100 Cook Street
Billerica, MA 01821
978-671-3646
APPLICATION BOOKLET
ROLLING ADMISSIONS
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM
SEPTEMBER thru JUNE
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
10 MONTHS
AUGUST TO JUNE
PROGRAM HOURS
EVENINGS
MONDAY TO FRIDAY (5
–
10 pm)
EVERY OTHER WEEKEND
FULLY APPROVED BY
MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF REGISTRATION IN NURSING
PROGRAM INFORMATION and ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Charles Lyons, Superintendent Director ~ Carissa Karakaedos, Director Technical Programs Patricia A. Noonan, R.N., M.S.N., PN Program Coordinator
Board Approval and Accreditation Board Approval
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing Site Visit: June 14 and 15th, 2011
Full Approval: March 2012 Accreditation
The Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing is a candidate for approval by the Council on Occupational Education.
Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Council on Occupational Education should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350, Telephone: 770-396-3898, FAX: 770-396-3790
Shawsheen Valley Technical High School has been continuously accredited by the Commission on Technical Institutions of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges since 1986. This accreditation is institutional in nature and covers all of the school’s programs, including Licensed Practical Nursing. Inquiries regarding the accreditation status should be directed to: Paul Bento Director of the Commission, Commission on Technical and Career Institutions NEASC 209 Burlington Road, Bedford, MA 01730 T: 781-541-5416, F: 781-271-0950
Application Deadline
Admission to this program is on a rolling basis. Students who have completed their application are encouraged to schedule their interview early. You cannot schedule an interview unless the entire application process is complete.
Shawsheen Valley Technical High School is an equal educational opportunity employer and is in compliance with Title IX, Chapter 622 and section 504.
"Shawsheen Regional Vocational School shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, military status, veterans, sexual orientation, gender, or genetic information."
Program Description
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing is designed to provide eligibility for the graduate to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses)
examination upon graduation. This program is offered over a 40-week period that follows the Shawsheen Valley Regional High School’s calendar and is offered in an evening and weekend format. This course provides the theoretical framework, skills laboratory and clinical practices that enable the graduate nurse to work within the scope of the practical nurse in Massachusetts.
Career and Transfer Outlook
Graduates are prepared to assume entry-level practical nursing positions in a variety of health care settings. An articulation agreement exists with Middlesex Community College that enables graduates with an average on an 83% or greater the ability to pursue their associate’s degree once their pre-requisites are completed.
Transfer Students
The following must be met to be eligible to receive credit for courses taken at another institution. The student must present a course description from the sending institution and an official transcript showing of a grade of 80% / B- or better. The coursework must have been completed within five (5) years of requesting credit. No more than 50% of the course content can be transferred. The student will not receive a tuition discount for coursework taken elsewhere. Revised 6/2011
Admission Information and Program Specifics
Admission to this program is based on a rolling basis. The maximum number of allotted students accepted into a class is 55.
All nursing classes are held at Shawsheen Valley Regional High School on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings starting at 5PM until 10 PM. Nursing labs and clinical are scheduled Wednesday through Friday evenings and day shift on alternating Saturday and Sunday. Practicum hours may vary and may start at 7 AM and end at 4 PM on weekends. Weeknight clinical start at 5 PM and end at 11 PM. Transportation to campus and clinical sites is not provided.
Applicants to the Nursing program are advised that compliance with the “Good Moral
Character” requirement of the Massachusetts Board of Nursing is evaluated for any applicant for initial licensure with a criminal conviction or disciplinary action by a licensure body.
STANDARD SKILLS FOR NURSING
The following is a list of standard and/or technical skills required for performing duties in the nursing field. All nursing students must be able to satisfy these standards with or without a reasonable accommodation.
1. Communicate clearly, in English, through reading, oral communication and in writing to instructors, clinical staff, clients and families and all members of the healthcare team.
2. Ability to lift 25 pounds, unassisted in a safe manner, thereby protecting yourself, the client and those in close proximity to you.
3. Transfer clients to and from wheelchairs, stretchers, beds, or X-ray tables and move, push or pull equipment, beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, etc.
4. Respond appropriately to sounds, for example, vocal sounds at normal volume, client movements and equipment signals such as audible beeps and indication lights.
5. Manipulate dials, levers, keyboard, and other switches and devices associated with nursing/medicalequipment.
6. Ability to raise arms over one’s head in order to assist clients and manipulate equipment or safely use an adaptive device.
7. Perform duties for a prolonged period, which involve walking, standing, and bending, for a period of 8 hours.
8. Possess visual acuity sufficient to read all written information pertaining to the client including items in the medical record, equipment readings, syringes, pumps, specimen containers, etc. 9. Listen and respond appropriately to types of client responses and distress behaviors including bed
and chair alarms.
