Nursing

Nursing

The Registered Nursing (ADN) and Licensed VocationalNursing (LVN) Programs prepare students to care for patientsin hospitals and other healthcare agencies through coursework in humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and thenursing discipline. These programs emphasize nursing theoryand clinical practice for direct patient care.

LicensureUpon successful completion of the Associate Degree Nursing(ADN) program, graduates are eligible to apply for the NationalCouncil Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Uponsuccessful performance on the examination, they are licensedas registered nurses (RNs).

Students completing the Certificate of Achievement in LicensedVocational Nursing Program may take additional courses ingeneral education to receive their Associate in Arts in LicensedVocational Nursing (see Associate Degrees). Upon completionof the LVN associate degree program, graduates are eligibleto apply for the National Council Licensure Examination forVocational Nurses; if successful, they are licensed as vocationalnurses (LVNs).

Point SystemA point system using multi-criteria approved by the CaliforniaCommunity Colleges Chancellor's Office is used to acceptstudents into the RN program. A list of this criteria is locatedon the nursing website (www.miracosta.edu/instruction/nursing/). Beginning fall 2011, 90 percent of student admissionwill be based on the point system, and 10 percent of admittedstudents will come from the established wait list per randomselection.

Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)Students accepted into the generic (Track I) RN program musttake the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and receive acomposite score of 62 percent or higher in order to begin theprogram. Students who do not receive at least a 62 percent willbe counseled and have a remediation plan designed. Theywill have one year to complete the remediation plan beforeretesting for admittance. This program has been approved by

the Board of Registered Nursing, PO Box 499210, Sacramento,CA 94244-2100.

Academic and Career Pathway: Health Sciences

Contact InformationChair: Yvette DuncanDean: Sandy Comstockwww.miracosta.edu/NURS

Department: Nursing andAllied HealthOffice: Building OCT420,760.757.2121 x 6466

Full-Time FacultyAngelito De La CruzYvette DuncanMargaret EssmanRoland EstrellaYana Gardiner

Linda McDonaldAlison PhinneySusan SimpsonVicky Tam

Associate DegreesAssociate in Arts DegreeLicensed Vocational NursingStudents may earn the above-named associate degree bycompleting a certificate of achievement and the generaleducation courses required for MiraCosta College's Associatein Arts degree (see Associate Degrees). Students should meetwith a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and todevelop a written educational plan for the specific degree orcertificate they wish to earn.

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

Upon completion of this program, the student will beable to promote and maintain a safe environment byintegrating nursing process and skill competency tointervene therapeutically for the health of the patient.

Associate in Science DegreeRegistered NursingTrack I - Generic ADNTrack II - LVN-RN (ADN)The Registered Nursing program offers two tracks for students:Track I and Track II. Track II is for California Licensed VocationNurses only. Students must possess a valid LVN license tocomplete Track II.

Applications for admission are available in the Nursing andAllied Health Occupations Administrative Office (BuildingT420) on the Oceanside campus. Requirements include anoverall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 for Human Anatomy(BIO 210 or BIO 210H), Human Physiology (BIO 220), andMicrobiology (BIO 230) with no grade less than "C" for eachcourse and no more than one repetition of any of thesecourses. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for allcollege course work taken. The selection criteria for admissionto the program is consistent with California CommunityColleges Chancellor's Office standards for Statewide Alignmentof Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) prerequisites. The criteriacan be found on the nursing website (www.miracosta.edu/nursing).

Students accepted into the generic (Track I) program musttake the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and receive

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a composite score of 62 percent or higher in order to beginthe program. Study materials for the test can be found atwww.atitesting.com. Students who do not receive at least a62 percent will be counseled and have a remediation plandesigned. They will have one year to complete the remediationplan before retesting for admittance. This program has beenapproved by the Board of Registered Nursing, PO Box 499210,Sacramento, CA 94244-2100.

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

Upon completion of this program, the student will be ableto manage and promote effective care while maintaininga safe environment by integrating nursing process,clinical reasoning, and skill competency to intervenetherapeutically for the health of the patient.

