2010-2011 CATALOG

This is an archived copy of the 2010-2011 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.miracosta.edu

Nursing

General Information

The Registered Nursing (ADN) and Vocational Nursing (VN) Programs prepare students to care for patients in hospitals and other healthcare agencies through course work in humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and the nursing discipline. These programs emphasize nursing theory and clinical practice for direct patient care.

Licensure

Upon successful completion of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Upon successful performance on the examination, they are licensed as registered nurses (RNs).

Students completing the Certificate of Achievement in Licensed Vocational Nursing Program may take additional courses in general education to receive their Associate in Arts in Licensed Vocational Nursing (see Associates Degrees). Upon completion of the LVN associate degree program, graduates are eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination for Vocational Nurses; if successful, they are licensed as vocational nurses (LVNs).

Point System

A point system using multi-criteria developed by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office is used to accept students into the RN program, both generic and LVN-RN. A list of this criteria is located on the nursing Web site (http://www.miracosta.edu/instruction/nursing/index.html). Beginning fall 2011, 90 percent of student admission will be based on the point system, and 10 percent of admitted students will come from the established wait list.

TEAS Test

Students accepted into the RN program must take the Test of Academic Skills (TEAS) and receive a composite score of 67 percent in order to begin the program. Students who do not receive at least a 67 percent will be counseled and have a remediation plan designed. They will have one year to complete the remediation plan before retesting for admittance. This program has been approved by the Board of Registered Nursing, PO Box 499210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100.

Contact Information

Department Chair: Susan Roberts

Dean: Sandy Comstock

www.miracosta.edu/NURS

Department: Nursing and Allied Health

Office: Building T420, (760) 795-6796

Full-Time Faculty

Rita Barden
Karin Cohick
Yvette Duncan
Margaret Essman
Roland Estrella

Joan L. Moore
Susan Roberts
Susan Simpson
Julie Vignato

Associate Degrees

Associate in Arts Degree

Pre-Nursing

The Pre-Nursing Program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by a transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.

Required courses:
BIO 100	General Biology (Lecture and Lab)	4
or BIO 101	General Biology
BIO 210	Human Anatomy	4
BIO 220	Human Physiology	4
BIO 230	Fundamentals of Microbiology	5
CHEM 104	Chemistry of Living Things (Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry)	5
COMM 101	Oral Communication	3
PSYC 101	General Psychology	3
One of the following:		3
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology
or SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
ANTH 102	Cultural Anthropology
or ANTH 102H	Cultural Anthropology (Honors)
MATH 103	Statistics	4
or PSYC/SOC 104	Statistics for Behavioral Science
CHLD/PSYC 121	Human Development	3
or CHLD/PSYC 113	Child and Adolescent Growth and Development
Total Units		38

Associate in Arts Degrees

Licensed Vocational Nursing; Registered Nursing (LVN-to-RN)

Students may earn one of the above-named associate degrees by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for MiraCosta College's Associate in Arts degree (see Associate Degrees). Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written educational plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.

Associate in Science Degree

Registered Nursing (ADN)

Applications for admission are available in the Nursing and Allied Health Occupations Administrative Office (Building T420) on the Oceanside campus. Requirements include an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 for Human Anatomy (BIO 210), Human Physiology (BIO 220), and Microbiology (BIO 230) with no grade less than "C" for each course and no more than one repetition of any of these courses. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all college course work taken. These selection criteria have been justified in an advisory memo from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office dated July 1, 2005 regarding the Statewide Alignment of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) prerequisites.

Students accepted into the program must take the Test of Academic Skills (TEAS) and receive a composite score of 67 percent in order to begin the program. Students who do not receive at least a 67 percent will be counseled and have a remediation plan designed. They will have one year to complete the remediation plan before retesting for admittance. This program has been approved by the Board of Registered Nursing, PO Box 499210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100.

