This is an archived copy of the 2016-2017 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
Sciences and Mathematics
Dean
Heather Roberts
Associate Dean
Nancy Schwab
Location
Division Office
V 211, Rocklin Campus
Department Office
RN1 100, Rocklin Campus
Phone Number
Department Phone
(916) 660-8300

Overview

Students completing the Registered Nursing Program earn an AS or AA degree in Registered Nursing. In order to receive complete and accurate information concerning the nursing programs, students are urged to first read the information on the Sierra College website carefully and then seek further information or clarification from the nursing department or counseling staff as necessary.

Baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in four-year colleges and universities differ widely in transfer and credit-granting policies, requirements and course offerings. Students planning on transferring to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing should review appropriate college catalogs.

Faculty

Sharon L. Bateson

Professor, Nursing

B.S., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
M.S., University of Phoenix

Marlene S. Feldscher

Professor, Nursing

R.N., Rockland State Hospital School of Nursing
B.S.N., Dominican College of Blauvelt
M.S.N., University of California, San Francisco

Jennifer Hughes

Assistant Professor, Nursing

B.S., California State University, Sacramento
M.S., California State University, Fresno
D.N.P., California State University, Fresno

Dianna R. Hylton

Assistant Professor, Nursing

B.A., California State University, Sacramento
B.A., California State University, Sacramento
M.S., California State University, Sacramento

Sabina Karr

Professor, Nursing

F.N.P., University of California, Davis
M.S., University of Phoenix

Laura A. Lind

Professor, Nursing

B.S., California State University, Dominguez Hills
M.S., California State University, Sacramento

Joni L. Matson

Assistant Professor, Nursing

A.D.N., American River College
B.S.N., California State University, Dominguez Hills
M.S.N., California State University, Dominguez Hills

 

Nursing Advisory Committee

  • Maureen Bauman, L.C.S.W., M.P.A., Placer County Department of Health and Human Services, Auburn
  • Cecilia Brownlee, R.N., B.S.N., Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital
  • Kim Cole, R.N., Sutter Roseville Medical Center
  • Kay Jelten, R.N., Department of Nursing Education, Sutter Memorial Hospital, Sacramento
  • Cheryl Kenner, R.N., M.S.N., Kaiser Permanente, Roseville
  • Valentina Koga, R.N., Oak Ridge Health Care Center, Roseville
  • Kathy Krejci, R.N., C.N.O., Marshall Hospital, Cameron Park
  • Allyson Mason-Herr, Kaiser Permanente, Roseville
  • Debra Meldvelt, Health Professions High School, Sacramento
  • Michelle Miranda, Sutter Health Sacramento Region
  • Kathy Morris, R.N., D.S.D., Golden Empire Convalescent Hospital, Grass Valley
  • Barbara Nelson, C.N.E., Sutter Roseville Medical Center
  • Jason Pollack, Oak Ridge Health Care Center, Roseville
  • Lisbeth Powell, R.N., B.S.N., C.C.E., Marshall Hospital, Cameron Park
  • Annette Smith-Dohring, Workforce Development, Sutter Health Sacramento Sierra Region
  • Jodi Tofanelli, Sutter Roseville Medical Center
  • Caroline Waters, R.N., M.S.N., Kaiser Permanente, Sacramento
  • Linda Zorn, Health Workforce Initiative, Chico

Degrees/Certificates

Associate Degree

Associate Degree Nursing Program

Completion of the Associate Degree Nursing Program qualifies the student to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Upon passing the Exam, registered nurses are eligible to work in a variety of settings within the health care system as entry level staff nurses. The curriculum, approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing, consists of both nursing and related general education courses, plus additional general education degree requirements. The nursing courses include theory classes and supervised concurrent clinical practice in local health care agencies. Clinical practice may occur days, evenings, nights and weekends and is assigned by nursing faculty.