Students must have completed the following courses beforeapplying to the ADN program:

Prerequisite courses:

BIO 110 Introductory Biology: Preparation forPre-Health Professions (Lecture/Lab)*

3-4

or BIO 111 Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lecture)

BIO 210 Human Anatomy 4

or BIO 210H Human Anatomy (Honors)

BIO 220 Human Physiology * 4

BIO 230 Introduction to Microbiology 5

ENGL 100 Composition and Reading * 4

or ENGL 100H Composition and Reading (Honors)

MATH 64 Intermediate Algebra **** 0-4

Total Units 20-25

Track I: Generic ADNRequired courses:  

Prerequisite Units: 20-25

COMM 101 Public Speaking * 3

or COMM 106 Group Communication

or COMM 207 Interpersonal Communication

NURS 180 Fundamentals of Nursing 4

NURS 181 Medical Surgical Nursing I 4

NURS 182 Maternal-Child Nursing 5

NURS 183 Medical Surgical Nursing II 4

NURS 281 Medical Surgical Nursing III 6.5

NURS 282 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 3.5

NURS 283 Medical Surgical Nursing IV * 6

NURS 284 Contemporary Nursing Practice andLeadership

1.5

NURS 284L Preceptorship Lab 2

PHAR 201 Pharmacology Review and Update 2

Select at least three units from the following: * 3

CHLD 113 Child and Adolescent Growth andDevelopment

GERO 101 Introduction to Aging

PSYC 100 Psychology of Personal Growth

PSYC 101 General Psychology

PSYC 101H General Psychology (Honors)

PSYC/SOC 103 Social Psychology

SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology

SOC 101H Introduction to Sociology (Honors)

SOC 102 Contemporary Social Problems

SOC 110 Comparative Cultures

Additional associate degree requirements:

GE Area C (Plan A) *** 3

Total Units 67.5-72.5

Note: Students completing Track I Generic ADN will not berequired to satisfy the American Institutions requirement (GEArea G) due to the Board of Registered Nursing's licensingrequirements.

Track II: LVN-RN (ADN)California Licensed Vocational Nurses are eligible to applyfor a one-year LVN-RN transition program, also known as theRegistered Nursing (LVN-RN) Step-Up program in pursuit of theAssociate Degree in Nursing. First-year nursing course workcredit is granted with evidence of an active California LVNlicense in good standing and evidence of graduating from aprogram approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing andPsychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). Students complete a transitioncourse offered during summer and two subsequent semestersfor eligibility to apply to take the National Council LicenseExam for Registered Nursing (NCLEX). For those students whohave received their license through challenging the NCLEXPN,pediatric and obstetrical content will need to be verified by theADN director. Please make an appointment in the Nursing andAllied Health Office (OCT420) to determine how to satisfy thisrequirement.

Students must have completed the following prerequisitecourses before applying to the Registered Nursing (LVN-RN)program:

BIO 110 Introductory Biology: Preparation forPre-Health Professions (Lecture/Lab)*

3-4

or BIO 111 Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lecture)

BIO 210 Human Anatomy 4

or BIO 210H Human Anatomy (Honors)

BIO 220 Human Physiology * 4

BIO 230 Introduction to Microbiology * 5

ENGL 100 Composition and Reading * 4

or ENGL 100H Composition and Reading (Honors)

MATH 64 Intermediate Algebra **** 0-4

PHAR 201 Pharmacology Review and Update 2

Total Units 22-27

Required courses:  

Prerequisite units: 22-27

COMM 101 Public Speaking * 3

or COMM 106 Group Communication

or COMM 207 Interpersonal Communication

NURS 280 Transition from LVN to RN 2.5

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NURS 281 Medical Surgical Nursing III 6.5

NURS 282 Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing 3.5

NURS 283 Medical Surgical Nursing IV * 6

NURS 284 Contemporary Nursing Practice andLeadership

1.5

NURS 284L Preceptorship Lab 2

Select at least three units from the following: * 3

CHLD 113 Child and Adolescent Growth andDevelopment

GERO 101 Introduction to Aging

PSYC 100 Psychology of Personal Growth

PSYC 101 General Psychology

PSYC 101H General Psychology (Honors)

PSYC/SOC 103 Social Psychology

SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology

SOC 101H Introduction to Sociology (Honors)

SOC 102 Contemporary Social Problems

SOC 110 Comparative Cultures

Additional associate degree requirements:

GE Area C (Plan A) *** 3

GE Area G (Plan A) *** 3-4

Total Units 56-62

Note:  The lower unit total of 55.5 units for Track II is applicablefor students who test out of MATH 64. At least 60 units arerequired for an A.S. degree.

