Academic Catalogs

Nursing

Nursing Program Enrollment Information

To enroll in nursing coursework, all selected applicants must meet the academic, contractual and safety requirements.
Accepted students who is presently under treatment for substance abuse, or who has been under such treatment within six months of the date of application, do not qualify for enrollment in the Nursing Program.
All selected applicants must be able to perform specified manipulative and/or sensory functions, as follows:

  1. Be able to hear well enough to respond to calls for help from individuals remote from the location of the student. See Nursing Student Handbook, located on the Nursing website for specific details.
  2. Be able to safely maneuver the equipment used to administer medications orally and intramuscularly and be able to see and hear well enough to monitor indications on the instruments regarding the medications being administered.
  3. Be able to start effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  4. Be able to maneuver a totally helpless adult to the side of a bed and to turn and position the patient.
  5. Be able to physically maneuver and support a helpless adult.
  6. Be able to see well enough to observe critical symptomatology; have sufficient manipulative ability to record such symptomatology in writing.
  7. Be able to maneuver well enough to physically protect himself or herself from possible injury caused by emotionally disturbed or combative patients.
  8. Have sufficient physical mobility to respond rapidly to situations involving the health and safety of patients in compliance with the state Board RN Guidelines. 

Previous Education Credit

Challenge Policy

In accordance with the CA Board of Registered Nursing regulations, students who have previous education in a specific area of nursing or other knowledge in the field of nursing may challenge the Golden West College nursing course(s). To do so, the student must meet the following Nursing Program entrance requirements:

  1. Must be accepted into the Golden West College RN Program.
  2. Must complete a minimum of 12.0 college credit units with a minimum of 2.0 GPA.
  3. Must obtain qualifying test scores on the college placement test in English and Math.
  4. Evidence of physical and emotional fitness by medical examination.
  5. Meet the specifics of the School of Nursing Challenge policy as delineated outlined in the School of Nursing Student Handbook.

Transfer Credit/ Advanced Placement 

To receive previous credit for nursing courses completed at an accredited nursing program, the student must 

  1. Candidates must be accepted into the Golden West College RN program. Transfers are accepted on a space availability only.
  2. Candidates must submit a recommendation from the nursing program director of the previous school of nursing.
  3. Coursework must have been completed within the last two years and passed with a grade of C+ or better.
  4. Credit will be given for nursing courses equivalent to those offered at Golden West College. 
  5. Credit for general education courses will be granted according to the college policy.
  6. A minimum of one academic semester must be spent in the Golden West College Core Nursing Program and the student must complete at least 12 units at GWC

Military Education and Experience

Individuals who have held Military Health Care Occupations, specifically 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) may achieve advanced placement into the 2nd semester of the nursing program with documentation of education and experience qualifying them for the specific Military Health Care Occupation and upon successful completion of the challenge exam, dosage calculation exam, and skills competency exam.

  1. Applicants must meet all general entrance requirements of the Associate Degree Nursing Program as outlined on the Multi-Criteria grid. 
  2. Acceptance of Military Challenge students into the Associate Degree Nursing Program is contingent upon space availability, the successful passing of the skills competency exam, achievement of 75% or above on the Challenge Exam and 90% on a dosage calculation exam. 
  3. Military Challenge students who have earned a grade of C- or lower or W in a previous nursing program will not be eligible for admission to the Associate Degree Nursing Program 

More detailed information is available on the GWC Nursing website.

LVN 30-Unit Option

Applicants who hold a current California Vocational Nurse license (LVN) may qualify for the California Registered Nurse State Licensure Examination without the completion of the Associate Degree Nursing Program. LVNs may elect to complete a non-degree program consisting of 30 units in nursing and related science courses. Certificate of Achievement is awarded at the completion of the program. Admission of LVNs to the Nursing program is on a space-available basis. More detailed information is available on the GWC Nursing website.

Credit Courses

NURS G0701 Unit (18 lecture hours)  
Beginning Arrhythmia And Electrocardiograms (EKG) Interpretation  

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Not Transferable.

