LVN to Associate Degree Nursing Program

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  INTRODUCTION

The study of nursing is the application of knowledge from the arts and sciences.  The purpose of the Bakersfield College Associate Degree Program is to provide the foundation for students to become competent registered nurses.  The LVN-ADN Program respects the individuality of students and recognizes that each student has different educational, experiential, cultural, spiritual, economic and social backgrounds and a unique support system.  The aim of the Program is to provide a positive, innovative learning model that fosters the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills so that the graduate nurse is equipped to deliver care to a culturally diverse population in a variety of healthcare settings.    

MISSION

The mission of the Bakersfield College LVN-Associate Degree Nursing Program is to prepare entry-level registered nurses as providers and managers of care across the health/illness continuum and as members within the profession. Graduate nurses will collaborate with members of the health care team, be effective communicators, be politically aware, and demonstrate a commitment to life long learning. 

APPLICATION PERIOD

The Nursing/Allied Health office must receive all application forms and transcripts during the following filing periods (see Application Procedures).  Forms received prior to or after these dates will not be accepted. 

• March 1- March 31 for the program scheduled to start in the Fall semester
• September 1 – September 30 for the program scheduled to start in the Spring semester

 APPLICATION PROCEDURES

 It is the student’s responsibility to do the following procedures listed below: 

• Submit an application form to the Nursing Program during the appropriate application period – please note, applications must be filled out completely, all information requested must be provided
• Submit proof of at least one year work experience working as an LVN.
• Submit either your unofficial or official Bakersfield College transcripts showing all pre-requisite courses
• Bakersfield College transcripts must be received by the Nursing office before the last day of the appropriate application period
• Failure to meet all application requirements/procedures will result in an incomplete application and will not be considered for selection

 If you have taken courses from any college other than Bakersfield College:

Apply for Admission to Bakersfield College either in person at the Admissions and Records office or by going on-line www.bakersfieldcollege.edu, click on Admissions and Records and follow the directions under Enrolling.

 Please note – the next step takes anywhere from 10-12 weeks and must be completed prior to the end of the application period:

 Have your transcripts evaluated by:  

• Ordering an Official copy of your transcripts from your previous college(s);
• Submit the Official copy of your transcripts along with a form “Request for Evaluation”.  You can obtain this form from the Admissions and Records office or from the Admissions and Records web-page (see above) under Other Forms.
• Once your transcripts have been evaluated and posted to your Bakersfield College transcripts, either order an official copy to be sent from the Admission and Records office or print your unofficial transcript and submit along with Application Form to the Nursing Program during the appropriate application periods.

·         ENGL B1A (Expository Composition) 4 units at Bakersfield College or equivalent course at another accredited college. 

·         MATH BD (Intermediate Algebra) or higher, 3 units at Bakersfield College or an equivalent course at another accredited college

·         CHEM B11 or B2A or B1A (Chemistry) a minimum of 3-4 units is required at Bakersfield College or an equivalent course at another accredited college. (CSUB requires Chem B11)

·         **BIOL B16 (General Microbiology) 5 units at Bakersfield College or equivalent course at another accredited college. ·         BIOL B32 (Anatomy & Physiology I) 4 units at Bakersfield College or equivalent course at another accredited college.

                and

·         BIOL B33 (Anatomy & Physiology II) 4 units at Bakersfield College or equivalent course at another accredited college. 

·         IV Certification is required.  Students may meet this requirement by taking Meds B66 prior to entering the LVN-RN Program. 

·         One year experience working as an LVN 

·         Possession of current California Vocational Nurse License. 

·         Basic Healthcare Provider CPR card current within one year. 

·         Overall GPA of 2.5. 

·         Graduation from high school or an equivalent education.

GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES

General education courses are required to graduate from Bakersfield College with an Associate Degree in Nursing.  It is suggested that most of these courses be completed prior to beginning the Nursing Program.

• A.  Communication in the English Language and Critical Thinking (6 units)

            A.1 Oral Communication (3 units)

                  COMM B1* or COMM B2* (“C” grade or higher)

            A.2 Written Communication (3 units)

                  ENGL B1A* (“C” grade or higher) – prerequisite course

• B.  Physical Universe and Life Forms (6 units)

            B.1 Natural Sciences (3 units)

                  BIOL 32, 33 and 16, CHEM B1A, B2A or 11– prerequisite courses

            B.2 Mathematics and Logic (3 units)

                 Any course listed in Area B.2 of the of the General Education Pattern in the Bakersfield College Catalog (“C” grade or higher) - prerequisite course

• C.  Arts, Literature, Philosophy, and Foreign Language (3 units)
  • PHIL B12  recommended or any course as listed in Area C of the General Education Pattern in the Bakersfield College Catalog

·                     D.  Social, Political, Legal and Economic Institution and Behavior, Historical    Background (9 units)

            D.1 Foundations in the Behavioral Sciences (ADN must take 6 units)

                  ANTH B2* or SOC B1*- (“C” grade or higher) and

                  PSYC B1A* (“C” grade or higher)

            D.2 ADN Students are not required to take a course from this Area

            D.3 American (U.S. Institutions) (3 units)

Any course listed in Area D.3 of the General Education Pattern in the Bakersfield College Catalog

• E.  Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development (1 unit)
  • Physical Education 1 unit required from PHED courses numbered from B2-B33 or B49
    • ADN students are exempt from the 3 unit course in the psychological development category
• Educational Planning -Nurs B100 recommended or any course listed in the General Requirements in the Bakersfield College Catalog (Recommended to be taken during the first semester of courses at Bakersfield College to assure priority registration.)

