Vocational Nursing

Mission:

The St. Philip’s College Vocational Nursing Program is committed to providing a quality-learning environment which fosters excellence in academic and technical achievement for students in pursuit of a nursing career. The Vocational Nursing Program supports the vision and mission of Alamo Colleges and aligns with its values.

To fulfill its mission, the Vocational Nursing Program will:

·         Promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills in clinical, lab and classroom settings

·         Promote entry-level competency, safety and compassion within the vocational nursing scope of practice

Program:

The Vocational Nursing Program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to award the Certificate of Completion in Vocational Nursing. The affordable one year program admits new students each fall and spring semester. The program is offered on the main campus in San Antonio either day or evening. The program is also offered in New Braunfels at the Central Texas Technology Center (CTTC) during the day only. To obtain the best learning experiences, students at either location may be required to attend class, lab, or clinical in San Antonio, New Braunfels and surrounding areas based upon class size, availability of clinical sites, etc.

Admission Requirements / Application Process
 

The requirements for admission into the St. Philip’s College Vocational Nursing Program are in accordance with the Alamo Colleges admission policies, admission policies of the Vocational Nursing program and policies specified by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).

1. Complete and submit the admission application to Alamo Colleges: http://www.alamo.edu/AlamoENROLL/ .  Click on the appropriate type of student you will be. You will then receive a series of e-mails with directions on how to log-in to your Alamo Colleges Education Services (ACES) account to view the “Start Here” Tab for next steps and required GO FAARR and TEST PREP modules if requested. 
   The St. Philip’s College school code is 003608.
   An active application is required to move forward with the application process for the nursing program.
   The apply Texas application is for admission to the college, not for admission to the nursing program. You will have to complete a separate application for the nursing program.
    
2. After you complete the GO FAARR and TEST PREP modules, you will be eligible to take a college placement exam. See appendix A on pages 8-9.
    
3. All applicants must be pretested (Board of Nursing Rule 214.8-c4). No exceptions to pretest requirements will be granted to applicants with previous college credit or college degrees. This program only accepts the ATI TEAS V assessment (Nursing) test within 1 year from date of examination.
   The Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) V assessment (Nursing) is a multiple-choice assessment of basic academic knowledge in reading, essential math, basic science, and English and language usage.
   The objectives assessed on the TEAS V (Nursing) are those which nurse educators deem the most appropriate and relevant to measure entry-level skills and abilities of nursing program applicants.
   This allows St. Philip’s College to have the pertinent information needed to make normative comparisons.
   Information on the TEAS V (Nursing) assessment test, how to prepare and where to take the test can be found at: https://www.atitesting.com/Solutions/pre-program/TEAS.aspxInformation on the TEAS V (Nursing) assessment test, how to prepare and where to take the test can be found at: https://www.atitesting.com/Solutions/pre-program/TEAS.aspx
    
4. Pick up application from the nursing department. Bring the following: SZATXSI form that indicate you are at College Ready level/TSI complete in all 3 areas of  math, reading, and English (obtain from campus testing center), TEAS V (Nursing) test scores within 1 year of examination, proof of having a minimum of 2.5 GPA (an unofficial ACES printout will suffice), and photo ID. The application must be picked up in person from the Nursing Education Department.
    
5. Complete the application packet. Completed application packet must be delivered in person to the St. Philip’s College Nursing Education Department. Mailed in applications will not be accepted. Proof of identification (photo ID and social security card) will be required when turning in application packet.  The application will be reviewed for accuracy and completeness. Applicants requesting admission consideration into the New Braunfels extension campus must submit the application directly to the New Braunfels campus.
    
6. Applicants who do not meet admission requirements based on low test scores (who do not meet TSI College Ready) will be required to meet with an academic advisor to discuss taking developmental courses such as English, Reading, and/or Math; or to discuss remediation and retesting prior to applying for admission into the nursing program. Applicants with prior college coursework and/or degrees will need to speak with the academic advisor to review transcripts and to discuss options regarding applications to the nursing program.
    
7. Applicants must have a High School diploma or GED (must show official transcript) and be 18 years of age or older upon completion of the program. Individuals who have completed High School requirements in a foreign country must submit an official High School Transcript translated in English. For information regarding foreign transcript evaluation, contact the International Student Services Office at (210) 486-2876.
    
8. Applicants must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, or the equivalent of a cumulative “C” average, in all college course work and/or high school.
    
