By Zoe Lance
海角社区CI is home to one of the best nursing programs in California according to a recent survey from RegisteredNursing.org.
Out of 50 ranked colleges and universities, 海角社区CI sits at No. 11 鈥� higher than eight other 海角社区s and all of the UCs. The ranking cited 海角社区CI鈥檚 program caliber and its graduates鈥� strong ties to the community, as well as its exceptionally high license-exam pass rates.
For the faculty, staff and students in the Nursing programs at the Camarillo campus as well as the Cottage Health System Goleta location, the accomplishment reflects their excellent academics and community commitment. 海角社区CI Nursing offers several options, which includes one for current nurses seeking a bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Admission is rigorous. Out of 500 applicants for fall 2017, only 44 students will join the Camarillo campus while only 22 of 150 applicants will attend the Goleta location.
鈥淭he ideal student has to come in with their eyes wide open to what nursing is,鈥� said Karen Jensen, who started the program in 2006. 鈥淭hey have to be intelligent in science and math, but also be a good communicator and compassionate.鈥�
Before they become professionals, nursing students take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam. 海角社区CI鈥檚 Nursing pass rates have been nearly perfect in most years and 100 percent in 2016, where all 40 students who took the NCLEX passed. Jensen says that this is no small feat.
鈥淚t鈥檚 hard to do that well and keep it up at that level,鈥� she said. 鈥淥ur students understand the seriousness of what they鈥檙e doing.鈥�
海角社区CI students have access to many training opportunities, like the simulation lab. They can practice the skills they need to perfect on workstations and high-fidelity simulators, which are computerized mannequins that mimic a patient鈥檚 respiration, heart function and neurological signs.
Students will transition to careers in Ventura County hospitals, physician鈥檚 offices and public health initiatives.
Nursing students also spend many hours volunteering at the Frances Huggins Community Health Clinic, a project that 海角社区CI students established in Oxnard in 2015. With community partners they provide immunizations and screenings, as well as health education and fitness classes. They also host two annual health fairs.
Jensen, who is retiring this academic year, believes that this dedication sets her students apart.
鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 be afraid to have any of them care for me,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 know they鈥檇 take good care of me and anybody else.鈥�
漏聽Spring聽2017 / Volume 21 / Number 01 / Bi-annual