Nursing
Oregon Coast offers a career ladder program for those who want to become licensed practical nurses (through the first-year Practical Nursing Certificate) or registered nurses (through the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing). Oregon Coast Community College staff members are also ready to advise students planning to transfer to a school of nursing that grants baccalaureate degrees. Oregon Coast Community College offers general education courses that apply to a Bachelor of Science program.
Employment Opportunities
As a nurse, your responsibilities will vary depending on where you choose to work. Hospital staff nurses care for a group of patients and often supervise others. They assess the needs and problems of their clients, diagnose nursing problems, and plan, implement and evaluate nursing care. The job requires technical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills. Nurses interact with clients and their families, as well as other members of the health care team. Your exact job activities will vary from day to day, depending on the type and condition of the clients under your care. However, each day will call for careful observation, decision-making and problem solving. Providing nursing care is both challenging and rewarding.
Prerequisites
The following courses are required for application to the OCCC Nursing program for both Practical Nursing and the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing.
- Elementary Algebra, MTH 95 or higher, or placement
- Human Anatomy and Physiology (BI 231 and BI 232; Note: BI 112 is the prerequisite for BI 231).
- English Composition (WR 121Z and WR 122Z or WR 123 or WR 227Z)
- General Psychology (PSY 201A)
- Human Development (PSY 215)
- Medical Terminology (MP111)
Science and math courses must have been completed within 7 years of application. If the math is older than 7 years, you can take the placement test and must score into Math 111 or higher within one year prior to applying to meet the math requirement.
- The science and math courses must be completed by the end of winter term of the application year with a letter grade of “C” or better, and within seven years prior to entering the Nursing Program.
- Fundamentals of Nutrition (FN225) must be completed by the Fall Term of the first year of the nursing program.
- The nursing program at OCCC is completive and most pre-Nursing students complete the majority of general education and science courses required for the Nursing Program in order to enhance their chance of admission.
Specific entry requirements are outlined in the Nursing Application on the Oregon Coast Community College website. Enrollment in the program is limited, and there is an early deadline for applications. Most students spend one or more years in a pre-Nursing program to prepare for applying to the Nursing program. Students considering the Nursing Program are highly recommended to contact the Student Services at 541-867-8501 to meet with a student success coach.
Technical Standards and Student Disability Information
Nursing is a physically and mentally challenging occupation. Education related to this field is designed to prepare nurses for these challenges. Nursing students must be able to meet all established essential academic and clinical requirements to successfully complete the program. Persons with questions concerning qualifications are encouraged to contact the Health and Human Services office for individual consultation prior to formal application.
OCCC Nursing Program provides the information on technical standards with examples of learning activities to inform prospective and enrolled students of the skills required in completing their chosen profession’s curriculum and in the provision of health care services. These technical standards reflect the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of clinical based health care programs. The technical standards are available on the college website. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to contact Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs 541-867-8501. To be eligible for a reasonable accommodation, applicants must provide clear documentation of their disability.
The Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs is responsible for determining if reasonable accommodations can be identified and ensuring that accommodations are provided for OCCC students. These services are confidential and are separate from the nursing and college application processes. Early contact with the Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs will ensure that accommodations can be made available when students begin the program.
Articulation Agreements
Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) has multiple co-enrollment agreements to give students graduating from our program an opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s in Nursing degree. These Co-Admission Agreements facilitate student progression from the Associate of Applied Science degree program to the Bachelor of Science degree program (RN to BSN) through consistent program communication, curricular coordination, and focused academic advising. Collaboratively, we are promoting successful undergraduate educational experiences for our nursing students. OCCC currently has co-admission agreements with Linfield University, Bushnell University, OHSU, Chamberlain College of Nursing, and Grand Canyon University.
Note: The number of clock hours required for the courses is higher than the number of credit hours. Details about clock hours for each course can be found in the Course Descriptions section of this catalog. Nursing courses are a combination of classroom and clinical hours with each classroom credit hour equal to one clock hour per week and each clinical credit hour equal to three clock hours per week. Preparation time for class and clinical experiences is outside the clock hours required for each course.
