Course Descriptions

Nursing - NURS

General Information

Unless stated otherwise, all courses are non-repeatable except under certain conditions.

Open Enrollment

It is the policy of West Hills College Lemoore, unless specifically exempted by statute, that every course section or class, the average daily attendance of which is to be reported for state aid, wherever offered and maintained by the District, shall be fully open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the College and who meets such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to Chapter 11, Division 2, Part VI, Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, commencing with Section 41820.

Unit or Credit Value

Each course carries a certain credit or unit value. The amount is indicated in parentheses at the right of the title. A lecture class requires the equivalent of one academic hour, (50 minutes) per week for each semester unit conferred. Laboratory classes require three academic hours, (150 minutes) per week for each semester unit conferred.

Prerequisite

Prerequisites are prescribed courses covering skills and/or knowledge that are normally expected to be acquired prior to enrolling in another course. The intent of prerequisites is to ensure that any student enrolling in a course in which specific information is required will have the necessary background so that every opportunity exists to experience success. Therefore, any course with a prerequisite presumes that subject matter will be acquired in a sequential way.

Students enrolling in courses without the appropriate prerequisite may find that they are ill-prepared to continue their studies in that course. Prerequisites are designed to enhance success. Please refer to the West Hills College Lemoore prerequisite policy in the Academic Regulations portion of this catalog for additional information.

Corequisite

Corequisites are courses that a student is required to take simultaneously in order to enroll in another course. (Successful completion is defined as a grade C or better for the minimum prerequisite/corequisite requirement.)

Class Hours

The total number of class lecture and laboratory hours for each course is indicated in its course description. The schedule of classes, which is available at the time of class registration, will indicate which dates, days and times a given class is scheduled to meet.

Course Subject

Courses are classified by subjects as they exist at West Hills College Lemoore. All courses within an area usually count towards a major in that area. Other institutions may classify their courses differently. Transfer students should consult the catalog of the four-year college to which they intend to transfer for its classification of identical or comparable courses.

Course Numbering

Courses numbered 001-049 are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. These courses are transferable to four-year institutions. However, the institution that the student transfers to determines the specific transferability of courses.

Courses numbered 050-99 are associate degree level courses. These courses are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses numbered 100-199 are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial courses.

Courses in some subject areas that are traditionally taught as combination lecture- laboratory courses at four-year colleges are split into two separate courses:  one a lecture course for transfer students and one a laboratory course for both transfer and non-transfer students. Students wishing to transfer must take both the lecture and laboratory courses.

  • NOTE:  In case of transfer and non-transfer courses taught concurrently, a student may receive credit only for the course in which he/she is enrolled, not both. A student cannot change from one course to the other except according to regular drop/add procedures. He/She should be guided by the course description and may need to consult a counselor or advisor for aid.
Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer and non-degree applicable courses:

(AA/AS) Associate Degree Applicable

(CSU) Transferable to California State University System

(UC) Transferable to University of California System

(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • NURS-001
  • Foundations of Nursing
  • Credit(s) 2

Foundations of Nursing
This is the introduction module of Foundations of Nursing. The Student is introduced to the role of a student nurse, curriculum organizing framework and the roles of a registered nurse. The concept of wellness and self-care is defined and the student is asked to describe a wellness life style. The body's reaction to stress and the link between stress and illness are defined, Environmental stressors are also discussed.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture
Corequisite(s):
NURS 001L
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-001L
  • Foundations of Nursing Lab
  • Credit(s) 2

Foundations of Nursing Lab
This course is the corequisite clinical portion of NURS 001 Foundations of Nursing. The majority of this class will occur in the skills lab setting having the students learn basic nursing care and assessment skills. Once the student has met basic competence, they will attend clinical rotations at designated health care facilities under the supervision of a BRN approved instructor. Physical assessment and the ability to distinguish wellness from illness is the focus of this course.

