The Kauai Community College Nursing Program
began as an LPN vocational program in 1958. It became an Associate Degree RN
program in 1973 and was established as a career ladder nursing program approved
by the University of Hawaii Board of Regents and the Hawaii State Board of
Nursing in 1980. Full National Leagues for Nursing accreditation was received
for the first time in 1985 and again in 1993. Structurally the Kaua`i
Community College Nursing Program is a career ladder program in which students
are able to exit after one calendar year eligible to sit for LPN licensure
exams (NCLEX PN) or continue through a second year to be eligible to test for
RN licensure (NCLEX RN).
THE
CAREER LADDER CONCEPT
The Kaua`i Community College Nursing Program
is built around the career ladder concept.
The faculty believe that ALL levels of nursing are important and contribute
to the health care system in diverse and meaningful ways. The faculty also believe that our diverse
student population requires many user-friendly entry and exit points in
pursuing a nursing career and that there should be academic and career recognition
and opportunity at each level.
Accordingly, the faculty is committed to providing an educational system
that meets these goals through a career ladder that first prepares the student
for LPN licensure, then RN licensure, and finally provides easy transfer into
BS education and beyond.
The Kaua‘i Community College Nursing Program
is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
(NLNAC). This commission may be reached by mail at: NLN Accrediting Commission,
61 Broadway 33rd Floor, New York, New York, 10006; by internet at: http://www.nlnac.org or by phone at (212)
363-5555 ext. 153.
The Kaua‘i Community College Nursing Program
is also approved by the Hawai‘i State Board of Nursing. The Board may be
reached by mail at: Hawai‘i State Board of Nursing, Professional and Vocational
Licensing Division, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, 1010 Richards
Street, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, 96813; or by phone at (808) 586-3000.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
1.
Star-up costs for
uniforms accessories, and books can approach $1000-$1500 for the first year and
are generally slightly lower the second year.
This does not include tuition and fees.
Malpractice insurance is required and costs approximately $16.00 a year
2.
Resident tuition for
Fall 2005-Spring 2006 is $49/credit.
Non-resident tuition is $242/credit.
An activity fee is $1.25/credit for both residents and non-residents,
with a maximum of $15.00
3.
Financial aid may be
available to students who qualify.
Contact the Financial Aid Office, Campus Center 203, 245-8256.
4.
If you have a
disability and have not voluntarily disclosed the nature of your disability and
the support that you need, you are invited to contact the Student Services
Office, 245-8314 or 245-8212.
5.
Health agencies are
utilized for clinical experiences.
Students are required to arrange their own reliable transportation.
6.
Be sure to notify the
Admissions Office of any change of address or phone number, even after the selection
process is completed. Without correct
information, you may not receive information vital to the selection process.
7.
A grade of “C” or above
must be maintained in all courses in order for the student to continue in the
program.
PROGRAM
STRUCTURE
First Level:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Course Credits |
Lecture Credits |
Lab Credits |
|
FALL |
|
|
|
|
|
ZOO 141 (141L) |
Anatomy and Physiology |
4 |
3 |
1 |
|
PSY 100 |
Survey of Psychology |
3 |
3 |
|
|
NURS 153 |
Nursing Concepts and Skills |
9 |
5 |
4 |
|
TOTAL |
|
16 |
11 |
5 |
|
SPRING |
|
|
|
|
|
ZOO 142 (142L) |
Anatomy and Physiology |
4 |
3 |
1 |
|
PSY 220 |
Developmental Psychology |
3 |
3 |
|
|
NURS 154 |
Family Health Nursing I (8 weeks) |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
NURS 155 |
Child Health Nursing I (8 weeks) |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
NURS 156 |
Adult Health Nursing I |
5 |
3 |
2 |
|
NURS 158 |
Issues and Trends in Nursing I |
1 |
1 |
|
|
TOTAL |
|
17 |
12 |
5 |
|
SUMMER |
|
|
|
|
|
NURS 157 |
Adult Health Nursing II |
6 |
2 |
4 |
|
TOTAL |
|
39 |
25 |
14 |
|
EXIT FOR LICENSURE AS LPN |
|
|
|
|
Second Level:
FALL
|
|
|
|
|
MICRO 130 |
General Microbiology |
3 |
3 |
|
MICRO 140 |
Microbiology Laboratory |
2 |
|
|
NURS 253 |
Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing |
4 |
2 |
|
NURS 254 |
