ASSOCIATE DEGREE (RN) NURSING

NURSING is a blend of science, technology and compassion that allows the practitioner to provide health care in a variety of settings. California is currently experiencing a nursing shortage which is expected to last well into the 21st century. As a result job opportunities are abundant and salaries very competitive. New graduates can expect to make $50,000 a year or more.

The ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSING PROGRAM leads to licensure as a Registered Nurse, following successful completion of the national NCLEX examination. RN's work to promote health, prevent disease and help patients cope with illness. They are health advocates and educators for patients, families and communities.

In hospitals RN's observe, assess and evaluate patients progress and determine nursing care needs. They may provide basic bedside care, give medications and perform needed procedures. RN's often supervise LVN's, Nurses Aides and other members of the health care team.

In hospitals RN's may be assigned to specialty areas such as emergency room, surgery, pediatrics, maternity, or intensive care. RN's may also work in a variety of health care settings including offices, clinics, corporations, schools, home health and serve in the military.

YCCD NURSING PROGRAMS offer clinical experiences in a variety of health care settings including acute care hospitals, extended care facilities, offices and clinics. Lectures are broadcast via interactive TV to Yuba College in Marysville, Woodland Community College and to the Lake County campus. Some classes are available online and many are web enhanced. Skill labs in Marysville and Woodland are staffed with part-time R.N. instructional assistants to provide additional support to students. Media, including videotapes, computer-assisted instructional programs, resource books and professional journals are available at all three campuses. Applications are available on-line or in the Math & Science office or by calling 530-741-6786. Students must complete all prerequisite course work before applying.

Yuba College also offers a Vocational Nursing Program and a LVN to RN step-up program. To enter the career ladder program, Licensed Vocational Nurses must complete all prerequisites for the ADN program. They are then admitted to the third semester of the ADN program on a space available basis. Applications are available on-line or in the ATMESH Division office, room 819, at the Marysville campus or by calling 530-741-6786. Students must complete all prerequisite course work before applying.

Costs:
In addition to living expenses, enrollment fees and books, nursing students have the additional cost of uniforms, malpractice insurance, health examination, drug testing and others. There are many grants, scholarships and loans available to nursing students who meet qualifying criteria.

Drug / Background Screening:
All students enrolled in nursing and allied health programs are subject to the district drug policy and procedure and background screening which can be found in the ADN/VN Nursing Student Handbook. Violation of this policy can result in denial of admission or permanent dismissal from the program.

Recommended Courses:
These courses are not required but may facilitate learning if taken prior to formal admission to the nursing programs.

Nurs 51 Medical Terminology............... 3 units
ECE 3 Child Growth and Development........ 3 units
BCA 27 Introduction to Computers.......... 0.5 units

ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM
Unless otherwise noted, prerequisite, co-requisite and support courses must be completed with a grade of 'C' or higher. When prerequisite courses have been completed, students may apply for admission to the program and will be placed on a wait list. 30 students are admitted each semester from the wait list.

General Education and Support Courses:

* Nursing courses cannot be scheduled around general education and support courses. It is recommended that students plan ahead, and in the case of F&CS 10, take the course prior to beginning the Nursing Program.

Sequence of Nursing Courses:

It is recommended that students complete Pathophysiology prior to semester 1.

Nursing Courses:

Nursing 26 Basic Pharmacology (3 units) Prerequisites: none; Biol 4 and 5 highly recommended.

Nursing 36 Pathophysiology (3 units) Prerequisites: Biol. 4 and 5
Must be completed no later than 1st semester. Completion prior to program entry is recommended.

Nursing 30 Fundamentals of Nursing (8 units)
Includes 3 units theory (classroom instruction) and 5 units of clinical
(nursing lab practice and hospitals)

Nursing 32 Med/Surg I (8 units)
Includes 4 units of theory and 4 units of clinical. Prerequisites: Nursing 26 and 30.

Nursing 31 Maternal/Child (5 units)
Includes 3units of theory and 2 units of clinical. Prerequisites: Nursing 26 and 30.

Nursing 34 Med/Surg II (9 units)
Includes 4 units of theory and 5 units of clinical. Prerequisite: Nursing 32.

Nursing 35 Med/Surg III (5 units)
Includes 2 units of theory and 3 units of clinical. Prerequisite: Nursing 34.

Nursing 33 Mental Health (4 units)
Includes 2 units of theory and 2 units of clinical. Prerequisites: Nursing 26 and 30.

All required courses must be completed with a grade of a 'C' or better to progress through the curriculum.