Licensed Vocational Nursing Program

Fall 2008

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

Introduction

The Vocational Nursing Program is completed in three consecutive semesters following completion of prerequisites and acceptance into the program. It consists of a sequence of theory classes and correlated clinical experiences in acute-care hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other community health care agencies. Students who complete the program are qualified to take the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians licensure examination to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Career Opportunities

A Licensed Vocational Nurse has the knowledge, skills, and judgment to provide nursing care in a variety of health care settings under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed physician.

Enrollment Requirements

1. High school graduation or the equivalent as specified by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. (GED certificate, California State High School Proficiency Certificate, or a college degree.)
2. Complete all prerequisite courses with a C grade or higher. Check catalog for prerequisites to science courses. The science courses and nutrition must have been completed no more than seven years prior to entry into the program. You may apply with pre-requisite courses in progress, although preference may be given to applicants with course work completed.
3. 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 2006-07 college catalog for courses which meet reading proficiency.
4. 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
5. Copy of current American Heart Association Health Care Provider card (CPR). Online courses are not acceptable.

Application Dates and Selection Process

For Fall 2008 semester entry, applications are available February 25, 2008. Due date is April 1, 2008 by 3 p.m. Applications may be obtained by mailing a SASE to the Nursing Department Office (mailing address is 5000 Rocklin Rd, Rocklin, CA 95677). Applications may 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 high schools and all colleges attended to obtain official transcripts to submit with their applications. Selection criteria will take into account all academic preparation and is by random selection. Students who are not admitted and wish to reapply 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 $1,200 for books, supplies, uniforms, and tests. Students must arrange their own transportation to and from the health care facilities used for clinical experiences.

Physical Exam

After acceptance, students are required to submit completed physical examination forms 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.

Certificate of Achievement

Students who complete all the courses with a grade of C or better will, upon petition, receive a Certificate of Achievement in Vocational Nursing.

Associate Degree

The credits earned for courses taken in the Vocational Nursing Program may be applied toward an Associate Degree. See the Sierra College Catalog for additional degree requirements.

Registered Nursing Program

Students who complete the Vocational Nursing Program and hold a California Vocational Nursing License may take the additional course prerequisites and apply for entry into the Upward Mobility RN Program.

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

Prerequisite Courses

• BIO SCI 55 Human Anatomy
  • [Bio Sci 5 (or 7A/7B) and 6 may be taken in lieu of Bio Sci 55]
• NA 3 Fundamentals of Nursing
• NUT/FD 10 Nutrition
• HUM DEV/FAM 1 Human Development
• PSYCH 1 Introduction to Psychology

NOTE: A current CNA certificate issued by the California Department of Health Services is required, unless NA 3 or its equivalent has recently been completed, and applicant is awaiting receipt of certificate. A letter documenting satisfactory CNA work experience in a hospital or skilled nursing facility is also required if not admitted to LVN program the semester immediately following CNA class.

Pre-Nursing Student's Checklist

Prior to submitting application:

• Apply for admission to Sierra College.
• Obtain official transcripts from high school and all colleges attended to include with nursing application packet. If you are accepted into the LVN program, you will need to supply a second set of official transcripts to Records.
• Obtain American Heart Association CPR card for Health Care Provider.
• Demonstrate reading proficiency.
• Completion of reading placement testing.
• Obtain CNA certificate.
• Obtain employment as a CNA in a hospital or skilled facility if not admitted to LVN program the semester following CNA class.

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 “VN 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 by mid-June 2008.

It is strongly suggested that students keep a copy of their applications for their own records.

Complete Packets Include:

1. Application form completed in its entirety.
2. Official high school transcript showing graduation date (or copy of GED scores or equivalent); official transcripts from all colleges attended; all foreign transcripts must be evaluated through an evaluation service. An official copy of evaluation must be included in packet. All transcripts must be included in application packet—do not send transcripts separately to Nursing Department. Please print your name on the outside of the envelope containing your transcript.
3. Pre-requisite course descriptions from catalog if courses taken at colleges other than Sierra College. Catalogue 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 original test results, must be included in packet.
7. Copy of current CNA certification, or proof of satisfactory completion if course taken recently and awaiting certification. All applicants must provide proof of CNA course completion date and name/location of program attended.
8. Documentation of satisfactory CNA work experience if not admitted to LVN program the semester immediately following CNA class.
9. Proof of veteran’s status if you are a U.S. military veteran.
10. 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 Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians is required by law to review the history of previous convictions. In certain cases the Board may withhold licensure.

Rev. 7/07

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.