School of Nursing and Health Sciences Vocational Nursing Education

Transcription

1 School of Nursing and Health Sciences Vocational Nursing Education

2 Welcome to the Tyler Junior College Vocational Nursing program. We are pleased that you are interested in the Vocational Nursing program and we hope that this information session will help you on your journey and help answer questions that you may have. Our vocational nursing program prepares students to meet the challenges of this dynamic and yet rewarding career. We wish you the best of luck as you join our health care family.

3 What is Vocational Nursing? Vocational Nursing is a skilled nursing career. Graduates who have taken and passed the national examination (NCLEX) will be allowed to practice as Licensed Vocational Nurses. People in this role must be very compassionate and patient, and be excellent caregivers. LVNs perform a variety of patient care tasks including feeding and bathing, giving injections, collecting samples for lab tests, monitoring patients and medical equipment, and dressing wounds. They also gather information from patients and record it, such as vital signs, and any symptoms described by the patient.

4 Where are Vocational Nurses employed? LVNs are employed primarily in long-term care facilities, clinics, physician s offices, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers. Few are employed at local hospitals, as well. Employment may be full-time or part-time. Entry level salaries vary depending upon the facility and the individual s experience. For the salary range in the local area, see the link for the Bureau of Labor and Statistics: See the following links for professional organizations and more information on the Vocational Nursing profession: or

5 Few Facts About Vocational Nursing Program 48 hour curriculum leading to a Certificate of Proficiency in Vocational Nursing Two application periods: In the Fall 35 students are accepted to Tyler am, Tyler pm, 20 students are accepted to Lindale am, and 30 are accepted to Rusk am and 20 to Rusk pm. In the Spring 35 are accepted to Tyler am. They are selected via a point ranking system. Applicants must complete prerequisite course of BIOL 2404 prior to making application to the VN program.

6 What will I learn? Pre/Post Surgical Care Medical/Surgical Nursing Geriatrics Psychiatric Nursing Pharmacology Patient Care Skills Clinical Application Basic Obstetrics and Pediatric Skills

7 When are classes and clinicals? Classes will vary depending on which program you are accepted into. AM Fall classes are Monday Friday 7:30 am to 2:30 pm until clinicals start and clinicals will be two days a week, Monday and Tuesday with classes the remainder of the week. PM Fall classes are Monday Friday 2:30 pm to 9:30 pm until clinicals start and clinicals will be two days a week, Monday and Tuesday with classes the remainder of the week. AM Spring classes are Monday Friday 7:30 am to 2:30 pm until clinicals start and then clinicals will be two days a week, Wednesday and Thursday with classes the remainder of the week. Clinicals will be held in the local facilities; however, we do go to Gladewater, Rusk, Quitman, and several community events to help further the learning experience and give back to the community.

8 What are the costs? There is always an estimated cost of the VN program on our website at This cost is only an estimation and includes tuition, immunizations, uniforms, even the NCLEX exams that you will pay toward the end of the semester. These costs may vary; however, remember this is just an estimate and it is based on your district status with the college. In district Out of district Out of state $ $ $

9 How do I start the Vocational Nursing Program? 1. First time college student? a. Make application to the college and get accepted to the college b. Speak with an NHS Advisor c. Take BIOL 2404 d. Take HESI e. Apply to the VN program

10 2. Had college courses, but new to TJC? a. Make application to TJC and be accepted. b. Have official transcripts sent to advising to be evaluated. c. Speak to an NHS advisor and take BIOL 2404 if necessary. d. Take HESI. e. Make application to the VNE program.

11 3. A current TJC student? a. Speak to a NHS advisor. b. Take BIOL c. Take HESI. d. Apply to the VN program.

12 HESI A 2 Assessment Testing The HESI A2 is a timed computerized, test which usually takes 3-4 hours to complete. In order to apply to the program to the program, applicants must score 70% or higher on Math and Reading. A score of 70% in A&P will give you points on your application; however, is not required for admission. The HESI A2 score is good for 2 years. A HESI A2 study guide is available for purchase if needed.

13 What else do I need? If accepted, you will need an immunization record, so start finding them. Immunizations required: A TB test or chest x-ray (if applicable). MMR Varicella Hepatitis B (three doses) Flu vaccine (during season)

14 What if you can t find your immunization record? We accept documentation of a blood test known as titers in lieu of these immunizations: MMR, varicella, and Hepatitis B. Titers are not acceptable for Tdap. Titers must show positive immunity and/or a numeric lab value.

15 What is a declaratory order? A declaratory order is an order that must be filed with the Board of Nursing and a decision from them received prior to making application to the program, if you have ever been cited with or charged with ANY violation of the law or some other instances (i.e. mental health issues). This is regardless of the length of the time since the offense or the age since the offense, and regardless if the student feels that it is expunged or sealed. For information on this please visit: or

16 What about CPR? CPR will be provided during the first semester as part of the VN skills class. This is mandatory attendance and will be retaken regardless of the current status of the students CPR A photocopy of your CPR card is kept on file in your records.

17 How do we get points for application? Required: GPA Points awarded on HESI grades for Reading, Math Grades in science courses BIOL 2404 Additional Points HESI score in A&P Grades in BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420 Grades in Medical Terminology I and II CNA certificate with 6 months experience Residency

18 Students may be currently enrolled in the prerequisite course at the time of application; however, courses must be complete that semester and grades submitted for application to be considered complete. Priority in selection will be awarded to those applicants with complete applications.

19 What about CNA? CNA points can only be awarded with a letter from a previous employer stating six months of experience has been achieved. This letter must be on company letterhead.

20 How will I know if I get into the program? The advisory committee meets with the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences. Then letters are mailed out about two weeks after the close of the application period.

21 When is nursing orientation and what does it consist of? Orientation will be given with more specifics about the program, (what you need and what to expect) after you know if you got in the program.

22 After orientation, if the student has not already done so with their declatory orders, the student will have an FBI fingerprint background check done at the student s expense. The Board of Nursing will mail a blue card or outcome letter to the student and this must be presented to the VN office prior to one week before the start of school.

23 What is the class schedule? If you get into the program, we will give you a schedule on the first day of school. The advisors will register you, but the schedule is roughly Monday through Friday for six to seven hours a day.

24 Can I work and attend the VNE program? We have students who do it every year. It is difficult but not impossible. There are times we may recommend to you to cut back on your hours at work because we see your school suffering.

25 Is there financial aid available for the program? Financial aid is available for the VN program.

26 How does the grading system work for the VN program work? Our program grades according to the following = A = B = C <76 = F

27 Testing Testing for the vocational nursing program is done on the computer to help prepare students for the computer testing of the NCLEX. Our tests mimic the NCLEX as much as possible. If a student is having difficulty with this type of testing, students can have accommodations with the suggestion and recommendations of our learning specialist/psychologists.

28 Remember Applications are accepted Fall applications» Due April 25 Spring applications» Due September 15

29 For any further questions, please contact our office at

30 Please complete the short survey. Within 1-2 business days you should receive your certificate that you should turn in with your application.

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