10. Manipulate syringes, needles and other invasive devices while maintaining sterility 11. Successfully don and remove sterile gloves.
12. Perform arithmetic calculations with accuracy and efficiency.
13. Don and remove protective equipment such as surgical gloves, goggles, face shields and masks. 14. Use the nursing process problem- solving method to assess, implement and evaluate client care. 15. Exhibit social skills to behave with politeness, tact and sensitivity to others in all settings including
the use of therapeutic communication.
16. Exhibit appropriate and professional skills in all interactions. 17. Remain free from alcohol and/or chemical impairment at all times. 18. Able to utilize basic computer skills
Admission Requirements
Applicant must be at least 17 ½ years of age
Take the National League for Nursing PN Entrance examination and receive a minimum placement score of 50% in Reading and Math. Higher percentile scores will be given preference.
Complete a personal essay on the day of the interview
Take the timed Stanford Diagnostic Reading Comprehension scans test on the day of the interview and receive a score of 27 out of 30 correct
Complete the Math for Nurses test on the day of the interview and receive a score of 80%
or higher
What to bring with you day of interview
A completed Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing application (enclosed) A completed Resume
Application fee $50.00.
Submit three letters of recommendation on the enclosed forms. It is recommended that at least two of the references are obtained by individuals who can evaluate your performance in the classroom or work environment. (You can bring in a sealed envelope).
Submit official high school transcripts or proof of receipt of a GED
Applicants with transcripts from outside the United States must obtain written official documentation of transcripts showing high school graduation or equivalency from native country. Transcripts from outside the US may be translated by the Center for Educational Documentation in Boston. 617-338-7171
Proof of Residence: Birth certificate with seal, green card with valid dates and/or Naturalization paper work. We can only accept applicants with paperwork that will not expire during our school year.
** If you have Naturalization paper work that is not finalized please DO NOT MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.
Requirements Following Admission to the School of Practical Nursing
Submit the student health form received at orientation to the school no later than July 15th. Required documentation of health status includes a completed physical examination, proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus-diphtheria, Hepatitis B (three dose series) and flu shot. Documentation of immune titer for varicella and a negative mantoux and/or Chest X-ray for TB is required. (Mantoux must be valid for one year)
Earn certification in CPR at the Health Care Provider level, which is valid for the entire year. Students are expected to attend orientation scheduled in June.
Students will be asked to complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check at orientation. The results of the CORI check may impact the student’s ability to participate in this program.
Unit tests administered periodically as per master schedule for each course. Student must achieve a minimum theory grade of 75% and havesuccessfully passed 50% of the course examinations and receive a satisfactory or PASS rating in clinical practice in order
to progress to the next level.
Students must also receive a passing grade in clinical and a 90% on the Pharmacology Math tests to progress to the next term.
Students must adhere to the absenteeism and tardy policies as stated in orientation and written on page 11 of the student handbook.
Students are responsible for purchase of uniforms and required textbooks.
All nursing students are required to carry health insurance for the entire length of the program.
Criminal Offender Record Information
In order for a student to be eligible to participate in an academic, community or clinical program that involves potential unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, or the elderly, the student will be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. Students found to have certain criminal convictions or pending criminal actions will be presumed ineligible to participate in such activities. The school is authorized by the Commonwealth’s Criminal History Systems Board, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 6, Section 167-178B, to access CORI records. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Checklist Prior to Interview
1. Application completed
2. Application fee of $50 in the form of check or money order 3. Resume completed
4. Three letters of reference completed (Please check and ensure these have been sent prior to scheduling your interview)
5. Birth certificate or valid green card or naturalization paperwork
6. Original high school transcript with seal or GED with seal (these may be mailed directly to Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing 100 Cook Street Billerica, MA 01821) 7. Evidence of health insurance will be collected by July 15th
It is your responsibility to make certain all parts of the application process have been completed and that all requested information is submitted.
Please bring the remaining items to the interview with you. You will not be interviewed without a complete application packet. Please call 978-671-3646 to schedule an interview
Information you provide on your application will be kept confidential and only released to the admissions committee.
Day of Interview
Take the timed Stanford Diagnostic Reading Comprehension scans test on the day of the interview and receive a score of 27 out of 30 correct
Complete the Math for Nurses test on the day of the interview and receive a score of 80% or higher
Complete a personal essay on the day of the interview
If the above scores are not meet the student may be asked to complete the following prior to acceptance:
Pharmacology Math Course at a community college.