Class Hours:
108 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
BIO 032, 035, 038, ENG 001A
Corequisite(s):
NURS 001
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-002
  • Medical Surgical Nursing I
  • Credit(s) 2

Medical Surgical Nursing I
Medical Surgical Nursing I introduces the first year nursing student to concepts and practices as they relate to the adult patient in the Medical Surgical environment. Through utilization of the nursing process, the student will begin to recognize alterations in functioning or illness and formulate age-appropriate nursing interventions. Selected psychomotor skills associated with the basic needs and medication administration will be studied and practiced.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture
Corequisite(s):
NURS 002L
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-002L
  • Medical Surgical Nursing I Lab
  • Credit(s) 2

Medical Surgical Nursing I Lab
This course is the corequisite clinical portion of NURS 002 - Medical Surgical Nursing I. The majority of this course will occur in healthcare facilities. Once the student has met basic competence in required skills, they will attend clinical rotations at designated health care facilities under the supervision of the BRN approved instructor. Physical assessment, medication administration, the ability to distinguish wellness from illness, and basic nursing interventions utilizing the nursing process is the focus of this course. Basic critical thinking skills will be developed during this course.

Class Hours:
108 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
NURS 002
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-003
  • Basic Pharmacology
  • Credit(s) 3

Basic Pharmacology
Basic pharmacology is designed to provide a using the nursing process, which serves as a framework for building concepts and principles of pharmacology and drug administration. Legal and ethical issues, nursing responsibilities and considerations, patient, teaching, and participation associated with medication administration are discussed. Students wishing to use this course toward a healthcare degree must obtain a 77% or above.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
HS 005, BIO 032m BIO 035 ENG 051A, MATH 101 or MATH 100
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-004
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing II
  • Credit(s) 2.5

Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Introduction to concepts and practices as they relate to the non-critical young adult through geriatric adult in the medical surgical environment. Through utilization of the nursing process, the student will begin to recognize alterations in functioning or illness and formulate age-appropriate nursing interventions. Selected psychomotor skills associated with the basic needs and medication administration will be studied and practiced.

Class Hours:
45 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 002L, NURS 003
Corequisite(s):
NURS 004L
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-004L
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing II la
  • Credit(s) 2

Medical-Surgical Nursing II Lab
Through utilization of the nursing process, the student will begin to recognize alterations in functioning or illness and formulate age-appropriate nursing interventions in a clinical setting. Selected psychomotor skills associated with basic client needs, medication and intravenous fluid administration will be studied and practiced.

Class Hours:
108 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 002L, NURS 003
Corequisite(s):
NURS 004
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-005
  • Obstetrics-Maternaty Nursing
  • Credit(s) 2

Obstetrics-Maternaty Nursing
This course focuses on integration and application of the nursing process as it relates to the nursing care of the obstetrical patient and her family. Emphasis is on the concepts and skills related to family centered care. Clinical experiences will provide opportunities for students to participate in therapeutic activities in a variety of obstetrical settings.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
NUS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 2L, NURS 003, NURS 004, NURS 004L
Corequisite(s):
NURS 005L
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-005L
  • Obstetrics-Maternity Nursing L
  • Credit(s) 1.5

Obstetrics-Maternity Nursing Lab
This course focuses on integration and application of the nursing as it relates to the nursing care of the obstetrical patient and her family. Emphasis is on the application of concepts and skills related to family centered care. Clinical experiences will provide opportunities for students to participate in therapeutic activities in a variety of obstetrical settings.

Class Hours:
81 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 003, NURS 004, NURS 004L
Corequisite(s):
NURS 005
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-006
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Credit(s) 2.5

Advanced Pharmacology
Advanced Pharmacology is the development of the theoretical and technical knowledge base necessary in meeting advanced pharmacological needs of the client in a variety of settings. Professional issues and concepts for nursing practice related to intravenous therapy are presented including techniques of intravenous therapy and intravenous drug administration. The student will put the theory of Advanced Pharmacology into practice in the clinical setting in all clinical nursing courses.

Class Hours:
45 Lecture
Prerequisite(s) NURS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 002L, NURS 003:
Corequisite(s):
NURS 014B
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-007
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing III
  • Credit(s) 2.5

Medical-Surgical Nursing III
In Medical Surgical Nursing III, the student will synthesize and correlate nursing knowledge and skills in providing care to multiple patients who have complex, multi-system illnesses. Focus will be for the students to predict patient needs and priorities, and evaluate outcomes on care. Associated psychomotor skills will be integrated and practiced.

