Nursing assistant professor and student success coordinator Nicolette Piaubert, F.N.P., R.N. has worked at PUC for over a year. Last year she was one of the nursing professors who went on the Kenya mission trip, where she assisted in delivering babies at the clinic there. One of the babies was even named Nicolette, in honor of her.
Professor Piaubert kindly answered some questions for us to get to know her.
What brought you to PUC? How/Why did you decide to work here?
I was recruited and my nursing professor became the chair of the school.
What is the best thing about being a part of the Pioneers family?
I love the peaceful environment, supportive staff, and great students.
Where is your favorite place to eat in the Valley and why?
Gott’s Roadside – delicious food.
What is something you can do/want to do that might be surprising for people to learn?
I love to do TikTok videos.
What is one song you’ve been listening to on repeat lately?
Unstoppable by Koryn Hawthorn.
Where is your dream vacation?
Dubai
Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings you can find me….
Cleaning, food prepping, catching up on anything I did not complete the previous week, or getting ready for the coming week.
Jenna Park is a PUC nursing alum and enjoyed her college experience so much she’s back! Jenna is an assistant professor in the department of nursing. She started her position in July but is no stranger to the community. Jenna’s happy to be back in the Napa Valley, not just for the great restaurants, but being a part of the Pioneers family again.
What brought you to PUC? Why did you decide to work here?
I decided to come back to PUC because I saw how close and supportive the faculty was even when I was a nursing student. I enjoyed my time at PUC and loved the community, so I knew I had to come back. Nursing school was the most challenging two years of my life, but it was also the most fun and exciting.
What is the best thing about being a part of the Pioneers family?
The best thing about being a part of the Pioneers family is I have the best nursing faculty team. Everyone has been so supportive and welcoming, and I feel like I adjusted fairly quickly to this new position. I also love how close I am to all my favorite places to eat!
Where is your favorite place to eat in the Valley and why?
Whenever I am away from the Valley, I always crave and miss Giugnis Deli. I don’t know what it is about them. There is so much nostalgia and that goodness just makes me want to come back for more all the time.
What is something you can do/want to do that might be surprising for people to learn?
I’m not sure if it would be surprising, but I am obsessed with Disneyland, and I usually go at least once or twice a year. So it’s been tough to be away from Disneyland for so long due to COVID-19, but I am happy that they are staying closed for the safety of our community.
What is one song you’re listening to on repeat lately?
I’ve been so busy I haven’t listened to a lot of songs recently, especially since I find it difficult to work or study with music playing in the background.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire my mother because she came to the United States and provided for the family, even though she barely spoke any English. She was a nurse in Korea before I was born, and she came back to the career almost fifteen years later in a whole new country with different rules, cultures, and languages. She is now a veteran nurse, and she has gained respect from all her coworkers, and many nurses come to her for advice. She is the definition of perseverance and hard work, and I aspire to be like her.
Favorite movie to watch?
It depends on my mood. If I want something adventurous or fun, I’d watch something on Disney Plus. Maybe it’s Moana or maybe it’s The Avengers. But if I want something classic, I love to watch Pride and Prejudice.
Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings you can find me…
Sleeping in or grabbing brunch at Gillwoods or Grace’s Table in Napa!
PUC has many programs to prepare students for successful careers in a variety of professional settings. The most popular is nursing, which is known for producing competent, caring, and experienced graduates. From day one, students receive hands-on training and gain significant real-world experience while being mentored by highly qualified and caring professors who will help prepare them for a life of service.
Programs offered:
A.S., B.S.N. in Nursing (2-step program)
B.S.N. in Nursing (for registered nurses only)
A Student’s Perspective
“I really appreciate how much the PUC department of nursing is there for the students. They give us many resources to help us along our journey as they know it is a difficult one. Once I was accepted they helped me work through everything and made sure I was ready to begin my nursing career with confidence. If I ever have questions or concerns they always have someone readily available to help.” — McKenna F., sophomore
You can also read the blog posts linked below from Rachel D., who graduated from the program and wrote several posts about her experience from start to finish.
Fully Accredited The A.S. degree nursing program is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing, and both the A.S. and B.S.N. degree nursing programs at PUC are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Local Facilities PUC nursing students have access to leading hospitals in the area, with clinical experiences at facilities located in Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Lake counties, which helps expand their connections. Many graduates continue on to work at these facilities upon completing their program.
High Pass Rates The nursing program does an excellent job of preparing graduates to take the registered nurse licensing exam (NCLEX). Last year, the average pass rate for PUC nursing graduates was 95%.