This course focuses on providing the learner with a basic knowledge of the interpretation of cardiac dysrhythmia and 12 lead electrocardiograms. The material focuses on the essential information needed to interpret basic dysrhythmia, define causes and analyze appropriate treatments. Rhythm strips and electrocardiograms are presented for practice in gaining the necessary skills to interpret dysrhythmia, myocardial infarctions, and other abnormalities. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G070

NURS G1012 Units (36 lecture hours)  
Introduction to Nursing  

Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course is designed to introduce students to the profession of nursing and to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for success in the educational setting and the clinical environment. Emphasis is on learning style, study skills, medical terminology, and the professional nursing role. Pass/No Pass.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G101

NURS G1309 Units (81 lecture hours; 243 lab hours)  
Health and Illness 1  
Prerequisite(s): PSYC G118 and COMM G110 and ENGL G100.
Advisory: Both NURS G130 and NURS G131 during the first semester of the nursing program.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on care of the healthy individual across the lifespan to meet physical and psychosocial health needs. Students will learn how to safely perform foundational clinical skills, including physical assessment and medication administration. The nursing process will be utlized as the framework for patient-centered nursing care. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Concurrent practice in the college laboratory and clinical experience in health care or community facilities are required. Permission required. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G130

NURS G1311 Unit (18 lecture hours)  
Professional Nursing 1  
Advisory: NURS G160 and NURS G160C.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

Formerly: Professional Nursing Issues 1. This course introduces the students to the role of the professional nurse, therapeutic communication, healthcare delivery systems, and healthcare teams. The students will develop a beginning understanding of the nursing process and the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies as the framework to clinical judgment. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G131

NURS G1408 Units (72 lecture hours; 216 lab hours)  
Health and Illness 2  
Prerequisite(s): BIOL G220 and NURS G130.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on the nursing care for adults of all ages with common acute/chronic problems. Students will be introduced to Women's Health and Newborn Care. The nursing process will be utilized as a tool to direct nursing care. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Concurrent practice in the nursing laboratory and clinical experience in healthcare (or community) facilities are required. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G140

NURS G1604 Units (72 lecture hours)  
Fundamentals of Nursing  
Prerequisite(s): PSYC G118, COMM G110, BIOL G210, BIOL G220, BIOL G225, and ENGL G100 or ENGL G100S.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G160C.
Advisory: NURS G131.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on care of diverse individuals across the lifespan to meet physical and psychosocial health needs. The course introduces the student to the foundations of professional practice; emphasizing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for safe, quality nursing care. The nursing process will be utilized as the framework for patient-centered nursing care. The concept-based curriculum provides structure and is threaded throughout the course. Permission is required to enroll in the course. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G160

NURS G160C5 Units (0 lecture hours; 270 lab hours)  
Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical Practicum  
Prerequisite(s): PSYC G118, COMM G110, BIOL G220, BIOL G225, BIOL G210, and ENGL G100 or ENGL G100S.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G160.
Advisory: NURS G131.

Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on care of the healthy individual across the lifespan to meet physical and psychosocial health needs. Students will learn how to safely perform foundational nursing clinical skills, including physical assessment and safe medication administration. The nursing process will be utilized as the framework for patient-centered nursing care. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Practice in the college laboratory and clinical experience in acute health care and/or community settings is required. Permission is required to enroll in the course. Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G160C

NURS G1703 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Medical Surgical Nursing I  
Prerequisite(s): NURS G160 and NURS G160C.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G170C.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on the nursing care for adults of all ages with common acute/chronic problems. The nursing process will be utilized as a tool to direct nursing care. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G170

NURS G170C3 Units (0 lecture hours; 162 lab hours)  
Medical Surgical Nursing I Clinical Practicum  
Prerequisite(s): NURS G160 and NURS G160C.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G170.

Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on the clinical experience and application of nursing care for adult/geriatric patients with common acute/chronic problems. The nursing process will be utilized as a tool to direct nursing care. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G170C

NURS G1752 Units (36 lecture hours)  
Women's Health and Newborn Nursing  
Prerequisite(s): NURS G170, NURS G170C, NURS G295, and NURS G295C.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G175C.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on nursing care management for women, newborn, and perinatal related patients. The nursing process will be utilized as a tool to direct nursing care. A concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G175

NURS G175C2 Units (0 lecture hours; 108 lab hours)  
Women's Health and Newborn Nursing Clinical  
Prerequisite(s): NURS G170, NURS G170C, NURS G295, and NURS G295C.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G175.

Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on the clinical experience and application of nursing care management for women, newborn and perinatal patients. The nursing process will be utilized as a tool to direct nursing care. A concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Pass/No Pass option.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G175C

NURS G1904 Units (54 lecture hours; 54 lab hours)  
LVN to RN Transition  
Prerequisite(s): BIOL G210, BIOL G220, BIOL G225, PSYC G118, COMM G110, and ENGL G100 or ENGL G100S.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

Formerly: Transition to Registered Nursing. This course is designed to assist the Licensed Vocational Nurse in bridging the gaps in theoretical and clinical knowledge and skills, thereby preparing them to join the third semester of the registered nursing program. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G190

NURS G2408 Units (63 lecture hours; 243 lab hours)  
Health & Illness 3  
Prerequisite(s): BIOL G225 and NURS G140 and SOC G100.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on the collaborative care of patients with complex health problems across the life span in a variety of settings. Students will also provide family-centered care for pediatric patients experiencing acute and chronic health problems. Students will utilize best evidence as a basis for clinical judgment and the establishment of priorities. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Concurrent practice in the nursing laboratory and clinical experience in healthcare (and community) facilities are required. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G240

NURS G2411 Unit (18 lecture hours)  
Professional Nursing 2  
Prerequisite(s): BIOL G225 and NURS G140 and SOC G100.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course introduces students to the quality improvement process and analyzes sources of evidence to determine best practices. Students gain the knowledge of collaborative environments in order to apply team work, delegation, and supervision skills in a variety of health care settings. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G241

NURS G2708 Units (54 lecture hours; 270 lab hours)  
Health and Illness 4  
Prerequisite(s): BIOL G210 and NURS G240.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on the care of multi-system, critically ill patients as well as those with psychological health problems for adults of all ages in a variety of settings. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Concurrent practice in the nursing laboratory and clinical experience in healthcare (and community) facilities are required. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G270

NURS G2711 Unit (18 lecture hours)  
Professional Nursing 2  
Prerequisite(s): NURS G240, NURS G241, and BIOL G210.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G270.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course introduces students to professional and ethical dilemmas that impact the delivery of care. Students will prepare for licensure and employment opportunities/searches, explore professional organizations in nursing, and transition into practice with an emphasis on lifelong learning. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G271

NURS G2852 Units (36 lecture hours; 0 lab hours)  
Pediatric Nursing  
Prerequisite(s): NURS G170, NURS G170C, NURS G295, and NURS G295C.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G285C.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on the collaborative care of pediatric patients with complex health problems across the life span in a variety of settings. Students will provide family-centered care for pediatric patients experiencing acute and chronic health problems. Students will utilize best-evidence as a basis for clinical judgment and the establishment of priorities. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G285

NURS G285C1.5 Units (0 lecture hours; 81 lab hours)  
Pediatric Nursing Clinical Practicum  
Prerequisite(s): NURS G170, NURS G170C, NURS G295, and NURS G295C.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G285.

Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course is a nursing clinical course that focuses on the clinical experience and application of nursing care management for pediatric patients. The nursing process will be utilized as a tool to direct nursing care. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Pass/No Pass.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G285C

NURS G2903 Units (54 lecture hours)  
Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing  
Prerequisite(s): NURS G175, NURS G175C, NURS G285, and NURS G285C.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G290C.
Advisory: NURS G271.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on the care of adult patients with multi-system and emergent health problems. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G290

NURS G290C5 Units (270 lab hours)  
Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing Clinical Practicum  
Prerequisite(s): NURS G175, NURS G175C, NURS G285, and NURS G285C.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G290.
Advisory: NURS G271.

Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on the clinical experience and application of nursing care management for adult patients with multi-system and emergent health problems in a variety of settings. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Pass/No Pass.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G290C

NURS G2952 Units (36 lecture hours)  
Mental Health Nursing  
Prerequisite(s): NURS G160 and NURS G160C.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G295C.

Grading Mode: Standard Letter

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course focuses on the care of adults suffering from mental health disorders in a variety of settings. The Nursing Process will be used as a tool to direct nursing care. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure of the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Graded.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G295

NURS G295C1.5 Units (0 lecture hours; 81 lab hours)  
Mental Health Nursing Clinical Practicum  
Prerequisite(s): NURS G160 and NURS G160C.
Co-requisite(s): NURS G295.

Grading Mode: Pass/No Pass

Transfer Credit: CSU.

This course is a nursing clinical course, the focus is on the clinical experience and application of nursing care management for adult patients with mental health problems. The nursing process will be utilized as a tool to direct nursing care. Concept-based curriculum provides the structure for the curriculum and is threaded throughout the course. Pass/No Pass.

Catalog Program Pages Referencing NURS G295C