* These courses may also satisfy a general education (GE)requirement and apply to GE Areas A, B, D and E. CulturalDiversity, which is a required GE category (Area F), isembedded throughout the Nursing program curriculum.Each course has a component that promotes sensitivityto cultural diversity and fosters an understanding of thestudent's role in the global community. Students completingthis degree will substantially meet this requirement.

** Students who have demonstrated Mathematicscompetency through a qualifying score on the MiraCostaCollege Mathematics Competency Examination, orthat have achieved a qualifying score on a CaliforniaCommunity College mathematics assessment examthat gives clear placement into a math course thatrequires intermediate algebra as a prerequisite, or thatsubmit a passing score on the CSU Elementary LevelMathematics (ELM) are not required to complete MATH 64.Students with a bachelor degree from a United Statesregionally accredited college or university will also meet thiscompetency/prerequisite associate degree requirement.

***Students with a bachelor's degree from a United Statesregionally accredited college in a non-nursing field arerequired to complete only the course work necessary forthe Registered Nursing program, including prerequisitesand nursing course work. These students are not required tocomplete any other courses required by the college for anassociate degree.

****MATH 64 applies to all of the footnotes listed above.

Note: Any LVN licensed in the state of California is eligible toapply for the Non-Degree 30-Unit Option LVN-RN program, forwhich MiraCosta College acts as a facilitator. This program

is prescribed by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) andprovides an RN license for California only. Other states maynot recognize this option. A maximum of 30 units of nursingand support courses is required to fulfill the unit requirement forlicensure by the BRN. This program is offered as space allows.Please contact the Nursing and Allied Health Department forcourse requirements. Students must possess a valid CaliforniaLVN license and complete the Registered Nursing prerequisitecourses before applying to the program.

CertificatesCertificate of AchievementLicensed Vocational Nursing The MiraCosta College Licensed Vocational Nursing programis a six-quarter program leading to a certificate as a vocationalnurse. Those who qualify for enrollment receive intensivetraining and in-class work as well as clinical practice in directpatient care. The clinical practice is constantly supervisedby licensed or registered nurse specialists who guide andteach students. Upon satisfactory completion of the program,graduates are eligible to take the National LicensureExamination for Vocational Nurses to achieve licensure. Thelicensed vocational nurse may seek employment in hospitals,skilled nursing facilities, clinics, physicians' offices, or variousgovernment agencies, as well as serve as a private-duty nursein hospitals or homes.

NURS 151, NURS 160, and PHAR 100 are prerequisites andmust be completed prior to applying for enrollment in the LVNprogram. Once prerequisites are completed, students maysubmit an application packet for admission into the program.For admission requirements, go to www.miracosta.edu/Instruction/Nursing/lvnprogram.htm.

Students accepted into the program must take the Test ofEssential Academic Skills (TEAS) Version V and receive acomposite score of 58 percent or higher in order to beginthe program. Study materials for the test can be found atwww.atitesting.com. Students who do not receive at leasta 58 percent will be counseled and have a remediation plandesigned. They will have one year to complete the remediationplan before retesting for admittance. This program has beenapproved by the Board of Registered Nursing, PO Box 499210,Sacramento, CA 94244-2100.

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

Upon completion of this program, the student will beable to promote and maintain a safe environment byintegrating nursing process and skill competency tointervene therapeutically for the health of the patient.