All required courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher.
Additional Requirements
Applicants and students must demonstrate a personal history compatible with obtaining a license to practice Nursing in Oregon. Admission to and graduation from the Nursing Program does not assure eligibility for licensure. The Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) makes the determination about eligibility for licensure. The OSBN may not license persons with certain criminal convictions or with a major mental or physical illness that could affect ability to practice safely. Applicants or students with questions about licensing regulations may want to call OSBN at 971-673-0685. All applicants are required to check the Disqualifying Crimes and Potentially Disqualifying Crimes lists available on the website: https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/BUSINESS-SERVICES/CHC/Documents/HR-PDQ-Convictions-Conditions.pdf
Every Nursing Program applicant and student must answer questions to determine if there is personal history of:
- conviction for a criminal offense or
- physical or mental health problems that might interfere with the requirements of nursing practice.
- Failure to provide truthful and complete answers to these questions will result in denial of admission for applicants and dismissal for students.
- If the college becomes aware of criminal or unethical behavior on the part of the applicant, admission will be denied.
Once a student is accepted into the nursing program they will be required to submit to a criminal background check and a drug screen. A student admitted to the Program with a history of substance abuse will be monitored for indications of a recurrence of substance abuse per College policy. Any student whose behavior, appearance, or breath odor indicates inappropriate use of alcohol or other drugs can be required to undergo immediate drug testing to detect the presence of alcohol or other drugs and to report the results of such testing to the Director of Nursing and Allied Health. The student’s status in the program will be reviewed by the nursing faculty and the director. Any required testing and counseling shall be at the student’s expense. Failure to follow a counselor-prescribed treatment plan will result in dismissal from the Program.
Degrees and Certificates
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Nursing, Associate Degree -
Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) -
Practical Nursing, Certificate
Classes
NUR 101: Nursing Assistant Level 1
Credits 7The Oregon Coast Community College Nurse Assistant Level 1 Training Program (NUR101) is an eight (7) credit, 120-hour course fulfilling the Oregon State Board of Nursing requirements for certification as a nursing assistant level one. The lecture portion of this course is taught online through independent study. It takes 40 or more hours to complete. Students spend 40 hours in the skills lab and 40 hours in a licensed health care facility, gaining hands-on clinical experience. The programs are offered from either the OCCC North County Center in Lincoln City or the OCCC Central County Center in Newport.
Students will learn basic bedside nursing skills, basic restorative skills, mental health and social service needs, personal care skills, and knowledge of client rights. Students will learn the knowledge and skills necessary to care for patients in long-term care and acute care facilities. This course requires both time and a “personal caring” commitment from the students. Students must also be able to meet physical requirements, engage in therapeutic communication, and deal with stressful interpersonal situations.
Introduces foundational knowledge and skills necessary to deliver routine patient care to residents of long-term care and other care facilities. Covers personal care nursing skills, restorative services, mental health services, social needs and patient rights. Includes an introduction to anatomy and physiology. This course meets the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) requirements for eligibility to apply and test for Nursing Assistant 1 certification.
NUR 141: Fundamentals of Nursing
Credits 12Presents concepts and skills that lay a foundation for entry into the nursing profession. Provides opportunities to attain the knowledge and skills that are necessary to promote health, prevent disease, and deliver basic nursing care to individual patients across the lifespan. The skills laboratory section is the first of five in the Nursing sequence.
NUR 142: Care of Acutely Ill Patients and Developing Families I
Credits 12Focuses on the care of individual patients with health problems related to the respiratory, cardiovascular, fluid and electrolytes, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. Incorporates the nursing role in providing care to patients across the lifespan. Includes the second skills laboratory section in the Nursing sequence.
NUR 143: Care of Acutely Ill Patients and Developing Families II
Credits 12Focuses on the care of patients with health problems related to neurological, hematological, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary systems, as well as conditions related to cancer, mental health, infectious diseases, and complications of obstetrics. Incorporates the role of the nurse in providing care to patients across the lifespan who are acutely ill. Includes the third skills laboratory section in the Nursing sequence.
NUR 241: Care of Patients with Complex Health Problems
Credits 12Covers clinical decision-making when providing care to patients with complex physical and mental health problems. Emphasizes increased independence, judgment and critical thinking in the nursing role. Includes the fourth skills laboratory section in the Nursing sequence.
NUR 242: Care of Patients in Situations of Crisis and in Community
Credits 12Covers clinical decision-making when providing care to patients with complex physical needs. Focuses on patients experiencing acute and chronic high acuity illness; palliative and end of life care and disaster preparedness. Includes the fifth skills laboratory section in the Nursing sequence.
NUR 243: Preparation for Entry into Practice
Credits 9Presents concepts in nursing management and professional nursing issues. Includes a clinical preceptorship within a health care setting.
NUR 250: NCLEX Preparation
Credits 4In this course, students prepare and sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Students will create study plans, become familiar with item types, review case studies, take both partial and full-length practice tests, and review answers and explanations to keep pace with the ever-changing healthcare landscape. Pass/No Pass grading.
NUR 310: Transitions to Professional Nursing
Credits 6Transitions to Professional Nursing provides an opportunity for professional nurses to enhance their practice and improve eligibility for graduate nursing education programs. This course includes an overview of the engagement of students in an online environment and builds on the prior education and clinical experiences of the RN.
NUR 312: Concepts of Nursing Theory
Credits 5Concepts of Nursing Theory provides instruction on theory and reasoning in nursing. The significance of theory for nursing as a profession is explored, thus providing students with a foundation for professional nursing practice and research. This course provides an overview of theory, theory development, important nursing theories and nursing theorists, and a method for critiquing theory. Students are guided to develop a foundation of reasoning skills necessary to integrate knowledge, skills, values, meanings, and experiences into nursing practice.
NUR 314: Evidence-Based Practice
Credits 6Evidence-Based Practice introduces the research process and prepares students to review evidence as beginning consumers of nursing research. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating nursing research studies and understanding the process of utilizing research for evidence-based practice. Various research designs and methods, as well as basic statistical methods, will be discussed.
NUR 316: Global Health Promotion and Community Health
Credits 6Global Health Promotion and Community Health will explore the concepts of epidemiology and disease transmission, comprehensive assessment of risk factors and health problems, program planning and intervention, environmental health, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team from a theoretical and scientific framework. The nursing process is applied to promote and preserve the health of populations.
NUR 316: Global Health Promotion and Community Health
Credits 5Global Health Promotion and Community Health will explore the concepts of epidemiology and disease transmission, comprehensive assessment of risk factors and health problems, program planning and intervention, environmental health, and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team from a theoretical and scientific framework. The nursing process is applied to promote and preserve the health of populations.
NUR 380: Cooperative Work Experience
Credits 6Provides an opportunity for students with active RN licenses to obtain college credit for providing care in an occupational health care setting while enrolled in the BSN program. Requires the submission of a professional portfolio, which will be assessed based on documentation of the job description, level and variety of tasks assigned, skills performed, and description of the healthcare environment. The number of hours worked will be verified through timecard reports or similar documentation from the supervisor. Requires formal reflection on how the work experience supported student’s learning and professional goals. Thirty hours of documented RN work equals one credit. P/NP grading.
NUR 410: Informatics in Healthcare
Credits 5Introduction to healthcare informatics from an interdisciplinary perspective. Foundational concepts of healthcare informatics are explored, including theoretical underpinnings of healthcare informatics; use of information systems in a variety of healthcare settings; the e-patient and participatory informatics; quality, usability, and standards related to healthcare informatics, legal and ethical implications for practice; and emerging technologies.
NUR 412: Issues and Trends in Professional Nursing
Credits 5Issues and Trends in Professional Nursing analyzes the impact of economic, demographic, and technological forces on healthcare delivery and the concerns relating to ethical, legal, and social issues that influence nursing practice. A historical background gives perspective to current nursing problems, and future trends regarding their impact on roles and practice. Issues currently impacting professional nursing are examined. The potential transformation of nursing practice in response to societal changes will be explored, as well as the new opportunities these challenges have for career development.
