Ukiah Adult School, within Ukiah Unified School District, offers the Vocational Nursing Program as a public service. Completion of the program takes 57 weeks. The next application cycle will be announced at a later date.

 

** The start date of the program is subject to change as the program is waiting on the approval of a new curriculum by our state board. If for any reason it is not yet approved by August 1 then you will be notified that the program will be temporarily delayed. You will receive one month's notice for the new start date in that event.

 

Upon successful completion of the course, graduates receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/ Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

 

A Licensed Vocational Nurse offers complete basic nursing care under direction of a Registered Nurse or Physician. They work in a variety of areas such as assisting the patient receiving care in the hospital, home, skilled nursing facility, doctor's office, or other outpatient facilities. When assigned, the LVN may also administer medication and treatments.

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 up to 30 hours a week, Monday through Thursday. During the first four weeks of the program the schedule is 6 hours a day, 8:30am-3:30pm. Thereafter, the schedule is: Monday and Tuesday Theory 8:30am-2:30pm; Wednesday and Thursday, Clinical – 6:30am-4:30pm. Friday clinical rotations may be required in certain rotations. Rotations to both Lake and Mendocino Counties are required.
 
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.

 

The course is divided into units of instruction including:

 

Course Descriptions

Basic Anatomy & Physiology gives students in-depth instruction in the organization, structures, and functions of the human body. Students will learn the terminology, anatomy and physiology of each body system and how they interrelate to maintain homeostasis. Students build a foundation to understand deviations from normal and disease conditions.

 

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 LVN 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.

 

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

 

Career Opportunities

Although the school does not operate an employment placement service, there seems to be no lack of employment opportunities for graduates.  

 

Cost of the Program

Approximate total cost of the program is $11,575, which includes tuition ($8400), textbooks ($794.48), ATI subscription ($1980), 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 ($2800). Diploma and subsequent transcripts will not be issued if any fees are unpaid. Ukiah Adult School accepts checks and money orders. Credit/Debit Cards and cash are not accepted.

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 are additional fees for the license and a fee for an interim permit which is payable directly to the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technician Examiners. Currently those fees total $800.

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. Summer break allows students the opportunity to work. Some students may qualify for financial aid and/or scholarships offered by community agencies.

Financial Aid

 

Please visit Ukiah Adult School's website for the most current scholarship and financial aid information.

 

Eligibility

 

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 the hepatitis series, and annual TB skin test, must be current before the program begins. The applicant must be interested in people, have a pleasant personality, and be able to work well with others. Most important is a willingness to follow directions, a mature attitude, and good practical judgment. Dependability is a must.

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.

 

The Faculty

The nursing faculty are all licensed nurses with teaching credentials who have been approved by the State Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians.

 

Continued Education

Although Ukiah Adult School does not offer college credit for vocational nursing courses, some community colleges will evaluate transcripts of nursing graduates and award college credit.