English Comprehension Course at a community college: the applicant must receive a B or better and receive a recommendation from the instructor
Academic Reading Course at a community college: the applicant must receive a B or better and receive a recommendation from the instructor
The admissions committee reserves the right to conditionally accept a student into the program. Students accepted conditionally must meet the conditions set prior to the start of the program.
It is your responsibility to make certain that all parts of the Application Process have been completed and that all requested information is submitted.
A non-refundable application fee of $50 must accompany application.
1. Email Address: _____________________________________________________________________
2. Name: Last (Family Name) _____________________________________________________________
First, Middle (Given Name) _______________________________________________________
3. Previous Name: if applicable ___________________________________________________________
4. Birth date: (optional) In Number – Month, Day, and Year ___________________________________
5. Mailing Address: Number & Street: ______________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________________________________
State, ________________________________ Zip Code: ___________________
6. Telephone Number: Home: ______________________________________________________
Employment/Cell: ______________________________________________
7. Sex: (optional) Male (M) Female (F)
8. Ethnic Background: (Optional) (B) Black (Non-Hispanic), (H) Hispanic
(W) White (Non-Hispanic), (A) Asian or Pacific Islander, (C) Cape Verdean, (N) American Indian/Alaskan Native, (U) Other
9. Residency: In-State (1), Out of State (0)
10. Citizenship: U.S. (C), Foreign Born/Permanent Resident (P), Foreign (F)
Country, if Foreign_____________________ Green Card Registration: ______________________________
11. Have you ever been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor? Yes (Y) No (N)
If yes, Date of Conviction________________________ Court Decision_____________________________
(You may not be able to take your state board exams without a review by the Board of Registration in Nursing.)
12. Have you previously attended (matriculated) Shawsheen Valley Technical High School?
Yes (Y) If yes, year(s) attended_____________________ No (N)
Have you previously attended (matriculated) Shawsheen Valley Adult Technical Institute-? School of Practical Nursing Yes (Y) If yes, year(s) attended_____________________ No (N)
Admissions City-State
14. List all institutions or higher learning attended or attending. Submit official transcripts of all previous post-secondary courses.
Name of School Attended (Month/Year-Month/Year)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Admissions City-State
15. Higher diploma or certificates received.
General Education Diploma Bachelor of Arts (BA)
High School Diploma Bachelor of Science (BS)
Associate of Arts (AA) Certificate ____________________
Associate of Science (AS) Other _________________________
16. Full or Part-time employment experiences. (Indicate dates)
Date/Month/Year Company and
Location
Position Held Salary Reason for Leaving
From___________ To ___________ From___________ To ___________
17. School Honors, Awards, Athletics etc.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 18. Emergency Contact: Name and telephone number you want the school to contact:
___________________________________________________________________________
Name Telephone #
Signature: _______________________________________________________________
Name Date
The following information will be required on the day of your interview:
2 page Application, A Personal Statement, Resume
Official High School Transcript, Copy of GED Post Secondary Transcripts if applicable. Three (3) letters of Reference
PERSONAL EVALUATION
Name: Address:
City State: Zip: The above named person has applied to become a student in the Shawsheen School of Practical Nursing PN Program.
We would appreciate your evaluation of his/her potential for success and moral integrity so that we may better know the applicant.
THE CANDIDATE FOR ADMISSION IS: (CHECK ONE () FROM EACH COLUMN)
Unsuited for admission ( ) Not Endorsed ( ) Might do well ( ) Endorsed with Hesitation ( ) Endorsed with confidence ( ) Endorsed with Confidence ( )
Name: _________________________Position: _____________________________ Company Name: ________________________Telephone #: ___________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________
TO THE EVALUATOR
In accordance with a federal law, a student admitted to this school is entitled to review this evaluation in his/her file unless the student has signed a waiver to this right. The school does not require a waiver as a condition for admission to or receipt of any services or benefits from the school. Applicants are, therefore, free to decide whether or not they wish to waive the potential right to examine such evaluations.
TO THE APPLICANT
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act permit us to request but not require that you waive your right to inspect this evaluation. The right would arise if you were an enrolled student in this school and if the evaluation was maintained after your enrollment. Be advised that the information on this form will be used to
Personal Evaluation
Prep Name:
How long have you know the applicant? ______________________________
In what capacity (employer, teacher, friend, etc.)? _______________________________ Candidate Evaluation – PLEASE EVALUATE ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA
Poor Fair Satisfactory Good Excellent N/A
Creative Problem Solving Accountability Punctuality Reliability Flexibility Attendance Honesty Communication/Listening Skills Attitude Maturity Competence
Ability to Work with others
Strengths:
Weaknesses: