Nursing
Division: Nursing & Allied Health
Registered Nursing is an academic discipline concerned with the study of: the biological, behavioral, and physical sciences and will acquire critical thinking, effective communication, physical assessment, and cultural competence skills and abilities.
Career options include positions for graduates which are prepared for the role of care provider across the health care continuum, as managers of care, and as an active member of the nursing profession. As a staff nurse, graduates may work in the following: acute care, home care, long-term care, physicians’ offices, public and private facilities, and specialty units (Intensive Care, Geriatrics, Dialysis, Operating Room, etc.).
A higher degree may be required to meet minimum job requirements depending on the position.
Additional Information: regarding minimum admission requirements and the separate RN application process is located at:
https://www.cos.edu/en-us/academics/nursing-allied-health.
Videos
Contact Information
Director of Registered Nursing
Belen Kersten, MSN, RN | (559) 730-3728 | belenk@cos.edu
Hospital Rock: 102 | Visalia Campus
Nursing and Allied Health Division Chair
Tina Toth | (559) 737-6258 | tinat@cos.edu
Hospital Rock: 103 | Visalia Campus
Dean of CTE, Nursing, and Allied Health
Jonna Schengel, Ed.D, MA, PT | (559) 688-3027 | jonnas@cos.edu
Tulare Center Building A | Tulare Campus
For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES
NURS 106 Cultural Competency in Healthcare
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This course explores cultural competency skills required to assist individuals to promote, maintain and restore health. Emphasis is placed on analyzing differences in cultural demographics, beliefs, traditions, communication, biological variations and common morbidities.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 001 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
NURS 121 Fundamentals for Nursing
6 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
9 Lab
This course focuses on fundamental concepts necessary for safe, compassionate, patient-centered nursing care for a diverse patient population with well-defined healthcare concerns with a focus on elderly patients. The course offers an introduction to foundational concepts related to professional practices such as legal and ethical responsibilities of the Registered Nurse. The student also uses clinical judgment applied to nursing practice. Select nursing skills are taught in the skills laboratory; theory and skills re applied in various clinical settings.
Prerequisites: BIOL 030, BIOL 031, BIOL 040, and ENGL 001 or equivalent course with a minimum grade of C.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program.
NURS 123 Critical Thinking/Clinical Judgement in Nursing
2 unit(s)
Hours: 2 Lecture/Discussion
Equivalent Course: NURS 123A
This course introduces clinical judgment through a focused study of critical thinking skills and strategies used by the Registered Nurse. The student applies critical thinking skills and strategies at the RN level that underscore the clinical judgment represented in the nursing process as well as dealing with aspects of the healthcare system for safe practice in the current healthcare environment. The major purpose of the course is to teach students the clinical judgment needed to predict and manage potential complications and to decrease the failure to rescue rate which results in improved patient outcomes. This course provides the foundation for the thinking processes applied throughout all nursing courses.
Prerequisites: BIOL 030, BIOL 031, BIOL 040, and ENG 001 or equivalent course with a minimum grade of C.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program.
NURS 123A Critical Thinking/Clinical Judgement in Nursing - Apprenticeship
2 unit(s)
Hours: 2 Lecture/Discussion
Equivalent Course: NURS 123
This course introduces clinical judgment through a focused study of critical thinking skills and strategies used by the Registered Nurse. The student applies critical thinking skills and strategies at the RN level that underscore the clinical judgment represented in the nursing process as well as dealing with aspects of the healthcare system for safe practice in the current healthcare environment. The major purpose of the course is to teach students the clinical judgment needed to predict and manage potential complications and to decrease the failure to rescue rate which results in improved patient outcomes. This course provides the foundation for the thinking processes applied throughout all nursing courses and is designed for students enrolled in the apprenticeship program.
Prerequisites: BIOL 030, BIOL 031, BIOL 040, and ENG 001 or equivalent course with a minimum grade of C.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program and the apprenticeship program.
NURS 124 Concepts of Adult Health Nursing 1
3 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
4.5 Lab
This course presents fundamental concepts necessary for safe, compassionate, patient-centered nursing care for a diverse adult patient population with well-defined healthcare concerns with a focus on elderly patients. The course continues as an introduction to foundational concepts related to professional practice such as the legal and ethical responsibilities of the Registered Nurse. The student also uses clinical judgment applied to nursing practice. Select nursing skills are taught in the skills laboratory; theory and skills are applied in various clinical settings.
Prerequisites: BIOL 030, BIOL 031, BIOL 040, and ENG 001 or equivalent course with a minimum grade of C.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program.
