Ukiah Adult School  1056 North Bush Street Ukiah, California 95482 Tel. (707) 463-5217 Fax (707) 463-0718

 

 

INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Ukiah Adult School, within Ukiah Unified School District, offers the Vocational Nursing Program as a public service. Completion of the program takes 54 weeks. The next program is estimated to begin in August 2023. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Vocational Nurses.

A Vocational Nurse offers complete bedside nursing care, assisting the patient receiving care in the hospital, home, skilled nursing facility, doctor's office, or other outpatient facilities, with activities of daily living. When assigned, the VN may also administer medication and treatment.

Program Attendance

The program incorporates nursing theory and nursing practice in Lake County and Mendocino County hospitals as well as other health care facilities. Students attend classes and receive instruction and experience in hospitals, always under the direction of an instructor, for 30 hours a week. During the first four weeks of the program the schedule is 5 days a week.

 

Thereafter, the schedule is:

Monday Class	8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Tuesday Class	8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Wednesday / Thursday Clinical	6:30 am - 4:30 pm

 

In order to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination, each student must satisfactorily complete the required number of hours in the program, maintaining at least a 75% average in each unit of instruction, and demonstrating satisfactory clinical performance. Additionally, interpersonal relationships are very important and must be satisfactory. All students must adhere to the ethical principles and dress code of the school and the participating hospitals.

Course objectives, both theory and clinical, must be achieved to succeed in the program.

Program Description

The course is divided into units of instruction including:

An introduction concerning the basic arts and sciences of nursing and patient care, including methods of studying, and a brief background of nursing history. Health/Hygiene principles, basic nutrition review, health education, role of the VN and agencies supplying health/welfare services are studied.

Students learn and practice nursing skills in the nursing laboratory and hospitals. Throughout the course, good body mechanics, safety principles, and recognition of individual patient needs are stressed.

The body structure, function, and common problems of body systems are studied. Microbiology, rehabilitation, gerontology, and mental health principles are integrated. Terminology and communication skills are developed and interpersonal relationships emphasized. Leadership and management skills are included. Learning is evaluated through testing, delivery of patient care, and written assignments.

Anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system are reviewed. Pregnancy, problems during pregnancy and prenatal care are studied. Development of the fetus, labor and delivery, the puerperium, and the neonatal period are included. A family centered approach is utilized. Students are assigned to the hospital obstetrical unit where participation in the care of patients in labor, during and after delivery, and the newborn is required. Each student is required to submit a written or oral presentation regarding a maternity subject. Students may also be assigned to an obstetrical-gynecological clinic for prenatal and postnatal care experience.

Physical and mental growth and development are studied. Special needs of hospitalized children and the effect of illness on growth and development are considered. Health problems of each age group are explored. Students care for hospitalized children and are assigned to a pediatric-adolescent clinic for outpatient experience.

 

A study of physiological and pharmacological characteristics of drugs and nursing implications related to drug therapy are presented. Methods of administration are taught with emphasis on safe delivery of medications. Precautions related to drug administration and to the clinical condition of the patient are discussed.

 

The basics of nutrition for health will be taught along with therapeutic diets for specific health disorders.

 

Although the school does not operate an employment placement service, there are plenty of opportunities for graduates.  The program culminates with a Career Fair event held on campus for our nursing graduates. 

 

Approximate total cost of the program is $11,000, which includes tuition ($8400), textbooks (~$800), ATI Student Subscription ($1700, paid in 3 installments to ATI), uniforms and supplies (~$400). First semester tuition is due on the day of orientation ($2,800). Tuition for the remaining two semesters is due the first day of each semester ($2,800). Diploma and subsequent transcripts will not be issued if any fees are unpaid. Ukiah Adult School accepts checks, credit/debit cards and money orders.

Students are responsible for the following: white shoes (with soft soles), white slacks or white skirt (if appropriate) to wear with the uniform tops, and a watch with a second hand. The purchase of a stethoscope is also required. These items are approximately $265. Additional required fees for background check, immunizations, and drug screening are approximately $135.

Near the end of the program, students will have additional costs for the application for the National Council Licensure, a State Board application fee, fingerprint fees and white uniform/shoes to be worn for graduation exercises. Following the licensure examination, there is an additional fee for the license and a fee for an interim permit which is payable directly to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technician Examiners.

Working while in the program is discouraged. In general there is one to two hours of prep time for each hour of lecture as well as studying for tests. If acceptable grades are maintained, part-time work on the weekend may be acceptable. Summer break allows students the opportunity to work. Some students may qualify for financial aid and/or scholarships offered by community agencies.

 

Please visit adultschool.uusd.net for the most current scholarship and financial aid information and go to www.fafsa.gov to apply for federal financial aid. Our school code is 042081. Ukiah Adult School participates in PELL grants only. Ukiah Adult School is an approved site for Veteran's Benefits.  Go to https://www.va.gov/education/ for more information.

Program applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Good physical and mental health, good eyesight and hearing are required. If accepted, immunizations (including up to date COVID boosters), the hepatitis series, and annual TB skin test, must be current before the program begins. The applicant must be interested in people, work well in a team, deliver a mature attitude, good practical judgement, dependability, and an openness to change.

The nurse should be an example to others in health practices, it is expected that the vocational nursing student attempt to maintain good health. This will be achieved by following principles of healthful living including proper diet, adequate rest, adequate exercise, weight control, stress control, and avoidance of harmful agents (smoking, drugs and alcohol). It is recommended that steps be taken prior to entrance into the program to overcome any smoking, drug, alcohol, or weight problems. Random drug tests may be performed.