Students must have completed the following courses before applying to the ADN program:

NURS 151	Body Systems Survey for Health Professions	3
or BIO 100	General Biology (Lecture and Lab)
or BIO 101	General Biology
BIO 210	Human Anatomy	4
BIO 220	Human Physiology	4
BIO 230	Fundamentals of Microbiology	5
ENGL 100	Composition and Reading	4
MATH 101	Intermediate Algebra (or a passing score on theMiraCosta College Mathematics Competency Examination) ^***	0-4
Required Courses:
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
PHAR 150	Pathopharmacology I	2
PHAR 151	Pathopharmacology II	2
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 and Leadership	1.5
NURS 284L	Preceptorship Lab	2
COMM 101	Oral Communication	3
HEAL 101L	Principles of Health Laboratory	1
One of the following:		3
PSYC 101	General Psychology
PSYC 103	Social Psychology
PSYC 121	Human Development
GERO 101	Introduction to Aging
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology
or SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
SOC 102	Contemporary Social Problems
SOC 110	Comparative Cultures
General Education from Area E (Plan A)		3
American Institutions and History requirement (Plan A)		4-6
Total Units		74.5-80.5

*	Students with baccalaureate or higher degrees from a regionally accredited college in a non-nursing field are required to complete only the course work necessary for the Registered Nursing Program, including prerequisites and nursing course work. These students are not required to complete any other courses required by the college for an associate's degree.
**	The lower unit total of 74.5 is applicable for students who tested out of MATH 101 by receiving a passing score on the MiraCosta College Mathematics Competency Examination.
***	Or a passing score on the MiraCosta College Mathematics Competency Examination

The Board of Registered Nursing may deny a license regulated by the Business and Professional Code, Section 480, on such grounds as being convicted of a crime, acts of dishonesty, fraud or deceit, abuse of vulnerable populations, etc. Please contact the Department of Nursing and Allied Health for further information.

Associate in Science Degree

Registered Nursing (LVN-to-RN)

California Licensed Vocational Nurses are eligible to apply for a one-year LVN-RN transition program, also known as the Registered Nursing (LVN-to-RN) Program. First-year course work credit is granted with evidence of a California LVN license in good standing. Students complete a transition course offered during summer and two subsequent semesters for eligibility to apply to take the National Council License Exam for Registered Nursing (NCLEX).

Applications for admission are available in the Nursing and Allied Health Occupations Administrative Office (Building T420) on the Oceanside campus.

Note: Any LVN licensed in the state of California is eligible to apply for the Non-Degree 30-Unit Option LVN-RN Program, for which MiraCosta College acts as a facilitator. This program is prescribed by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and provides an RN license for California only. Other states do not recognize this option. A maximum of 30 units of nursing and support courses is required to fulfill the unit requirement for licensure by the BRN. A score of 67 percent must be achieved on the TEAS before acceptance into the program. Students must also have a 2.0 GPA. This program is offered as space allows. Please contact the Nursing and Allied Health Department for course requirements.

Students must possess a valid California LVN license and complete the following courses before applying to the program.

Prerequisite courses:

Required courses:
NURS 151	Body Systems Survey for Health Professions	3
or BIO 100	General Biology (Lecture and Lab)
or BIO 101	General Biology
BIO 210	Human Anatomy	4
BIO 220	Human Physiology	4
BIO 230	Fundamentals of Microbiology	5
ENGL 100	Composition and Reading	4
MATH 101	Intermediate Algebra	4
Required Courses:
NURS 280	Transition from LVN to RN	2
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 and Leadership	1.5
NURS 284L	Preceptorship Lab	2
PHAR 201	Pharmacology Review Update	2
COMM 101	Oral Communication	3
HEAL 101L	Principles of Health Laboratory	1
Select at least 3 units from the following:		3
PSYC 101	General Psychology
PSYC 103	Social Psychology
PSYC 121	Human Development
GERO 101	Introduction to Aging
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology
or SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
SOC 102	Contemporary Social Problems
SOC 110	Comparative Cultures
General Education from Area E (Plan A)		3
Complete the American Institutions and History requirement (Plan A)		4-6
Total Units		61.5-63.5

*	*The lower unit total of 57.5 units is applicable for students who test out of MATH 101 by receiving a passing score on the MiraCosta College Mathematics Competency Examination. At least 60 units are required for the A.S. degree.