9. To determine whether an applicant is College Level Ready /TSI complete, the following assessment tests will be accepted:  ACT, SAT, TSI Assessment, THEA, or Compass. (see page 8-9)
    
10. TEAS V (Nursing) Admission Examination: Overall score will be utilized as part of the admission points in a ranking system

    TEAS V (Nursing) Admission Examination Overall Score (within 1 year from date of examination):
    •   Exemplary	35 points
    •   Advanced	25 points
    •   Proficient	20 points
    •   Basic	10 points
    •   Developmental	0 points

    
    
     
11. A student enrolled in the Vocational Nursing Program MUST be able to meet the following standards:
    a. Use the senses of vision, hearing, speech and touch. Use of the senses enhances the nurse’s abilities to accurately observe the patient.
    b. Perform psychomotor movements that require coordination of gross and fine muscle movements and equilibrium. Good coordination is necessary for patient safety.
    c. Communicate orally and in writing as well as demonstrate behavior that indicates sensitivity to others. Nurses are required to function in highly compassionate areas where integrity, interpersonal skills and concern for others are all desirable personal qualities.
    d. Demonstrate stable emotional health and intellectual activities required to exercise sound judgment. The applicant must be flexible and able to adapt to change and stress.
    e. Demonstrate adequate decision-making and critical thinking skills.
    f. Demonstrate physical health necessary to perform strenuous activities related to patient care which includes moving and lifting (must be able to lift or move MORE than 50 pounds), standing, stooping, bending, and walking for prolonged periods of time.   
    g. Provide nursing care to patients with all types of health problems, including communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
12. The following items must be submitted, along with the completed application, to the Vocational Nursing Program:

a. Printout showing proof of TSI College Ready.

b. TEAS V (Nursing) Test Scores

c. Transcripts: Submit 2 copies of official transcripts, including high school and college (if applicable). One copy of official transcript should be submitted to the Admissions Office (Records & Registration) and one official copy submitted with nursing program application. If college transcript indicates name of High School attended and graduation date, we do not have to have an official High School transcript.  You MUST be a High School graduate or have GED Certificate with GED scores.

d. Physical Examination Form (with business card of clinic performing the exam) A Physical examination by a licensed Physician, Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner must be submitted. The form is in the application packet.

e. Immunization Record:  Must include documentation of all required immunizations. The immunization record must be on 1 consolidated record from physicial office, health department, or military record.

• Tetanus (within 10 years)

• MMR (measels, mumps, rubella)

• Varicella (chickenpox) - 2 doses or documented evidence of disease

• Hepatitis B - series of 3 vaccines

• Hepatitis A - series of 2 vaccines

• Meningococcal (meningitis) - required for students under age 22

• Tuberculosis Skin Test (PPD) with negative result (within 1 year) If history of positive PPD, Chest X-ray report confirming no active case of tuberculosis (within 2 years) will be required along with TB health questionnaire from healthcare provider.

• Serum titers confirming immunity are accepted for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, MMR and Varicella

• Seasonal vaccines are required by some clinical sites. You are encouraged to get immunized for Influenza during the flu season. Understand that if the facility allows, student may don an appropriate, and approved, mask during clinical rotations should he/she choose not to get immunized with the
  seasonal flu vaccine.

f. CPR Card:  Proof of current CPR certification in Basic Life Support for adult, child and infant. American Heart Association (Health Care Provider Course) or American Red Cross (Professional Rescuer Course) required. INTERNET/ONLINE and OTHER courses are NOT accepted.

g. Health Insurance: Must show proof of health insurance for illness and injury and remain insured throughout the duration of enrollment in the Vocational Nursing Program. Student’s name must be on the insurance card if student is insured as a dependent on parent/guardian/spouse insurance plan.

h. Reference Forms: Three (3) references from current or past employers, supervisors, counselors, teachers (references from family and friends will not be accepted). Reference forms are included in the application packet.

i. Essay: 200 word essay on why you want to become a nurse, why you chose St. Philip’s College and what will contribute to your success in completing the nursing program.  The essay must be typed, 12 font - Times New Roman.

j. Photo ID (current driver license or passport)

k. Social Security Card

l.  Proof of Drug Screen (instructions for drug screen process will be given when application is picked up). Applicants with a positive drug screen will not be admitted to the Vocational Nursing Program.

   13. Criminal Background Check: All applicants must pass a criminal background check completed by the Texas Board of Nursing before official acceptance into the Vocational Nursing Program is granted. Individuals who do not have a clear criminal background check must complete the Declaratory Order process with the Board of Nursing. The Declaratory Order Process permits the Board of Nursing to make decisions regarding an applicant’s eligibility for licensure prior to entering or completing a nursing program.