Family Health Nursing II
(8 weeks) |
2 |
1 |
|
NURS 255 |
Child Health Nursing II (8
wk) |
2 |
1 |
|
PHARM 203 |
Pharmacology |
3 |
3 |
|
TOTAL |
|
16 |
10 |
|
SPRING |
|
|
|
|
ENG 100 |
Expository Writing |
3 |
3 |
|
ANTH 200 |
Cultural Anthropology |
3 |
3 |
|
NURS 257 OR |
Advanced Adult Health Nursing |
8 |
3 |
|
NURS 257B |
Advanced Adult Health Nursing (includes
preceptorship) |
10 |
3 |
|
NURS 258 |
Issues and Trends in Nursing II |
1 |
1 |
|
TOTAL |
|
15 or 17 |
10 |
|
EXIT FOR LICENSURE AS AN RN |
|
|
|
|
*1 Lecture Hour = 1 credit |
|
|
|
|
*3 Clinical /Lab Hours = 1
credit
TOTAL |
70 OR 72 |
45 |
|
After successful completion of the first year, students can take the LPN licensure examination and upon graduation, students will be able to sit for the RN licensure examination. On the application, you will be asked if your license to practice nursing has ever been revoked, suspended, or otherwise subject to disciplinary action. If the answer is yes, you must specify all states where action took place, penalty imposed and the reasons for such action. You must also identify if you are presently being investigated or if any disciplinary action is pending against you. If the answer is yes, you must specify all states where the action is pending and the reasons for such action. You will also be asked if you have been convicted of a crime in the past twenty years that has not been annulled or expunged. If the answer is yes, you will need to provide certified documentation of the date, place, violation for each conviction and fulfillment of the conditions of each sentence sent to the State Board of Nursing before your application is approved.
Background Checks and Drug Testing Requirements
It is the responsibility of the student to satisfactorily complete affiliated hospital background checks and drug testing requirements in accordance with procedures and timelines as prescribed by the affiliated hospital. Nursing students are required to complete University prescribed academic requirements that involve clinical practice in a University affiliated hospital setting with no substitution allowable. Failure of a student to complete the prescribed University nursing clinical practice in a University affiliated hospital shall be deemed as not satisfying nursing academic program requirements.
CLINICAL SITES
The Kauai Community College Nursing Program
utilizes many institutional and community based facilities for clinical
instruction. Among these are three community hospitals: Wilcox
Health Systems, a 120 bed acute and long term care facility, Mahelona Hospital,
a acute psychiatric and long term care facility, and West Kauai Medical Center
– Kaua`i Veterans Memorial Hospital, an acute and long term care
facility. In addition, during the fall
semester of the second year, students and faculty take a week-long trip to Oahu
for advanced pediatric experiences.
Although students receive some financial support through Kaua`i
Community College Foundation, there may be additional costs to the student for
travel during this semester.
ADMISSION POLICY – FIRST LEVEL
This policy is for new applicants
to the nursing program. Applicants must
demonstrate basic skills proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics as
part of acceptance into the nursing program.
Proficiency level may affect the sequence of courses in which students
can enroll and may also extend the time required to complete the program. Admission to the college does not guarantee
admission to the nursing program.
Admissions
Prerequisites/Requirements:
·
Graduated from an
accredited high school or GED equivalent
·
Satisfactory completion
of high school (within past five years) or college chemistry with lab. High school chemistry must be at the
college-prep level with a final grade of “B” or higher.
·
Test into English 100
or have completed English 100 with a grade of “C” or higher.
·
Test into Math 25 or
have completed Math 24 with a grade of “C” or higher.
·
Students requiring
developmental course work in English, reading, or math are required to complete
24 selected college credits with a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher in
prerequisite, co-requisite and support courses.
·
Satisfactory National
League for Nursing RN Pre-Admission Exam scores (this exam may be waived with a
composite ACT score of 21 or higher or an SAT combined score of 1100) (expiration 5 years)
·
After acceptance,
physical examination, immunizations, CPR, malpractice insurance and personal
health insurance are required.