Required courses:  

NURS 151 Body Systems Survey for HealthProfessions

3-4

or BIO 110 Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lecture/Lab)

or BIO 111 Introductory Biology: Preparation for Pre-Health Professions (Lecture)

NURS 160 Certified Nursing Assistant 6.5

NURS 170 Licensed Vocational Nursing I 7.5

NURS 171 Licensed Vocational Nursing II 7.5

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NURS 172 Licensed Vocational Nursing III 7.5

NURS 173 Licensed Vocational Nursing IV 7.5

NURS 274 Licensed Vocational Nursing V 7.5

NURS 275 Licensed Vocational Nursing VI 7.5

PHAR 100 Basic Pharmacology--Dosages andCalculations

3

Total Units 57.5-58.5

Note: Clinical instruction is conducted in area hospitals.

Certificate of ProficiencyCertified Nursing AssistantThe Certified Nursing Assistant certificate introduces studentsto the basic information and nursing skills needed to pass thestate exam required for Nurse Aide Certification, which enablesstudents to work in acute care, long-term care facilities, andhome nursing.

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

Upon completion of this program the student willdemonstrate safe and effective basic care and comfort tothe health care consumer.

Required courses:  

NURS 160 Certified Nursing Assistant 6.5

Total Units 6.5

Certificate of ProficiencyHome Health AideThe Home Health Aide (HHA) certificate prepares students whoare licensed as nursing assistants to care for elderly, recovering,or disabled persons in their own homes or in licensed residentialcare facilities. Topics covered include basic nursing services,food preparation, and household services. Federal guidelinesdo not require a competency exam prior to certification asan HHA. Certification is based upon verification of successfulcompletion of an approved HHA training program.

Program Student Learning Outcome Statement

Upon completion of this program the student willdemonstrate safe and effective basic care, comfort andenvironmental maintenance to the health care consumer inthe home setting.

Required courses:  

NURS 160 Certified Nursing Assistant 6.5

NURS 163 Home Health Aide 2

Total Units 8.5

CoursesNURS 151: Body Systems Survey for Health ProfessionsUnits: 3Prerequisites: NoneAcceptable for Credit: CSULecture 3 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This basic anatomy and physiology course is intended forstudents who are preparing for a career in health professions.The content is presented from simple to complex, beginningwith cellular functioning and progressing through the variousorgan systems. Students learn how an organ is anatomicallydesigned to perform a specific physiological task and howeach organ system plays a role in maintaining homeostasis.

NURS 155: Basic Medical TerminologyUnits: 3Prerequisites: NoneAcceptable for Credit: CSULecture 3 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course covers the origin, correct spelling, pronunciation,meaning, and correct usage of common medical terms andtheir application to clinical records and reports. It emphasizesthe roots, prefixes, suffixes, medical abbreviations, symbols, andterms commonly used in medical records.

NURS 160: Certified Nursing AssistantUnits: 6.5Prerequisites: ACE 150, ENGL 50, ESL 150, or eligibility determinedby the English placement process; AHA BLS Provider card.(Submit valid SSN, MCC physical, current flu shot, and TBclearance to T420 before first class meeting.)Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 4 hours, laboratory 7.50 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course covers basic nursing skills, including fundamentalsof nursing, nutrition, gerontology, and home nursing. It isa prerequisite for MiraCosta's Licensed Vocational Nursingprogram and has been approved by the California Departmentof Public Health for the Certified Nursing Assistant certification.Upon successful completion of the course, students mayseek employment in long-term and skilled nursing facilities,acute care, and in-home care. Students with prior convictionsfor misdemeanors or felonies will need to be cleared by theCalifornia Department of Public Health. This is done with a LiveScan on the second day of class.

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NURS 163: Home Health AideUnits: 2Prerequisites: Current California Certified Nursing Assistantcertificate; and current physical and TB test (done within ayear) on MiraCosta physical form; and current American HeartAssociation Basic Healthcare Provider CPR card.Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours.Course Typically Offered: Spring

This 48-hour course is designed for the certified nursing assistantto meet the state requirement of 40 hours to obtain a HomeHealth Aide Certificate. Topics include the role of the homehealth aide, federal and state requirements for the home healthaide, interpretation of medical and social needs of peoplebeing served, personal care services, nutrition and cleaning,and care tasks in the home.

