Once admitted, the program is a full-time course of study that can be completed in two academic years. In the clinical education component, principles derived from academic study are applied to clinical nursing practice.  Students are placed in local acute care hospital settings and community health care agency settings.

Nursing Program Information Workshops, conducted throughout the year, provide additional information about the Nursing Program and selection process.  For more information regarding the nursing program, contact the Nursing Program Office at (408) 270-6448 (Sequoia S207) or access the Evergreen Valley College web site: https://www.evc.edu/programs-academics/academic-resources/nursing-allied-health/associate-degree-nursing-program

The San José/Evergreen Community College District reserves the right to add, amend or repeal any of the rules, regulations, policies and procedures consistent with applicable laws.

Evergreen Nursing program is implementing a major curriculum revision that began in fall 2021. To progress continuing nursing students, the nursing program will run two curricula through Fall 2022. For the most up to date program information, please visit the nursing program webpage at https://www.evc.edu/programs/nursing.

Program Purpose

The Evergreen Valley College Nursing Program provides an optimal learning environment that will enable the culturally diverse learner to begin the process of life-long learning as a registered nurse. By earning an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ADN), program graduates are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN, and are prepared for entry-level practice into the profession of nursing.

Program Philosophy

Nursing faculty concurs with the mission, vision and values of Evergreen Valley College and share in the responsibility of the total educational program. Within this framework, nursing faculty has defined a unique program philosophy.

• Faculty value each person as distinct individuals with rich cultural experiences and a unique potential for growth. 
• Faculty believe that the environment is a dynamic state where multi-faceted life experiences occur.
• Faculty believe that health is an individual’s perception of their well-being and their ability to engage in life experiences. They believe that health is an evolving state that occurs on a health-illness continuum.
• Faculty define nursing according to Nursing’s Social Policy Statement as: “The protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities and populations” (American Nurses Association, 2010). In addition, faculty believe that nursing is a dynamic, collaborative process based on principles from the biological, physical and behavioral sciences which focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of actual or potential health problems.
• Faculty believe that nursing supports human responses to health and illness by providing caring interventions that facilitate the client’s ability to achieve optimal quality of life or to die in comfort with dignity. Nurses engage in lifelong learning that utilizes critical thinking to support and advocate for culturally sensitive care within a community.
• Faculty define learning as an interactive, meaningful process that integrates visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles. The goal of learning is to become a faster, independent, creative, critical thinker. This is best achieved when the reflective learner develops reasoning abilities through self-assessment and self-awareness.  Faculty believe in the capacity of the individual to learn, grow and change in a culturally diverse environment.
• Support for student success in learning starts at the college level with a strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences. Faculty enhance student success by building on general education principles and empowering students in an environment where faculty function as teachers, mentors and supervisors.

References

American Nurses Association. (2010). Nursing’s social policy statement: The essence of the profession.  Silver Spring, MD:  Nursesbooks.org.

Conceptual Framework (New Curriculum 2021)

The unifying curriculum theme is an adaptation of the “Client Needs Model,” a comprehensive framework for identifying nursing actions and competencies necessary for client care in a variety of settings and throughout the life span. This model relies on meta-paradigm beliefs about the person, environment, health and nursing as outlined in the program’s philosophy.  The client, defined as an individual, family, group or community, is the primary focus of care. Client needs for care are organized around five (5) key concepts: a) Safe and Effective Care Environment; b) Health Promotion and Maintenance; c) Physiological Integrity; d) Psychosocial Integrity and, e) Professional Role of the Nurse. These five (5) concepts form the foundation for the program’s student learning outcomes that culminate in the achievement of program learning outcomes. Critical thinking, nursing process, cultural sensitivity, caring and evidence-based practice are the processes that integrate the key concepts throughout the curriculum. 

1. Nursing Process- A scientific, clinical reasoning approach to client care that includes assessment, analysis, planning, implementation and evaluation.
2. Caring- Interaction of the nurse and client in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. In this collaborative environment, the nurse provides encouragement, hope, support and compassion to help achieve desired outcomes.
3. Communication and Documentation- verbal and nonverbal interactions between the nurse and the client, the client’s significant others, and the other members of the healthcare team. Events and activities associated with client care are recorded in written and/or electronic records that demonstrate adherence to the standards of practice and accountability in the provision of care.
4. Teaching/Learning- facilitation of the acquisition of knowledge, skills and abilities promoting a change in behavior.
5. Culture and Spirituality- interaction of the nurse and the client (individual, family or group, including significant others and populations) which recognizes and considers the client-reported, self-identified, unique and individual preferences to client care, the applicable standard of care and legal considerations.
6. Evidence-Based Practice- “life-long problem-solving approach to delivery of health care that integrates the best evidence from well-designed studies (external evidence) and integrates it with patient preferences and values a clinician’s expertise, which includes internal evidence gathered from patient data” (Melnyk, Gallagher-Ford, Long, Fineout-Overholt, 2014, pp. 5).