Certificates

Certificate of Achievement

Licensed Vocational Nursing

The MiraCosta College Licensed Vocational Nursing Program is a six-quarter program leading to a certificate as a vocational nurse. Those who qualify for enrollment receive intensive training and in-class work as well as clinical practice in direct patient care. The clinical practice is constantly supervised by licensed or registered nurse specialists who guide and teach students. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Licensure Examination for Vocational Nurses to achieve licensure. The licensed vocational nurse may seek employment in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, physicians' offices, or various government agencies, as well as serve as a private-duty nurse in hospitals or homes.

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

Required courses:
NURS 151	Body Systems Survey for Health Professions	3
NURS 160	Certified Nursing Assistant	6.5
NURS 170	Licensed Vocational Nursing I	7.5
NURS 171	Licensed Vocational Nursing II	7.5
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 and Calculations	3
Total Units		57.5

Note: Clinical instruction is conducted in area hospitals.

Certificate of Achievement

Registered Nursing (LVN-to-RN)

Acceptance into the LVN-to-RN Program requires a California Vocational Nurse license in good standing. Students must also have completed BIO 210, BIO 220, and BIO 230; ENGL 100; and MATH 101 (or a passing score on the MiraCosta College Mathematics Compentency Examination), and they must have completed or be currently enrolled in one of the following courses: PSYC 121, PSYC 101, PSYC 103, SOC 101, SOC 102, SOC 110, or GERO 101. An overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 for BIO 210, BIO 220, and BIO 230 is required with no grade less than "C" for each course and no more than one repetition of any of these courses. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all college course work taken. These selection criteria have been justified in an advisory memo from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office dated July 1, 2005 regarding the Statewide Alignment of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) prerequisites.

Required courses:
NURS 280	Transition from LVN to RN	2
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 and Leadership	1.5
NURS 284L	Preceptorship Lab	2
PHAR 201	Pharmacology Review Update	2
BIO 210	Human Anatomy	4
BIO 220	Human Physiology	4
BIO 230	Fundamentals of Microbiology	5
COMM 101	Oral Communication	3
ENGL 100	Composition and Reading	4
MATH 101	Intermediate Algebra	4
One of the following:		3
NURS 151	Body Systems Survey for Health Professions
BIO 100	General Biology (Lecture and Lab)
BIO 101	General Biology
Select at least three units from the following:		3
GERO 101	Introduction to Aging ^*
PSYC 101	General Psychology ^*
PSYC/SOC 103	Social Psychology
PSYC/CHLD 121	Human Development
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology
or SOC 101H	Introduction to Sociology (Honors)
SOC 102	Contemporary Social Problems
SOC 110	Comparative Cultures
Total Units		53.5

The Board of Registered Nursing may deny a license regulated by the Business and Professional Code, Section 480, on such grounds as being convicted of a crime, acts of dishonesty, fraud or deceit, abuse of vulnerable populations, etc. Please contact the Nursing and Allied Health Department for further information.

Certificate of Proficiency

Certified Nursing Assistant

The Certified Nursing Assistant certificate introduces students to the basic information and nursing skills needed to pass the state exam required for Nurse Aide Certification, which enables students to work in acute care, long-term care facilities, and home nursing.

Required courses:
NURS 160	Certified Nursing Assistant	6.5
ENGL 803	Introduction to College Writing II	4
or ESL 803	Introduction to College Writing II for Non-Native Speakers
Total Units		10.5

Certificate of Proficiency

Health Care Fundamentals

This certificate introduces and provides an overview of fundamentals for most health occupations. Students who seek this certificate are those interested in pursuing a career in health care. Many of these courses are prerequisites for health careers at MiraCosta College. Students can explore areas such as pharmacology, medical terminology, basic anatomy, and physiology.

Required courses:
Select nine units from the following:		9
NURS 150	Introduction to Nursing and Allied Health Occupations
NURS 151	Body Systems Survey for Health Professions
NURS 155	Basic Medical Terminology
PHAR 100	Basic Pharmacology--Dosages and Calculations
Total Units		9

Certificate of Proficiency

Home Health Aide

The Home Health Aide (HHA) certificate prepares students who are licensed as nursing assistants to care for elderly, recovering, or disabled persons in their own homes or in licensed residential care facilities. Topics covered include basic nursing services, food preparation, and household services. Federal guidelines do not require a competency exam prior to certification as an HHA. Certification is based upon verification of successful completion of an approved HHA training program.