At the expense of the student, a physical exam and proof of freedom of communicable disease and/or immunizations for the protection of the student and patients are required upon admission and prior to the first day of class. Students must also purchase an approved uniform and instructional materials required to achieve program objectives, maintain Basic Life Support training certification from the American Heart Association designated for Healthcare Providers and be responsible for transportation to and from clinical facilities. Drug testing and background screening are required. Readiness/assessment testing may be required. Completion of the most current version of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with a cumulative score of 62% or higher is required.

In order to receive complete and accurate information concerning the nursing programs, students are urged to first read the information on the Sierra College website carefully and then seek further information or clarification from the nursing department or counseling staff as necessary.

Registered Nursing Admission Requirements

Application packets are evaluated for completeness and applicant admission eligibility. Application packets that are incomplete are not considered for admission. A complete application packet consists of the following:

  • completed application signed by the applicant;
  • official transcripts for all colleges (including Sierra College) referenced in the application, including those documenting fulfillment of prerequisite courses;
  • official high school transcripts if using high school mathematics courses to meet the mathematics prerequisite;
  • official course descriptions for all prerequisite courses taken outside of Sierra College (official course descriptions must match the year and semester the course was completed as documented on the transcript);
  • TEAS results with a score of 62% or higher;
  • for veterans, a copy of DD Form 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty;
  • current and active e-mail address.

The qualifying score using the Chancellor’s Predictor of Success formula is 84% or higher. The nursing department complies with all academic regulations and requirements.

Program Prerequisites

The following courses must be completed with grades of "C" or better prior to entry into the Registered Nursing program:

BIOL 0004Microbiology (OR) 15
or BIOL 0008A
BIOL 0008B
Microbiology I
and Microbiology II
BIOL 0005Human Anatomy (OR) 14-5
or BIOL 0007A
BIOL 0007B
Human Anatomy I
and Human Anatomy II
BIOL 0006Human Physiology 15
ENGL 0001AIntroduction to Composition3
HDEV 0001Human Development through the Lifespan3
NUTF 0010Principles of Nutrition 13
PSYC 0100General Principles of Psychology3
Demonstrated mathematics proficiency by one of the following:
Elementary Algebra
Intermediate Algebra
Practical Mathematics
College Algebra
Elementary Statistics
Calculus for Social and Life Sciences
Calculus for Social and Life Sciences
Modern Business Mathematics
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
Analytical Geometry and Calculus I
Analytical Geometry and Calculus II
Business Calculus
Two semesters of high school algebra or higher level mathematics
1

Courses in microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition must be completed within seven years of application to the Registered Nursing program.

Program Corequisites

These courses must be completed with grades of "C" or better before the student enters the last semester of the nursing program.

COMM 0001Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
SOC 0001Introduction to Sociology3
or ANTH 0002 Cultural Anthropology

All selected applicants are given provisional acceptance pending successful completion of a clear background check and drug screen, and completion of a health assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner stating that the applicant is clear to perform the requisite duties without restriction.

Advanced Placement Policy for Associate Degree Nursing Program

Licensed vocational nurses and others with previous nursing education and/or experience may receive credit and/or seek advanced placement in the program (see below). In order to be a graduate of the program and receive an associate degree in Registered Nursing, all program and associate degree requirements must be met.

Admission of any student eligible for advanced placement in the program following an academic evaluation is on a space available basis. Students re-entering the program receive priority.

Students may obtain further information regarding program placement policies from the Sierra College website.

30-Unit Licensed Vocational Nursing Option

The 30-unit Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) option is offered on a space available basis for LVNs currently licensed in California. Requirements include completion (or challenge) of acceptable college level courses in physiology and microbiology with grades of “C” or better prior to enrollment in the program and completion (or challenge) of NRSR 0023 and NRSR 0024 in sequence. Those who complete this option do not graduate or receive a degree.

Upward Mobility LVN to RN Option

Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) wishing to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse through the upward mobility option must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission:

  • successful completion of an accredited LVN program;
  • active, unrestricted California LVN license;
  • meet the program prerequisite and admission requirements as well as the above mentioned LVN program clinical experience.

