Registered Nursing Program for Licensed Vocational Nurses, Licensed Psychiatric Technicians, and Military Experience to RN

Division Dean

Colin Preston, Interim

Faculty

Beena Eapen
Michael Faraci
Jen Galich
Christine Hoang
Shinah Kim
Patricia "Rose" Kirby
Sally McNay
Ryan Ortega
Thu Pham
Elizabeth Putman
Jane Walker
Marredda Williams

Director of Nursing

Dr. Colleen Peralta

Counselors

Kelly Carter
Marisa Lehmeier
Denise Vo

Accredited by: (ACEN formerly NLNAC)
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
3390 Peachtree NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
Fax (404) 975-5020

Mission Statement

The Registered Nursing Program provides student-centered education , preparing graduates to practice as caring registered nurses providing safe, quality, patient-centered care with a foundation for lifelong learning.

Philosophy Statement

The Cypress College nursing faculty ascribes to the core competencies for nursing and nursing education identified by the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) project. While firmly based in science and the arts, the essence of nursing is caring and compassionate patient centered care. Ethical standards, respect for individual dignity, and consideration of cultural context are implicit in the practice of patient-centered care. The nurse advocates for patients and families in ways that promote self-determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings. Nursing care is provided in collaboration with the patient, the family and members of the health care team. The nurse displays a spirit of inquiry by examining evidence to improve quality of care, promote safety and improve patient outcomes. Nursing judgment is integral to making competent decisions related to the provision of safe and effective nursing care. In order to make informed clinical decisions, the nurse must have a firm foundation in and understanding of the concepts of oxygenation, regulation and movement. Information essential to nursing care is communicated via a variety of technological and human means. The adoption of these key philosophical components fosters the development of the nurse’s professional identity.

---

Teaching and Learning

The nursing faculty believes that learning is a dynamic process which results in behavioral changes. Learning occurs throughout the life cycle and can aid in maximization of any individual’s potentials. The individual student’s potentials are developed through use of the nursing process, a professional proactive approach to problem-solving. The curriculum provides opportunities for facilitating learning based on individual styles of learning. Self-motivation and active participation are necessary components of the learning process for adult learners. Nursing students must also participate in the classroom and clinical settings.

The curriculum is organized from simple to complex concepts which are as identified in each course outline. Multiple methods of instruction are utilized to address the content being studied, to enhance learning, and to provide for individual differences in both teaching and learning styles. The structure and content of each course is designed to support the department’s philosophy of nursing education. The student is recognized as an individual who moves toward goals of self-realization and fulfillment.

---

Role of the Teacher and Student

The role of the teacher is to identify the learning needs of the student and to facilitate the student’s optimal level of learning achievement. A systematic approach is utilized to assist the student in assessment of learning needs, development of learning goals, selection and implementation of learning methods and strategies, and evaluation of outcomes. Differences in individual needs, learning styles, ethnicity and cultural background are essential considerations in effective teacher-student relationships.

---

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 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 $7,000 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 day and evening shifts in order to provide learning opportunities. The student will need reliable personal transportation in order to travel to assigned hospitals up to 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 safe 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 and personal health insurance.
5. Current CPR certification at the Professional Health Provider level.
6. Criminal background checks and urine testing.

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.

At Cypress College, there are Department Program Student Learning Outcomes and Degree & Certificate Program Student Learning Outcomes.

---

Department Program Student Learning Outcomes:

Nursing

The graduate of the Cypress College Nursing Program will be competent when he/she consistently provides safe, quality, patient centered care. The graduate uses sound nursing judgment and best practices to meet patient care needs for oxygenation, regulation and movement across the lifespan. The graduate nurse demonstrates advocacy for patients/families in a coordinated manner using open interprofessional communication while maintaining mutual respect and shared decision-making to achieve safe quality patient outcomes. The graduate uses evidence to make decisions and promotes quality improvement. The professional nurse uses information and technology to support decision-making and effective communication while demonstrating professionalism.

The courses taught by this department contribute to the following ISLO/PSLOs: A-Breadth of Knowledge, Competencies, and Skills; specifically, the following ISLO/PSLO subcategories: A1- Health Sciences.

A student who completes the Nursing Program will be able to:

• Acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for employment.

