Vocational Nursing (LVN), Certificate of Achievement (C)

Program Overview

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Vocational Nursing (LVN), Certificate of Achievement (C)

Overview

The Vocational Nursing program prepares applicants to practice as competent, compassionate, and ethical Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). The program provides a high-quality vocational education program that is sensitive to the diverse needs of our students and our community. We facilitate educational access and academic excellence through a learner-centered nursing program, and prepare students to successfully pass the National Licensing Exam (NCLEX PN) and to practice Vocational Nursing in a variety of health-related settings: skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, Residential care facilities, memory-care units, sub-acute care units, hospice and home health agencies, school districts, jails, clinics, surgery centers, and physician’s offices.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

Students must earn a "C" or better or "P" in all courses required for the major. Candidates for a Certificate of Achievement are required to complete at least 35% of the department requirements through SBCC.

Course List

• Department Requirements:
  • Prior to first semester:
    • BMS 100: The Human Body (4-8 units)
    • or BMS 107 & BMS 108: Human Anatomy and Human Physiology
    • Qualifying score on TEAS reading exam
    • Qualifying score on TEAS math exam or MATH 107: Intermediate Algebra (0-5 units)
  • First Semester:
    • VN 161: Fundamentals for Nursing Practice 1 (5 units)
    • VN 162: Care of the Older Adult (1.5 units)
    • VN 163: Pharmacology for Nurses (3 units)
    • VN 164: Nursing Practicum I (6 units)
  • Second Semester:
    • VN 165: Medical Surgical Nursing I (3 units)
    • VN 166: Medical Surgical Nursing II (3.5 units)
    • VN 167: Nursing Care of Children (2 units)
    • VN 168: Mental Health Nursing (1 unit)
    • VN 169: Nursing Practicum II (6 units)
  • Third Semester:
    • VN 170: Medical Surgical Nursing III (3.5 units)
    • VN 171: Medical Surgical Nursing IV (3.5 units)
    • VN 172: Maternal Newborn Nursing (1.5 units)
    • VN 173: Preparation for Professional Vocational Nursing Practice (1.5 units)
    • VN 174: Nursing Practicum III (6 units)

Total Units: 51.00-60.00

Learning Outcomes

• Function within the scope of practice of the LVN, as outlined by the California Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians.
• Apply the nursing process to practice by collaboratively assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care.
• Practice within professional and legal standards, ethical principles, and demonstrate sensitivity to the cultural differences of patients.
• Apply principles of oral, written, and verbal communication to convey relevant, accurate, and complete information.
• Demonstrate the art and science of professional caring incorporating professional values and client advocacy.
• Be prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensing examination.

Recommended Sequence

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Vocational Nursing program at Santa Barbara City College aims to train students to become competent, compassionate, and ethical Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to effectively provide nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, residential care facilities, memory-care units, sub-acute care units, hospice and home health agencies, school districts, jails, clinics, surgery centers, and physician's offices.

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Objectives:

• Prepare students to practice as competent, compassionate, and ethical Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs)
• Provide a high-quality vocational education program that is sensitive to the diverse needs of students and the community
• Facilitate educational access and academic excellence through a learner-centered nursing program
• Prepare students to successfully pass the National Licensing Exam (NCLEX PN) and to practice Vocational Nursing in a variety of health-related settings

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Program Description:

The Vocational Nursing program at Santa Barbara City College is a three-semester program that includes both classroom and clinical instruction. The program provides students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of nursing, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing theory. Students also gain hands-on experience in providing nursing care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings.