Upon admission, the student must complete NRSR 0023NRSR 0024, and the remaining required program and general education courses. LVNs interested in pursuing an Associate Degree Nursing and taking National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to be a Registered Nurse may be admitted to the Upward Mobility program on a space available basis. Readiness/Assessment testing is required.

Upward Mobility Admission Requirements

See the Registered Nursing Admission Requirements .


Registered Nursing

AA or AS Degree

Students must fulfill the nursing program requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

Students already holding an associate degree in another major do not need to complete the general education requirements listed immediately above, unless they wish to obtain an AA or AS degree in Registered Nursing.

Students who have baccalaureate or higher degrees are only required to fulfill the nursing program requirements and registered nursing courses, to be awarded an associate degree.

Required Courses
BIOL 0004Microbiology (OR)5
or BIOL 0008A
BIOL 0008B
Microbiology I
and Microbiology II
BIOL 0005Human Anatomy (OR)4-5
or BIOL 0007A
BIOL 0007B
Human Anatomy I
and Human Anatomy II
BIOL 0006Human Physiology5
COMM 0001Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
ENGL 0001AIntroduction to Composition3
HDEV 0001Human Development through the Lifespan3
NUTF 0010Principles of Nutrition3
PSYC 0100General Principles of Psychology3
SOC 0001Introduction to Sociology3
or ANTH 0002 Cultural Anthropology
Select one of the following:0-6
Elementary Algebra
Intermediate Algebra
Practical Mathematics
College Algebra
Elementary Statistics
Calculus for Social and Life Sciences
Calculus for Social and Life Sciences
Modern Business Mathematics
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
Analytical Geometry and Calculus I
Analytical Geometry and Calculus II
Business Calculus
Two semesters of high school algebra or higher level mathematics
Registered Nursing Courses 1
NRSR 0021Nursing Fundamentals and Geriatric Nursing11
NRSR 0022Medical Surgical I and Pediatric Nursing11
NRSR 0023Medical Surgical II and Mental Health Nursing11
NRSR 0024Advanced Medical Surgical and Maternal-Newborn Nursing11
Total Units76-83
1

Students must be admitted to the Associate Degree Nursing Program before enrolling in the registered nursing courses. The registered nursing courses must be completed (or challenged) in sequence.

Students who complete the nursing program requirements and registered nursing courses without completing all of the associate degree requirements may take the Licensure Examination as NON-GRADUATES, but these students are not graduates of the program and do not receive degrees.

Board of Registered Nursing Licensure Requirements

Upon applying to the California Board of Registered Nursing for examination and licensure, students must be fingerprinted and submit documentation related to any received conviction; licensure may be denied.

In accordance with Regulation 480 of the State Board of Registered Nursing, a person convicted of any offense, other than a minor traffic violation, may not qualify to be licensed as a registered nurse. Questions regarding this regulation may be addressed to the California State Board of Registered Nursing.

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

NRSR 0017. High-Risk Pediatric Nursing

Units: 0.5
Prerequisite: Enrolled as LVN to RN Upward Mobility student
Hours: 9 lecture
Provides the LVN Upward Mobility student with the content/concepts for the management of nursing care for the child with complex nursing needs, such as a high-risk medical condition and chronic or end-of-life care. The content rounds out the basic pediatric nursing content the student received in the vocational nursing program and meets BRN curriculum requirements. (CSU)

NRSR 0021. Nursing Fundamentals and Geriatric Nursing

Units: 11
Prerequisite: Completion of BIOL 4 or 8A/8B, 5 or 7A/7B, 6, NUTF 10, HDEV 1, PSYC 100, MATH A, and ENGL 1A with grades of "C" or better; eligibility for ENGL 11
396 (99 lecture, 297 laboratory)
Introduction to nursing with overview of its evolution, present trends and issues, legal and ethical aspects and the major concepts underlying today's practice. Theory and correlated clinical practice related to utilizing the nursing process based on Roy's Adaptation Model to provide direct care to stable adult and elderly patients. Emphasis on basic human needs and promoting adaptive mechanisms for attaining and maintaining wellness. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to perform all basic nursing procedures. (letter grade only) (CSU)