Please note: the Declaratory Order Process must be started immediately before an applicant applies to the program if an individual has/had any legal or criminal issues.  This process can take anywhere from 3 months to 1 year to complete. Applicants will not be officially accepted unless a clear background check or a cleared outcome letter from the Declaratory order process is presented to the Nursing Program.

http://www.bon.texas.gov/forms_declaratory_order.asp

   14. Individuals will be notified of conditional acceptance into the Vocational Nursing Program via Alamo Colleges ACES student email. Applicants must respond by the deadline date identified in the notification email letter. Applicants who decline admission may re-apply at
         a later dae and must meet all current program requirem\ents at that time.
 

   15. Applications and documents submitted by applicants not accepted for admission or submitted by applicants that decline admission will be destroyed after thirty (30) days unless applicant notifies the Nursing Education Department that he/she wishes to pick up the application and documents.
    

   16. Application Deadlines: Completed applications must be submitted by:

• Fall  2015 Semester Deadline: 1^st Thursday of June
• Spring  2016 Semester Deadline:  1^st Thursday of October
• Fall 2016 Semester Deadline: 1^st Thursday of April

   17. Admission into the Vocational Nursing Program is competitive and based upon an applicant’s GPA, TEAS V (Nursing) scores, completion of recommended courses, medically related employment history (for example CNA, EMT etc.), prior college work, reference letters and available class seats.
 

   18. Admission decisions are emailed to all applicants’ official Alamo Colleges ACES student email approximately 1 month after the application deadline.

Recommendations

Although not required, we strongly encourage completing the following courses prior to admission:

• Anatomy & Physiology I&II (BIOL2401 and  BIOL2402)
• Nutrition (one of the following: BIOL1322, BIOL1323, FDNS1305, CHLT1305)
• PSYC 2314 Developmental Psychology across the Lifespan
• HITT 1305 Medical Terminology

Curriculum / Competencies

The curriculum encompasses courses in fundamentals of nursing, nutrition, gerontology, therapeutic communication, administration of medications, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal/newborn nursing, nursing care of children, mental health/mental illness, professional development, and ethical/legal aspects of nursing practice.

The curriculum consists of 47 credit hours and reflects care of the client in a holistic, family-centered perspective throughout the lifespan. Instruction is based on a learner-oriented approach with application of knowledge in order to gain a thorough understanding of the instructional content presented in the classroom, lab and clinical that is required to become a knowledgeable, competent, and safe nursing care provider.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are prepared to demonstrate the Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs) of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs under four main nursing roles: member of the profession, provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, and member of the health care team.

The entry level graduate of a VN program provides nursing care within a directed scope of practice under appropriate supervision. The vocational nurse uses a systematic problem-solving process in the care of multiple patients with predictable health care needs to provide individualized, goal-directed nursing care. The vocational nurse contributes to the plan of care by collaborating with interdisciplinary team members and with the patient’s family. The new graduate can readily integrate technical skills and use of computers into practice.

Graduates are prepared to:

• Demonstrate responsibility for continued competence in nursing practice, and develop insight through reflection, self-analysis, self-care, and lifelong learning.
• Provide safe, compassionate, basic nursing care to assigned patients with predictable health care needs through a supervised, directed scope of practice.
• Implement aspects of the plan of care within legal, ethical, and regulatory parameters and in consideration of patient factors.
• Implement measures to promote quality and a safe environment for patients, self, and others.
• Communicate and collaborate with patients, their families, and the interdisciplinary health care team to assist in the planning, delivery, and coordination of patient-centered care to assigned patients.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Texas Nursing Practice Act and the Texas Board of Nursing Rules that emphasize safety, as well as all federal, state, and local government and accreditation organization safety requirements and standards.

Upon successful completion of the program, and meeting Texas Board of Nursing requirements, Vocational Nursing graduates are issued a temporary license from the Texas Board of Nursing permitting them to seek employment as a Graduate Vocational Nurse (GVN) until successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX- PN). Students successfully completing the first semester of the 12-month Vocational Nursing Program may apply and test for Certification as Nurse’s Aide and upon successful completion of the second semester, students may apply to test for Certification as a Medication Aide through the Department of Aging and Disability Services.

Evaluation Criteria:

The minimal passing grade for the Vocational Nursing Program is 77%, which may be higher than other departments within St. Philip’s College. The Vocational Nursing Department has a higher standard because the safety of our clients is the most important part of our curriculum. We have also found that students who score 77% or higher are more likely to be successful passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)

Grading Scale:
The grading system in the Vocational Nursing Program is different from other departments.
The grading system is:

A = 90 - 100
B = 84 - 89.99
C = 77 - 83.99
D = 70 - 76.99
F = 69.99 and under

Programs and Courses - Vocational Nursing