Required courses:
NURS 160	Certified Nursing Assistant	6.5
NURS 163	Home Health Aide	2
Total Units		8.5

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses listed in this catalog apply to the fall 2010, spring 2011, and summer 2011 terms. Courses are numbered numerically within alphabetically arranged subject areas.

The bolded first line indicates the official course number, a descriptive title, and the number of units. The next lines indicate prerequisites, corequisites, advisories, repeatability rules, enrollment limitations, UC/CSU credit acceptance, and lecture and lab hours followed by a Taxonomy of Program number in parentheses.

Prerequisites: This is a requirement that must be met before a student can enroll in the course.
Corequisites: This is a course the student must take in the same semester.
Advisories: This is recommended preparation the student is advised but not required to have before or in conjunction with the course.
Repeatability Rules: When a course belongs to a group of related courses, students can complete one course or a combination of courses within the group for a maximum of four completions.
Enrollment Limitations: Some courses place limitations on enrollment. These limitations prevent students from duplicating course work or from enrolling in two sections of the same course in any given semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU means the course is accepted for transfer at any California State University (CSU) campus; UC means it is accepted for transfer at any University of California (UC) campus. Some courses can be used to satisfy general education or major requirements while others transfer as elective credit. UC Credit Limitation means credit for the course may have UC transfer restrictions; these restrictions are identified at the end of the course description.
Lecture and Lab Hours: These are the number of hours the course meets for lecture and/or lab per week.
Taxonomy of Program (TOP) Number: The TOP number is identified in parentheses after the lecture and lab hours. This number serves an administrative purpose and is not intended for student use.

The course description summarizes the purpose and key topical areas of the course, and it includes special requirements if any exist. Some course descriptions end with information about whether the course was "formerly" another course, how many times the course may be repeated, if the course is offered pass/no pass, or what the UC credit limitation is.

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses

NURS 150: Introduction to Nursing and Allied Health Occupations

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1230.20)

This course will introduce the student to skills and qualities necessary for success in nursing and allied health occupations. Topics will include communication, ethical and legal responsibilities, employment literacy, current trends in health care, health care delivery systems, careers in health care, career planning and professional growth.

NURS 151: Body Systems Survey for Health Professions

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1230.20)

This course is a basic anatomy and physiology course intended for students who are preparing for a career in health professions. The content is presented from simple to complex, beginning with cellular functioning and progressing through the various organ systems. Students will learn how an organ is anatomically designed to perform a specific physiological task and how each organ system plays a role in maintaining homeostasis.

NURS 155: Basic Medical Terminology

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1230.20)

A study of the origin, correct spelling, pronunciation, meaning, and correct usage of common medical terms and their application to clinical records and reports. Emphasis is on the roots, prefixes, suffixes, and medical abbreviations, symbols, and terms commonly used in medical records.

NURS 160: Certified Nursing Assistant

Units: 6.5
Prerequisites: ENGL 803 or ESL 803; TB test; physical exam; Basic Health Care Provider CPR certification by American Heart Association.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 4 hours, laboratory 7.50 hours. (1230.30)

A study of basic nursing skills that will include fundamentals of nursing, nutrition, gerontology, and home nursing. This course has been approved by the State for Certified Nurse Assistant certification. Upon completion, it will enable the student to seek employment in acute care, long term and skilled nursing facilities, and in-home nursing.

NURS 163: Home Health Aide

Units: 2
Prerequisites: NURS 160 or valid California CNA Certificate or proof of successful completion of California D.H.S. approved CNA program.
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1230.80)

This short course for Certified Nurse Assistants is designed to meet state requirements for the Home Health Aide Certificate. Topics include the role of the Home Health Aide, interpretation of medical and social needs of clients being served, review of personal care services, nutritional needs of home care patients, and cleaning and care tasks in the home. (Formerly NURS 959.)

