The application period for the 2-year REGISTERED NURSING PROGRAM 

opens August 1st on odd years and closes September 1st at 11:59pm.

Lassen Community College Registered Nursing Philosophy 

Lassen Community College Associates Degree Registered Nursing Program integrates evidence-based nursing, providing the basis of professional practice. Professional practice is the provision of care in primary, secondary, and tertiary health care settings focusing on the health-illness continuum. Art and science of nursing establishes the basis for a systematic approach to holistic collaborative care based on evidence-based practice. Best practice includes an awareness of cultural, ethical, social, policy, and regulatory environments. Graduates of the nursing program accomplish professional practice through their roles as competent care providers, educators, and leaders. The faculty has a responsibility to provide nursing education through a variety of pedagogical approaches with a strong emphasis on technological strategies. Students learn optimally in an atmosphere immersed in humanism, innovation and technology. 

Faculty recognizes and embraces different learning styles and offers resources to assist each style. Learning environments are flexible, dynamic and student-centered allowing for free exchange of ideas. The faculty believes in lifelong learning and modeling leadership within the profession. Faculty are mindful in recognizing barriers in the student's educational journey and connecting students with appropriate support systems on campus and in the community as needed.  The nursing program aims to encourage students to be citizens of the world. We encourage students to embrace differences in each other, society, and other countries. Our goal is to expose our students to diverse societies, offer them opportunities to expand their worlds, change their lives, and shape their futures as leaders of global healthcare. Faculty members are challenged to become more intentionally global and creative in meeting the demands of the world’s population. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) embody the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes necessary of the student, upon graduation, to display readiness for the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN) and entry level practice as a Registered Nurse in California.  The PLOs also reflect the mission and philosophy of the nursing program.  They frame a curriculum that supports diversity, culture, and inclusivity and prepares a graduate who is able to serve the healthcare needs of a culturally and ethnically diverse population, in a sensitive manner.  The PLOs also reflect readiness for furthering one's education in a bachelor program of study to attain a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN).

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are the impetus from which the nursing courses develop course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs).  Faculty design weekly learning activities and modules to assist students in meeting Student Learning Outcomes.  These SLOs are leveled, from simple to more complex, as the student progresses through the 2-year curriculum.  At the final exit course in the nursing program, NURS 16 Comprehensive Review, students participate in a number of assignments, clinical performance testing, projects, and standardized examinations. These evaluations demonstrate competencies and provide aggregated data to determine the level of achievement the Program Learning Outcomes were met. 

PLOs embody elements from the:

1. National League of Nursing (NLN) Educational Competencies of the ADN Nurse  

2. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN)

3. National Patient Safety Goals

4. NCLEX-RN Test Blueprint

5. Nursing Process / Clinical Judgment Model

Program Learning Outcomes:

1. The graduate will integrate physiological and psychosocial concepts, along with clinical judgment to apply nursing process and provide quality, safe, patient centered care.

2. The graduate will promote and maintain a safe environment by integrating current evidenced based practice, information technology, and skill competency to deliver quality health care. 

3. The graduate will therapeutically communicate and collaborate with culturally diverse patients, families, and the interprofessional health care team to achieve quality patient centered care. 

4. The graduate will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of the professional nurse, embracing lifelong learning to improve the quality of health care. 

Lassen Community College Nursing Faculty Philosophy 

The Lassen Community College nursing faculty believes that fostering the art and science of nursing is a unique position that makes significant differences in the lives of others. Nursing practice reflects genuine compassion for every person who is entrusted to our care. We strive to be a source of knowledge, advocacy, and encouragement to students and patients. We desire to fulfill our role as a registered nurse and nursing educators with the highest level of integrity and best practices. We aspire to contribute as much knowledge and care to both students and patients to hopefully one day, better healthcare globally.   

Lassen Community College Registered Nursing Program Faculty Objectives:  

1. Champion quality nursing education that embraces a culture of excellence, integrity, and accountability, enriching the healthcare system through graduating competent, and confident nurses.  