Job Growth Nursing is a rapidly growing field! About a 15 percent growth is expected for registered nursing positions between now and 2026 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is significantly higher compared to other occupations. Approximately 438,100 new jobs are anticipated during this time period.
Learn more about the department of nursing at puc.edu/academics. Our team of admissions counselors can answer any questions you have about PUC’s nursing programs, or the other majors the college offers. Call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email admissions@puc.edu to get connected with a counselor now and start learning about all the options available to you!
As a PUC nursing graduate, one question I often get about the program is, “Will I have time for myself?” The answer is 100 percent yes! Of course you will have days where you spend every waking minute doing homework, but not every day is like that. The easiest way to not get overwhelmed is good time management. If you don’t manage your time well, start practicing now. If you can’t manage your time the program can overwhelm you. I took it one day at a time and got as much done as possible, and that’s really all you can do. I played intramurals for the first year, but once second year came I didn’t have enough time with two clinical days; I ran 4 times a week, and I kept the Sabbath. You definitely have enough time if you use it wisely.
Keeping the Sabbath was a huge blessing for me. I would feel completely overwhelmed during the week and then Sabbath would arrive. It helped keep my anxiety down, and I never missed an assignment or got a lower grade because I didn’t do homework on the Sabbath. Sleep in, spend time with God, your friends and family, and let yourself de-stress for a day. It’s important.
A big part of my life is exercise. I did wonder if I could keep up with it during the program. For me; I wasn’t willing to compromise my own health for any program. I would sit down and look at my schedule and figure out when I could run. It was literally one hour four times a week and it was totally doable. Running has always been a huge de-stressor for me. It gave me an hour to think and have time to myself. It kept me from worrying as much and I was happier because of it.
Another thing I wouldn’t compromise on was my sleep. I honestly never went to bed after midnight because I didn’t procrastinate. If you get everything done, then do something that isn’t due until next week! You never know when something could come up and you suddenly are out of time. If you have spare time; use it to get ahead instead of scrambling to get things in on time. In all seriousness; I managed my time very well and it truly saved me. There are plenty of hours in the day to complete everything and have time for yourself. Certain quarters are going to be harder in different ways, but take it one day and one assignment at a time and you will get through it.
The greatest thing I gained from the nursing program at PUC was my relationship with God. I took for granted the fact my teacher’s prayed before every test, and reminded us God had a plan for us. When I felt so overwhelmed I wanted to quit, God reminded me His plan was the best plan. I grew in my relationship with God, and began to rely on Him when I felt I couldn’t make it. In many a sleepless night I would talk with God and pray I would pass. Every time (to this day) I lie awake with the knot twisting in my stomach on the night before a test I whisper to myself, “God has a plan.” I tell myself this over and over and over because it’s the greatest truth and gives me the most peace. I always say I think God laughs at me because of how much I worry.
Being close to God changed my worrying and anxiety throughout the program. Worry will always be something I struggle with, but I have begun to learn how to keep it at bay. I’ve learned God has a plan and I don’t need to put so much pressure on myself to make all the right decisions. I chose to give Him control, and that gives me peace. Trust in the Lord always; He has written the greatest life story for you. Trust His plan is the best plan; even if things don’t go as you thought they should. Take every week of every quarter, one day at a time. You can do this!
Interested in learning more about the nursing program at PUC?If you visit the Admissions website, you can find more information about the program, curriculum guidesheets, and a live chat where you can ask an enrollment counselor anything you need. You can also call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email enroll@puc.edu for more help.
One of the things about PUC’s nursing program that gives students anxiety are clinicals. I remember how awkward and out of place I felt at first. As time passes, you learn a lot and begin to feel more useful and less in the way. Basically from the start of the program you are in the hospital. For the first day they have you paired up with someone to give a bed bath. It’s so funny thinking back to how awkward I felt, wondering, “What supplies do I need? Where do I get them? How do I bathe a complete stranger?” my only task was to give a bed bath and it felt like such a huge task. Having a partner made all the difference though. After each clinical day, I felt more comfortable and confident.
I enjoyed clinicals because they allowed me to see what I was studying. I felt I could actually apply what I was learning and use it when I went to the hospital. Each clinical taught me something different, seeing different floors with each rotation. I always had an idea of where I wanted to work as a nurse but I didn’t realize how many different units there were so it was great to experience all of them.
Knowing what I know now, I offer you four simple tips to take through your clinicals:
Be safe. In every task you’re about to do, be safe. You will learn the different safety precautions throughout the program; use them!! You might see a nurse who takes shortcuts to save time; but never compromise your safety precautions. They’re there to help you, not hinder you.
