GENERAL POLICIES ADN and LVN Programs

Readmission

Students may be readmitted once into the ADN and LVN programs based on space availability.  Readmission, transfer, and challenge students are considered equally for available seats.  Readmission applications are available in the Health Occupations Department office.  A student who has been on leave of absence for two semesters or longer is required to complete a physical examination prior to resuming clinical experiences.  Readmission to the nursing program should be accomplished within two years from the time of leaving the program.  After an absence of more than two years, currency of knowledge and skills will be assessed through the use of written and skills examinations as determined by division faculty and administration to determine semester placement.  

Readmission Considerations for Nursing Students Dismissed from Program
If a student fails one or more nursing courses (prefix NURS or LVN) in a semester, there will be one opportunity to repeat that course (or courses) as a readmission student.  If the student fails the repeated course or any other nursing course (prefix NURS or LVN), there will be no opportunity for re-admission to the nursing program at College of the Redwoods.

In order to be eligible for readmission, students who were dismissed due to unsafe practice must demonstrate remediation based on the plan developed during the student’s exit interview with the Director of Nursing and Health Occupations. The Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) supports nursing school development of policies and procedures related to students who exhibit symptoms of severe stress, alcohol or drug abuse, or unstable mental health.  Please see the Unsafe, Unethical and Unprofessional Conduct and Performance section on this Handbook.  The nursing faculty are aware that through the successful completion of a medical or psychiatric/rehabilitation program, compliance to clinical performance and nursing standards of practice can be achieved.  College of the Redwoods nursing programs comply with the BRN requirement of proof or rehabilitation.  Readmission consideration and status will be based on evidence provided to us that meets the exact criteria established by the BRN.  The burden of proof of rehabilitation is on the student.  Letters of good character or short-term mental health counseling will not be acceptable, as proof.  Criteria to be followed is found in the Nursing Practice Act in Division 14, Title 16 1445.  Criteria for rehabilitation, a 1-5, b 1-6, and 1445. 1, Petition for reinstatement.  In addition, a contract for re-entry will be required.

Any student failed or dismissed from the nursing program, due to unsafe, unprofessional or unethical behaviors, may not be eligible for readmission to either of College of the Redwoods nursing programs.  The Director of Nursing and Health Occupations will review each case individually in consultation with the respective program faculty. Re-Entry Process

All readmission students will submit letters to the Director of Nursing and Health Occupations identifying their intention to readmit to the nursing program.  Letters of intent for Spring semester courses must be received by October 1^st, and letters of intent for Fall semester courses must be received by March 1^st.  In order to be considered for readmission into clinical courses NURS 21, NURS 23 or LVN 121, students must also submit a nursing program application (ADN, LVN or Career Mobility Advanced Placement) through Enrollment Services during the February enrollment period.  It is not necessary to re-submit official transcripts on file.  The Director of Nursing and Health Occupations will interview readmission students to identify that all areas of concern contributing to the reasons for failure to complete the nursing program have been addressed and that students have success strategies in place.  With faculty consultation a specific readmission plan will be developed. Readmission applications will be considered by lottery with the entire applicant pool for NURS 21, 23 and LVN 121.  For all other NURS or LVN courses readmission will be considered in chronological order according to the date of submission of the student letter to the Director of Nursing and Health Occupations.

Any student that has been dismissed from the nursing program based on failure in the clinical area due to unsafe, unprofessional or unethical behaviors may not be eligible for readmission to either of College of the Redwoods nursing programs.  The Director of Nursing and Health Occupations will review each case individually in consultation with the respective program faculty.