Applicants who are accepted
shall be sent a confirmation form and health form by the Office of Admissions
and Records. The applicant shall
complete and return the Confirmation form by the designated date to the Office
of Admissions and Records. The health
form shall be submitted to the Wellness Center.
The nursing program
incorporates two selective processes for admissions. The first process accepts one third of the entering first level
class on a “most qualified” basis. The
criteria for “most qualified” will be based upon a combination of college
degree(s) completed, results of college entrance exams, completion of college
level math, science and co-requisite courses.
The second process is based
upon two thirds of the entering first level class being accepted on a “first
applied, first qualified” basis. First
applied is based on the semester officially declared as nursing/pre-nursing as
a major (admission application or change of major) at KCC.
This
policy is for students who would like to transfer into the nursing program and
have not yet completed their LPN or who do not meet the qualifications for entry
into the second level. Criteria for
transfer entry of students into the first year of the Career Ladder Nursing
Program are established as follows:
Policy: The applicant must satisfy all of the following,
prior to being accepted with advanced standing into the first level curriculum
of the Career Ladder Nursing Program:
1.
Must meet all admission
prerequisites and requirements (see Page 5).
2. Credit for courses completed at other institutions of higher learning may be accepted towards meeting general education and/or nursing requirements if:
a.
they have been
completed with a grade of (2.0) or higher;
b. they are substantially equivalent to offerings at the college;
c. science and nursing courses have been taken within the last ten (10) years. It is recommended that these courses be repeated if taken over five (5) years ago.
Transfer
students will be evaluated on an individual basis. Placement will be based on space available for those wishing to
enter mid-year.
TRANSFER ENTRY INTO SECOND LEVEL
This policy is for students
who would like to transfer into the program, have completed their LPN, and meet
the entrance criteria listed below.
This policy guideline is in compliance with state and feceral laws on nondiscrimination
and affirmative action. Criteria for
entry of LPNs to advanced standing into the second year of the Career Ladder
Nursing Program are established as follows:
1.
Test into English 100
or have completed English 100 with a grade of “C” or higher.
2. Test into Math 25 or have completed Math 24 with a grade of “C” or higher.
3. Provide evidence of completion of one year high school, B grade or higher, or one semester college chemistry.
4. Have completed the LPN level from an accredited Career Ladder Nursing Program with transfer level (above 100) courses. Applicants graduating from an LPN program must have satisfactory National League for Nursing RN Pre-Admission exam scores.
4
5. Hold a current LPN license without limitations.
6. Have completed the following general education courses or equivalent with a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher:
6.
**ZOOL 141 and 141L 4 credits Human Anatomy & Physiology
**ZOOL 142 and 142L 4
credits Human Anatomy & Physiology
PSY 100 3
credits Survey of Psychology
PSY 220 3 credits Developmental Psychology
**Students must have completed
these courses within ten (10) years. It
is recommended that these courses have been completed within the last five (5)
years.
7. Have
completed all required courses for LPN program with a grade of “C” (2.0) or
higher.
8. Have
completed NURS 154 Family Health Nursing I and NURS 155 Child Health Nursing I
or equivalent.
9. Have
completed:
a. at least 900 hours of work experience in an acute
medical/surgical setting within the past two (2) years. A letter verifying this experience from the
agency is required.
OR
|
b. at least 900 hours of non acute care work experience
within the past two (2) years at the LPN level which meets the following KCC
Nursing Program Objectives:
1. Provide safe,
evidenced-based, caring interventions to clients/families during states of
health and health deviation to promote self-care.
2. Collect and
interpret a comprehensive, holistic database in order to individualize care of
clients/families throughout the life span.
3. Utilize
effective communication skills to interact with clients/families and other
members of the health care team.
4. Provide
health education for clients/families with the goal of optimal self-care.
5. Demonstrate
clinical reasoning and decision-making skills that reflect critical thinking
and the current state of nursing science.
6. Utilize
organizational, community and technological resources to manage and delegate
care of clients that is cost-effective and reflects continuity of care.
7. Demonstrate
commitment to the practice of nursing through the professional behaviors
reflected in the ANA Code of Ethics.
8. Collaborate
with members of the health care team, including client and family, with
recognition of the roles and responsibilities within the levels of an academic
career ladder.
