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Nursing (NURS Courses)

The nursing programs at Allan Hancock College provide students interested in nursing the opportunity to progress through the various levels of nursing education in a career ladder, from Nursing Assistant to Licensed Vocational Nurse to Registered Nurse.  Students in all nursing programs are required by the clinical agencies to have drug screening and background checks.  A positive drug screen or conviction appearing on the background check may make the student ineligible for clinical placement, and therefore ineligible to continue in the program.

NURS 101 Transitions to Professional Practice

1.5 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to RN Program
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
The course facilitates transition to professional nursing practice. It focuses on ethical and legal issues and personal accountability and responsibility. It analyzes standards of practice and the significance of functioning according to state regulations and statutes. Nursing process and clinical nurse thinking are applied in communication, patient teaching, culture, and across the lifespan. It also identifies issues and trends that affect nursing practice and healthcare in general.

NURS 102 Med Surg Nursing 1

3.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to RN Program
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the care of patients across the lifespan with complex medical/surgical health problems. Emphasis is placed on helping clients and their families cope with alterations in body functions throughout the continuum of healthcare. Concepts of pharmacology, health promotion and education, evidence based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration will be integrated throughout the course.

NURS 103 RN Practicum 1

5.0 units.
Corequisite: NURS 111 - RN Skills 1
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to RN Program
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course provides the student with clinical opportunities to apply theoretical concepts and implement safe care to patients across the lifespan in a variety of care settings. Introduction to complex clinical skills, as well as priority setting, clinical judgment, and tenets of legal and ethical practice, are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 104 Med Surg Nursing 2

3.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to RN program
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the care of clients across the lifespan with complex medical/surgical health problems. Emphasis is placed on helping patients and their families cope with alterations in body functions. Concepts of pharmacology, health promotion and education, evidence based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration will be integrated throughout the course.

NURS 106 Leadership & Management

1.5 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to RN Program and successful completion of first semester RN courses.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered: Fall
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course facilitates transition to professional nursing practice. It focuses on leadership and management concepts, delegation, teamwork, conflict management, and contemporary issues. It includes change, quality management, applicable ethical and legal standards, and workplace issues. It covers application by examination for nursing licensure.

NURS 108 RN Practicum 2

5.0 units.
Corequisite: NURS 112 - RN Skills 2
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to RN Program and successful completion of first semester RN courses.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered: Fall
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
The course provides opportunities to apply nurse caring concepts to people at risk. The student implements the nursing process with increasing level of independence. It includes a learning-objectives based preceptorship.

NURS 109 Med Surg Nursing 3

3.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to RN program and successful completion of first semester RN courses.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered: Fall
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on advanced concepts of nursing care as they relate to patients across the lifespan with complex, multisystem alterations in health. Emphasis is placed on implementing time management and organizational skills while managing the care of patients with multiple needs and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team.

NURS 110 Mental Health Nursing

3.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to RN Program and successful completion of first semester RN courses.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered: Fall
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the care of patients across the lifespan experiencing cognitive, mental and behavioral disorders. Emphasis is placed on management of patients facing emotional and psychological stressors as well as promoting and maintaining the mental health of individuals and families. Concepts of crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, anger management, and coping skills are integrated throughout the course. The community as a site for care and support services is addressed.

NURS 111 RN Skills 1

1.0 unit.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to RN Program
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Course Offered: Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course provides opportunities to further develop clinical thinking and practice advanced nursing skills. These situations integrate previously nursing knowledge, skills, and attitudes with evidence-based protocols in a structured lab setting.

NURS 112 RN Skills 2

0.5 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to RN Program and successful completion of first semester RN courses.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course provides opportunities to develop and practice advanced nursing skills. These complex skills integrate previously learned nursing skills and applied protocols in the structured lab setting. It facilitates clinical thinking, timely decision-making, and nursing actions to address patient conditions.

NURS 189 Independent Projects in Nursing

1.0 - 3.0 units.
Acceptable for credit: Transfer CSU
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
Courses for student capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to pursue activities such as directed field experience, search, or development of skills and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent Projects may be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Units are awarded depending upon satisfactory performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 units - 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester

NURS 300 CNA/Acute Care Aide

12.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to CNA program.
Prerequisite: ENGL 101 - Freshman Composition: Exposition
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
C-ID Course Number: NA
Course Offered: Fall, Spring
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
The course details the roles and responsibilities of the certified nursing assistant in both long-term and acute care settings. It emphasizes the importance of professionalism, responsibility, and accountability. It introduces various health care professional careers.

NURS 310 Pharmacology

3.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to the VN Program
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
The course covers basic pharmacologic principles including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic effects, adverse effects, clinical uses, and contraindications. It introduces the nursing process and drug dosage calculations. Emphasis is on the role of the nurse in drug administration, prevention of drug interactions, assessment of therapeutic and adverse effects, and patient teaching across the lifespan.

NURS 311 Medication Administration

1.5 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and successful completion of NURS 310
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the administration of medications to adult, geriatric and pediatric patients that require medical, surgical or preventive intervention. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 317 Fundamentals of Nursing

3.5 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and successful completion of NURS 310
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course provides an introduction to nursing and roles of the nurse in various care settings; as well as profession-related and patient care concepts. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe, quality care. The theoretical foundation for basic assessment and nursing skills is presented and the student is given an opportunity to demonstrate these skills in a laboratory setting. An introduction to the nursing process provides the student with a beginning framework for decision making.