NURS 164: Acute Care Certified Nurse Assistant

Units: 1
Prerequisites: NURS 160 or valid California CNA Certificate or proof of successful completion of California D.H.S. approved CNA program.
Laboratory 3 hours. (1230.30)

A short course for Certified Nurse Assistants to prepare for employment in the acute care setting. Topics include the role of acute care nurse assistant including observational and assessment skills in various acute care settings, adaptation of basic nursing skills to the acute care patient, identification of special needs of the acute care patient, and use of equipment and supplies found in the acute care setting. (Formerly NURS 960.)

NURS 165: Intravenous and Blood Withdrawal Certification for Nurses

Units: 1
Prerequisites: Possess a current California LVN/RN License; or be a LVN or RN graduate; or be enrolled in NURS 275 or the final semester (pending graduation) of a LVN or RN accredited school or nursing.
Lecture 1.75 hours, laboratory 0.75 hour. (1230.00)

This course will prepare students for infusion therapy and blood withdrawal. Infusion therapy includes initiating and maintaining common intravenous therapies. Includes nursing assessments and special patient care. Identifies the differences between the hospital and the home care client. Covers insertion techniques, administration of IV solutions, TPN, blood and blood products, piggybacks, intermittent infusion sets, and infusion pumps. The blood withdrawal component includes withdrawing venous blood using several methods, and obtaining and transferring blood for lab testing. Provides IV/Blood Withdrawal State certification for LVN's. This would also be appropriate as a refresher class for LVN's and RN's. Certificates are awarded to all participants that successfully complete the class. Offered pass/no pass only.

NURS 166: American Medical Corps Transition to Vocational Nurse

Units: 3
Prerequisites: 12 months experience as an American Military Medical Corps member or equivalent.
Lecture 3 hours. (1230.20)

This course introduces American Military Medical Corps members to therapeutic communication, medical/surgical nursing, basic nursing skills, basic pharmacology, and the nursing process. Topics include adult growth and development, gerontology, obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology, and hematology. The course integrates related anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and psychosocial considerations of patients with their respective units.

NURS 166L: American Medical Corps Transition to Vocational Nurse Lab

Units: 3
Prerequisites: NURS 166; 12 months experience as an American Military Medical Corps member or equivalent; CPR; physical exam; immunizations; background check; drug screening.
Corequisite: NURS 166 if prerequisite not met.
Laboratory 9 hours. (1230.20)

This course introduces the American Military Medical Corps member to a review of basic nursing skills, the nursing process, communication, medication administration/pharmacology, adult growth and development, gerontology, medical/surgical nursing, oncology, and hematology in the clinical lab environment. The related anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, psychosocial, and nutrition considerations of patients will be integrated within their respective units. Offered pass/no pass only.

NURS 170: Licensed Vocational Nursing I

Units: 7.5
Prerequisites: NURS 160 or a current California CNA license; and PHAR 100; and NURS 151 or BIO 210 or BIO 220; and admission to the LVN program.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 9 hours. (1230.20)

This course will introduce the beginning vocational nursing student to therapeutic communication, the nursing profession, basic nursing skills, basic pharmacology, and the nursing process.

NURS 171: Licensed Vocational Nursing II

Units: 7.5
Prerequisites: NURS 171 with a grade of C or better.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 9 hours. (1230.20)

This course introduces the vocational nursing student to nutrition, medication administration, gerontology, adult growth and development, the diabetic patient, and the integumentary system. The related anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, psychosocial, and nutrition considerations of the patients will be integrated with each unit.

NURS 172: Licensed Vocational Nursing III

Units: 7.5
Prerequisites: NURS 171 with a grade of C or better.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 9 hours. (1230.20)

This course introduces the vocational nursing student to peri-operative and medical-surgical nursing, the genitourinary and gastrointestinal systems and communicable diseases. The related anatomy, pathophysiology, psycho-social, pharmacology, and nutrition considerations of the above patients will be integrated with each unit.

NURS 173: Licensed Vocational Nursing IV

Units: 7.5
Prerequisites: NURS 172 with a grade of C or better.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 9 hours. (1230.20)

This course introduces the vocational nursing student to the nursing care of the neurological, endocrine, oncology, orthopedic, and rehabilitation patient as well as the patient with a hematological and lymphatic disease. The related anatomy, pathophysiology, psycho-social, pharmacology, and nutrition considerations of the above patients will be integrated with each unit.