Class Hours:
45 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 002L, NURS 003 , NURS 004, NURS 004L, NURS 005, NURS 005, NURS 006, or LVN license and acceptance into the into LVN to RN Bridge class, NURS 014A, NURS 014B
Corequisite(s):
NURS 007L
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-007L
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing III L
  • Credit(s) 1.5

Medical-Surgical Nursing III Lab
In Medical Surgical Nursing III Lab, the student will synthesize and correlate nursing knowledge and skills by providing care to multiple patients who have complex, multi-system illness in a hospital setting. Focus will be for the students to predict patient needs and priorities, and evaluate outcomes of care. Associated psychomotor skills will be integrated and practiced.

Class Hours:
81 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 001, 001L, 002, 002L, 003, 004, 004L, 005, 005L, 006 or LVN license and acceptance into the into LVN to RN Bridge class, NURS 014A, NURS 014B
Corequisite(s):
NURS 007
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-008
  • Mental Health-Psychiatric Nurs
  • Credit(s) 1.5

Mental Health-Psychiatric Nursing
The course provides an introduction to Mental Health-Psychiatric Nursing using the nursing process to promote psychosocial integrity within the context of the health illness continuum across life span. Emphasis is on therapeutic interactions and communications, medications, bio-psychosocial rehabilitation and therapeutic use of self.

Class Hours:
27 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 002L, NURS 003, NURS 004, NURS 004L, NURS 005, NURS 005L, NURS 006, NURS 007, NURS 007L or an LVN license and acceptance in the LVN to RN Bridge class NURS 014A, NURS 014B
Corequisite(s):
NURS 008L
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-008L
  • Mental Health-Psychiatric Nurs
  • Credit(s) 1.5

Mental Health-Psychiatric Nursing Lab
The course provides an introduction to Mental Health-Psychiatric Nursing using the nursing process to promote psychosocial integrity within the context of the health illness continuum across the life span. Emphasis is on therapeutic interactions and communications, medications, bio-psychosocial rehabilitation and therapeutic use of self and is held in a psychiatric healthcare facility.

Class Hours:
81 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 002L, NURS 003, NURS 004, NURS 004L, NURS 005, NURS 005L, NURS 006, NURS 007, NURS 007L or an LVN license and acceptance in the LVN to RN Bridge class NURS 014A, NURS 014B
Corequisite(s):
NURS 008
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-009
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Credit(s) 1.5

Pediatric Nursing
This course focuses on integration and application of the nursing process as it relates to the nursing care of children and their families. Emphasis is on the concepts and skills related to age-appropriate family centered care for children.

Class Hours:
27 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 002L, NURS 003, NURS 004, NURS 004L, NURS 005, NURS 005L, NURS 006, NURS 007, NURS 007L, NURS 008, NURS 008L or an LVN license and acceptance in the LVN to RN Bridge class NURS 014A, NURS 014B
Corequisite(s):
NURS 009L
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-009L
  • Pediatric Nursing Lab
  • Credit(s) 2

Pediatric Nursing Lab
This course is held in a healthcare facility and focuses on integration and application of the nursing process as it relates to the nursing care of children and their families. Emphasis is on the ability to apply concepts and skills related to age-appropriate family centered care for children, clinical experiences will provide opportunities for students to participate in therapeutic activities in a variety of pediatric settings.

Class Hours:
108 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 002L, NURS 003, NURS 004, NURS 004L, NURS 005, NURS 005L, NURS 006, NURS 007, NURS 007L, NURS 008, NURS 008L or an LVN license and acceptance in the LVN to RN Bridge class NURS 014A, NURS 014B
Corequisite(s):
NURS 009
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-010
  • Advanced Medical-Surgical Nurs
  • Credit(s) 2.5

Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing IV
Medical Surgical Nursing IV focuses on advanced application of the nursing process in the area of critically ill adult and geriatric patients. The student will organize and discriminate data to establish priorities of care. Correlated clinical experiences emphasized refinement of clinical decision making, psychomotor skills and management of patient care in professional nursing practice.

Class Hours:
45 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
NURS 001,NURS 001L,NURS 002, NURS 002L, NURS 003, NURS 004, NURS 004L, NURS 005, NURS 005L, NURS 006, NURS 007, NURS 007L, NURS 008,NURS 008L, NURS 009, NURS 009L, NURS 0014A, NURS 014B, and NURS 014C, LVN to RN Bridge Students NURS NURS 012, NURS 012L, LVN license, Health and Safety Requirements
Corequisite(s):
NURS 010L
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-010L
  • Advanced Medical-Surgical Nurs
  • Credit(s) 4

Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing IV Lab
Medical-Surgical Nursing IV focuses on advanced critically ill adult and geriatric patients. The student will organize and discriminate data to establish priorities of care. Clinical experiences emphasize refinement of clinical decision making,psychomotor skills and management of patient care in professional nursing practice.

