal standards of conduct consistent with the professional standards as perceived by the School of Nursing faculty and professional personnel in the agencies used as extended campus sites. Any information indicating that such standards are not maintained is subject to review by members of the School of Nursing faculty and may result in a recommendation to the College for dismissal from the program.
Travel Expectations
Courses are taken on campus concurrent with supervised clinical laboratory experience in selected hospitals and agencies that serve as extended campus sites. Each student is responsible for his/her own transportation to the extended campus sites, some of which are a distance from the College.
Technology/Computer Expectations
Nursing is a highly technical field requiring technology/computer skills. A computer with internet access and Microsoft Word is required for the nursing program. In addition, the nursing student will be accomplished in the following technological skills: word processing, printing, faxing, scanning, online searches, database searches, internet searches, uploading, downloading, email, spell-check, grammar-check, and the college learning management system. Computer skills are expected to be demonstrated at program entry.
This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the clinical application of pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutic principles from conception to death. Areas of emphasis include drug classifications, therapeutic uses of medications, application of the nursing process, and legal/ethical considerations.
This course provides an introduction to nursing and roles of the nurse in micro and macro-systems, as well as profession related and patient care concepts. The theoretical foundation for comprehensive health assessment and nursing skills is presented. Assessment focuses on taking a thorough nursing history, performing physiological, psychological, sociological, cultural, and spiritual assessments, as well as identification of stressors and health risks. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, quality care. An introduction to the nursing process provides a decision-making framework to assist students in developing effective clinical judgment skills. Students are given opportunities to demonstrate these skills in laboratory and clinical settings.
This course focuses on the care of adult, pediatric, and older adult patients with health alterations that require medical and/or surgical intervention. Emphasis is placed on the care and health promotion of patients with alterations in selected body functions, on normal growth and development, and on the promotion of healthy behavior in patients. Concepts of patient-centered care, family-centered care of children, cultural sensitivity, informatics, safe practice, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe patient care in a variety of clinical settings.
This course focuses on the care of adult and older adult patients with complex medical/surgical and/or cognitive, mental health problems, as well as an integrated family approach to the care of mothers and newborns. Emphasis is placed on helping patients and their families cope with alterations in body functions, normal and high-risk pregnancy, normal growth and development, family dynamics, and management of patients facing emotional and psychological stressors. Concepts of pharmacology, health promotion and education, evidence based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration will be integrated throughout the course. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe care to patients and selected groups in a variety of settings.
This course is part of the 30-unit option for the licensed vocational nurse (LVN) who chooses to obtain licensure as a registered nurse without completing the requirements for the associate degree. This course focuses on the care of adult and older adult patients with complex medical/surgical and/or cognitive, mental health problems, as well as an integrated family approach to the care of mothers and newborns. Emphasis is placed on helping patients and their families cope with alterations in body functions, normal and high-risk pregnancy, normal growth and development, family dynamics,and management of patients facing emotional and psychological stressors. Concepts of pharmacology, health promotion and education, evidence based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration will be integrated throughout the course. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe care to patients and selected groups in a variety of settings.
This course focuses on contemporary issues and advanced concepts of professional nursing care as they relate to older adult and adult patients with complex, multisystem alterations in health. Emphasis is placed on implementing time management, organizational, and delegation skills in the management of patients with multiple needs while collaborating with the interdisciplinary team. Students will demonstrate responsible and accountable behaviors while managing conflict. Complex clinical skills, as well as priority setting, clinical judgment, and tenets of legal and ethical practice, are integrated throughout the course. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in the management of patient care and the leadership role in a variety of settings.
This course is part of the 30-unit option for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) who choose to obtain licensure as a registered nurse without completing the associate degree. This course focuses on contemporary issues and advanced concepts of professional nursing care as they relate to older adult and adult patients with complex, multisystem alterations in health. Emphasis is placed on implementing time management, organizational, and delegation skills in the management of patients with multiple needs while collaborating with the interdisciplinary team. Students will demonstrate responsible and accountable behaviors while managing conflict. Complex clinical skills, as well as priority setting, clinical judgment, and tenets of legal and ethical practice, are integrated throughout the course. Clinical experiences provide the student an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in the management of patient care and the leadership role in a variety of settings.
