Registered Nursing Program

Fall 2008

This information sheet is updated each semester. To keep informed of any changes in application procedures, please obtain an updated information sheet each time it is available.

Introduction

The curriculum, which is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing, includes general education and nursing courses. The nursing courses include training in health care facilities to correlate with theory and laboratory classes. Graduates of the program are qualified to take the State Board of Registered Nursing Licensure Examination.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are prepared for challenging and rewarding entry-level positions within a variety of health care settings.

Enrollment Requirements

1. 1. Complete all pre-requisite courses with a C grade or higher. Check catalog for pre-requisites to science courses. The science courses and nutrition must have been completed no more than seven years prior to entry into the program. All pre-requisites must be completed with a final grade at the time an application is submitted.


2. 2. Demonstrate reading proficiency through satisfactory test score, acceptable course work, or bachelors or higher degree from accredited institution in the United States. See p. 43 of 2007-08 college catalog for courses which meet reading proficiency.


3. 3. Complete reading placement test. This test is required of all applicants, even if you already meet reading proficiency through course work or a degree. To be eligible to receive reading test results, you must have an application to Sierra College on file. For dates and times of reading test, refer to the schedule of classes, check the Sierra College website at www.sierracollege.edu or contact the Assessment Center at 916-781-0496. Do not wait till the last day to test, as there is usually a 2-day turnaround for receipt of test scores. Please allow sufficient time to receive results before application is due, as results must be included in application packet. Testing completed at another college is acceptable, but scores must be verified for Chancellors Office approval through the Sierra College Assessment Center.


4. Copy of current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR card. Online courses are not acceptable.

Application Dates & Selection Process

For Fall 2008 entry, applications are available February 25 and due April 1, 2008 by 3 PM. Applications may be obtained by mailing a SASE to the Nursing Department Office (mailing address is 5000 Rocklin Rd, Rocklin, CA 95677). Applications may also be obtained in person at the Nursing Department Office at Roseville Gateway, Room 101, 333 Sunrise Avenue in Roseville, or in the Counseling Offices at Rocklin or NCC campuses.

Applicants must contact all colleges attended to obtain official transcripts to submit with their applications. An official high school transcript is required only if using high school algebra to meet the algebra pre-requisite. Selection criteria will take into account all academic preparation and is by random selection. Sierra College Nursing usually admits a new class once a year during the fall semester. In addition, due to grant funding, new classes will be admitted in the Spring semesters of 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 in which theory will be online (see attached flyer). Students who are not admitted and wish to apply for the following semester must submit a new application packet during the next application period. Application materials cannot be returned.

Cost

The cost of the entire program is approximately $2,300 for books, supplies, uniforms, and tests. College enrollment fees are additional. Students must arrange their own transportation to and from the health care facilities used for clinical experiences. Some clinical experiences may be on weekends or evenings.

Physical Exam

Students are required to submit completed physical examination forms prior to the first class meeting to demonstrate the ability to perform the clinical activities, freedom from communicable disease, and immunity to some communicable diseases.

Note

Drug testing and criminal background clearance may be required prior to and/or during the program. Admission assessment/readiness testing may be required in the future, but is not required for Fall 2008. This would differ from reading placement testing which is now required, and is explained on p. 1.

Transfer Students

Those seeking advanced placement in the program must document comparable theory and current practice; admission is contingent upon space availability.

Licensing

The graduating student is eligible to apply to take the State Board of Registered Nursing Licensure Examination. Those who have been convicted of any offense, other than minor traffic violations, should consult the Board of Registered Nursing prior to the time of application.

Students are encouraged to consult the current Sierra College Catalog for additional information.

Other Resources

Nursing Dept. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..(916)781-6220
Admissions and Records. . . . . . . . . . . .781-0430
Health Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 781-0517
Assessment Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 781-0496
Counseling Dept. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 781-0478

Pre-requisite Courses:

• BIO SCI 4 Microbiology
• BIO SCI 5 Human Anatomy (or 7A/7B)
• BIO SCI 6 Human Physiology
• NUT/FD 10 Nutrition
• HUM DEV/FAM 1 Human Development
• PSYCH 1 Introduction to Psychology
• ENGLISH 1A Composition and Literature
• **MATH A Elementary Algebra

Note: Algebra must show on transcript—other math courses are not acceptable. Completion of two semesters of high school algebra with at least a C grade is acceptable if algebra has not been taken in college.