Reference: Melnyk, B.M., Gallagher-Ford, L., Long, L.E., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2014). The establishment of evidence-based practice competencies for practicing registered nurses and advanced practice nurses in real-world clinical settings: Proficiencies to improve healthcare quality, reliability, patient outcomes, and costs. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 11(1), 5-15.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of the nursing program, the graduate will:

1.  Safe and Effective Care:

Provide safe and effective care consistent with professional standards and best practices.

2.  Health Promotion and Maintenance:

Promote optimal health outcomes for individuals, families, communities, and populations in a variety of practice settings.

3.  Professional Role of the Nurse:

Function as a professional and competent nurse generalist while integrating ethical and legal principles.

4.  Physiological Integrity:

Optimize nursing care utilizing clinical judgement based upon knowledge of biological sciences, pathophysiology, nutrition, pharmacology and growth and development to achieve maximum physiological integrity and reduce the risk potential for the client.

5.  Psychological Integrity:

Utilize therapeutic communication and cultural sensitivity to implement caring behaviors that support spiritual, mental, and psychosocial well-being of the client throughout the lifespan.

Summary Statement

Graduates of the Evergreen Valley College Associate of Science Degree Nursing Program function in the common domain of nursing practice after licensure. Completing program outcomes will enable graduates, following registered nurse licensure, to give direct patient care in collaboration with other health care professionals, and to perform independent, dependent and interdependent nursing interventions.  Graduates are prepared and empowered to practice successfully within the rapidly changing health care systems of a multicultural society. Faculty recognize the role of the nurse is changing due to influences internal and external to the nursing profession. Therefore, graduates will continue learning through the process of experience and ongoing continuing education.

Application Procedure

For detailed and most current information, see Associate Degree in Nursing Program at https://www.evc.edu/programs-academics/academic-resources/nursing-allied-health/associate-degree-nursing-program.

1. Nursing Program online applications and instructions will be available on the nursing webpage during the October application cycle.
2. The application period is during the month of October, for enrollment in the following academic year. Once selection is determined, the student will be assigned to begin nursing coursework in either the Fall or Spring semester. In order to apply to the nursing program, the student must have completed the prerequisite courses.
3. Eligible students that apply to the Evergreen ADN program will have the opportunity to also apply for the concurrent enrollment program with San Jose State’s nursing program. The concurrent enrollment program is for all four semesters in the Evergreen nursing program and then a fifth and final semester at SJSU, resulting in an ADN, RN and BSN. This pilot program is called the Integrated Community College (ICC), BS program and welcomed the first cohort in fall 2021. The October application process for the Evergreen Nursing program will include the option to be considered for concurrent enrollment at both EVC and SJSU nursing. There is an additional application and selection process for the ICC program, and application eligibility includes acceptance into EVC Nursing, completion of the “golden four” GE courses, and GE certification. For more information on the ICC BS program, please visit https://www.evc.edu/nursing-allied-health/associate-degree-nursing/integrated-community-college-bs-nursing-pathway-%28iccp%29. 

Eligibility Criteria for the Nursing Program

1. High School Graduation or Equivalent
2. Human Anatomy with Lab¹ (Minimum 4.0 semester units)
3. Physiology with Lab¹ (Minimum 4.0 semester units)
4. Microbiology with Lab¹ (Minimum 4.0 semester units)
5. ENGL 001A¹
6. Cumulative prerequisite science GPA of 2.5 or Higher 
7. TEAS qualifying cut score https://www.evc.edu/programs-academics/academic-resources/nursing-allied-health/associate-degree-nursing-program.

¹

With grade of ‘C’ or higher

If there are more qualified applicants than spaces available, selection will be as follows

Multic​​​riteria Selection process: 

Students qualified for application will be ranked according to their total points achieved on all of the admission criteria. Those with the highest scores will be admitted. The admission criteria includes: previous academic degrees, work experience/certificates, GPA in the science prerequisites, completion of relevant course work towards the ADN degree, life experience, proficiency/course work in a second language, ATI-TEAS testing scores. For detailed information on the admission process, visit:https://www.evc.edu/nursing-allied-health/associate-degree-nursing/generic-rn-program. 

Note: The Nursing Program uses the ATI Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) to determine overall scholastic readiness for enrollment in the nursing program.