Graduate Outcomes (Competencies)

1. Employ practices to ensure safety of patients and improve outcomes of care. (Safety)
2. Advocate for patients, recognizing the patient or designee as the source of control and as full partner in providing compassionate and coordinated care based on respect for patient’s preferences, values, and needs. (Patient Centered Care)
3. Collaborate effectively within nursing and inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared ­decision-making to achieve safe, quality patient care in a variety of health care settings. (Teamwork and Collaboration)
4. Use nursing judgment based on best current evidence to provide safe care for patients and families across the lifespan. (Evidence-Based Practice)
5. Apply principles of quality improvement to monitor the outcomes of care and minimize risk of harm to patients and providers. (Quality Improvement)
6. Use information and technology to communicate, document care, minimize error, and support decision making. (Informatics)
7. Utilize best practices and sound nursing judgment to address oxygenation issues, maintain regulation, and guide movement in patients across the lifespan. (Oxygenation, Regulation, Movement)
8. Demonstrate professionalism in the implementation of the role of the registered nurse. (Professionalism)

---

Degree & Certificate Program Student Learning Outcomes:

The program student learning outcomes for each award can be found on the specific degree or certificate page.

Registered Nursing Program for Licensed Vocational Nurses
Licensed Psychiatric Technicians, and Military Experience to RN

---

The Registered Nursing Program provides an opportunity for Licensed Vocational Nurses, Licensed Psychiatric Technicians, and those with military healthcare experience to complete the Registered Nursing curriculum.

The individual completing the Registered Nursing Program and general education requirements will receive an Associate Degree in Nursing and is eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) as a graduate of Cypress College Registered Nursing Program.
Cypress College. Many of our graduates continue on to an upper division program of study specifically designed for registered nurses leading to a Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing.

The LVN 30-Unit Option non-degree RN Program does not lead to an Associate Degree in Nursing. This non-graduate status entitles the candidate to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure as a registered nurse only in California. This permanent non-graduate status may hinder employment and further educational opportunities and prohibit endorsement as a registered nurse in other states. (See catalog and Health Science Counselor)

The Department of Nursing articulates with most colleges and universities, which means they accept lower division work from Cypress College. Many of our graduates continue on to an upper division program of study specifically designed for registered nurses leading to a Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing.

The Nursing program is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN formerly the NLNAC).

---

CYPRESS COLLEGE CAREER MOBILITY PROGRAM

A. MINIMUM STANDARDS TO APPLY

1. Apply to Cypress College to obtain a Cypress College student ID#. The email address used on the Cypress College application will be used within your Health Science Application and for all Career Mobility email interactions between the college faculty and staff, clinical sites, and any other program related email interactions.
    
2. High School graduation or passing of the General Education Development (GED) or high school proficiency test by the start of the program or an Associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college/university.
    
3. Possess an unencumbered, current California LVN or PT license, and must have at least 6 months fulltime experience or one year of part-time experience, within the last 3 years at the time of application.
    
4. Total college grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or better.
    
5. Program Prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “C” or better:
   1. English 100C/ English 101C/ESL 110C - College Writing (4 units) or a comparable course.
   2. Biology 231 C - General Human Anatomy (4 units) or a comparable course with lab. Must be taken within 7 years of application.
   3. Biology 241C - General Human Physiology (4 units) or a comparable course with lab. Must be taken within 7 years of application (Chemistry 101C is strongly recommended)
   4. Biology 220C - Medical Microbiology (4 units) or a comparable course with lab. Must be taken within 7 years of application.
   5. Psychology 101C - Introduction to Psychology (3 units).
       
6. A copy of a passing TEAS score (62 or higher) within the last two years and most current version must be provided within the online Career Mobility application. The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) will be used by the Cypress College Nursing Program. The TEAS is a multiple-choice assessment that will cover English and Language usage, reading, mathematics and science. For more information on the TEAS, applicants may go to: http://www.atitesting.com. Cypress College is not a TEAS testing site. Cypress College will accept any testing proctor options provided by ATI (online, in-person, etc.).
    
7. Complete the online Career Mobility Interest link on the Health Science Application page (https://www.cypresscollege.edu/health-science-application/) to receive the application link.
    