2. Cultivate student centered learning environments that embrace and recognize student diversity and foster a spirit of inquiry and community among all students. 

3. Ensure continuous quality improvement of curriculum and student experiences focused on current and emerging evidence-based practices.  

4. Build competent, patient centered professional nursing care for individuals, families and populations across the health continuum in a variety of community-based settings and institutions, emphasizing patient safety and quality. 

5. Develop nurses who critically think and obtain effective communication skills. 

6. Demonstrate ethical and professional nursing roles and practice.  

7. Empower students to embrace and promote integrity, core values, social justice, and human dignity. 

8. Form interdisciplinary collaborative relationships to improve professional nursing practice and the quality of healthcare for all. 

9. Initiate best practices in education to ensure the highest possible program completion, certification, and employment rates, contributing to the continuous enhancement of healthcare delivery locally and globally.  

The following proof of vaccination is required for clinical clearance to ensure your safety and the safety of the patients you will be serving. Keep copies of all compliance documents and do not turn paper copies into any staff member. 

Immunizations

Hepatitis B:

• Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine with 4 weeks between doses or positive antibody titer is required.

• If not already completed a declination form will be signed.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella:

• Two doses of MMR vaccine or a positive antibody titer is required.

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Acellular Pertussis (Tdap):

• One dose of Tdap vaccine is required within the last ten years. Td is not accepted.

Varicella (Chickenpox):

• Two doses of Varicella vaccine or a positive antibody titer are required.

• To have had chickenpox as a child may not be sufficient protection against the disease and a titer is therefore necessary to prove immunity.

Influenza Vaccination:

• All student nurses must be vaccinated against the seasonal influenza virus once the vaccine becomes available.

• The new flu vaccine is released each fall and should be received once available.

• This is an annual requirement for all student nurses.

Covid-19 Vaccine Requirement for Lassen Registered Nursing Program 

Effective Date: October 2023 

Policy Overview: The Lassen Registered Nursing Program at Lassen Community College acknowledges the importance of Covid-19 vaccination in mitigating the spread of the virus and ensuring a safe healthcare environment. While the Covid-19 vaccine is not currently mandatory for enrolled students, this policy outlines the procedure to be followed if the clinical sites and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mandate the Covid-19 vaccine at any point during the program. 

Policy Details: 

1. Current Voluntary Vaccination Status: a. At present, the Covid-19 vaccine is not a mandatory requirement for enrollment in the Lassen Registered Nursing Program. b. Students have the option to voluntarily receive the Covid-19 vaccine if they choose to do so. 

2. Mandatory Vaccination in Response to Clinical Site or CDC Mandate: a. If at any time during the Lassen Registered Nursing Program, the clinical sites and/or the CDC mandate the Covid-19 vaccine for individuals working in healthcare settings, all registered nursing students within the program will be required to receive the vaccine. b. The program will provide information and support to students regarding the vaccination process, including scheduling, locations, and any associated costs. 

3. Consequences of Non-Compliance: a. Failure to receive the mandated Covid-19 vaccine as directed by the clinical sites or the CDC will result in dismissal from the Lassen Registered Nursing Program. b. Dismissed students will be ineligible to continue participating in the program, and their enrollment will be terminated. 

4. Documentation and Verification: a. Students who receive the mandated Covid-19 vaccine must provide appropriate documentation to the program for verification. b. The program will maintain confidential records of vaccination status in compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations. 

5. Compliance and Awareness: a. All enrolled students are responsible for staying informed about changes to the Covid-19 vaccination requirements and related policies throughout their enrollment in the program. b. It is the responsibility of each student to comply with any Covid-19 vaccination mandates imposed by the clinical sites or the CDC. 

6. Communication of Changes: a. The program administration will promptly communicate any updates or changes to the Covid-19 vaccination policy to all enrolled students. b. Updates will be provided through official communication channels, including email, program websites, and in-person meetings. 

This policy is subject to periodic review and may be amended as necessary to align with evolving guidelines, mandates, or circumstances related to Covid-19. Any revisions will be communicated to enrolled students in a timely and transparent manner. 

Once accepted into the program

1. Negative Criminal Background Check 

2. Technical Standard Form 

3. Negative Urine Drug Screen

4. Accepted Tuberculin Clearance

1. 1 step PPD  or

2. Negative IGRA (Quantiferon or T-spot) or

3. Negative Chest X-Ray if unable to receive PPD

• A Negative chest x-ray is required if newly positive PPD, (Chest x-ray is required annually).

• Verification of negative chest x-ray if a history of positive PPD in past.

Entry Requirements  

• Successful completion of the 12th grade or equivalent. 

• Students are required to take the latest version of TEAS developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI). A minimum passing composite score of 62% is required for consideration. Electronic transfer of TEAS score will be required. The exam must be completed within the past three years. 

Register for the TEAS @ LCC: https://www.atitesting.com/teas/register/ 

• Students must meet all health and safety requirements.  

• Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a cumulative GPA in all college course work of 2.5 or higher and no less than a C in any required prerequisite course:  

Prerequisites 

All required prerequisites need to be completed prior to the semester before the intended start date of the registered nursing program. 

BIOL 20 Microbiology with Lab

BIOL 21 Human Anatomy with Lab

BIOL 22 Human Physiology with Lab

ENGL 1 College Composition 

MATH 40 Elementary Statistics 

Co-requisites 

SOC 1 Introduction to Sociology 

SPCH 1 Public Speaking 

Area C One course from Area C 

PSY 18 Lifespan Development 

ES-1 Introduction to Ethnic Studies

Advanced Placement Students are required to complete all of Lassen Community College Associates Degree Registered Nursing Program entry requirements and prerequisite. In addition, hold a:  

• Current unencumbered California Licensed Vocational Nurse Licenses  

• California State Blood Withdrawal and Intravenous Therapy Certification 

All advanced placement students will be required to successfully complete a transition course during the second semester of their intended cohort in order to be considered.    

Selection is based on the completion of the application and the Lassen Community College Associates Registered Nurse Merit-Based Admission Point System. 

Applicants must complete the "Test of Essential Academic Skills" to qualify for the program.

Students are required to take the latest version of TEAS developed by the Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI). A minimum passing composite score of 62% is required for consideration into the Lassen Community College Associates Registered Nurse Program. A printout of the TEAS test is required electronic transfer of TEAS score will be required if TEAS submitted is not from Lassen Community College. 

TEAS Exam cost is $117 at Lassen Community College. Students must complete the TEAS before applying to the RN program. TEAS Exams are offered at Lassen Community College in Room CA113 in the Creative Arts building. Click the to register below!

THE TEAS MUST BE TAKEN IN PERSON

TEAS EXAM at Lassen Community College will resume October 2024.

TEAS Exams must be complete in-person prior to applying to the program. 

TEAS Exams may not be re-taken within 14 days of the original exam date and may only be taken a total of 3 times in a 12-month period.

*The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) must have been completed in the last three years or you will need to retake the exam.*

The registered nursing student is expected to:

1. Be responsible for all assignments given in the classroom or clinical area.

2. Be prepared for classroom and clinical assignments.

3. Be on time for class and clinical.

4. Be responsible for own transportation to the clinical facilities.

5. Respect and keep all information regarding the patient confidential. No printing from clinical sites, visiting, or calling to gain information for assignments.