NURS 166: American Medical Corps Transition to VocationalNurseUnits: 3Prerequisites: 12 months' experience as a Medical CorpsMember or equivalent.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 3 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces the American military medical memberto the role of vocational nurse through a review of basicnursing skills, the nursing process, communication, medicationadministration/pharmacology, adult growth and development,obstetric and pediatric, gerontology, medical/surgicalnursing, oncology, and hematology. The related anatomy,pathophysiology, pharmacology, psychosocial, and nutritionalconsiderations of patients are integrated with their respectiveunits.

NURS 170: Licensed Vocational Nursing IUnits: 7.5Prerequisites: NURS 160 or a current California CNA license; andPHAR 100; and NURS 151 or BIO 210, BIO 210H, or BIO 220; andadmission to the LVN program.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 9 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall even years

This course introduces the beginning vocational nursing studentto therapeutic communication, the nursing profession, basicnursing skills, basic pharmacology, and the nursing process.(Materials Fee: $30.00)

NURS 171: Licensed Vocational Nursing IIUnits: 7.5Prerequisites: NURS 170.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 9 hours.Course Typically Offered: Spring odd years

This course introduces the vocational nursing student tonutrition, medication administration, gerontology, adult growthand development, the diabetic patient, and the integumentarysystem. Each unit integrates related anatomy, pathophysiology,pharmacology, psychosocial, and nutrition considerations ofthe patients.

NURS 172: Licensed Vocational Nursing IIIUnits: 7.5Prerequisites: NURS 171.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 9 hours.Course Typically Offered: Summer odd years

This course introduces the vocational nursing student toperioperative and medical-surgical nursing, the genitourinaryand gastrointestinal systems, and communicable diseases.Each unit integrates related anatomy, pathophysiology,psychosocial, pharmacology, and nutrition considerations.

NURS 173: Licensed Vocational Nursing IVUnits: 7.5Prerequisites: NURS 172.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 9 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall odd years

This course introduces vocational nursing students to thenursing care of the neurological, endocrine, oncology,orthopedic, and rehabilitation patient as well as the patientwith a hematological and lymphatic disease. Each unitintegrates related anatomy, pathophysiology, psychosocial,pharmacology, and nutrition considerations.

NURS 180: Fundamentals of NursingUnits: 4Prerequisites: NoneEnrollment Limitation: Admission to RN program.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This entry-level nursing course introduces students to the coreconcepts, principles, and clinical skills common to all areasand levels of the nursing practice. It provides the platform uponwhich all subsequent nursing courses build. Its integrationof clinical experiences may include acute, long-term, andperioperative/ambulatory care settings as well as collegelaboratory simulations. Non-clinical activities may be presentedin an online format. (Materials Fee: $30.00).

NURS 181: Medical Surgical Nursing IUnits: 4Prerequisites: NURS 180 (ADN).Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces the basic concepts required to care foradult patients with stable and/or less complex medical-surgicalhealth problems. It emphasizes the management of unmetneeds and the nursing process as organizing frameworksfor providing nursing care. Students integrate and applytheoretical concepts and clinical skills in acute, long-term,and perioperative/ambulatory care settings as well as collegelaboratory simulations. Non-clinical activities may be presentedin an online format.

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NURS 182: Maternal-Child NursingUnits: 5Prerequisites: NURS 181 (ADN).Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 3 hours, laboratory 6 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course relates the nursing process to the needs of maternityand pediatric patients and their families. Students adaptpreviously learned skills and knowledge to the observation anddirect care of normal- and high-risk populations. The integrationof students' clinical experiences may include acute, long-term,and perioperative/ambulatory care settings as well as collegelaboratory simulations. Non-clinical activities may be presentedin an online format.

NURS 183: Medical Surgical Nursing IIUnits: 4Prerequisites: NURS 181 (ADN).Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course continues the study of caring for adult patientswith unmet medical needs. It emphasizes perioperative healthcare needs across the adult life span and respective nursinginterventions. Clinical simulations and experiences providestudents with opportunities to apply theoretical concepts,improve clinical judgment, and broaden clinical skills in acute,long-term, perioperative/ambulatory, and/or college nursinglab care settings. Non-clinical activities in this course may bepresented in an online format.

