College Catalog
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Practical Nursing (NU)
Academic School: Health Sciences
(Effective Fall 2002)
Certificate
This three-semester curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to enter the field of nursing or to continue their education at the associate or baccalaureate level. Graduates who successfully complete the program are eligible to take the Practical Nursing licensing exam (NCLEX-PN) and work under the direction of a licensed professional nurse, licensed physician or dentist.
Practical Nursing education is a process through which the student has the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes and judgment in order to provide safe nursing care. Classroom instruction in theory and basic nursing skills is provided on campus; clinical experiences, viewed as an extension of theoretical preparation, are obtained at area hospitals, nursing homes and health care agencies. Under the guidance of College faculty, students gain valuable experience in the care of clients of all ages.
Practical Nursing students/graduates have the opportunity to pursue study toward an advanced degree in nursing.
Practical nursing students/graduates also have a unique opportunity to earn an associate degree in Health Arts. Refer to the Health Arts major (in this catalog) for additional information.
The Practical Nursing major is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Career Opportunities: Graduates of the major find jobs in a variety of health care settings, such as: hospitals, extended care facilities, home health care agencies, state and federal health-related facilities, the armed services, private duty nursing, and in physician and dentist office settings.
Recommended High School Subjects: Three units of science (at least one unit should be Biology with a lab); Math every year, including Algebra II; English and Social Studies every year; Develop good oral and written communication skills.
Special Admissions Requirements: Acceptance into this competitive major is based on a selective admissions process. To view detailed information on acceptance criteria, testing requirements, performance expectations, and the admissions ranking system, consult the following Web site: http://www.pct.edu/catalog/specialadmission.htm
Remediation Strategies: All developmental needs must be cleared before admission to this major will be considered.
Transfer Procedures: Graduates of this major may have the opportunity to advance into the College's associate of applied science in Nursing major, continue with Health Arts, and may transfer into the College's Applied Health Studies (BAH) major.
Students interested in continuing their nursing education are advised to complete a fourth semester at the College. Fourth semester courses should be selected based on the requirements of the nursing program they plan to pursue, and might include chemistry, microbiology, sociology, statistics, English Composition II, developmental and/or abnormal psychology, and fitness and lifetime sports.
Program Goals: A graduate of this major should be able to:
- incorporate scientific knowledge, mathematical skills, and technical skills necessary to provide basic nursing care to clients of all ages under the direction of a registered professional nurse, licensed physician, or dentist (clinician).
- employ effective written, verbal, and technical communication skills in interactions with clients, families of clients and other members of the health care team (educator).
- recognize the worth of each person by adapting nursing measures to clients of diverse ages, religions, and socioeconomic, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds (advocate).
- implement established teaching plans to promote and maintain optimal health for the client (research consumer).
- demonstrate accountability of his or her own ethical and legal practice (leader).
- use available regional and technology-supported educational opportunities for continued personal and professional growth (professional growth and development).
Performance Standards: Students enrolled in the major must earn a minimum final grade of 'C' in each of their nursing courses and in BIO 115 and BIO 125. Failure to do so will result in termination from the major.
| First Semester | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| NUR153 | Development of the Caregiver Role | 7 | |
| NUR154 | Introduction to Practical Nursing Concepts | 7 | |
| BIO115 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 | |
| ENL111 | English Composition I | 3 | |
| 21 | |||
| Second Semester | Credits | ||
| NUR163 | Nursing Care of the Adult I | 8 | |
| NUR164 | Nursing Care of the Adult II | 8 | |
| BIO125 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 | |
| MNA | Math Elective (124 or Higher) | 3 | |
| 23 | |||
| Third Semester | Credits | ||
| NUR173 | Nursing Care of the Adult III | 6 | |
| NUR174 | Maternal Child Health Nursing | 6 | |
| PSY111 | General Psychology | 3 | |
| OEC | Open Elective | 1 | |
| 16 | |||
NUR 153 - At the completion of NUR 153, the student will be eligible to take the state nurse aide competency exam. If successful, the student will be enrolled on the PA Nurse Aide Registry.
NUR 154 - Students who have Pennsylvania registration as a Nurse Aide, CPR Certification, have verification of work experience as a Nurse Aid totaling 1000 hours over the past three years, and have letter of reference from their employer; and have met the requirements for admission to the Practical Nursing Program, may receive credit for NUR 153 when they enroll in and successfully complete NUR 154.
Theory - 640 Hours, 2:5 Ratio; Practicum - 960 Hours, 3:5 Ratio; Total - 1600 Hours
In accordance with the Practical Nurse Law, Act of 1955, P.L. 1211, No. 376 as amended, the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing shall not issue a license to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the Act known as "The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device, Cosmetic Act" or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory or country unless at least ten (10) years have elapsed from the date of conviction.
Notice of Conviction: Child abuse clearance and criminal background checks are required by some agencies involved in fieldwork and/or capstones. Agencies can bar students from their sites if a criminal record exists or a positive drug test is noted. By virtue of contract for Penn College students to be at clinical sites, agencies have the right to ask for random drug testing.
Inability to gain clinical or fieldwork or intern education experiences results in inability to meet program objectives and outcomes.
For additional clarification, students can speak with their program director.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing advises that a drug related conviction and/or conviction of a felonious act might result in denial and/or revocation of a license to practice nursing.
Accreditation: The practical nursing major is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the State Board of Nursing. For further information, contact the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission at 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, 1-800-669-9656.