6. Refrain from smoking or use of smokeless tobacco or devices during class or clinical rotations.

7. Report any prescribed drug therapy occurring at any time during the program to the Nursing Director.

8. Limit telephone conversations to break and non-class times. 

9. Cellphones must be turned off in locker and/or left in car during clinical.

10. Comply with all Lassen Community College policies and regulations regarding students.

11. While in the clinical setting, comply with all clinical facility rules governing employees and students.

12. Show respect to each patient, classmate, instructor, and all employees at clinical sites.

13. Any reason for concern for the students well-being by instructor may result in a referral to LCC behavior health services. 

14. Remember this is a drug-free environment, and should be drug-free career. Abuse of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is unprofessional. Proven violation, including incarceration, will result in disciplinary action, up to the possibly including dismissal from the program at the discretion of the nursing faculty.

*Limitations of licensure will apply.

Licensed vocational nurses who do not wish to complete the course work for a Degree in Nursing but wish to take the NCLEX-RN examination to be licensed as a Registered Nurse in California must follow the guidelines set forth by the Board of Registered Nursing, Effective 1997: 

Section 1429:  

“A licensed vocational nurse shall be eligible to apply for examination for licensure as a registered nurse under this chapter provided, they have successfully completed the approved curriculum in a school accredited by the board and meets all other requirements as set forth in section 1429”. 

Additional educational required of licensed vocational nurse applicants shall not exceed a maximum of thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter nursing course units. 

These nursing courses shall be taken in an accredited school and shall be beyond courses equivalent to the first year of professional nursing courses. 

These nursing courses shall include: Nursing intervention in acute, preventive, remedial, supportive, rehabilitative and teaching aspects of nursing. 

Theory and courses with concurrent clinical practice shall include advanced medical-surgical, mental health/psych nursing, pediatrics and obstetrics nursing. 

Lassen Community College Associate Degree Registered Nursing Program Department of Nursing Policy for the Thirty Unit Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Option: 

1.    The burden of responsibility to qualify to take the examination for registered nurse licensure rests within the licensed vocational nurse. 

2.    California LVNs are required to obtain objective counseling from the nursing department director or designee to clarify that the LVN 30-unit Option does NOT lead to a degree. All applicants will be required to consult with the nursing director prior to enrollment.   

3.    LVNs that complete the option may sit for the NCLEX-RN examination and if successful may be licensed in the state of California with a “non-graduate license.” There may be no reciprocity for licensure in any other state.  

4.    LVN candidates, during the objective counseling session, will be asked to sign a statement acknowledging item 2 above. The statement will be placed in their student file in the Department of Nursing. 

5.    These students are to apply for admission to the college as “No Objective” candidates; they will not enter as nursing majors. Students are not required to complete the lower division general education requirements; pre-requisite nursing core courses or additional preparatory courses in the major. 

6.    Students qualifying for admission to designated nursing courses will be considered along with all other qualified applicants on a space available basis. 

7.    Once the courses designated are complete, the Nursing Director will complete the California Board of Registered Nurses’ “Individual Candidate Roster” form, the “Candidate Worksheet” showing any course waivers of equivalency, and their request for transcripts. Students completing this option will NOT be a graduate of the Lassen Community College nursing program and are not eligible to receive a nursing pin. 

8.    Students desirous of enrolling to take the courses designated by the Department of Nursing are required to meet all prerequisite requirements. In compliance with Public Law 1435.5, a maximum of thirty semester units obtained by successful completion of the following nursing courses are required and include: 

a.    BIO 20 Microbiology (5) 

b.    BIO 22 Human Physiology with Lab (4) 

c.    NURS 9 Medical Surgical 3 (4) 

d.    NURS 10 Advanced Maternal Child (3) 

e.    NURS 11 Clinical Practice 3 (3) 

f.     NURS 12 Nursing Lab 3 (2) 

g.    NURS 13 Medical Surgical 4 (4) 

h.    NURS 14 Clinical Practice 4 (4) 

i.         NURS 15 Nursing Lab 4 (1) 

Credit Granting and Transfer Policy  

The Lassen Community College Associate Degree Registered Nursing Program makes provision for the granting of credit for previous education or acquired knowledge. Upon request to the program director, any student accepted into the Lassen Community College Associate Degree Registered Nursing Program may be evaluated for such credit.  