For information on the TEAS, please visit: https://www.atitesting.com/Solutions.aspx

Entrance Requirements for Generic Selected Students

Students must submit a record of:

1. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS) for health care providers through the American Heart Association (CPR: cardiopulmonary-resuscitation).
2. Physical Examination with clearance of essential capabilities (including the ability to lift and carry 50 lbs., push/pull 100 lbs., bend/stoop/squat/crawl).
3. Immunization Record including TB clearance (initial 2-step TB followed by an annual 1-step TB test).
4. Proof of COVID Vaccination and Booster
5. Annual Criminal Background Check and urine drug screening (see policy for student background checks and urine drug screening).
6. All records must be submitted by the stated due date.  

Tuition Fees

Resident students pay California Community College enrollment fees each semester (approximately $1,780 dollars both years). Non-resident students pay enrollment fees as established by the District.

Approximate Costs Related to the Program

Nursing Costs

Expense	Approximate Cost (Both Years)
Uniforms, laboratory coat, shoes, books, and supplies	$1,200.00
Tuition for 4 semesters	$1,780.00
ATI testing and online resources	$935.00
CPR training, mask fitting and background and drug screening	$533.00
Physical exam and immunizations	Variable costs
Student supply kits	$136.00
Total	$4,584.00

Students are responsible for their own meals, housing and transportation to campus and assigned clinical agencies.  For students who qualify for financial aid, financial aid and loan applications are available at the Financial Aid Office.

Program Enrollment and Progression

Enrollment in nursing courses is limited to students who have been admitted to the Nursing Program. Once enrolled, students must complete each course in the nursing program with a grade of ‘C’ or higher to progress through the program.

Definition of a College Unit

The Nursing Program abides by the college definition of a “unit.”  This definition is: “A unit is defined as the course credit equal to approximately one attendance hour per week of lecture-recitation, seminar, or other approved course activity throughout a semester.  A unit of credit may also be granted for approximately three (3) hours per week of laboratory (clinical).  The following terms are synonymous:  unit, semester unit, semester hour, credit, and credit hour.”

Nursing Major Coursework

Pre-Nursing Course Prerequisites

All completed with a grade ‘C’ or better (must be completed prior to applying to the nursing program)

Course List

Course	Title	Units
BIOL 071	Human Anatomy 1	5
BIOL 072	Human Physiology 1	5
BIOL 074	General Microbiology 1	5
ENGL 001A	English Composition	3
Total Units		18

¹

4.0 semester units each for anatomy, physiology, and microbiology may be acceptable for equivalent courses if taken at a regionally accredited institution.

Note:  Nursing will not accept international coursework for the prerequisite classes

Course Requirements

Course List

Course	Title	Units
Course Supportive of the Major (required for graduation and licensure)
PSYCH 001	General Psychology (recommended prior to enrollment in the nursing program)	3
Core Requirements: All completed with a grade ‘C’ or better
NURS 010	Nursing Fundamentals in the Medical- Surgical Setting	9
NURS 011A	Nursing of the Childbearing Family	3.5
NURS 011B	Nursing of the Pediatric Family Unit	3.5
NURS 012	Professional and Practice Principles in Nursing	2
NURS 013	Nursing Care of Adults I	9
NURS 014A	Mental Health Nursing	3
NURS 014B	Nursing Care of Adults II With Transition to Practice	6
General Education Courses		15

Graduation Requirements

Course List

Course	Title	Units
Physical Activity: PE or DANCE
Cultural Pluralism/Ethnic Studies (can be completed in Area C or D)
Math Competency - may be met with one of the following:
Completion of MATH 013 or MATH 014 with a grade of "C" or higher or the equivalent from a regionally accredited college - or-
Completion of any higher-level mathematics course with a prerequisite of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of "C" or higher or the equivalent from a regionally accredited college -or-
Official High School transcripts showing completion of two semesters of high school Algebra II with a grade of "C" or higher in each semester or the equivalent -or-
Other external exams or placement tests as listed in the previous section under "Associate Degrees and Certificates".
Nursing Major courses		36
Prerequisite Courses		18
Course Supportive of the Major		3
General Education Courses		15
Total Units		72

Note:  For licensure, the board of Registered Nursing requires one of the following courses to meet Societal/Cultural Pattern:

Course List

Course	Title	Units
ETH 010	Introduction to Ethnic Studies	3
ETH 011	Ethnic Images in Film	3
ETH 020	African American Culture	3
ETH 030	Chicana/o Culture	3
ETH 035	Sociology of the Chicanx Experience	3
ETH 040	Vietnamese American Culture and Experience	3
ETH 042	Asian American Experience	3
SOC 010	Introduction to Sociology	3
SOC 011	Social Problems	3
ANTH 063	Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology (or Equivalent )	3

Note for students with Bachelor’s degree: SB 1393: students who have earned a Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college¹ are only required to complete the coursework required for the registered nursing program, including prerequisites and nursing coursework. These students are not required to complete any other courses to meet graduation requirements for the associate degree. However, to apply for licensure through the CA Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), additional coursework may be required.

EVC nursing program graduates are required to complete 3.0 units of each of the following courses or equivalent courses:

Course List

Course	Title	Units
PSYCH 001	General Psychology	3
Oral (Verbal) Communications
COMS 010	Interpersonal Communication	3
COMS 020	Oral Communication	3
COMS 035	Intercultural Communication	3
COMS 040	Introduction to Argumentation	3
COMS 045	Small Group Communication	3
Societal/Cultural Pattern
ETH 010	Introduction to Ethnic Studies	3
ETH 011	Ethnic Images in Film	3
ETH 020	African American Culture	3
ETH 030	Chicana/o Culture	3
ETH 035	Sociology of the Chicanx Experience	3
ETH 040	Vietnamese American Culture and Experience	3
ETH 042	Asian American Experience	3
SOC 010	Introduction to Sociology	3
SOC 011	Social Problems	3
ANTH 063	Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology (Or Equivalent)	3

¹

Accredited College: Bachelor’s degree obtained from a college or university accredited by one of the following regional accrediting bodies:

1. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC);
2. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA);
3. New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC);
4. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA);
5. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) or
6. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Nursing Courses Not Part of Nursing Major

Course List

Course	Title	Units
NURS 119	Pathophysiology for Allied Health	3
NURS 120	Pharmacology in Nursing	3

Advanced Placement

Students with previous nursing education may apply for advanced placement. This includes military/veterans with experience as a medical technician or medical specialist, California Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), and transfer students from other state approved pre-licensure Nursing Programs . LVNs are eligible for advanced placement into the Nursing Program either as generic students or 30-Unit Option students. All advanced placement students are admitted on a space available basis, and are selected in the following order: students returning from military service; students returning to the nursing program (after one program separation); LVN advanced placement students; students transferring from another nursing program in good academic standing; foreign trained nurses needing CA BRN remediation; and students transferring from another nursing program with a failing grade.

Eligible students applying for advanced placement, must meet all eligibility criteria for the nursing program, including achieving a qualifying score on the Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). Advanced placement students must meet all Nursing Core requirements and general education requirements in order to receive the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing.

The application process for advanced placement for eligible Military/ Veterans and transfer students is outlined on the nursing webpage at https://www.evc.edu/nursing-allied-health/associate-degree-nursing/military-veteran-advanced-placement and https://www.evc.edu/programs-academics/academic-resources/nursing-allied-health/associate-degree-nursing-program-0.

Advanced Placement - LVN to RN Bridge Program

LVNs who request advanced placement as generic students must meet the same eligibility criteria for the Nursing Program generic students (see below). You cannot apply for the LVN to RN Bridge Program unless you currently have an active, unrestricted California LVN license at the time of your application.  In addition you must complete the following:

1. Complete the Nursing application: available at https://www.evc.edu/nursing-allied-health/associate-degree-nursing/lvn-rn during the month of October.
2. Completion of the N010 Nursing Fundamentals  Challenge Exam with a ‘C’ or better (offered in December).
3. Achieve qualifying cut score on the ATI Test for Essential Academic Skills (offered in January-March).
4.  Complete an EVC application
5. LVNs will be randomly selected for open spaces.

LVN to RN Bridge Coursework

Prerequisites: All Completed With a Grade ‘C’ or Better

Course List

Course	Title	Units
BIOL 071	Human Anatomy 1	5
BIOL 072	Human Physiology 1	5
BIOL 074	General Microbiology 1	5
ENGL 001A	English Composition	3