NURS 274: Licensed Vocational Nursing VUnits: 7.5Prerequisites: NURS 173.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 9 hours.Course Typically Offered: Spring even years

This course introduces the advanced vocational nursingstudent to the nursing care of patients with circulatory andrespiratory diseases and disorders as well as home health/hospice and leadership. Each unit integrates related anatomy,pathophysiology, pharmacology, psychosocial, and nutritionconsiderations. The course also covers leadership, supervisionskills, and interpersonal relationships.

NURS 275: Licensed Vocational Nursing VIUnits: 7.5Prerequisites: NURS 274.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 9 hours.Course Typically Offered: Summer even years

This course introduces the advanced vocational nursingstudent to the nursing care of obstetric, gynecologic, pediatric,and mentally ill patients as well as growth and developmentof the child and adolescent. Each unit integrates relatedanatomy, pathophysiology, psycho-social, pharmacology,and nutrition considerations. The course includes professionaladjustment to prepare the nursing student for employment.

NURS 280: Transition from LVN to RNUnits: 2.5Prerequisites: NoneEnrollment Limitation: Acceptance into LVN to RN program.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 3 hours.Course Typically Offered: Summer

This course facilitates the transition of the licensed vocationalnurse (LVN) into the roles and responsibilities of the registerednurse (RN). It introduces the philosophy and conceptualframework of the RN as member of the discipline and providerof care. The course content focuses on competenciesexpected of the graduate Associate Degree Nurse (ADN),including clinical reasoning skills, role development, clinicalskills, and the nursing process.

NURS 281: Medical Surgical Nursing IIIUnits: 6.5Prerequisites: NURS 280 (LVN to RN) or NURS 183 (ADN).Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 3 hours, laboratory 10.50 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course continues the study of caring for adult patients withunmet medical needs. It examines the effect of complex andchronic health problems on the physiologic and psychosocialintegrity of the adult and elderly patient. Students applytheoretical concepts, improve clinical judgment, and broadenclinical skills in acute, long-term, perioperative/ambulatory,and/or college nursing lab settings. Non-clinical activities maybe presented in an online format.

NURS 282: Psychiatric-Mental Health NursingUnits: 3.5Prerequisites: NURS 280 (LVN to RN) or NURS 183 (ADN).Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 2 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces students to the theory and practice ofnursing as related to mental health and illness. It examineshow mental healthcare problems impact client integrity invarious healthcare settings, and it emphasizes how therapeuticcommunication establishes and maintains effective nurse-clientrelationships. Non-clinical activities may be presented in anonline format.

NURS 283: Medical Surgical Nursing IVUnits: 6Prerequisites: NURS 281 and NURS 282.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 3 hours, laboratory 9 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course focuses on the theory and practice of nursingnecessary to assist the acute and critically ill across the lifespanin achieving client integrity. It emphasizes refining use of thenursing process to provide nursing care for individuals withcomplex and acute health problems. Students apply advancedtheoretical knowledge, critical thinking, and psychomotor skillsin practical situations. Non-clinical activities may be presentedin an online format.

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NURS 284: Contemporary Nursing Practice and LeadershipUnits: 1.5Prerequisites: NURS 281 and NURS 282Corequisite: NURS 284LAcceptable for Credit: CSULecture 1.50 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course facilitates the student's transition to entry-levelregistered nursing practice. It presents management andleadership concepts that are applicable to a variety of healthcare settings. Topics include transitioning from student toregistered nurse, decision-making, organization, valuesclarification, resource allocation, and health care trends.

NURS 284L: Preceptorship LabUnits: 2Prerequisites: NURS 281 and NURS 282Corequisite: NURS 284Acceptable for Credit: CSULaboratory 6 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This clinical preceptorship for NURS 284 facilitates the successfultransition from student-nurse to entry-level graduate RN.Students apply the nursing process to multiple patientassignments using prioritization, delegation, and supervision aswell as essential nursing skills. Each student works with his/herpreceptor for 96 hours utilizing a variable time schedule. Offeredpass/no-pass only.