Ask questions. Never be afraid to ask when you are unsure about something. If your nurse asks you to do something and you don’t know how; ask! It seems like an easy concept but sometimes people just want to do what their nurse asks, and come off more competent than they actually are. When you have nurses who have practiced for a long time they forget you might not know how to start an IV pump because it’s something they do every single day. It is your job as a student to let your nurse know what you feel comfortable doing.
Speak up! If you’re unsure about something say so! It will get easier to speak up when you’re in second year because your knowledge base and clinical experience is bigger, and you will begin to actually trust your gut. I started to feel like a real nurse when my nurses would ask me questions about our patients and I could actually give them the right answer. You will also have many “ah ha” moments as you connect what your studying to the clinical setting.
Take every opportunity you can. As you pass different skills tests, you then have the right to be able to do those things in the hospital (scary I know!). If a nurse asks if you want to put in a foley catheter and you’ve passed the skills test; say yes! When you’re a student you get to have another nurse with you to walk you through the steps if you need it. Once you become a nurse you are expected know be able to perform all the tasks within your scope of practice without help. Take advantage of being a student and learn everything you can!
Try to see everything you can. One time a patient of mine was going to have an angiogram done and I had never seen one so I asked my nurse if I could go with him. She said the Cath lab doesn’t usually like to have students but she would ask, and they said yes! I got to go simply because I asked if I could. Take every opportunity to see things you haven’t seen, simply for gaining knowledge. Because I saw an angiogram I will never forget what it is and how it works; and I can better explain it to my patients in the future.
Clinicals can be nerve-racking, but trust your knowledge as you gain it, ask questions if you’re not sure, and know every nurse you’re with was once a student.
Interested in learning more about the nursing program at PUC?If you visit the Admissions website, you can find more information about the program, curriculum guidesheets, and a live chat where you can ask an enrollment counselor anything you need. You can also call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email enroll@puc.edu for more help.
Choosing to major in nursing at PUC was one of my best decisions I have ever made. I heard about the program through a friend’s older sister who went through it, and loved it. I knew I wanted to be at PUC so that was all I needed to hear. As with most people trying to get into any program I asked myself questions like, “Will I even get in?” “What will I do if I don’t get in?” I had all sorts of doubts, but I knew nursing was God’s calling for me; so I pursued it head on.
At the end of my freshman year, I decided to apply for fall quarter 2014; in the back of my mind I had a feeling my GPA wasn’t going to be competitive enough for fall admission, but I applied anyway. You’re probably thinking, “She’s going to get in because of the way she’s leading up to it,” But I actually didn’t get accepted into the program on my first try. I knew God had a plan for me, but the rejection was still hard to swallow. I talked with my nursing advisor and figured out I needed to raise my GPA if I wanted a better chance at acceptance for winter quarter. That summer I re-took General Psychology and raised my GPA for the September application deadline. I remember all the doubts flooding my mind once again. I would go round and round thinking, “They only accept 27 students each quarter; why would they pick me?” Looking back, God had a plan all along. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I got the acceptance email: I was at work at the fitness center when I saw the email; I remember seeing the “Congratulations” at the top of the unopened email and I knew I was in! The relief and excitement I felt was like nothing else. I immediately called my family to share the good news.
After the excitement wore off; I was instantly nervous and anxious about what the program would hold. I think the biggest thing that scares people is the fear of the unknown; and that’s exactly what I was feeling. The first week of nursing school was like no other; I remember feeling like I was completely submerged under water without a life preserver in sight. As time passed; I began to take control of my schedule and manage my time accordingly. One of the biggest things that helped me through nursing school was knowing my 26 classmates were going through the same things I was; and feeling the same things. If they were going to get through it; so was I.
What scared me the most about nursing school was the 75 percent test average; separate from the class score. I was never a good test taker in high school and seriously doubted if I would even make it past the first quarter. I remember studying for my first test and having no idea what to expect. All of our tests are on computers to prepare for the NCLEX (nursing licensure exam) style testing. Sitting in front of a computer screen waiting for the exam password so I could start put every nerve in my body on edge. The most nerve-racking time is after you’ve submitted the exam and are waiting for your score to pop up. I remember I got an 85 percent on my first nursing test and I realized, I can do this. The score helped me realize the program was not impossible.
I began to learn a lot about myself and my study habits. I realized I needed to study more. I would start studying 10 days in advance because I just couldn’t retain the information well. Some of my classmates would study the night before and get a good score. I was never like that. The best advice I can give anyone planning on being a nursing student is to learn how YOU need to study nursing style information the best and that will help you get through each quarter.