NRSR 0022. Medical Surgical I and Pediatric Nursing

Units: 11
Prerequisite: Completion of NRSR 21 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 387 (104 lecture, 283 laboratory)
Theory and correlated clinical practice related to utilizing the nursing process based on Roy's Adaptation Model to promote adaptation by adult and pediatric clients and their families experiencing common and/or remedial illnesses/stressors. Students further develop skills and apply theory introduced in NRSR 21 in varied and more complex settings, and gain additional theory and skills related to new clinical areas and levels of responsibility. (letter grade only) (CSU)

NRSR 0023. Medical Surgical II and Mental Health Nursing

Units: 11
Prerequisite: Completion of NRSR 22 with grade of "C" or better or current LVN licensure and BIOL 4 or 8A/8B, 5 or 7A/7B, 6, NUTF 10, HDEV 1, PSYC 100, MATH A, and ENGL 1A with grades of "C" or better; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in COMM 1 and SOC 1 or ANTH 2 with grades of "C" or better; eligibility for ENGL 11
Hours: 387 (104 lecture, 283 laboratory)
Theory and clinical practice related to application of the nursing process based on Roy's Adaptation Model. Students provide care for the adult client having a variety of complex medical-surgical health problems and learn to apply the nursing process for clients experiencing common mental health issues. Focus is on the role of the registered nurse in therapeutic communication, health teaching, leadership, management and team work. Students further develop skills and apply theory introduced in NRSR 22 in varied and more complex settings, and gain additional theory and skills related to new clinical areas and levels of responsibility. (letter grade only) (CSU)

NRSR 0024. Advanced Medical Surgical and Maternal-Newborn Nursing

Units: 11
Prerequisite: Completion of NRSR 23 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 396 (99 lecture, 297 laboratory)
Theory and correlated clinical practice related to the application of the nursing process based on Roy's Adaptation Model for multiple adult and geriatric clients with complex health problems experiencing acute illness. Students learn to promote adaptation for the maternal-newborn clients experiencing illness/stressors. Students further develop skills and apply theory introduced in previous semesters in varied and more complex settings, and gain additional theory and skills related to new clinical areas and levels of responsibility. During the first ten weeks, clinical experience takes place in the medical-surgical and maternal newborn settings under the direct supervision of the faculty. The final six weeks encompass the completion of a pre-licensure preceptorship with a registered nurse in the medical-surgical clinical setting. (letter grade only) (CSU)

NRSR 0025. HIgh Risk Obstetrical/Newborn Nursing

Units: 0.5
Prerequisite: Enrollment as an LVN to RN upward mobility student
Hours: 16 (7 lecture, 9 laboratory)
Provides the LVN upward mobility student with the content/concepts for the management of nursing care for the obstetrical and newborn patient with complex nursing needs, such as a high-risk intrapartum, complicated birth, and post delivery care of maternal/newborn patients. Content builds upon the basic obstetrical nursing content the student received in the vocational nursing program and meets BRN curriculum requirements. (CSU)

Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

  • Apply the nursing process based on Roy's Adaptation Model to support and promote health when caring for clients in all states of the life continuum within a variety of healthcare settings.
  • Communicate effectively with clients, families, and within the heath care team using therapeutic and interpersonal strategies and learned skills.
  • Teach health maintenance and promotion to clients and their families, and to members of the community.
  • Interact collaboratively as a member of the health care team and assume leadership responsibilities in coordinating care for groups of clients in structured health care systems.
  • Demonstrate the principles of client advocacy: accept responsibility for nursing practice and function and accountability within the legal scope of registered nursing practice.
  • Assume responsibility and accountability for professional growth and lifelong learning.
  • Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurse NCLEX-RN exam on first attempt.