NURS 288: Nurse ExternshipUnits: 1-4Prerequisites: NURS 183 (Generic RN) or NURS 280 (LVN-RNBridge)Corequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Nursing Program.Acceptable for Credit: CSULaboratory 12 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course provides registered nursing (RN) students anopportunity to obtain clinical experience in the applicationof all previously learned knowledge and skills. Students workcollaboratively with a faculty mentor, RN supervisor, andmembers the health care team to meet job-oriented learningobjectives. Under an RN's supervision, students are providedopportunities to increase their nursing judgment and enhancetheir nursing skills as preparation for their role as professionalgraduate nurses. Each 75 hours of paid work equals onesemester credit; each 60 hours of non-paid work equals onesemester credit. A maximum of 8 units may be earned in asingle term; a maximum of 16 units may be earned duringcommunity college attendance.

NURS 289: Nursing Management of the Client with DiabetesMellitusUnits: 2Prerequisites: NURS 181, LVN, or RN license.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 2 hours.Course Typically Offered: Summer

This course introduces advanced concepts in diabetes mellitusand its management. It identifies the various forms of diabetes,discusses risk factors, and outlines the pathophysiology of thedisease. The course also covers medication mechanisms ofaction, nutrition, and exercise in diabetes self-managementas well as the nurse's role in assessing glycemic control andproviding appropriate treatments. Topics include assessing foracute complications and educational strategies to preventthese complications.

NURS 290: Critical CareUnits: 1.5Prerequisites: NoneEnrollment Limitation: Instructor Consent. Students need to be inthe last semester of an RN program or equivalent.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 1.50 hours.Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course introduces students to critical care conceptsand care of critically patients experiencing varied disorders.It discusses the relationship of pathophysiology to clinicalmanifestations that patients experience and the interventionsthe registered nurse needs to implement to improvepatient outcomes. Topics include rhythm and 12 leadelectrocardiogram (ECG) analysis and treatment, shocksyndromes, medications used to maintain hemodynamicstability and perfusion, maintenance of artificial airways, andmechanical ventilation.

NURS 291: Nursing Management of Invasive and NoninvasiveVentilatory SupportUnits: 2Prerequisites: NURS 181, NURS 274, LVN, or RN license.Acceptable for Credit: CSULecture 2 hours.Course Typically Offered: Summer

Specific Topics courses are not listed in the catalog.

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NURS 292: Internship StudiesUnits: 0.5-3Prerequisites: NoneCorequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work perunit.Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Centerapproval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperativework experience and/or internship studies concurrently.Acceptable for Credit: CSUCourse Typically Offered: To be arranged

This course provides students the opportunity to apply thetheories and techniques of their discipline in an internshipposition in a professional setting under the instruction of afaculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces studentsto aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionalsemployed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting,employability skills development, and examination of the worldof work as it relates to the student's career plans. Studentsmust develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a newsite upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience(general or occupational) and/or internship studies duringcommunity college attendance.

NURS 296: Topics in NursingUnits: 1-3Prerequisites: NoneAcceptable for Credit: CSULecture 1 hour.Lecture 2 hours.Lecture 3 hours.Course Typically Offered: To be arranged

This course gives students an opportunity to study topics inNursing that are not included in regular course offerings. EachTopics course is announced, described, and given its own titleand 296 number designation in the class schedule.

NURS 299: Occupational Cooperative Work ExperienceUnits: 1-4Prerequisites: NoneCorequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work perunit.Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enrollin any combination of cooperative work experience and/orinternship studies concurrently.Acceptable for Credit: CSUCourse Typically Offered: To be arranged

Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who areemployed in a job directly related to their major. It allows suchstudents the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of theirdiscipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilitiesand learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting,employability skills development, and examination of the worldof work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students maynot earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperativework experience (general or occupational) and/or internshipstudies during community college attendance.

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