NURS 133 Concepts of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
3 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
4.5 Lab
Equivalent Course: NURS 133A
This course builds on and applies concepts of nursing practice to the care of patients with various mental health needs, their families, and other support persons. Application of new and previously learned nursing concepts, patient care skills, and clinical judgment occurs in a variety of clinical settings.
Prerequisites: NURS 121, NURS 123, and NURS 124 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program.
NURS 133A Concepts of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing - Apprenticeship
3 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
4.5 Lab
Equivalent Course: NURS 133
This course builds on and applies concepts of nursing practice to the care of patients with various mental health needs, their families, and other support persons. Application of new and previously learned nursing concepts, patient care skills, and clinical judgment occurs in a variety of clinical settings. This course is designated for students enrolled in the apprenticeship program.
Prerequisites: NURS 121, NURS 123, and NURS 124 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program and the apprenticeship program.
NURS 134 Concepts of Adult Health Nursing 2
4 unit(s)
Hours: 2 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
6 Lab
Equivalent Course: NURS 134A
This course builds on and applies the concepts of nursing practice from semester 1 to the acquisition and application adult health nursing theory in the care of diverse adult patients with acute and chronic conditions, their families, and other support persons. Application of knowledge, patient care skills, and clinical judgment occurs in the simulation lab.
Prerequisites: NURS 121, NURS 123, and NURS 124 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program.
NURS 134A Concepts of Adult Health Nursing 2 - Apprenticeship
4 unit(s)
Hours: 2 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
6 Lab
Equivalent Course: NURS 134
This course builds on and applies the concepts of nursing practice from semester 1 to the acquisition and application adult health nursing theory in the care of diverse adult patients with acute and chronic conditions, their families, and other support persons. Application of knowledge, patient care skills, and clinical judgment occurs in the simulation lab. This course is designated for students enrolled in the apprenticeship program.
Prerequisites: NURS 121, NURS 123, and NURS 124 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program and the apprenticeship program.
NURS 135 Concepts of Nursing Care of the Pregnant Family and the Neonate
3 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
4.5 Lab
This course builds on and applies concepts of nursing practice to the care of the pregnant family and the neonate. Application of new and previously learned nursing concepts, patient care skills, and clinical judgment occurs in a variety of clinical settings.
Prerequisites: NURS 121, NURS 123, and NURS 124 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program.
NURS 142 Pharmacology in Healthcare
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This nursing course is a study of the pharmacotherapy related to the nursing care of clients across the lifespan. The progressive themes of the nursing program are applied through the nursing process to attain the client's optimal well-being.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: BIOL 031 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
NURS 143 Concepts of Pediatric Nursing
3 unit(s)
Hours: 1.5 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
4.5 Lab
This course continues to build on and expand all previously learned concepts of nursing practice with application to the care of children, their families, and other support persons. Application of new and previously learned nursing concepts, patient care skills, and clinical judgment occurs in a variety of clinical settings.
Prerequisites: NURS 133, NURS 134, and NURS 135 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program.
NURS 144 Concepts of Adult Health Nursing 3
6 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
9 Lab
Equivalent Course: NURS 144A
This course continues to build on and expand all previously learned concepts of nursing practice with application to the care of adult patients with complicated conditions, their families, and other support persons. Applications of new and previously learned nursing concepts, patient care skills, and clinical judgment occurs in a variety of clinical settings.
Prerequisites: NURS 133, NURS 134, and NURS 135 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: NURS 143 must be taken concurrently.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program.
NURS 144A Concepts of Adult Health Nursing 3 - Apprenticeship
6 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
9 Lab
Equivalent Course: NURS 144
This course continues to build on and expand all previously learned concepts of nursing practice with application to the care of adult patients with complicated conditions, their families, and other support persons. Applications of new and previously learned nursing concepts, patient care skills, and clinical judgment occurs in a variety of clinical settings. This course is designated for students enrolled in the apprenticeship program.
Prerequisites: NURS 133, NURS 134, and NURS 135 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
Corequisites: NURS 143 must be taken concurrently.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program and the apprenticeship program.
NURS 174 Concepts of Adult Health 4
7 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
12 Lab
Equivalent Course: NURS 174A
This culminating course expands the concepts of nursing practice for the acquisition and application of care of adult patients with complex healthcare needs, their families, and other support persons. Application of knowledge, patient care skills, and clinical judgement occurs in a variety of clinical settings and in the simulation library.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program.
NURS 174A Concepts of Adult Health 4 - Apprenticeship
7 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
12 Lab
Equivalent Course: NURS 174
This culminating course expands the concepts of nursing practice for the acquisition and application of care of adult patients with complex healthcare needs, their families, and other support persons. Application of knowledge, patient care skills, and clinical judgement occurs in a variety of clinical settings and in the simulation library. This course is designated for students enrolled in the apprenticeship program.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program and acceptance into the apprenticeship program.