NURS 180: Fundamentals of Nursing

Units: 4
Prerequisites: BIO 210; BIO 220; BIO 230; ENGL 100; and admission to the RN program (ADN).
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours. (1230.10)

This entry-level nursing course introduces students to the core concepts, principles, and clinical skills common to all areas and levels of the nursing practice. It integrates nursing knowledge and skill, care attributes, and ethical conduct to present the nursing process as foundational to the nursing practice. Course content emphasizes the delivery of nursing care based on a hierarchy of universal human needs and the relationship between need fulfillment and patient integrity. This course provides the platform upon which all subsequent nursing courses build. Its integration of clinical experiences may include acute, long-term, and perioperative/ambulatory care settings as well as college nursing laboratory simulations. Non-clinical activities in this course may be presented in an online format.

NURS 181: Medical Surgical Nursing I

Units: 4
Prerequisites: NURS 180 (ADN).
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours. (1230.10)

This course introduces the basic concepts required to care for adult patients with stable and/or less complex medical-surgical health problems, and it emphasizes problems experienced by older adults. The course stresses management of unmet needs and the nursing process as organizing frameworks for providing nursing care. Clinical simulations and experiences provide students opportunities to integrate and apply theoretical concepts and clinical skills in acute, long-term, perioperative/ambulatory, and/or college nursing lab settings. Non-clinical activities in this course may be presented in an online format.

NURS 182: Maternal-Child Nursing

Units: 5
Prerequisites: NURS 181 (ADN).
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 6 hours. (1230.10)

This course relates the nursing process to the needs of maternity and pediatric patients and their families. Students adapt previously learned skills and knowledge to the observation and direct care of normal- and high-risk populations. They apply theory, simulations, and clinical experiences to the clinical practice, decision making, and prioritization of care that are unique to these specialties. The integration of students' clinical experiences may include acute, chronic, long-term, and clinic/ambulatory care settings as well as college nursing skills laboratory simulations. Non-clinical activities in this course may be presented in an online format.

NURS 183: Medical Surgical Nursing II

Units: 4
Prerequisites: NURS 181 (ADN).
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 6 hours. (1230.10)

This course continues the study of caring for adult patients with unmet medical needs. It emphasizes perioperative health care needs across the adult life span and respective nursing interventions. Students build on skills gained from the previous semester in the application of the nursing process. Clinical simulations and experiences provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical concepts, improve clinical judgment, and broaden clinical skills in acute, long-term, perioperative/ambulatory, and/or college nursing lab care settings. Non-clinical activities in this course may be presented in an online format.

NURS 274: Licensed Vocational Nursing V

Units: 7.5
Prerequisites: NURS 173 with a grade of C or better.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 9 hours. (1230.20)

This course introduces the advanced vocational nursing student to the nursing care of patients with circulatory and respiratory diseases and disorders, as well as home health/hospice and leadership. The related anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, psychosocial, and nutrition considerations of the above patients will be integrated with each unit. Leadership, supervision skills, and interpersonal relationships are also included.

NURS 275: Licensed Vocational Nursing VI

Units: 7.5
Prerequisites: NURS 274 with a grade of C or better.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 4.50 hours, laboratory 9 hours. (1230.20)

This course introduces the advanced vocational nursing student to the nursing care of obstetric, gynecologic, pediatric, and mentally ill patients, as well as growth and development of the child and adolescent. The related anatomy, pathophysiology, psycho-social, pharmacology, and nutrition considerations of the above patients will be integrated with each unit. Professional adjustment is included to prepare the nursing student for employment.

NURS 280: Transition from LVN to RN

Units: 2
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the LVN to RN program.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours. (1230.00)

Designed to facilitate the transition of the LVN student into the RN curriculum. The course introduces the philosophy and conceptual framework of the program and the roles of the registered nurse. The course content will focus on competencies expected of the graduate ADN (Associate Degree Nurse), critical thinking skills, role development, care planning, nursing assessment, and the nursing process.