8. Successful completion of the Career Mobility Proficiency Exams I and II. (Fall semester only - Limit 1 attempt)
    
9. Successful completion of the Career Mobility Clinical Skills Validation Performance Exam. (Spring semester only upon successful completion of Proficiency Exam II - Limit 2 attempts)

---

B. APPLICATION PROCEDURES

1. Review the Career Mobility Application Checklist on the Registered Nursing webpage.
    
2. Apply to Cypress College to obtain a Cypress College student ID#. Once a Cypress College Student ID# has been received, and upon successful completion of the Career Mobility Clinical Skills validation test, submit required official transcripts of all colleges attended to Cypress College Admissions and Records.
   • To Digitally send an official transcript (directly from school to school only)
     • Use incomingtranscripts@cypresscollege.edu or choose Cypress college (if the option is provided during the ordering process)
   • To mail unopened and sealed official transcripts to Cypress College use this address -
     • Cypress College
       Admissions and Records - Transcripts
       9200 Valley View St.
       Cypress, CA 90630
3. Complete the online Career Mobility Interest link on the Health Science Application page (https://www.cypresscollege.edu/health-science-application/) to receive the application link.
    
4. The proficiency exam is scheduled in October of each year.
    
5. Submit needed documents following the instructions on the application.
   1. Copy of High School diploma, official High School transcripts, copy of GED, or an Associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college/university.
   2. Official transcripts of all colleges attended (including W’s and dual enrollment)
   3. Unofficial Cypress College and Fullerton College if attended.
   4. Letter verifying 6 months of full-time or one-year part time LVN/PT experience within the last 3 years.
       
6. It is the responsibility of the applicant to thoroughly read all information provided within the handouts and the program’s webpage to review for updated and changes that can occur at any time prior to or after the application period.

---

C. CANDIDATE SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Successful completion of NURS 090 C Nursing Transitions (with a grade of “C” or better). NURS 090 is only available upon successful completion of the Career Mobility Clinical Skills validation tests and is a non-repeatable class.
    
2. Eligible applicants will be admitted to the nursing program on a space available basis according to attrition in the generic nursing program and the time of submission of a completed career mobility application.
    
3. F-1 visa students will not be accepted for admission into any program when applications by qualified U.S. citizens exceed space available (AP 5012 1.4.).

---

D. ACCEPTANCE

1. The applicant will have one offer of admittance to Nursing Transitions course during the calendar year of completed Skills Validation Exam.
2. When notified of admittance to the program a response of acceptance is required by a specified date.
3. Applicant rejects offer of admittance: An applicant who chooses not to accept admittance by the deadline will be dropped from the list.
4. No response to the notification of admission by specified date constitutes rejection by the applicant and the applicant’s name is dropped from the list.
5. Acceptance is based on attendance at a mandatory orientation for those accepted to begin the RN program.
6. Good physical and mental health as determined by a medical examination upon admission to the program.
7. Once entering the program, all required courses within the program pathway must be completed at Cypress College with the cohort. NO EXCEPTIONS.

---

E. GENERAL EDUCATION AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The below courses must be taken prior to the expected date of graduation. All required courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
 

Course List

Code	Title	Units
PSY 101 C	Introduction to Psychology 2	3
SOC 101 C	Introduction to Sociology	3
COMM 100 C	Human Communication	3
MATH 120 C	Intro Probability Statistics 1, 2, 3	4
Humanities Requirement (Category C2) 4		3
Arts Requirement (Category C1) 4		3
Physical Activity and Health Requirement 4		1

1	May be waived based on completion of an associate degree or higher at an accredited institution in the U.S.
2	A score of 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement (AP) meets this requirement. See a counselor for more information.
3	Proficiency test available - see Counselor.
4	See Counselor - Cypress College Native GE

---

Licensed Vocational Nurses to Registered Nurse

(All below listed courses must be taken at Cypress College with the cohort)

First Year
Semester 1	Units	Semester 2	Units
NURS 292 C	5	NURS 295 C	0.5
NURS 293 C	3.5	NURS 296 C	3.5
NURS 294 C	3	NURS 297 C	5
	11.5		9
Total Units 20.5

Licensed Psychiatric Technicians to Registered Nurse

(All below listed courses must be taken at Cypress College with the cohort)

First Year
Semester 1	Units	Semester 2	Units	Semester 3	Units
NURS 196 C	5	NURS 292 C	5	NURS 295 C	0.5
NURS 197 C	3.5	NURS 294 C	3	NURS 296 C	3.5
				NURS 297 C	5
	8.5		8		9
Total Units 25.5

---

CONTACT US

Health Science Counselor
Cypress College
9200 Valley View St.
Cypress, CA 90630-5897
(714) 484-7015
https://careers.cypresscollege.edu/programs/nursing/

---

Health Science Applications Office
Health Science Building/TE3-217
E-MAIL: healthscience@cypresscollege.edu