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Outline:

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Course Schedule:

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Semester 1:

• VN 161 Fundamentals for Nursing Practice
• VN 162 Care of the Older Adult
• VN 163 Pharmacology for Nurses
• VN 164 Nursing Practicum I

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Semester 2:

• VN 165 Medical Surgical Nursing I
• VN 166 Medical Surgical Nursing II
• VN 167 Nursing Care of Children
• VN 168 Mental Health Nursing
• VN 169 Nursing Practicum II

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Semester 3:

• VN 170 Medical Surgical Nursing III
• VN 171 Medical Surgical Nursing IV
• VN 172 Maternal Newborn Nursing
• VN 173 Preparation for Professional Vocational Nursing Practice
• VN 174 Nursing Practicum III

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Individual Modules with Descriptions:

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VN 161 Fundamentals for Nursing Practice:

This module introduces students to the fundamentals of nursing, including the nursing process, patient assessment, and basic nursing skills.

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VN 162 Care of the Older Adult:

This module focuses on the care of older adults, including the unique challenges and needs of this population.

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VN 163 Pharmacology for Nurses:

This module introduces students to the principles of pharmacology and the safe administration of medications.

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VN 164 Nursing Practicum I:

This module provides students with hands-on experience in providing nursing care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings.

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VN 165 Medical Surgical Nursing I:

This module introduces students to the care of patients with medical-surgical conditions, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care.

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VN 166 Medical Surgical Nursing II:

This module continues to build on the knowledge and skills acquired in VN 165, with a focus on more complex medical-surgical conditions.

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VN 167 Nursing Care of Children:

This module focuses on the care of children, including the unique challenges and needs of this population.

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VN 168 Mental Health Nursing:

This module introduces students to the care of patients with mental health conditions, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care.

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VN 169 Nursing Practicum II:

This module provides students with additional hands-on experience in providing nursing care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings.

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VN 170 Medical Surgical Nursing III:

This module continues to build on the knowledge and skills acquired in VN 165 and VN 166, with a focus on complex medical-surgical conditions.

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VN 171 Medical Surgical Nursing IV:

This module provides students with an in-depth study of the care of patients with complex medical-surgical conditions.

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VN 172 Maternal Newborn Nursing:

This module focuses on the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, as well as the care of newborns.

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VN 173 Preparation for Professional Vocational Nursing Practice:

This module prepares students for the transition to the workforce as a Vocational Nurse, including topics such as professional ethics, legal issues, and job search strategies.

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VN 174 Nursing Practicum III:

This module provides students with a final opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a supervised clinical setting.

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Assessment:

Students in the Vocational Nursing program at Santa Barbara City College are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams: Students are required to take exams in each of their nursing courses, which may include multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay questions.
• Clinical performance: Students are assessed on their clinical performance in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics.
• Projects: Students may be required to complete projects as part of their coursework, such as research papers or care plans.
• Class participation: Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and activities, which may be taken into account in their final grades.

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Teaching:

The Vocational Nursing program at Santa Barbara City College is taught by a team of experienced faculty members, including nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed vocational nurses. The faculty is dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education and preparing them for success in the nursing profession. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Faculty members deliver lectures to introduce new concepts and provide students with an overview of the course material.
• Discussions: Students engage in discussions with faculty members and other students to explore the course material in more depth and to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
• Hands-on learning: Students have the opportunity to practice their nursing skills in a variety of hands-on learning experiences, including simulations, skills labs, and clinical rotations.

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Careers:

Graduates of the Vocational Nursing program at Santa Barbara City College are prepared to enter the workforce as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). LVNs are in high demand in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, and home health agencies.

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Potential career paths for LVNs include:

• Staff nurse: LVNs provide basic nursing care to patients in a variety of healthcare settings.
• Charge nurse: LVNs may be responsible for supervising a team of nurses and providing patient care in a specific unit or department.
• Case manager: LVNs may work with patients to coordinate care and ensure that they receive the appropriate services.
• Home health nurse: LVNs may provide care to patients in their homes, assisting with tasks such as medication management, wound care, and personal hygiene.
• School nurse: LVNs may provide care to students in schools, assisting with tasks such as administering medications, assessing injuries, and providing health education.
The median annual salary for LVNs in California is