The student who chooses this option must submit
to the Nursing Program Director and Nursing Admissions Review Committee no
later than May 1 of the requested entry year the following: 1) a letter verifying this experience from
the agency and 2) a written petition for entry discussing specifically how
he/she has met the KCC Nursing Program Objectives at an LPN level in the
required 900 hours of LPN work experience.
The petitions should be in-depth and may utilize case examples to
document how objectives were met in the employment setting and 3) a letter of
reference on agency letterhead from immediate supervisor(s). A student choosing this option should
contact the Counselor or Program Director for guidance.
OR
|
c. Earn a test average of “B” in Nursing 157 as well as meet designated criteria on the Nursing 157 Clinical Evaluation Tool at an “Above Standard” level.
10. Priority for entry into the second level will follow the following procedure:
First Priority – Generic continuing students with a test average “B” grade or better in Nursing 157 Clinical Evaluation Tool at an “Above Standard” level.
Second Priority – Students with a break in nursing course enrollment who have a “B” grade or better in Nursing 157 Clinical Evaluation Tool at an “Above Standard” level.
Third Priority – Students who complete 900 hours or greater employed in an acute medical surgical setting as a LPN before July 15 of the entry year (non-acute care experience requires petition acceptance by the Nursing Admissions Review Committee).
Fourth Priority – Students who withdrew from the second level (RN) in good standing.
Fifth Priority – Students repeating Nursing 157 who obtain a “B” grade or better Clinical Evaluation Tool at an “Above Standard” level.
Sixth priority – Transfer/advanced placement students.
Seventh Priority – Students with a previous failure in the second level of the nursing program.
11. Prior entry hold certification in an American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers or equivalent that is current until the end of the academic year.
12. Prior to entry meet all health requirements as shown on the KCC Nursing Program Confidential Health Form.
Procedure: Entry of LPNs to advance standing into the second year of the Career Ladder Nursing Program.
1. The applicant shall submit a University of Hawai`i Common Application form to the Office of Admissions and Records.
2. The applicant shall submit all college and high school official transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Records.
3. The applicant shall provide evidence of meeting the math, English and chemistry prerequisites.
4. The Nursing Admissions Review Committee shall review the application, transcripts, test scores and letter of recommendation to determine admissions status.
5. After completion of step 4, the applicant shall be informed of his/her status.
6. Applicants who are accepted shall be sent a confirmation form and health form by the Office of Admissions and Records.
7. The applicant shall complete and return the Confirmation form by the designated date to the Office of Admissions and Records. The health form shall be submitted to the Wellness Center.
8. The applicant must meet all health requirements, payment of malpractice insurance, CPR, and provide proof of health insurance prior to start of classes.
PROGRAM STANDARD FOR THE
CAREER LADDER NURSING PROGRAM
All nursing students must be able to perform:
|
Program
Standards |
Examples |
|
Motor Skills (Gross) Perform multiple motor
tasks simultaneously. Ability to
lift, move, position, and transfer patients sufficient to provide safe and
effective nursing care. |
|
|
Support and transfer
patients, move in and out of treatment areas. Reach equipment or parts of patient’s body. |
|
|
Distinguish hot or cool
skin temperate, pulse rate; feel anatomical landmarks. Distinguish textures, degree of firmness,
temperature differences. |
|
|
Visual: Ability sufficient for observation and
assessment necessary in nursing care.
Have peripheral form depth perception and ability to distinguish
shades of color. |
Describe patient’s skin
color, perform calibrations on syringes, administering medications,
thermometers, reading and writing patient’s charts/flow sheets/ monitors;
interpret reagent tests, colors of body fluids, changes in skin color. |
Prepare and submit:
□ Common
Application Form
□ High
School transcripts
□ All
college transcripts
If current LPN:
□ Proof
of current U.S. LPN license
□ Verification
of employment
If tentatively accepted:
□ Submit
Intent to Enroll Form to Admissions Office
□ Attend
orientation meeting
□ Pre-register
and register according to college schedule
□ Submit
completed health form to Program Director
□ Submit
CPR certification to Program Director
□ Submit
copy of personal health insurance to Program Director
□ Submit
payment for malpractice insurance to Program Director