¹

will accept a minimum of 4.0 semester units

Course Requirements 

Course List

Course	Title	Units
Course Supportive of the Major (required for graduation and licensure)
PSYCH 001	General Psychology (Recommended prior to enrollment in the nursing program)	3
Nursing Major Courses 1		36
First Semester
NURS 012	Professional and Practice Principles in Nursing	2
NURS 013	Nursing Care of Adults I	9
Second Semester
NURS 014A	Mental Health Nursing	3
NURS 014B	Nursing Care of Adults II With Transition to Practice	6
General Education Courses
Area A: Communications Studies
Select one of the following:		3
COMS 020	Oral Communication (Recommended)
ENGL 001A	English Composition (met by Pre-nursing prerequisite course)
Area B: Science with lab
(met by prerequisite course)
Area C: Fine Arts and Humanities
ETH 011	Ethnic Images in Film (Recommended for Fine Arts)	3
ENGL 001B	English Composition (Recommended for Humanities)	3
Area D: Social Sciences
Select one of the following options:		6
Option 1:
HIST 017A & HIST 017B	History of the United States and History of the United States
Option 2:
POLSC 001	Politics and Government In America
PLUS one of the following:
HIST 001	Survey of American History
HIST 014	Women in American History
HIST 017A	History of the United States
HIST 017B	History of the United States
HIST 021	African American History
HIST 022	Mexican-American History
HIST 023	Asian American History
HIST 045	Modern America
Area E: Lifelong Learning and Self Development
(met by Nursing curriculum)
Total Units		72.0

¹

Through advanced placement, students are credited the remaining 16 nursing units through their LVN license and successfully passing the NURS 010 challenge exam and TEAS placement exam.

Graduation Requirements

Course List

Course	Title	Units
Physical Activity: PE or DANCE		1
Cultural Pluralism/Ethnic Studies (can be completed in Area C or D)
Math Competency - may be met with one of the following:
Completion of MATH 013 or MATH 014 with a grade of "C" or higher or the equivalent from a regionally accredited college -or-
Completion of any higher-level mathematics course with a prerequisite of Intermediate algebra with a grade of "C" or higher or the equivalent from a regionally accredited college -or-
Official High School transcripts showing completion of two semesters of high school Algebra II with a "C" or higher in each semester or equivalent -or-
Other external exams or placement tests as listed in the previous section under "Associate Degrees and Certificates".
Nursing Major Courses		36
Prerequisite Courses		18
Course Supportive of the Major		3
General Education Courses		15
Total Units		72.0

Note: For licensure, the board of Registered Nursing requires one of the following courses to meet Societal/Cultural Pattern:

Course List

Course	Title	Units
ETH 010	Introduction to Ethnic Studies	3
ETH 011	Ethnic Images in Film	3
ETH 020	African American Culture	3
ETH 030	Chicana/o Culture	3
ETH 035	Sociology of the Chicanx Experience	3
ETH 040	Vietnamese American Culture and Experience	3
ETH 042	Asian American Experience	3
SOC 010	Introduction to Sociology	3
SOC 011	Social Problems	3
ANTH 063	Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology (or Equivalent)	3

LVN 30-Unit Option

A 30-Unit Option is available for California LVNs that fulfills the California State Board of Registered Nursing requirements.  (See Section 1429 of Title 16 – California Code of Regulations Nurse Practice Act.) Courses in the 30-Unit Option are completed in addition to the courses required for Vocational Nurse Licensure. Section 1429 provides that no more than thirty (30) semester units in nursing and related science subjects can be required. Following completion of the designated ten (10) units of Human Physiology and General Microbiology, with a ‘C’ or better, LVNs apply to complete the remaining twenty (20) units in the Nursing Program. LVNs choosing the 30-Unit Option must complete a form stating this intention prior to commencing coursework. 30-Unit LVNs are admitted on a space available basis only. LVNs choosing the 30-unit option must complete the following:

1. Complete the LVN Nursing application: available in the month of October.
2. Completion of the N010 Nursing Fundamentals Challenge Exam with a ‘C’ or better (offered in December).
3. Achieve qualifying cut score on the ATI Test for Essential Academic Skills (offered in January-March).
4. Complete an EVC application.
5. LVNs will be randomly selected for open spaces.

LVN 30-Unit Option Coursework

Prerequisites: No Recency Required

Course List

Course	Title	Units
BIOL 072	Human Physiology	5
BIOL 074	General Microbiology	5
Total Units		10

Nursing Major Courses

Plan of Study Grid

First Semester		Units
NURS 012	Professional and Practice Principles in Nursing	2
NURS 013	Nursing Care of Adults I	9
	Units	11
Second Semester
NURS 014A	Mental Health Nursing	3
NURS 014B	Nursing Care of Adults II With Transition to Practice	6
	Units	9
	Total Units	20

Unit Breakdown

Course List

Course	Title	Units
Prerequisite Courses		10
Major Nursing Courses		20
Total Units		30

Following completion of the 30-Unit Option, LVNs are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN. Completing the 30-Unit Option does not constitute graduation from the Nursing Program. In addition, completing the 30-Unit Option may limit the ability to gain licensure endorsement in other states or impact employment mobility in some health care institutions.

Nursing Program Policies: Impaired Nursing Students (Mental Illness or Substance Abuse)

Purpose:  Recognize inappropriate behaviors and performance, which may be attributed to Substance Abuse and/or Mental Illness.