NUR 414: Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, & Physical Assessment (3Ps) in Professional
Credits 6Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment in Professional Nursing offers an in-depth exploration of the three foundational pillars of nursing practice: Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and Physical Assessment. Through this course, students will develop a thorough understanding of the pharmacological principles related to drug action, administration, and interactions; the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying various diseases and conditions; and the skills necessary to conduct comprehensive physical assessments. Students will learn to identify and interpret clinical signs and symptoms, understand the physiological processes that lead to disease, and apply pharmacological knowledge to manage patient care effectively. Emphasis is placed on integrating these three domains to formulate evidence-based, patient-centered care plans. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to assess complex clinical situations, make informed decisions, and contribute to improved patient outcomes in various healthcare settings. This course will highlight the integration and application of the three disciplines, preparing students for real-world clinical practice.
NUR 416: Nursing Leadership
Credits 6The Nursing Leadership course is designed to provide senior-level nursing students with an in-depth understanding of leadership theories, principles, and practices within the healthcare context. Through theoretical instruction, discussions, and projects, students will develop the critical skills necessary to excel as leaders in healthcare settings. This course aims to prepare students to become competent and confident nursing leaders capable of making positive impacts on patient care, healthcare organizations, and the nursing profession as a whole.0)
NUR 418: Capstone Didactic
Credits 6Students will use critical thinking skills and evidence-based practice to promote patient-centered nursing in the Capstone health care environment. Students will explore the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by underserved populations within diverse communities; the compassionate approach to holistic care, symptom management, and emotional support during the end-of-life palliative care journey; and the principles, theories, and practices related to leadership, management, and administration in the healthcare setting. Students in this course will begin to create their evidence-based project that will culminate during their Capstone clinical course.
NUR 420A: Nursing Administration and Management
Credits 6The Nursing Management and Administration Capstone course provides the student with a comprehensive and in depth understanding of the principles, theories, and practices related to leadership, management, and administration in the healthcare setting. The student will integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application to prepare the student for leadership roles within the nurse profession. The student will explore key topics such as healthcare policy, economics, strategic planning, quality improvement, ethics, human resource management, and organizational behavior. The student will utilize evidence-based practice, quality patient care, and promotion of a culture of safety within the healthcare environment to apply their knowledge and skills in solving complex problems and making informed decisions that impact patient outcomes or organizational effectiveness. By the end of this capstone course the student will develop a project that demonstrates their ability to analyze and address a contemporary issue in nursing management and administration. The student will showcase their ability to integrate theory, research, and best practices to propose an innovative solution that contribute to the advancement of healthcare delivery and patient care.
NUR 420B: Palliative Care
Credits 5The nursing palliative care capstone course is a Capstone clinical experience focusing on end-of- life care. It gives students a comprehensive understanding of palliative care principles, including ethics and human rights, practices, interprofessional collaboration, and strategies to effectively care for patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. This course aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge and compassionate approach to offer holistic care, symptom management, and emotional support during the end-of-life journey.
NUR 420C: Vulnerable and Underserved Populations
Credits 5
The Vulnerable and Underserved Populations Capstone clinical course explores the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by underserved populations within diverse communities. The student will integrate theoretical study with experiential learning to examine social determinants of health, disparities in access to care, cultural competence, and strategies for promoting health equity. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the intersectionality of factors contributing to health disparities and developing culturally sensitive approaches to nursing practice. The student will utilize evidence-based practice, quality patient care, and promotion of a culture of safety within the healthcare environment to apply their knowledge and skills in solving complex problems and making informed decisions that impact patient outcomes. By the end of this capstone course the student will develop a project that demonstrates their ability to analyze and address a contemporary issue within the vulnerable and underserved patient population. The student will showcase their ability to integrate theory, research, and best practices to propose an innovative solution that contribute to the advancement of healthcare delivery and patient care.