Class Hours:
216 Laboratory
Prerequisite(S):
NURS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 002L, NURS 003, NURS 004, NURS 004L, NURS 005, NURS 005L, NURS 006, NURS 007, NURS 007L, NURS 008, NURS 008L, NURS 009, NURS 009L, NURS 0014A, NURS 014B, and NURS 014C, LVN to RN Bridge Students NURS NURS 012, NURS 012L, LVN license, Health and Safety Requirements
Corequisite(s):
NURS 010
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-011
  • Gerontology Community Nursing
  • Credit(s) 1

Gerontology Community Nursing
NURS 11 builds on previous medical-surgical knowledge and skills in applying the nursing process focusing on the older adult living in the community. Throughout the course gerontological nursing theory is incorporated. Emphasis will be on lifestyle and physical changes that occur with aging, the process of initiating health referrals for the older adult, and the outcome criteria for evaluating the aging individual's response to teaching and learning. The student will also explore interventions to increase the older adult's functional abilities. This course emphasizes the professional role of the nurse in assisting older adults in locating and utilizing appropriate community resources. Skills will be fostered in the area of management, quality assessment and the nurse as a change agent. Value systems, self-analysis and health care team collaboration related to interacting with the gerontological population will be explored along with personal professional developmental issues.

Class Hours:
18 Lecture
Prerequisite(S):
NURS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 002L, NURS 003, NURS 004, NURS 004L, NURS 005, NURS 005L, NURS 006, NURS 007, NURS 007L, NURS 008, NURS 008L, NURS 009, NURS 009L, NURS 0014A, NURS 014B, and NURS 014C, LVN to RN Bridge Students NURS NURS 012, NURS 012L, LVN license, Health and Safety Requirements
Corequisite(s):
NURS 011L
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-011L
  • Gerontology Community Nursing
  • Credit(s) 1

Gerontology Community Nursing Lab
This course builds on previous medical-surgical process focusing on the older adult living in the community. Throughout the course gerontological nursing theory is incorporated. Emphasis will be on lifestyle and physical changes that occur with aging, the process of initiating health referrals for the older adult, and the outcome criteria for evaluating the aging individual's response to teaching and learning. The student will also explore interventions to increase the older adult's functional abilities. This course emphasizes the professional role of the nurse in assisting older adults in locating and utilizing appropriate community resources. Skills will be fostered in the area of management, quality assessment and the nurse as a change agent in a healthcare or community setting. Value systems, self-analysis and health care team collaboration related to interacting with the gerontological will be explored along with personal professional development issues.

Class Hours:
54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(S):
NURS 001, NURS 001L, NURS 002, NURS 002L, NURS 003, NURS 004, NURS 004L, NURS 005, NURS 005L, NURS 006, NURS 007, NURS 007L, NURS 008, NURS 008L, NURS 009, NURS 009L, NURS 0014A, NURS 014B, and NURS 014C, LVN to RN Bridge Students NURS NURS 012, NURS 012L, LVN license, Health and Safety Requirements
Corequisite(s):
NURS 011
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-012
  • Role Transition LVN to RN
  • Credit(s) 2

Role Transition LVN to RN
This course focuses on the theory and application of concepts of physical assessment, the nursing process, critical thinking, and the relationship of homeostatic mechanisms to fluids and electrolytes and nursing competencies in the professional roles of clinician, teacher, leader and advocate. It is designed to serve as a bridge for the LVN student to transition into the role off RN student.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture
Corequisite(s); NURS 012L:
Advisory(s):
Valid California LVN license, minimum GPA 2.5, acceptance into the LVN-ADN Bridge program, BIO 032, BIO 035, BIO 038, ENG 001A (Recommended, Previous or concurrent).
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-012L
  • Role Transition LVN to R Lab
  • Credit(s) 1

Role Transition LVN to RN Lab
This course focuses on the application of concepts of physical assessment, the nursing process,critical thinking, and the relationship of homeostatic mechanisms to fluid and electrolytes and nursing competencies in the professional roles of clinician, teacher, leader and advocate. It is designed to serve as a bridge for the LVN student to transition into the role of RN student. This course is conducted in a healthcare setting.