**Effective Fall 2009, Math D (Intermediate Algebra) will be required for an Associate Degree.

Co-requisite Courses:

• COMM ST 1 (must be taken concurrently with or prior to NR 14/15)
• SOC 1 or ANTHRO 2 (must be taken concurrently with or prior to NR 15/16)

Additional general education courses are required for degree. See Sierra College catalog.

Pre-Nursing Student's Checklist

Prior to submitting application:

• Apply for admission to Sierra College.


•  Obtain official transcripts from all colleges attended (and high school if needed to meet algebra requirement) to include with nursing application packet. If you are accepted into the nursing program, you will need to supply a second set of official transcripts to Records.
  
  
•  Obtain American Heart Association CPR card for Health Care Provider.


• Completion of reading placement testing.


• Demonstrate reading proficiency.

Return COMPLETE nursing application packet to the Nursing Department Office. See addresses on last page for hand delivery or mailing. If mailing, be sure to use mailing address and allow extra time for receipt of application. All application materials must be submitted at one time in a large manila envelope. Items will not be added to packet once it is submitted. Incomplete packets will not be processed. Please write “RN Application” on the front of the manila envelope and include your name, address, and phone number on the outside of the envelope. Applications are due in the Nursing Dept Office by 3 p.m. on April 1, 2008. Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered. All applicants will be notified within 8 weeks from the application deadline.

Complete Packets Include:

1. Application form completed in its entirety.


2. Official transcripts from all colleges attended; official high school transcript (only if needed to demonstrate algebra requirement); all foreign transcripts must be evaluated through an evaluation service. All transcripts must be included in application packet—do not send transcripts separately to Nursing Department.


3. Pre-requisite course descriptions from catalog if courses taken at colleges other than Sierra College. Catalog identification must be clear on photocopies, and year must match course timeline. Online course descriptions are acceptable if college name and year are clearly identified on the webpage when it prints out. Do not send entire catalog/schedule.


4. Copy of current American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR card (front and back of card).


5. Demonstration of Sierra College reading proficiency.


6. Completion of reading placement testing (all applicants).Photocopy of actual test results from Assessment Center must be submitted. If testing is completed elsewhere, reading level verification by Sierra College Assessment Center, as well as a photocopy of original test results, must be included in packet.


7. Proof of veteran’s status if you are a U.S. military veteran.


8. Do not include any materials not specifically requested, such as letters of recommendation or certificates of achievement. These items cannot be considered. Please do not use any staples, paper clips, binder clips, binders, or sheet protectors.

Nursing Department Information:

Location: 333 Sunrise Avenue, Room 101, Roseville, CA 95661 (do not use this address for mailing)
Mailing Address: Nursing Dept., Sierra College, 5000 Rocklin Rd., Rocklin, CA 95677
Phone: 916-781-6220

History of Conviction

The Board of Registered Nursing is required by law to review the history of previous convictions. In certain cases the Board may withhold licensure.

Rev 2/08

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS REQUIRED OF NURSING STUDENTS

MOTOR CAPABILITY:

1. Move from room to room and maneuver in small places.
2. Transfer patients who may require physical assistance.
3. Guard and assist patients with ambulation.
4. Lift and carry up to 50 pounds and exert up to 100 pounds force for push/pull.
5. Squat, bend/stoop, reach above shoulder level, kneel, use standing balance, and climb stairs.
6. Use hands repetitively; use manual dexterity.
7. Adjust, apply, and clean therapeutic equipment.
8. Perform CPR.
9. Travel to and from academic and clinical sites.
10. In the average clinical day, students sit 1-2 hours; stand 6-7 hours, travel 1-2 hours.

SENSORY CAPABILITY:

1. Coordinate verbal and manual instruction.
2. Assess a patient 10 feet away to observe patients posture and respond to treatment.
3. Respond to a timer, alarm, or cries for help.
4. Monitor vital signs.
5. Auditory, visual, and tactile ability sufficient to assess patient status and perform treatments (Example: color changes in skin, hear heart and lung sounds).