Interested in learning more about the nursing program at PUC?If you visit the Admissions website, you can find more information about the program, curriculum guidesheets, and a live chat where you can ask an enrollment counselor anything you need. You can also call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email enroll@puc.edu for more help.
One of PUC’s largest programs is the nursing program. While its popularity is undeniable, the application process can be a bit confusing. We enlisted the help of recent nursing graduate Rachel Dunbar to help make the process clearer. Read on for a very detailed look at the nursing program!
Applying to the AS Program
The AS in Nursing (Associate of Science degree in Nursing), also called the Registered Nursing (RN) program, is typically completed in three years. Most students take one year of general education classes and then try to apply for fall quarter; to start the 2-year AS degree portion. The actual nursing portion/classes consists of two years, which is six quarters of coursework. The first year students spend taking English, communication, general psychology, and other general education requirements to get into the program—not any nursing classes yet. These students are considered pre-nursing until they apply and get accepted to the nursing program.
Yes, you have to apply for the nursing program. Just because you were accepted to PUC doesn’t mean you’re accepted to the nursing program. PUC typically accepts 27 people each quarter.
PUC has made it so you can apply for any quarter (Fall: starts in September, Winter: starts in January, or Spring: starts in April). So if you need one more class before you can get into the program, you can take it in the fall and apply for winter quarter instead. Or; if by chance, you don’t get in, you can retake a class or two to raise your GPA and reapply for the next quarter. It’s a huge plus because you don’t have to wait a whole year before applying again. I recommend reading the curriculum guidesheet for more information about the requirements for the nursing program at PUC.
The AS Program
Once you finish the three years (one for general education classes, and two nursing program years) you have completed the AS (RN) requirements and are ready to take the state boards, actually licensing you as an RN.
The AS is the actual diploma/degree you will receive, but it makes you eligible to take state boards to become a registered nurse (RN) as far as your title.
PUC’s program is what they call a 2-step program; meaning it is split between the RN and the BSN portions. You can come back to PUC to finish the last year; or you can go elsewhere.
What the AS (RN) program consists of:
The two year AS program (after you finish your general education and get into the program) consists of six quarters (two years) of actual nursing courses.
Each quarter you typically take two nursing classes.
Sidenote: The first year you don’t have enough credits to be considered a full load (12) so you need to take a class outside of the program to receive financial aid. It can be exercise science, religion, etc., as long as you meet the 12 credits.
A note about religion classes: You have to have three classes (nine credits) of religion before you can graduate with the two year AS degree. They suggest you get them done within the first year of the program (quarters one through three) because the second year (quarters four through six) is busier.
First Year of the AS Program
First year:
You take Medical Surgical (Med-Surg as it is referred to) quarters one through three. The Med-Surg floor of the hospital is the floor where you see just about everything. Each Med-Surg class is broken down into different topics like heart disease, cancer, Crohn’s disease, and many other disease processes. For the first year your Med-Surg class is the one that has a clinical attached to it. So you will be at a local hospital one day a week. First quarter is typically four hours, then eight hours for 2nd and 3rd quarters. The second class you take varies depending what quarter you’re in. So first quarter is Med-Surg one (or nursing one as we call it) and Health Assessment, which is all about how you assess a patient effectively and what clinical manifestations you should see with certain disease processes. Second quarter is Med-Surg two (or nursing two) and Pharmacology. Third quarter is Med-Surg three (nursing three) and Pathophysiology, which is where you learn how the most common disease processes occur in the body.
You also have what are called skills tests. You have a certain amount each quarter in the skills lab. You learn skills like how to give medications and the proper steps to follow, how to take vital signs correctly, and a few others. Each skill you learn you do in front of the skills lab professor without prompting to pass. You have three tries to get them right. If you don’t pass the first time the teachers walk through it with you step by step to help with what you missed before you take it again.
Second Year of the AS Program
Second year and preceptorship (6th quarter):
You take Medical Surgical quarters four through six. For quarters four and five, you continue with the Med-Surg clinical once a week, but now you also have a clinical for your other course at a different hospital, which gives you two clinicals a week plus class time. This is why they want you to get your religion credits taken care of prior to the heavier load. Second year there are varying hospital/shift options for clinicals and I won’t go into every single one. The hospitals change; giving most people some sort of commute depending on what you choose. They try to give you your first or second choice, but that can’t always happen. So, fourth quarter you take Med-Surg four (nursing four) and Mental Health with a clinical as well where you study all kinds of mental health related issues such as bipolar, and schizophrenia. You have one clinical on a Med-Surg floor and then the other clinical is at a behavioral health center. Fifth quarter you take Med-Surg five and Obstetrics (or OB as we call it). You get to learn all about infants and many different things that can happen during pregnancy. You continue with the Med-Surg clinical and then you have an OB clinical as well.