Policy Statement:

A.  Client safety is an overriding principle in the delivery of health care. For the health care professional to provide safe care, the health care professional must be able to make sound judgments. Thought processes and decision-making can be adversely affected by mental illness and substance abuse. Impaired by the aforementioned factors, the health care professional can easily make unsafe decisions, and therefore, jeopardize client safety.

B.  As health care professionals, we recognize that mental illness and substance abuse are conditions that can be treated by early recognition and rehabilitation. Rehabilitated students will be encouraged to re-enter the education process for successful completion of a health care program.

C.  The student whose thought processes and decision making ability are impaired by mental illness and/or the abuse of substances, may be deemed to constitute a threat to the safety of others  and may be removed from the clinical setting. The student will be subject to Faculty review and possible dismissal from the program. In addition, the student will be counseled about the importance of seeking voluntary aid for such conditions that could, if left unattended, lead to disciplinary action and may prevent him or her from being licensed to practice nursing in the State of California.

D.  Program Philosophy Regarding Impaired Nursing Students: (substance abuse or mental illness)

1.  The philosophical position of the Evergreen Valley College Nursing Program concurs with the Board of Registered Nursing Examiners in relation to nursing students who are impaired by substance abuse or mental illness.  

a.  We recognize that substance abuse and mental illness are treatable.

b.  We believe that personal and health problems arising from substance abuse or mental illness can affect academic and clinical performance, making the student a potential threat to the safety to others.

c.  We believe that human beings can learn and change behaviors and that nursing students with substance abuse problems should be encouraged to seek help in order to recover.

d.  We believe that the nursing student has the primary responsibility to seek treatment.

e.  We are committed to confidential handling of recognition and treatment of substance abuse problems or mental illness.

E.  Signs and Symptoms of the Impaired Student Nurse (This is not an all–inclusive list, and is intended to provide examples.)

1.  Nurses abusing alcohol or drugs, or experiencing mental illness:

a.  Show lack of enthusiasm, increasing absenteeism, arriving late and wanting to leave early, frequently requesting time off, taking extended meal and coffee breaks and refusing difficult or additional assignments

b.  Odor of alcohol or marijuana on breath

c.  Slurred or incoherent speech

d.  Chronic drowsiness and /or sleepiness

e.  Tremors of hands

f.  Disorientation

g.  Unusually aggressive behavior

h.  Unexplained acute work errors

i.  Lack of coordination

 j.  Unreasonable resentment, suspiciousness, overreaction to criticism

k.  Controlling behavior and inflexibility

l.  Isolation and withdrawal

m.  Irritability and mood swings

n.  Blaming others, defensiveness and frequent conflicts

o.  Difficulties with interpersonal relationships

p.  Forgetfulness

q.  Frequent trips to the bathroom

r.  Repeated use of breath mints or mouth wash

s.  Deteriorating appearance

t.  Blackouts

u.  Unexplained nausea and vomiting or diarrhea

v.  Tremors, anxiety and “spaciness”

w. Arriving to school or clinical with a hangover

x.  Unexplained diaphoresis

y,  Unexplained sniffing, sneezing, watery eyes, weight loss or gain, frequent illness/injury, excessive bruising on arms, ankles and hands

F.  Rehabilitation:

It is the responsibility of the student to provide the EVC Dean of Nursing and Allied Health with sufficient evidence of rehabilitation in conjunction with a student’s request to return to the program. The program may require the following types of evidence when considering a request to return to the program:

a.  Evidence of completion of an accepted/ recognized inpatient or outpatient diversion program.

b.  Letters from recognized recovery programs attesting to current sobriety and the length of time of sobriety if there has been a history of drug and/or alcohol abuse.

c.  A current mental status examination by clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. The evaluation should address the likelihood of similar acts in the future, and should speak to the suitability of the student nurse for the profession.

G.  Reinstated Students:

Students, who are considered for readmission to the Evergreen Valley College Nursing Program, must supply sufficient evidence from the recognized program or individual supporting continued compliance with the treatment plan. This evidence must be attached to a Request to Return form and provided to the EVC Dean of Nursing and Allied Health before the student will be considered eligible to return to the program. Re-entry into the program is based on space availability.

Section 504 and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Statement

Purpose: To comply with the Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008

Policy Statement:

The Nursing Program does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities.

A. Disability is defined in the ADA as: 1) physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individuals; 2) a record of such impairment; 3) being regarded as having such impairment.

