Contact Information
- Division
- Nursing and Allied Health
- Dean
- Nancy James
- Division Office
- V 211, Rocklin Campus
- Department Office
- RN1 100, Rocklin Campus
- 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
Katie Davis
Coordinator, Nursing Simulation Lab
A.S., Portalnd Community College
Donald Holmes-Talbot
Assistant Professor, Nursing
A.A,. Tarrant County College
A.S,. Tarrant County College
B.S., Tarleton State University
M.S., Walden University
Nicole Mushrush
Assistant Professor, Nursing
A.D.N, Sierra College
B.S.N, Western Governor's University
M.S.N, Western Governor's University
Michele Reisinger
Professor, Nursing
B.S.N., Holy Names University
M.S.N, California State University, Dominguez Hills
Anita Roe
Assistant Professor, Nursing
B.S.N, Mount Saint Mary’s University
M.S.N., Western Governors Univeristy
Alison Valdez
Assistant Professor, Nursing
B.S., California State University, Dominguez Hills
M.S., Arizona State University
Dawn Veltre
Professor, Nursing
B.S.N., California State University, Stanislaus
M.S.N., California State University, Sacramento
Nursing Advisory Committee
- Adventist Health, Roseville, CA
- American River College, Sacramento, CA
- California State University Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
- California Board of Registered Nursing, Sacramento, CA
- Crystal Ridge Care Center, Grass Valley, CA
- Dignity Health, Greater Sacramento Region
- Eskaton Care Center, Greater Sacramento Region
- Health Impact, Sacramento, CA
- Heritage Oaks Hospital, Sacramento, CA
- Kaiser Permanente, Greater Sacramento Region
- Oakridge Care Center, Roseville, CA
- Placer County Department of Health, Placer County, CA
- Sacramento City College, Sacramento, CA
- Shriner’s Hospital, Sacramento, CA
- Sutter Health, Sacramento, CA (HQ)
- The Gathering Inn, Auburn and Roseville, CA
- UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
- Veteran’s Hospital, Sacramento County, CA
- Western Sierra Medical Center, Auburn, CA
- Yuba College, Marysville, CA
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:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 0004 | Microbiology 1 | 5 |
| BIOL 0005 | Human Anatomy 1 | 5 |
| BIOL 0006 | Human Physiology 1 | 5 |
| ENGL 0001A | College Reading, Writing and Research | 4 |
| HDEV 0001 | Human Development Through the Lifespan | 3 |
| or PSYC 0104 | Developmental Psychology | |
| NUTF 0010 | Principles of Nutrition 1 | 3 |
| PSYC 0100 | General Principles of Psychology | 3 |
| Demonstrated mathematics proficiency by one of the following: | ||
| 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 | ||
| Introduction to Psychological Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics in Sociology | ||
| Completion of one year (or block schedule) of Algebra I or higher level mathematics in high school with grades of “C” or better | ||
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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.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 0001 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| SOC 0001 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| 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 0023, NRSR 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:
- Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;
- California State University General Education Breadth pattern;
- Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).
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
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 0004 | Microbiology | 5 |
| BIOL 0005 | Human Anatomy | 5 |
| BIOL 0006 | Human Physiology | 5 |
| COMM 0001 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| ENGL 0001A | College Reading, Writing and Research | 4 |
| HDEV 0001 | Human Development Through the Lifespan | 3 |
| or PSYC 0104 | Developmental Psychology | |
| NUTF 0010 | Principles of Nutrition | 3 |
| PSYC 0100 | General Principles of Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 0001 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| 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 | ||
| Introduction to Psychological Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics in Sociology | ||
| Completion of one year (or block schedule) of Algebra I or higher level mathematics in high school with grades of “C” or better | ||
| Registered Nursing Courses 1 | ||
| NRSR 0021 | Nursing Fundamentals and Geriatric Nursing | 11 |
| NRSR 0022 | Medical Surgical I and Pediatric Nursing | 11 |
| NRSR 0023 | Medical Surgical II and Mental Health Nursing | 11 |
| NRSR 0024 | Advanced Medical Surgical and Maternal-Newborn Nursing | 11 |
| Total Units | 78-84 | |
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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
Hours: 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 geriatric 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 or equivalent of NRSR 21 with grade of "C" or better as determined by Dean/department chair
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
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. (letter grade only) (CSU)
NRSR 0025. High Risk Obstetrical/Newborn Nursing
Units: 0.5
Prerequisite: Enrolled 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 implement evidence-based practice model into nursing practice.