During one spring quarter, you’ll also take Pediatrics, which will extend into the summer with a 2-week clinical and class rotation at a children’s hospital.
Important Things to Know
Test Averages
Within the entire program; for every class, you need to have a class score of 75 percent and a test average score of 75 percent.
Sidenote: If you decide to major in nursing, you need to get a C (75 percent) in ALL classes pertaining to the AS degree, even if you’re already in the program and taking a religion class. You need to get a 75 percent in that religion class or it will not count toward your AS degree. However, the test average rule does not apply to other classes outside the actual program courses.
If you don’t get a 75 percent in the class or test average, you will need to re-take that quarter if there is an available spot. Most of the time the class score isn’t tough; it’s the test average that can be difficult depending on the quarter.
Passing vs. Not passing
There aren’t very many things that keep you from passing nursing school, but they’re all important.
The class score/test score as mentioned above.
Skills tests, which need to be completed without prompting within the third try.
Clinicals
Each clinical is pass or fail. There isn’t a score associated. The biggest thing with clinical is just to be safe. If you’re not sure; ask!
There is clinical paperwork due each week which can hinder you from passing if you choose not to complete it.
Dosage and Calculations
At the beginning of each quarter (besides first), you have what is called a dosage and calculations test. First quarter, you start learning how to calculate meds, and then you are tested during the first week of every quarter thereafter. For quarters two and three (first year), you need to obtain an 80 percent to pass. For quarters four through six (second year), you need a 90 percent to pass. You have three tries to obtain the proper score, but you cannot go to clinical until you have passed; proving that you are safe to administer medications. You have to wait 48 hours between each try; which could hinder a clinical day if you need all three tries.
Wow! That was a lot of information! I hope it helped clear up any questions you had about the nursing program at PUC. Maybe you have more questions, which is totally fine! If you visit PUC’s Admissions website, you can find more information, curriculum guidesheets, and a live chat where you can ask an enrollment counselor anything you need. You can also call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email enroll@puc.edu for more help.
The nursing program at PUC is hands down our most popular major. There are many reasons for that – one being the high demand for nurses in our country but another is how well our program prepares its graduates. We sat down with Lorie Johns, the pre-nursing advisor at PUC, and asked her some of the questions our office gets the most about the program.
Q: What’s the advantage of PUC’s nursing program over other nursing programs in the area?
A: PUC’s nursing programs do not have waitlists or lotteries for their admissions process – all applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be considered for admission; small class sizes/clinical instructor to student ratios; caring instructors and support staff who are committed to student success.
PUC nursing students conduct exams in local grade schools.
Q: How long does it take to complete the nursing program at PUC? Do I start taking nursing classes right away?
A: PUC’s AS nursing program is a full time program that takes six quarters to complete (two school years). Students then have two options for completing the coursework for the BSN program: the full time BSN program takes an additional three quarters (one additional school year), and the part time BSN program takes 18 months but allows students to work full time as RNs while completing the BSN course work. (See curriculum guide sheets for both programs here.)
Q: How strict is the Nursing Department with the requirements for admission into the program?
A: Applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements in order to be considered for admission to the AS and BSN degree programs at PUC. This policy seeks to ensure that students admitted to those programs are well prepared for success in the core nursing courses. (Learn more about the requirements for each program here.)
Q: Is PUC’s nursing program impacted?
A: Not at all. We admit three groups of AS nursing students each school year, with 27 students in each group.
Q: Can I double major with nursing? I’m thinking of pre-med and nursing.
A: Yes, if you are comfortable with the fact that combining majors likely means it will take more than four years to complete all of the degree requirements for the programs you have chosen.
Q: Do you think having a BSN is necessary in today’s workforce?
A: Yes, I do think the BSN is absolutely necessary for new grad nurses. This is the direction that the entire field of nursing is moving: The Institute of Medicine has set the goal of having 80% of US nurses BSN-prepared by 2020 (“80% by 2020” – learn more here). In the Bay Area, there are already a number of facilities and organizations that are not accepting applications from new grad nurses who do not have a BSN. Certainly there are many exciting opportunities for students to pursue additional education and training, and completing the BSN degree would be the first step towards graduate level programs such as Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Editor’s note: The AS degree nursing program at PUC is approved by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and both the AS and BSN degree nursing programs at PUC are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (formerly the NLNAC). If you would like to learn more about nursing at PUC, please visit our Admissions website or contact the Nursing Department at 707.965.7262 or nursingoffice@puc.edu.