NURS 318 Clinical Lab 1

8.0 units.
Corequisite: NURS 311 - Medication Administration ; and NURS 317 - Fundamentals of Nursing

Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and successful completion of NURS 310
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Pass/No Pass
This course focuses on the care of the adult patients in long-term care, acute care, and outpatient settings who require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 320 Care of Older Adults

2.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to the VN program and/or successful completion of spring semester VN courses
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the care of older adult patients with health issues that require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 322 Maternal and Infant Health

2.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and/or successful completion of the summer semester VN courses
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the care of all phases of the maternity cycle including care of the obstetrical patient and newborn infant. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 323 Respiratory Conditions

2.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and/or successful completion of NURS 310
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the care of adult patients with respiratory conditions that require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 327 GI and Urinary Conditions

2.5 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and/or successful completion of spring semester VN courses
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the care of adult patients with gastrointestinal (GI) or urinary conditions that require medical and/or surgical intervention. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 328 Clinical Lab 2

3.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and/or successful completion of spring semester VN courses
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Pass/No Pass
The course is a supervised clinical experience in various health care settings using intermediate vocational nursing skills.

NURS 329 Endocrine and Reproductive Conditions

2.5 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Successful completion of NURS 310 and admission to VN Program
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the care of adult patients with endocrine and reproductive conditions that require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 330 Care of Infants and Children

1.5 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and/or successful completion of the summer semester VN courses
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the care of pediatric patients with health issues that require medical and/or surgical intervention. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 331 Cardiovascular Conditions

2.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and/or successful completion of summer semester VN courses
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the care of adult patients with circulatory conditions that require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 332 Neurosensory Conditions

2.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and/or successful completion of summer semester VN courses
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the care of adult patients with neurological conditions that require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 335 Skin and Musculoskeletal Conditions

2.5 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and/or successful completion of spring semester VN courses
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course focuses on the care of adult patients with skin and musculoskeletal conditions that require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 337 Professional Relationships

1.0 unit.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and/or successful completion of summer semester VN courses
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
This course facilitates the transition of the student to the role of a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). Emphasis is placed on issues related to nursing and healthcare as well as skills necessary to provide care to multiple patients and assign tasks to other LVNs and unlicensed personnel. Concepts related to leadership and management are presented as well as career development options that enhance career mobility. Standards of practice and the importance of practicing according to state regulations and statutes are examined.

NURS 338 Clinical Lab 3

8.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Admittance to VN Program and/or successful completion of summer semester VN courses
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Pass/No Pass
This clinical course focuses on the care of adult, children, and obstetric patients in acute, long term, and outpatient settings who require medical and/or surgical interventions. Concepts of patient-centered/family-centered care, informatics, safety, evidence-based practice, quality, collaboration, and professionalism are integrated throughout the course.

NURS 370 Intravenous Therapy

2.0 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Current California LVN license or concurrent enrollment in the third semester VN program.
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
The course prepares the student for starting and superimposing intravenous fluids, blood, and blood products. Licensed vocational nurses that successfully complete the course will be issued a California Board of Vocational Nurse and Psychiatric Technician Examiners certificate of completion.

NURS 380 Licensed Vocational Nursing Skills Lab

0.5 units.
Corequisite: enrollment in the licensed vocational nursing program
Acceptable for credit: D - Credit - Degree Applicable
Repeatable: 2.00
Course Offered: Fall, Spring
Grading Method: Pass/No Pass
Open-entry laboratory course designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand skills learned in the corequisite program. Students may repeat the course as they progress through the program.

NURS 416 Certified Home Health Aide

2.0 units.
Advisories: MA 305 - Body Systems and Disease
Limitations on Enrollment: Completion of course admission packet.
Prerequisite: NURS 400; or NURS 300 - CNA/Acute Care Aide ; or Proof of current CNA certificate
Acceptable for credit: C - Credit - Not Degree Applicable
C-ID Course Number: N/A
Course Offered: Summer
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
The course prepares the certified nurse assistant to expand skills and meet the home health aide eligibility requirements for State of California certification.

NURS 420 Restorative Aide

1.5 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Must provide documentation of being a current certified nursing assistant or proof of successful completion of NATAP testing.
Acceptable for credit: C - Credit - Not Degree Applicable
C-ID Course Number: N/A
Course Offered: Summer
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
Prepares the certified nursing assistant to assist the resident in maintaining or promoting independence in the areas of mobility and performing activities of daily living. Upon successful completion, the student will receive a certificate of completion and will be qualified to work as a restorative aide in a long-term facility under the guidance of a licensed physical or occupational therapist or a licensed nurse. 26 CEUs will be offered.

NURS 422 EKG/Monitor Observer

1.5 units.
Limitations on Enrollment: Completion of course admission packet.
Acceptable for credit: C - Credit - Not Degree Applicable
C-ID Course Number: N/A
Grading Method: Letter Grade Only
Prepares the medical professional to function as a monitor observer in a clinical area where patients receive cardiac monitoring. Basic electrocardiograph patterns and cardiac arrhythmias are learned.

NURS 480 Certified Nursing Assistant Skills Lab

0.5 units.
Corequisite: enrollment in the licensed vocational nursing program
Acceptable for credit: C - Credit - Not Degree Applicable
Course Offered: Fall, Spring
Grading Method: Pass/No Pass
Open-entry laboratory class designed to provide students with the opportunity to refine and expand skills learned in the corequisite program. Students may repeat the course as they progress through the program.