Vocational Nursing (VN)
TURN MY PASSION INTO A CAREER
Train for a Career in Vocational Nursing (VN)
The Vocational Nursing Diploma Program is delivered in residence and is designed to enable students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies related to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals. The Vocational Nursing Student will learn basic nursing care skills to be competent in caring for acutely and chronically ill clients, with predictable health outcomes, in structured settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, a clinic, doctor’s offices, long term care, corrections, home health care or for a nursing registry. Duties within the scope of practice for a vocational nurse typically include, but are not limited to, provision of basic hygienic and nursing care; measurement of vital signs; basic client assessment; documentation; performance of prescribed medical treatments; administration of prescribed medications; and, performance of non-medicated intravenous therapy and blood withdrawal (requires separate Board certification). The program has classroom instruction and required clinical experiences to prepare the student to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) for licensure as a practical or vocational nurse. Those that pass qualify for entry-level employment as Licensed Vocational Nurses.
- CNI College does not guarantee employment.
CNI College does not guarantee employment.
Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics
Preparation for your career starts today as a Vocational Nurse by calling (800) 455-4700; or submitting your information in the form located in the upper right side of page.
Program Review
| Title | Course Number | Theory | Lab | Clinical | Total Hours | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term One (13 Weeks Full Time and 20 Weeks Part Time) | ||||||
| Introduction to Client Centered Care 1-A | VN 100 | 100 | 80 | 0 | 180 | 9 |
| Introduction to Client Centered Care 1-B | VN 105 | 68 | 28 | 96 | 192 | 7.5 |
| TERM ONE TOTALS | 168 | 108 | 96 | 372 | 16.5 | |
| Term Two (13 Weeks Full Time and 20 Weeks Part Time ) | ||||||
| Life Cycles/Integumentary System | VN 200 A | 29 | 0 | 32 | 61 | 2.5 |
| Musculoskeletal System | VN 200 B | 29 | 0 | 32 | 61 | 2.5 |
| Respiratory System | VN 200 C | 43 | 8 | 48 | 99 | 4 |
| Cardiovascular System | VN 200 D | 43 | 0 | 48 | 91 | 3.5 |
| Gastrointestinal System | VN 200 E | 28 | 0 | 32 | 60 | 2.5 |
| TERM TWO TOTALS | 172 | 0 | 192 | 192 | 15 | |
| Term Three (13 Weeks Full Time and 20 Weeks Part Time) | ||||||
| Endocrine System | VN 300 A | 46 | 8 | 112 | 166 | 5.5 |
| Reproductive System | VN 300 B | 19 | 0 | 48 | 67 | 2 |
| Renal/Urinary System | VN 300 C | 27 | 0 | 72 | 99 | 3 |
| Immunology | VN 300 D | 9 | 0 | 8 | 17 | 0.5 |
| Oncology | VN 300 E | 9 | 0 | 16 | 25 | 0.5 |
| Leadership/Supervision | VN 300 F | 10 | 0 | 24 | 34 | 1 |
| TERM THREE TOTALS | 120 | 8 | 280 | 408 | 12.5 | |
| Term Four (13 Weeks Full Time and 20 Weeks Part Time) | ||||||
| Obstetrics | VN 400 A | 19 | 0 | 48 | 67 | 2 |
| Life Cycles/Pediatrics | VN 400 B | 19 | 0 | 48 | 67 | 2 |
| Neurosensory System | VN 400 C | 45 | 0 | 120 | 165 | 5.5 |
| Nursing Specialties/Rehabilitation | VN 400 D | 18 | 0 | 24 | 42 | 1.5 |
| Senior Practicum | VN 300 E | 19 | 0 | 48 | 67 | 2 |
| TERM FOUR TOTALS | 120 | 0 | 288 | 408 | 13 | |
| PROGRAM TOTALS | 580 | 0 | 856 | 1560 | 57 | |
Course Descriptions
Term 1-A is designed to provide the student with an orientation to the college and an introduction to the role of the student nurse in the nursing profession. It includes a discussion of all the policies and procedures applicable to the program. As a fundamental course Term 1-A is intended to initiate an understanding of basic nursing skills and concepts required to assist a client in meeting their health care needs. Concepts and skills included are growth and development, effective communication, interpersonal skills, physical assessment, documentation, safety, emergency procedures, infection control, and death and dying. Medical terminology, Orem’s self-care theory and the nursing process are also introduced. An active skills lab component is integrated within the term. Term 1-A provides the framework for development of the initial skills required for all subsequent specialty areas of clinical nursing. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. VN 100 will require completing weekly requirements in the ATI SmartPrep Plan to enhance reading, writing, science, and math skills. The course delivery method is residential. 100 Lecture Hours, 80 Lab Hours.