 *Board of Registered Nursing requirement

ENROLLMENT SELECTION  

In the event the number of qualified students for the ADN Program exceeds space available, the following selection process is utilized.  Students who are qualified for enrollment enter in the order in which their names appear on the Program Waiting List.  The student’s position on this list is determined by random drawing of names by the Director, Assistant Director, and one assistant. Students will be admitted to the program based on their scholastic eligibility and placement on a nursing assessment test as per SB 1309. If the program is receiving Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding, in accordance with the Jobs for Veterans Act (JVA), priority will be given to applicants with proof of military, naval, or air service and discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. An eligible spouse or widow(er) will also be extended this priority status.  To remain current on the waiting list, enrollment forms must be submitted each semester until Program is entered. 

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Nursing students must meet the following essential technical standards to ensure the safety and welfare of the patients, the healthcare team, and themselves.  A physical examination performed by a medical doctor determines whether a student meets the technical standards or any accommodations that may be necessary. 

·         Standing and/or walking most of a shift.

·         Bending or crouching several times per hour.

·         Lifting and carrying a minimum of 30 pounds several times an hour.

·         Lifting and moving up to 300 lbs. with the assistance of 2-3 persons.

·         Reaching overhead above the shoulder 90 degrees.

·         Utilizing eyesight to observe clients and manipulate equipment under various illumination levels.

·         Hearing to communicate with the patient and healthcare team.

·         Manipulating medical equipment and accessories, including but not limited to switches, knobs, buttons, keyboards, patient lines, and tubes, utilizing fine and gross motor skills.

·         Performing the assigned job responsibilities with the intellectual and emotional functions necessary to ensure patient safety and exercise independent judgment and discretion.

·         Utilizing sufficient verbal and written skills to efficiently communicate in English with the patient and healthcare team.

·         Utilizing the above standards/functions to respond promptly to the patient’s needs and/or emergency situations. 

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

A physical examination completed by a physician of the student's choice is required when entering the Program to demonstrate that a student meets the following technical standards necessary to meet the Program objectives.  Appropriate immunizations and/or vaccinations are also required and are performed at the student's expense. 

DRUG / ALCOHOL SCREENING

As a condition of application in any Nursing/Allied Health Program with a clinical laboratory component, students are required to submit to and pass a designated drug and alcohol screening.

 BACKGROUND SCREENING

Every student offered space in the program will be required to submit to a background screening (at the student’s expense) as part of his or her clinical requirements for admission.  Please note the following:

·         A history of felony conviction(s) or any bar, exclusion or other ineligibility for federal program participation could render a student ineligible for clinical placement, as determined by the clinical agencies.

·         If a student cannot obtain background clearance from the clinical agencies, it will not be possible to place the student in the clinical areas, which is a required component of the program.

·         In the event that a student cannot obtain a background clearance, the space will be forfeited.

·         Students who are found to be ineligible for clinical placement by the clinical agency after admission to the nursing program shall be subject to dismissal from the program, as they will be unable to complete mandatory clinical rotations. 

Basic Life Support – BLS (formerly CPR)

Prior to the beginning of the nursing program, and then throughout the program, students are required to show proof of a valid American Heart Association BLS – Healthcare Provider.  This BLS card must be valid until the end of the 1-year ADN Program.  It is your responsibility to provide a copy of the current BLS card to the nursing department and to carry a copy of this card while attending clinical in the healthcare facilities, preferably in your portfolio. 

PROGRAM SUPPLY INFORMATION

Students will be required to purchase uniforms, textbooks and selected equipment, provide transportation to off-campus clinical education sites and pay current college fees.  An estimated cost for books, uniforms, fees and required equipment for the first term of the Program is approximately $900.00.  In addition to registration fees and books, the ADN fourth semester’s expenses will include Program Completion activities, Program pin, ATI test, and State Board application fees.  

LVN-ADN PROGRAM CURRICULUM

The following courses are taken after the student enters the Program.

STUDENTS TRANSFERRING TO CSUB

Students who plan to obtain their Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at Cal State University Bakersfield after completing the Bakersfield College ADN Program will need to take MEDS B35 (Lifespan Development), NUTR B10 (Elementary Nutrition), MATH 22 or PSYCH 5 (Statistics) and COMM B1 (Speech Communication) at Bakersfield College prior to transfer.  In addition, there may be other general education courses required.  Contact the Bakersfield College Counseling Center 395-4421 for further information. 

PROGRAM ACCREDITATION

The California Board of Registered Nursing accredits the BC Associate Degree Nursing Program.  The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Bakersfield College. 

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY

Conviction of any offenses other than minor traffic violations must be reported to the Board of Registered Nursing at the time of application for licensure.  For clarification contact the ADN Program Director or the Board of Registered Nursing, 400 R Street, Suite 4030, Sacramento, California, 95814, (916) 322-3350.