Class Hours:
54 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
NURS 012
Advisory(s):
Valid California LVN license, minimum GPA 2.5, acceptance into the LVN-ADN Bridge program (Recommended, Previous or concurrent).
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-014A
  • Foundations Learning Lab
  • Credit(s) 2

Foundations Learning Lab
NURS 014A is an on-going tutorial theory/laboratory practice and remediation course that allows mastery of concepts and nursing skills necessary for providing safe client care in foundations of nursing. It provides instructional guidance to assist students to refine newly acquired skills and develop the competency level expected of entry level nurses. Multimedia, computer assisted instructional materials and high fidelity simulation will be utilized to support the specific semester learning objectives and subject matter.

Class Hours:
18 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
Current enrollment in the fourth semester of the Associate Degree Nursing Program
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-014B
  • Pharmacology/Obstetrical
  • Credit(s) 2

Pharmacology/Obstetrical Learning Lab
NURS 014 B is an on-going theory/laboratory practice and remediation course that allows mastery of concepts in principles and practice of pharmacology and nursing skills necessary for providing safe medication administration and safe client care in maternal/newborn nursing. It provides instructional guidance to assist students to refine newly acquired skills and develop the competency level expected of entry level nurses. Multimedia and computer assisted instructional materials with high fidelity simulation will be utilized to support the specific semester learning objectives and subject matter.

Class Hours:
18 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
Current enrollment in the second or summer semester of the ADN program.
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-014C
  • Specialty Nursing Learning Lab
  • Credit(s) 2

Specialty Nursing Learning Lab
NURS 014C is an on-going theory/laboratory practice and remediation course that allows mastery of concepts and nursing skills necessary for providing safe client care in the specialty areas of Pediatrics, Mental Health and Intermediate Medical Surgical Nursing. It provides instructional guidance to assist students to refine newly acquired skills and develop the competency level expected of entry level nurses. Multimedia, computer assisted instructional materials and high fidelity simulation will be utilized to support the specific semester learning objectives and subject matter.

Class Hours:
18 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
Current enrollment in the third semester of the ADN program
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-014D
  • Advanced Nursing Learning Lab
  • Credit(s) 2

Advanced Nursing Learning Lab
NURS 014D is an on-going theory/laboratory practice and remediation course that allows mastery of concepts and nursing skills necessary for providing safe client care in the specialty areas of Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing/Critical Care, Leadership and Community Geriatric Nursing. It provides instructional guidance to assist students to refine acquired skills learned in the previous three semesters and develop the competency level expected of entry level nurses. Multimedia, computer assisted instructional materials and complex high fidelity simulation will be utilized to support the specific semester learning objectives and subject matter.

Class Hours:
18 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Corequisite(s):
Current enrollment in the fourth semester of the ADN program
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-015X
  • Occupational Work Experience
  • Credit(s) 1 - 8

Occupational Work Experience
Cooperative Work Experience Education (CWEE) develops skills and knowledge by integrating classroom study with planned, supervised work experience. It is based on the principle that well-educated individuals develop most effectively through an educational plan that incorporated work experience. Through these structured experiences, the students enrich their college studies, which enhance their total development. Occupational Work Experience is supervised employment which is intended to assist students in acquiring desirable work habits, attitudes, and career awareness in the field of the student's major. Students may earn up to 8 units per semester for a maximum of 16 total units. Credits are awarded for paid or voluntary work. For every 75 hours of paid work completed within the semester, 1 unit or credit is awarded. For every 60 hours of volunteer work completed within the semester, 1 unit of credit is awarded. Occupational Work Experience credits are counted as electives toward an Associate's Degree at West Hills College Lemoore and are transferable to four year universities (for specific transfer elibility, please contact a counselor or an advisor).

Class Hours:
Work Experience
Transfers to:
CSU
  • NURS-051
  • Introduction to Nursing
  • Credit(s) 2

Introduction to Nursing
This course is designed to prepare the pre-nursing student for admission into a nursing program. Topics include: infection control, medical terminology, math, the nursing process, concept mapping, professionalism, and communication, the role of the registered nurse, cultural diversity and future health care trends.

Class Hours:
36 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
BIO 032, BIO 035, BIO 038, ENG 001A
Advisory(s):
CHEM 002A NUT 001 PSYCH 001 SOC 001 COM 001 MATH 063