Prerequisites Required: Completion of 12-grade education, GED, or foreign equivalency.
Term 1-B continues the fundamental concepts upon which subsequent courses in the program build. Beginning concepts of the nursing care of the surgical client (pre and post-operative), anatomy and physiology, and pharmacology are started. Applications of pharmacology including principles of medication actions and interactions both therapeutic and adverse and the basis for the study of individual medication are incorporated. Calculation of medication dosages, preparation, administration and storage is also emphasized. An active skills lab component is integrated within the term. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. VN 105 will require completing weekly requirements in the ATI SmartPrep Plan to enhance reading, writing, science, and math skills. The course delivery method is residential. 68 Lecture Hours, 28 Lab Hours, 96 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100.
Life cycles of the middle adult will introduce the student to the developmental tasks associated with the adult 35-65. Physical, social, and emotional characteristics will be identified. The integumentary system will introduce the student to the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common integumentary disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. Assessment, emergency treatment and the complications of major burns are also identified. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with an integumentary disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 29 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 32 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105.
The musculoskeletal system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the muscles, bones and related structures. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common musculoskeletal disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents, nutritional needs and changes with aging are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with a musculoskeletal disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 29 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 32 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A.
The respiratory system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the upper and lower respiratory system. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common respiratory disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents, oxygen precautions/interventions and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with a respiratory disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 43 Lecture Hours, 8 Lab Hours, 48 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B.
The cardiovascular system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the heart and gives a detailed description of the blood and how it circulates through the body. The differences between veins and arteries, blood and lymph, angina and MI are delineated. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common cardiovascular disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with a cardiovascular disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 43 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 48 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C.
The gastrointestinal system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal system, accessory organs and a description of the process of digestion. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common gastrointestinal disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with a gastrointestinal disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 28 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 32 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D.
The endocrine system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system including how hormones work on a negative feedback system and are specific to target cells/organs. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common endocrine disorders/diseases, and diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with an endocrine disorder. Additional emphasis is placed on the care of the diabetic client, administration of insulin and signs of diabetic complications. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 46 Lecture Hours, 8 Lab Hours, 104 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D, VN 200E.
Life cycles of the middle adult will introduce the student to the developmental tasks associated with the adult 35-65. Physical, social, and emotional characteristics will be identified. The integumentary system will introduce the student to the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common integumentary disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. Assessment, emergency treatment and the complications of major burns are also identified. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with an integumentary disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 19 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 40 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D, VN 200E, VN 300A.
The urinary system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the urinary system including, the process of urine formation, fluid and electrolyte control, acid-base balance, excretion of waste products, blood pressure regulation, red blood cell production and regulation of calcium-phosphate metabolism. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common urinary disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases. Related pharmacological agents, nutritional needs and changes with aging are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of a renal failure client and the client receiving dialysis. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential.
27 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 64 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D, VN 200E, VN 300A, VN 300B.
The immunology unit introduces the student to the main functions of the Immune System: to protect the body against invading organisms, to maintain homeostasis by removing damaged cells from the system and to serve as a surveillance network for recognizing and guarding against the development and growth of abnormal cells. The student will be introduced to the types of immunity and the mechanisms of the immune response. The etiology of common immune disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease are also introduced. Related pharmacological agents, nutritional needs and changes with aging are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with an immune disorder. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 9 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 24 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D, VN 200E, VN 300A, VN 300B, VN 300C.
