Practical Nursing Education
D45660 (Diploma)
The Practical Nursing curriculum provides knowledge and skills to integrate safety and quality into nursing care to meet the needs of the holistic individual which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential.
Course work includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes safe, individualized nursing care and participation in the interdisciplinary team while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.
Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation/long term care/home health facilities, clinics, and physicians’ offices.
Practical Nursing Curriculum Educational Outcomes
Upon completion of the Practical Nursing program, the graduate will:
- Participate in evaluating the concepts of the holistic individual and client response in the promotion of health, wellness, illness, quality of life, and the achievement of potential.
- Practice professional nursing behaviors, within the ethical-legal practice boundaries of the LPN, incorporating personal responsibility and accountability for continued competence.
- Participate in providing evidence-based nursing care, from an established plan of care, based on biophysical, psychosocial and cultural needs of clients in various stages of growth and development while assisting them to attain their highest level of wellness.
- Reinforce and/or implement the teaching plan developed and delegated by the registered nurse to promote the health of individuals, incorporating teaching and learning principles.
- Participate in the nursing process to provide individualized, safe and effective nursing care in a structured setting under supervision.
- Demonstrate caring behaviors in implementing culturally-competent, client-centered nursing care to diverse clients across the life span.
- Participate in Quality Improvement (QI) by identifying hazards and errors and by suggesting, to the RN, changes to improve the client care process.
- Utilize informatics to access, manage, and communicate client information.
- Participate in collaboration with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, as assigned by the registered nurse, to support positive individual and organizational outcomes in a safe and cost effective manner.
*The McDowell Technical Practical Nursing (PN) Program is approved by the NC Community College System Office and the NC Board of Nursing.
Characteristics of the PN Nursing Program:
- will prepare students to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-PN, which is required to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Please schedule an appointment with the Pre-Nursing Health Sciences Advisor for complete admission information and to obtain an admission packet.
In addition to the courses listed below, students may be required to take developmental courses based on placement guidelines. These courses do not count toward the credit hours needed for graduation.