B. For the purposes of the Evergreen Valley College Division of Nursing and Allied Health compliance, a qualified individual with a disability is one who, with or without reasonable accommodation, meets the essential requirements of the Nursing Program of the Evergreen Valley College Division of Nursing and Allied Health. These requirements are described in the following: Essential Capabilities and Functional Requirements. 

The Program may decline to provide an accommodation when an individual poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others; if granting an accommodation would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a service, program, or activity; or if the accommodation poses undue financial and administrative burdens on the College.

Applicants and students are responsible for formally seeking accommodations through DSP and notifying the Program of any restrictions due to a disability.

Essential Capabilities

A.  An Evergreen Valley College Division of Nursing and Allied Health student must have the abilities and skills of five (5) varieties: Cognitive-Conceptual, Behavioral and Social Attributes, Communication, Sensory, and Motor. A student should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner without the use of a surrogate. To function effectively and safely the student must be able to do the following:

1. COGNITIVE-CONCEPTUAL: Critical thinking and clinical judgment are essential abilities of the professional nurse. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis.
2. BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL ATTRIBUTES: A student must possess the emotional stability required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities. The prompt completion of all responsibilities, inherent to the diagnosis and care of patients’ responses and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients are essential. The student must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to multitask effectively and efficiently under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments; to display flexibility and learn to function effectively, despite the uncertainties inherent in the clinical situations; to interact and establish rapport with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds. Compassion, integrity, honesty, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that should be demonstrated throughout the education process.
3. COMMMUNICATION: A student must be able to speak, hear and observe clients in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications. A student must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with clients, colleagues, and other personnel. Communication includes not only speech but also reading and writing. The student must be able to communicate in English effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team, clients, and families. (See specific Functional Requirements.)
4. SENSORY: A student must be able to observe a client accurately. Observation necessitates the functional use of the senses of vision, smell, touch, hearing and somatic sensation. (See specific Functional Requirements.)
5. MOTOR: Student should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from clients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other assessment techniques. A student should be able to execute gross and fine motor movements required to provide general care and emergency treatment of patients. Many actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional use of the senses of touch and vision. (See specific Functional Requirements, which are based on community standards of health care agencies.)

B. These capabilities must be demonstrated in the clinical, laboratory, and theory (classroom) interactions and evaluations.

Functional Requirements

A. The Functional Requirements described below are representative, but not limited, to those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of a professional nurse.

1. Communication Ability
   1. Communicate effectively and efficiently in English with clients, families, and other health care providers, both verbally and in writing. (Example: explain treatment procedures, teach clients and families, and document in charts.)
   2. Effectively adapt communication for intended audience.
   3. Interact; establish rapport with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
   4. Assume the role of a health care team member.
   5. Function effectively under supervision.
2. Sensory Capability
   1. Coordinate verbal and manual instruction.
   2. Assess a patient from 10 feet away to observe posture and response to treatment.
   3. Respond to a timer, alarm or cries for help.
   4. Auditory, visual, and tactile ability sufficient to assess a patient status and perform treatments. (Example: color changes in skin, hear heart and lung sounds.)
3. Motor Capability:
   1. Move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces.
   2. Transfer clients who may require physical assistance.
   3. Guard and assist clients with ambulation.
   4. Perform exercise techniques, including applying resistance during exercise.
   5. Lift and carry up to 50 pounds, and exert up to 100 pounds force or push/pull.
   6. Squat, crawl, bend/stoop, reach above shoulder level, use standing balance, and climb stairs
   7. Use hands repetitively; use manual dexterity.
   8. Perform CPR.
   9. Travel to and from academic and clinical sites.
   10. Spend 75%-90% of clinical time standing/walking.

Student Criminal Background Check and Urine Drug Screening

Policy:  The 2004 Manual for Hospitals published by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of hospitals and Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the major accreditation body for hospitals, requires that all staff members, students, faculty and volunteers meet standards relating to criminal background checks and freedom from drugs.  In conformance with these requirements, and in order to maintain clinical relationships with hospitals and other health organizations, students in the nursing program are required to undergo and pass criminal background checks and drug screening.  Effective the 2018-2019 academic year, incoming students, continuing students and those returning from a leave of absence will be subject to annual background checks and urine drug screening.

Procedures:

A.  Costs:  Students are responsible for the costs associated with the annual criminal background check and drug screen.  As described below, any further drug screening required by the Program based on a reasonable suspicion of drug use, will be paid by the College. 

B.  Authorization and Release:  When submitting to the background check and the drug screen, students must sign an authorization, agreeing that all results will be disclosed to the nursing program and the clinical sites where the student is being assigned. 

