CYPRESS COLLEGE 2013–2014
CURRICULUM MODEL
NURSING AND THE NURSING PROCESS
The function of nursing is to identify the needs of the client/family and to promote or support the client’s/family’s optimal level of adaptation on the health-illness continuum. The nurse’s role is to assess and diagnose the behavioral responses and intervene on behalf of the client to achieve maximal wellness. The nursing process, based on the application of principles derived from the biological and behavioral sciences, is used as a systematic approach in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of individualized nursing care for a client/family.
NURSING AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HEALTH PROMOTION PRACTICES
The Cypress College nursing faculty recognizes the value of high-level wellness and supports the concept of the nurse being a positive role model for health practices. The entering student needs to be aware of his/her health-promoting behaviors in the area of general health (i.e., rest and sleep, nutrition, therapeutic recreation). The student should also be aware of and avoid behaviors detrimental to health.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, EQUIPMENT AND EXPENSES INCURRED BY NURSING STUDENTS UPON ENROLLMENT IN THE NURSING PROGRAM
This information is intended to assist those who are planning enrollment in the registered nursing program prepared for educational expenses. In addition to enrollment fees PAYABLE AT REGISTRATION, the nursing student incurs additional expenses. The nursing student should anticipate an expenditure of approximately $6,000 over the two years of enrollment in nursing program courses. Clinical practice sites are located throughout Orange and Los Angeles counties. Clinical rotations may be scheduled for both day and evening shifts in order to provide the best learning opportunities. The student will need reliable personal transportation in order to travel to assigned hospitals at least two days a week in each nursing course. The nature of the learning experiences in the registered nursing program requires that students engage in direct patient care in assigned clinical facilities. All enrolled students are required to meet the same health and safety standards required of nurses in the contracted clinical facilities. For this reason each student enrolled in the nursing program must complete the following requirements at his/her own expense prior to the first day of attendance: 1. Physical examination with health clearance indicating good physical and mental health status with no limitations to providing direct patient care.
2. Proof of current immunizations or immunity by titer. 3. Testing for communicable diseases including, but not limited to, the following: Tuberculosis, rubella, rubeola, varicella, hepatitis. 4. Malpractice insurance. 5. Current CPR certification at the Professional Health Provider level. 6. Background checks. In addition, the student will need to purchase required uniforms, watch with sweep second hand, name badge, stethoscope, and other equipment required for clinical practice. Information regarding the specific requirements in place at the time of initial enrollment into nursing clinical courses is provided at a mandatory orientation meeting scheduled for applicants selected each semester.
ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE PROGRAM REGISTERED NURSING Program Code: 1S03785
The program educates nursing students for patient/client services in a variety of health care settings. Clinical experience in hospitals and other health care agencies is correlated with classroom instruction. At the satisfactory completion of all courses and the specified general education requirements, the individual will receive an Associate in Science degree and will be eligible to write the Registered Nursing State Licensing Examination. (If you have been convicted of any offense other than a minor traffic violation, it may prevent your attending clinical rotations where criminal background checks are required. You will be required to declare offenses on your state application to write the licensing exam, which may affect your eligibility to become licensed.) The nursing program is approved by California State Board of Registered Nursing and nationally accredited by the NCNAC. For the requirements to complete the Associate in Science Degree, see the Graduation Requirements for the Associate Degree section of this catalog.
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR APPLICANTS
1. Eligibility for admission to Cypress College. 2. High school graduation, or passing of the General Education Development Test (GED), or the High School Proficiency Test, or a graduate of an accredited college. 3. Good physical and mental health as determined by a medical examination upon admission to the program. In compliance with the State Board of Registered Nursing Guidelines, no student with impaired health status (which includes use of legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or other chemicals) shall be admitted or allowed to remain enrolled in the Nursing Program. Students applying to the Nursing Program with a history of substance abuse, physical impairment, or mental/ emotional impairment shall be required to provide proof of active participation in a recognized treatment program at the time of application. Evidence of continuing rehabilitation may be required if admitted or re-admitted to the Nursing Program. These standards are necessary for the Cypress College Registered Nursing Program to be in compliance with the Board of Registered Nursing Guidelines and maintain full accreditation. 4. Total college grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (“C”) or better. 5. Completion of ENGL 100 C with “C” or better as determined by a counselor from transcript. 6. Completion of Biology 231 C (General Anatomy), Biology 241 C (Human Physiology), (CHEM 101 C strongly recommended), and Biology 220 C (Medical Microbiology) with “C” or better. All must have been completed within five years of application.
Courses
The nursing curriculum model is based on a conceptual framework which focuses on the individual within his/her family and community. The individual exhibits needs at varying levels within the biopsychosocial/spiritual domains. The purpose of the model is to provide a framework to which the students can relate course content and nursepatient interaction. The conceptual model encourages the use of varied theories to explain a person’s behavior in response to his/her environment. Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is emphasized to examine human needs and behavior as the person moves toward the ultimate goal of self-actualization. Learning experiences are planned to incorporate the health needs of individuals in all age and developmental groups at various placements on the health-illness continuum.
Nursing Program / 243