This course introduces strategies that promote success in NS V10. Methods for improving critical thinking are identified and practiced. Study and test-taking skills are explored and developed. Integration of knowledge from theory and clinical practice is emphasized to prepare for theory exams and clinical performance. This course emphasizes fundamentals of professional nursing practice.
This course introduces strategies that promote success in NS V20. Methods for improving critical thinking are identified and practiced. Study and test-taking skills are explored and developed. Integration of knowledge from theory and clinical practice is emphasized to prepare for theory exams and clinical performance. Students will critique their learning experiences and implement strategies to improve outcomes. Emphasis is on care of the client with health deviations related to water, food, elimination and hazards and care of the perinatal client and newborn.
This course introduces strategies that promote success in NS V30. Methods for improving critical thinking are identified and practiced. Study and test-taking skills are explored and developed. Integration of knowledge from theory and clinical practice is emphasized to prepare for theory exams and clinical performance with emphasis on the NS V30 content areas.
This course introduces strategies that promote success in NS V40. Methods for improving critical thinking are identified and practiced. Study and test-taking skills are explored and developed. Integration of knowledge from theory and clinical practice is emphasized to prepare for theory exams and clinical performance.
This workshop is designed to assist students in learning and/or sharpening study and motivational strategies necessary for success in the nursing program. Strategies include: test-taking, selecting important ideas from texts and lecture, time and stress management, study skills, note-making, concept mapping and critical thinking.
This course offers specialized study opportunities for students who wish to pursue projects not included in the regular curriculum. Students are accepted only by a written project proposal approved by the discipline prior to enrollment.
In this course, students who are volunteers (unpaid) are assigned to care for clients in a clinical setting under the supervision of a registered nurse mentor or preceptor. Students will have the opportunity to enhance clinical skills, organizational skills, time management and prioritization as they perform previously learned skills agreed upon between instructor and student. Individualized nursing care planning will be enhanced using Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory of Nursing and the nursing process. This is an unpaid occupational work experience course, where 1 unit of credit is earned for each 60 hours of unpaid internship. A maximum of 4 units can be completed in a semester, and no more than 16 units can be earned in total.
In this course, students who are employed are assigned to care for clients in a clinical setting under the supervision of a registered nurse mentor or preceptor. Students will have the opportunity to enhance clinical skills, organizational skills, time management and prioritization as they perform previously learned skills agreed upon between instructor and student. Individualized nursing care planning will be enhanced using Orem's Self-Care Deficit Theory of Nursing and the nursing process. This is a paid occupational work experience course, where 1 unit of credit is earned for each 75 hours of paid internship. A maximum of 4 units can be completed in a semester, and no more than 16 units can be earned in total.
LVN to RN 30-Unit Option (CA BRN 1429)
30-Unit Option
To be eligible for this option, a student must be a vocational nurse who is licensed to practice in California. Interested candidates should contact a nursing counselor for an individual evaluation of eligibility. Students who complete this option (26 units) and choose not to complete the degree requirements are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination after completion of content required for licensure. The student is not a graduate of the nursing program and does not receive a degree. This status will not change even if the student goes on to obtain a degree. The student may also have difficulty applying to a college/university for an advanced degree. Individuals who become licensed as registered nurses using this option may not be eligible for licensure in states other than California.
Students pursuing this option must complete NS V31 and NS V41 instead of NS V30 and NS V40. All career ladder programs are on a space-available basis. All applicants must meet with the program director for objective counseling that includes the admission process, course requirements, and the advantages/disadvantages of this route to licensure.
The following curriculum is required for LVN 30-unit option students at Ventura College.
| Course ID | Title | Units/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: | ||
| Prerequisites (A minimum grade of C is mandatory in each course) | ||
| MICR V01 | General Microbiology | 4 |
| PHSO V01 | Human Physiology | 4 |
| Nursing Courses | ||
| NS V31 | Patient-Centered Care II and Maternal Newborn and Mental Health Nursing: 30-UO | 9 |
| NS V41 | Patient-Centered Care III and Transition to Professional Practice: 30-UO | 9 |
| Total Units | 26 | |