NURS 281: Medical Surgical Nursing III

Units: 6.5
Prerequisites: NURS 280 (LVN to RN) or NURS 183 (ADN)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 10.50 hours. (1230.00)

This course continues the study of caring for adult patients with unmet medical needs. It examines the effect of complex and chronic health problems on the physiologic and psychosocial integrity of the adult and elderly patient. Students build on skills gained from the previous semester in the application of the nursing process as well as the perioperative health care needs across the adult life span and respective nursing interventions. Clinical simulations and experiences provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical concepts, improve clinical judgement, and broaden clinical skills in acute, long-term, perioperative/ambulatory, and/or college nursing lab settings. Non-clinical activities in this course may be presented in an online format.

NURS 282: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing

Units: 3.5
Prerequisites: NURS 280 (LVN to RN) or NURS 183 (ADN)
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1230.00)

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of nursing as related to mental health and illness. It examines how mental healthcare problems impact client integrity in various healthcare settings, and it emphasizes how therapeutic communication establishes and maintains effective nurse-client relationships. Non-clinical activities in this course may be presented in an online format.

NURS 283: Medical Surgical Nursing IV

Units: 6
Prerequisites: NURS 281 and NURS 282.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 9 hours. (1230.00)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of nursing necessary to assist the acute and critically ill across the lifespan in achieving client integrity. It emphasizes refining use of the nursing process to provide nursing care for individuals with complex and acute health problems. The clinical experience affords students the opportunity to apply advanced theoretical knowledge, critical thinking, and psychomotor skills in a practical situation. Non-clinical activities in this course may be presented in an online format.

NURS 284: Contemporary Nursing Practice and Leadership

Units: 1.5
Prerequisites: NURS 281 and NURS 282
Corequisite: NURS 284L
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours. (1230.00)

This course facilitates the student's transition to entry-level registered nursing practice. It presents management and leadership concepts that are applicable to a variety of health care settings. Topics include transitioning from student to registered nurse, decision-making, organization, values clarification, resource allocation, and health care trends. Integrated clinical experiences and simulations may occur in acute, long-term, perioperative/ambulatory, and/or college nursing laboratory care settings. Nonclinical activities in this course may be presented in an online format.

NURS 284L: Preceptorship Lab

Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 6 hours. (1230.10)

This clinical preceptorship for NURS 284 facilitates the successful transition from student-nurse to entry-level graduate RN. It enables the student to apply the nursing process to multiple patient assignments using prioritization, delegation, and supervision as well as essential nursing skills. Each student works with his/her preceptor for 96 hours utilizing a variable time schedule.

NURS 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: Complete 6 units at MCC prior to internship; permission of instructor and department chair required.
Corequisite: Must currently be enrolled in 3 units and complete 60 hours of non-paid or 75 hours of paid work per unit of credit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(1230.00)

Individualized study linking classroom learning to the workplace. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration. (May be taken for a total of 12 units.)

NURS 293: Topics in Nursing

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Repeatability Rule: Allow four completions in any combination of NURS 293, NURS 296.
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (1230.00)

A study of relevant topics in the discipline not covered in the current selection of courses. Designed to meet special needs; content determined by participating faculty members in consultation with students and the community. Non-transfer topics only.

NURS 296: Topics in Nursing

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Repeatability Rule: Allow four completions in any combination of NURS 293, NURS 296.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (1230.00)

NURS 299: Cooperative Work Experience--Occupational

Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Students must be employed in a position directly related to their declared major and must complete 75 hours of paid work or 60 hours of non-paid work per unit of credit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(1230.00)

For students whose work is directly related to their major. To participate in occupational cooperative work experience education, students must be employed in a position directly related to their declared major and undertake new or expanded responsibilities at their work site. Students must develop one learning objective for each unit of credit in which they enroll and they must complete 75 hours of paid work or 60 hours of non-paid work per unit of credit. A maximum of four units of occupational work experience may be earned each semester and a combined maximum of 16 units of occupational and general work experience may be earned during community college attendance and applied as electives toward graduation. Students may receive G.I. Bill benefits for work experience only if required for their specific program. (May be repeated three times.)