COMMUNICATION ABILITY:

1. Communicate effectively in English with patients, families, and other health care providers, both verbally and in writing (Example: explain treatment procedures, teach patient and families, document in charts).
2. Effectively adapt communication for intended audience.
3. Interact, establish rapport with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds.
4. Assume the role of a health care team member.
5. Function effectively under supervision.

PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY:

1. Function effectively under stress.
2. Respond appropriately to emergencies.
3. Adhere to infection control procedures.
4. Demonstrate problem solving skills in patient care (measure, calculate, reason, prioritize, synthesized data).
5. Use sound judgment and safety precautions.
6. Address problems or questions to the appropriate person at the appropriate time.
7. Organize and prioritize tasks.
8. Follow policies and procedures required by clinical and academic settings.

Online and Traditional Classroom RN Programs

Beginning in January 2006 for four years, the Sierra College nursing program will admit 20 students each January to an online registered nursing program. Pre-requisites and requirements will be identical to the traditional classroom registered nursing program. See attached brochure for information. The brochure is updated each semester. Please obtain updated brochures whenever they are available to be sure you have current information about requirements and due dates.

Each online program will last for four semesters (no summers). For example, students admitted in January 2006 would graduate in December 2007. Those admitted in January 2007 would graduate in December 2008, etc.

The theory (lecture) component of the online programs will be online. Students will attend two/three days of clinical per week at hospitals/skilled nursing facilities throughout the greater Sacramento area. All tests will be administered in the computer lab at Roseville Gateway. Students will also be required to participate in skills labs held at Roseville Gateway (two/three days per week for the first 5-6 weeks of the program, and occasional days thereafter). Times for testing and skills labs will be scheduled in advance. All students will test at the same time.

Students in the program will need basic computer skills including knowledge of MS Word, and ability to send and receive emails with attachments. An email address is required to be registered in the course. Students who are admitted to the program will need an email address in a specific format—information on setting this up will be given to those who are accepted.

Students will need access to a computer three years old or newer with video and sound capability and with internet access. High speed internet is not required.

We will continue to admit 20-30 students to our traditional classroom program each fall.

The online program begins only in the spring semesters. The traditional program begins only in the fall semesters. The programs are identical in content, the only difference being theory offered online as opposed to attending lecture in a classroom.

Rev. 7/06

Full-time/Part-time Nursing Student Schedules

For the next few years, while we are admitting to the RN program in both spring and fall semesters, generic RN students (those who begin the program with us in NR 10) will complete the program in four semesters (no summers). This applies to both online and traditional program students.

Upward Mobility students could be placed in either a part-time or full-time program depending on faculty availability and facility placement. Historically upward mobility students have attended part-time, but occasionally we have admitted them on a full-time basis. We are usually able to inform students which program will be offered at the time applications are available. At the latest, upward mobility students will be notified prior to acceptance into the program. We usually admit 10 upward mobility students during fall semester, and all would attend on the same schedule (all FT or all PT).

Please keep in mind that to be a full-time student under Sierra College policy, a student must be enrolled in 12 units or more each semester. Full-time standing may be necessary for financial aid, health insurance, and eligibility for scholarships, among other things.

Course Sequence for generic RN students
NR 10, 10 units
NR 12, 10 units
NR 15, 12 units
NR 19, 11 units

Course Sequence for PT Upward Mobility students
NR 13 (transition), 2 units
NR 14, 6 units
NR 16, 6 units
NR 18, 5 units
NR 20, 6 units

Course Sequence for FT Upward Mobility students
NR 13 (transition), 2 units
NR 15, 12 units
NR 19, 11 units

Full-time nursing students typically attend lecture (theory) 2 days per week and have clinical 2-3 days per week depending on which semester they are in the program. Online students have theory online and clinical 2-3 days per week.

Part-time nursing students typically attend lecture 1 day per week, and have clinical 2 days per week every other week.

Typical lecture days are from 2.5 to 4 hours. Clinical days range from 7 to 9.5 hours depending on which semester a student is in. Lecture is always during the day M-F. Clinical is usually during the day, but any shift is possible due to facility availability. Day shifts usually begin at 6:30 AM. Most clinical rotations will be M-F, but a weekend rotation may be required at some point in the program. Students are assigned to clinical groups by their instructors.

FT/PTschedule.S07
Rev. 7/06