The oncology unit introduces the student to the care of the client with cancer. The student will be introduced to the etiology of common cancers, the prevention and detection of cancer, the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with cancer. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 9 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 24 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D, VN 200E, VN 300A, VN 300B, VN 300C, VN 300D.
The Leadership/Supervision unit will introduce the student to styles of leadership, approaches to nursing care, characteristics to effective leadership, developing leadership skills, the role of the LVN, assertive behavior, communication skills, mental mechanisms, and goal achievement. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 10 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 24 Clinical Hour.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D, VN 200E, VN 300A, VN 300B, VN 300C, VN 300D, VN 300E.
The obstetrics unit explains the physiology of conception and describes the anatomical and physiology changes that take place during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. Appropriate diagnostic and nutritional requirements are discussed. The unit includes fetal development, complications of pregnancy, newborn assessment and disorders of the newborn. Special emphasis is placed on the effects of drugs and alcohol usage during pregnancy. Nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects regarding the care of the client during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period are discussed. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 10 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 24 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D, VN 200E, VN 300A, VN 300B, VN 300C, VN 300D, VN 300E, VN 300F.
The pediatric unit approaches the care of the client based on growth and development theory. Principles of growth and development from infancy to adolescence will be discussed. Unit content will include signs and symptoms of child abuse, common childhood diseases for each system, common pediatric procedures, related pharmacology, immunizations, nutritional needs, accident prevention, and nursing interventions. Special emphasis is placed on the impact illness has on the child as well as the family. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 15 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 40 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D, VN 200E, VN 300A, VN 300B, VN 300C, VN 300D, VN 300E, VN 300F, VN 400A.
The neurosensory system introduces the student to the anatomy and physiology of the neuron, the brain, the cranial nerves, the eye and the ear. The student will also be introduced to the etiology of common neurosensory disorders/diseases, and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. The unit emphasizes the nursing interventions and the psychosocial aspects for the care of the client with a neurosensory disorder. Special emphasis is placed on the neurologic assessment and measurements. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 50 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 128 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D, VN 200E, VN 300A, VN 300B, VN 300C, VN 300D, VN 300E, VN 300F, VN 400A, VN 400B.
This unit will describe factors that influence an individual’s response to change and stress. The effective use of defense mechanisms is identified. The student is expected to utilize effective therapeutic communication skills and assist the client throughout the rehabilitation process. Basic factors effecting mental health, mental health deficits, additive personalities, alcoholism, and chemical abuse are described. Related pharmacological agents and nutritional needs are discussed. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 23 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 48 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D, VN 200E, VN 300A, VN 300B, VN 300C, VN 300D, VN 300E, VN 300F, VN 400A, VN 400B, VN 400C.
The senior practicum explores ethical and legal aspects, negligence, malpractice, informed consent, the Nurse Practice Act and its mandates. Home health, death and dying, hospice, disaster nursing and the role of the health care team are included. Incorporated is the role transition of the student nurse to vocational nurse. Organizations relevant to the vocational nurse are discussed. Selected clinical experiences will allow the student to practice appropriate nursing skills within the scope of practice. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) material will be used as a tool to enhance this course subject matter. The course delivery method is residential. 22 Lecture Hours, 0 Lab Hours, 48 Clinical Hours.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D, VN 200E, VN 300A, VN 300B, VN 300C, VN 300D, VN 300E, VN 300F, VN 400A, VN 400B, VN 400C, VN 400D.
The capstone course provides an intense review of the various nursing concepts required for the nursing licensure examination. Students are assisted in their studying and testing skills to prepare them for NCLEX success. This course will strengthen the students’ ability to understand and apply nursing concepts and skills using critical thinking in clinical decision making required from an entry level professional nurse. A series of content mastery examinations will be given to students using computerized adaptive testing in preparation for a comprehensive predictability examination at the end of the course. This course will assist students in identifying areas of strengths and areas of improvement prior to sitting for the NCLEX – PN examination. The course delivery method is residential.
Prerequisites Required: VN 100, VN 105, VN 200A, VN 200B, VN 200C, VN 200D, VN 200E, VN 300A, VN 300B, VN 300C, VN 300D, VN 300E, VN 300F, VN 400A, VN 400B, VN 400C, VN 400D, VN 400E.