C.  Criminal Background Check: Upon acceptance in the nursing program, students must undergo a criminal background check, and thereafter on an annual basis. Failure to submit and complete the criminal background check will result in dismissal from the program. The nursing program will assess the results of the background check, and, consistent with the law, may dismiss the student from the program.

D.  Urine Drug Screen:

1. The nursing program maintains a no tolerance policy regarding substance abuse.  Upon acceptance, all students must pass and clear a urine drug test.
2. At any time while a student is in the nursing program, the program may direct a student to undergo and pass a drug screen where the program has a reasonable suspicion that the student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  The nursing program will pay for this drug screen 
3. If the results of a drug screen come back with a result other than “clear” or “negative,” the student will be allowed one (1) retest within a period of time specified by the nursing program. If the results of the retest are neither clear nor negative, the student will be dismissed from the program. 
4. Failure to undergo the drug screening at any time will result in dismissal from the program.

Outside Agencies: Students must also comply with the criminal background check and drug policies of the clinical agency where they will be placed.  Should a clinical agency refuse to place a student based on the outcome of the background check or drug screen, this may result in dismissal of the student from the EVC nursing program.  The EVC nursing program is not required to, and may refuse to, arrange an alternative clinical placement.

Academic Honesty and Ethical Behavior

Purpose: EVC Nursing Program faculty believes that honesty and ethical behavior are vital to the integrity of the college, its courses and the nursing program. The policy will serve to inform students of the consequences of violating the standards of academic honesty and ethical behavior, as well as advising them of their rights.

Policy Statement:

A.  EVC Nursing program follows the District and EVC College Procedure on Academic Honesty.  Violations of the District’s Standards for Student Conduct, as found in the District’s Board of Trustees’ Administrative Procedure 5500, may result in various sanctions, including withdrawal from courses, up to and including, suspension from the EVC or expulsion from the District.  In addition, the student may be removed from the Nursing Program, and may be required to successfully complete a remediation plan—as tailored by the Nursing Program faculty and administration, before being eligible to request to return to the Nursing Program.  In some cases, the student may need to re-apply to the program and be subject to the District’s and Nursing Program’s admissions policies.

B.  The profession of nursing requires integrity.  As a professional, nurses are expected to conduct themselves with ethical behavior. Both the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National Students Nurses Association (NSNA) have adopted a code of ethics which EVC nursing students are expected to uphold.

C.  A determination that a student has cheated on an examination shall result in the student receiving a zero for that examination.  Such misconduct may also result in academic failure of the course, withdrawal from the course, and other sanctions or disciplinary action, including but not limited to, removal from the Nursing Program, suspension from the EVC, and expulsion from the District.

D.  Listed below are some (but not all) examples of unethical and/or dishonest behaviors that may lead to academic or clinical failure from a course, withdrawal from the course, and removal from the Nursing Program.

1. Classroom:
   1. Getting a copy of the exam from someone else
   2. Copying someone's exam answer(s)
   3. Allowing someone else to copy your exam answer(s)
   4. Using notes, cheatsheets, or other outside materials, including materials on your smart phone or other electronic device, during an exam
   5. Taking an exam for another or allowing someone to take an exam for you
   6. Talking about an examination with a student who has not yet taken the examination
   7. Listening to or talking to others who have already taken the exam, about the exam, prior to your taking the exam
   8. Copying sentences without footnoting
   9. Adding false information to bibliography
   10. Plagiarizing, copying sentences, phrases, or passages from another source without citing to the source
   11. Turning in previous work from another course or semester in the EVC Nursing Program
   12. Turning in a paper from commercial research
   13. Turning in assignments done by someone else
   14. Doing homework for another student
   15. Working with another student when not allowed
   16. Copying exam questions and/or answers during exam review
   17. Talking during an exam
   18. Borrowing or removing video tapes, computers disks, books, or computer lab equipment without proper authorization
   19. Inappropriate behavior with peers or instructor
2. Clinical:
   1. Breaking of a patient's belongings
   2. Not reporting incidents
   3. Taking hospital equipment
   4. Eating patient food
   5. Taking medications from hospital
   6. False reporting or recording of patient care
   7. Discussing patients in public
   8. Failing to provide appropriate information to a patient
   9. Calling in sick when not sick
   10. Dishonest or unprofessional behavior with clients, staff, peers, or instructor
   11. Photocopying any hospital or patient documents that have patient name or patient information on them

Students Requesting to Return to the Program

Purpose: To establish guidelines for students requesting to return to the EVC Nursing Program

Further Information

For further information about the Nursing Program contact the Nursing Program Office at (408) 270-6448 (Sequoia 207) or access the Evergreen Valley College web site: https://www.evc.edu for specific questions on financial aid and counseling/testing.