Credit Granting, Transfer, and Challenge Policy 

Students who have successfully completed academic courses and/or have relevant knowledge and/or skills acquired in other than an accredited institution will be given advanced standing in the nursing program upon verification of such knowledge and/or skills. 

Credit granting, transfer, and challenge opportunities will be provided in accordance with Lassen Community College AP 4235 Credit for Prior Learning which follows Education Code Section; 66025.71, 70500, Title 5 Section 55050, and ACCJC Accreditation Standard II.A.10. 

In compliance with the California Code of Regulations sections 1423.1, 1423.2 and amended CCR sections 1418, 1424, 1426, and 1430 that implement Senate Bill 466 and in recognition of the service that Military Personnel have provided to the country and its citizens, the Lassen Community College Nursing Program offers advanced placement for qualified individuals. 

Individuals who present with relevant military education and experience equal to but not limited to Basic Medical Technician Corpsman (Navy HM or Air Force BMTCP), Army Health Care Specialist (68W Army Medic), or Air Force Independent Duty Medical Technician (IMDT 4N0X1C) are eligible for advanced placement into the Lassen Community College Nursing Program. All nursing courses can be challenged; however, individuals must have prior relevant education and experience that meet the specific requirements of each course. 

Prospective applicants must schedule a counseling appointment with the Nursing Program Director. 

The Admissions Committee will review the following documentation to determine whether full or partial course credit can be given for nursing courses through its course challenge policy: 

● Form DD214, demonstrating honorable military discharge. 

● Documents demonstrating completion of program entrance requirements, including designated prerequisites and assessment testing. 

● Official transcripts with syllabi of relevant military education programs and clinical experience demonstrating satisfactory completion of coursework and clinical experience 

Procedure: 

1. For ALL Military Applicants: Review the Lassen Community College College Registered Nursing Program Admission Information. 

2. Complete program entrance requirements, including designated prerequisites. 

3. Schedule an advising appointment with the Director of Nursing to review the eligibility requirements for the Lassen Community College Registered Nursing Program. 

4. Submit a completed advanced placement application and include: 

a. Documents of honorable discharge (Form DD214). 

b. Submit all official transcripts with syllabi of relevant military education program(s). and clinical experience demonstrating satisfactory completion of coursework and clinical experience with the application. 

c. Complete the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam (62% or higher) and submit official results to the Lassen Community College Registered Nursing Department. 

d. Completion of the following National League for Nursing(NLN) Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exams (NACES) with a score of 75% or higher: 

i. For entry into Semester 2: Foundations of Nursing and Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family 

ii. For entry into Semester 3: Foundations of Nursing, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family, Nursing Care of Children 

iii. For entry into Semester 4: Foundations of Nursing, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family, Nursing Care of Children, Nursing Care of Adults 

5. Application and supporting documents will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. If the applicant meets the criteria for challenge, the Admissions Committee will schedule the candidate to complete the challenge exam(s) for all applicable courses. Satisfactory level of achievement on challenge examinations or other evaluative methods to validate achievement of course objectives will include; 

a. Skills competency evaluation 

b. Dosage calculation exam 

6. The following materials will be made available to the applicant as preparation for the examination(s) and skills testing for credit: 

a. Course outline 

b. Syllabus with course objectives 

c. Content outline 

d. Bibliography and textbook list 

e. Types of test items 

f. Format of examination and testing 

g. Critical elements for nursing skills 

h. Dosage calculation review sheet, rules for rounding, and passing policy.

Advanced Placement students are admitted on a space availability basis; however, military personnel and veterans are given preference. 

Military Challenge students admitted to the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Lassen Community College after academic failure at another school will not be eligible for re-entry at Lassen Community College if they are dismissed for academic failure (or withdrawal to avoid academic failure) from the Lassen Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program.