NURS 175 Transition to Registered Nursing Practice
3 unit(s)
Hours: 1 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
6 Lab
Equivalent Course: NURS 175A
This advanced, comprehensive course provides a synthesis of all concepts and nursing content taught throughout the program with application in the simulation lab. This course enables the individual student to recognize areas that need enhancement prior to entering Registered Nursing practice and includes a review for the NCLEX-RN® and strategies for success.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program.
NURS 175A Transition to Registered Nursing Practice - Apprenticeship
3 unit(s)
Hours: 1 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
6 Lab
Equivalent Course: NURS 175
This advanced, comprehensive course provides a synthesis of all concepts and nursing content taught throughout the program with application in the simulation lab. This course enables the individual student to recognize areas that need enhancement prior to entering Registered Nursing practice and includes a review for the NCLEX-RN® and strategies for success. This course is designated for students enrolled in the apprenticeship program.
Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance into the Registered Nursing program and the apprenticeship program.
NURS 220 Perioperative Nursing
4 unit(s)
Hours: 2 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
6 Lab
This is an elective course in perioperative nursing. This course is designed to prepare a competent and knowledgeable practitioner to administer optimum care to select surgical patients during pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases of surgical intervention.
NURS 256 Medical Terminology
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This course is designed to provide a foundation for the understanding of medical terminology using simple, non-technical explanations of medical terms. The fundamentals of word analysis are explained to make the understanding of complex terminology easier.
Advisory on Recommended Preparation: ENGL 251 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C or eligibility for ENGL 001 as determined by COS Placement Procedures.
NURS 260 Nursing Assistant
6 unit(s)
Hours: 4 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
7 Lab
This course is designed to prepare the student as an entry-level worker, providing basic nursing care to patients in acute care and long-term care settings. The curriculum is structured to provide theory and application in skills needed to function as a Nursing Assistant. Upon completion, students will be eligible to take the state certification examination. *All students are required to submit to, and pass, a background and drug screen. Our partnered health care agencies will not accept any student with a flagged background for placement. Students with a flagged background must expunge their record prior to registering in the course. Other clinical requirements include immunizations, physical, fingerprints, and American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR Certification, prior to the initiation of the clinical rotation.
NURS 400 Nursing Skills Lab
0 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lab
This course provides the student an opportunity for additional directed learning and supervised laboratory time to develop and refine nursing clinical skills necessary to the safe clinical practice of professional nursing. The student will gain knowledge from instructor demonstration, a variety of electronic media, computers and simulation.
Limitation on Enrollment: Must be enrolled in the COS Registered Nursing Program.
Nursing
Chavez, Christine
B.S.N., Point Loma Nazarene University
M.S.N., Grand Canyon University
Childers, Carolyn
A.A., College of the Sequoias
B.S.N., California State University, Fresno
M.S.N., University Of Phoenix
De La Cruz, Heather
A.S., College of the Sequoias
B.A., California State Polytechnic, San Luis Obispo
B.S.N., Walden University
M.S.N., Walden University
Dilbeck, Elizabeth
B.S., California State University, Sacramento
B.S.N., Samuel Merritt College
M.S.N., Walden University
Escobar, Mary Denise
A.S., College of the Sequoias
B.S.N., Western Governor's Univerity, Utah
M.S.N., Walden University
Felsted, Kimberly-Guinn
B.S.N., Capella University
M.S.N., Walden University
Glasgow, Cathy
A.S., College of the Sequoias
B.S.N., University of Phoenix
M.S.N., University of Phoenix
Morris, Anne
B.S.N., California State University, Fresno
M.S.N., California State University, Dominguez Hills
Morris, Robert
A.S., College of the Sequoias
B.S.N., California State University, Dominguez Hills
M.S.N., California State University, Dominguez Hills
Ramos, Erica
A.S., College of the Sequoias
B.S., Western Governors University
M.S.N., Western Governors University
Sierra, Stephanie
A.S., College of the Sequoias
B.S.N., Western Governor's University, Utah
M.S.N, Western Governor's University, Utah
Smith, Amy
A.S., College of the Sequoias
B.S., University of California, Davis
M.S.N., Grand Canyon University
Tinoco, Vicente
B.S.N., University of Phoenix
M.S.N., Western Governors University
Toth, Tina
B.A., University of Windsor
M.S.N., Walden University
Vails, Heather
A.S., College of the Sequoias
B.S.N., Western Governor's University, Utah
M.S.N., Western Governor's University, Utah
Ward, Keri
A.S., College of the Sequoias
B.S.N., Western Governor's University, Utah
M.S.N., Western Governor's University, Utah