Area IV: History, Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 Semester Credit Hours
PRACTICAL NURSING
Certificate Program
Three Semesters Full -Time Attendance Four-Six Semesters Part-Time Attendance
49 Semester Hours
The Practical Nursing Program, established in 1966, offers a full-time and part-time program that leads to a certificate in practical nursing. This program is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the student will be eligible to apply to the Alabama Board of Nursing, or the Board of Nursing in another state, to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
The Practical Nursing program has two sites, one on the main campus in Evergreen and an off-campus site located in Atmore.
Both sites offer full-time and part-time programs. Classrooms for the Atmore site are located at 201 Brookwood Road, Atmore, AL 36502. The mailing address is P.O. Box 400, Atmore, AL 36504. The clinical facilities for both programs are located within a 50-mile radius of the site at which the student is enrolled. Primary clinical areas are: Andalusia, Evergreen, Greenville, Brewton, Monroeville, Georgiana, Atmore, and Bay Minette, Alabama.
The curriculum is identical at both locations. Full-time and part-time students may enroll in first term classes fall and spring semesters.
Mission
The Practical Nursing program prepares students to be productive citizens. Faculty uses a reciprocal teaching-learning process to prepare students for roles as entry level practical nursing professionals capable of providing holistic care in a variety of health care settings. Faculty is committed to instilling the value of making learning a life-long process so that program graduates are capable of being able to function in an ever-changing health care setting.
Purpose
The purpose of the Practical Nursing program is to provide accessible, quality educational opportunities that will provide individuals with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to pass the NCLEX-PN and subsequently to obtain entry-level employment in the practical nursing profession. The practical nursing graduate will be capable of providing safe care to individuals and/or groups with common health problems.
The certificate program is intended to produce graduates who are prepared for employment as entry-level licensed practical nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, doctors’ offices, clinics, and as occupational health nurses. Program graduates are to be competent in the academic areas of communication, mathematics, computer literacy, and human relations and in the technical areas of maternity, pediatrics, geriatrics, and adult health. They must also have the foundation to function at the level of a practical nurse in surgery, outpatient departments, intensive care units, community health, and general nursing care units.
Reid State Technical College will accomplish program objectives by providing students with a comprehensive general education and technical training in the core area of practical nursing. The occupational skill preparation should meet the Alabama State Board of Nursing recognized skill standards. The college will ensure program quality through internal certification of graduate competencies and external licensure of graduates and program approval by the Alabama Board of Nursing.
PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the Reid State Technical College Practical Nursing Program is consistent with the governing institution and The Alabama Community College System. The program provides curricula to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for entry level employment in practical nursing. The nursing faculty endorses the following beliefs:
Maslow’s theory is the foundation for the program of learning. According to Maslow, all individuals have similar needs arranged in a hierarchy with higher needs emerging as basic physiological needs are met. Individuals are unique biological, psychosocial, and spiritual beings who strive to meet holistic needs. Each individual has the right to make informed decisions about one’s health in a technologically changing society. This society is a complex system that influences culture, values, beliefs, and provides direction and meaning to an individual’s experiences throughout the lifespan.
Health, which is individually perceived, exists when needs are met. Ranging on a continuum from highest level wellness to death, health is a dynamic state. The goals of health care are to promote, maintain, and restore health.
Nursing is an art, as well as, a science in which the holistic needs of the individual are met through utilization of the nursing process in a variety of settings. The nursing process incorporates scientific principles, interpersonal and psychomotor skills. The practice of nursing takes place in an ever changing health care system and requires caring, critical thinking, competency, legal/ethical accountability, dedication to an evolving body of knowledge, lifelong learning, and client advocacy.
The teaching-learning process is a shared responsibility between faculty and students where faculty serve as facilitators of learning. The successful teaching-learning process requires an environment that promotes learning, considers the needs of the individual, and provides opportunities for student participation and educational goal attainment. The learning process is based on principles of critical thinking and is enhanced by the presentation of information from simple to complex. Learning is achieved when there is evidence of a change in behavior within the cognitive, affective, and/or psychomotor domains. Individuals have the right to achieve self-actualization and society provides educational opportunities to achieve this goal.
Nursing education is a learner-centered process which combines general education and nursing courses to prepare the individual for the practice of nursing. Incorporating a program of learning, a variety of instructional methodologies, and available resources, nursing education fosters competency, accountability and continued professional development. Learning is a lifelong process which promotes professionalism and is beneficial for the learner and society.
Organizing Framework
The organizing framework for the practical nursing program is depicted as an umbrella to show the complete picture of the program of learning and is consistent with the schematic drawing of the Alabama Community College System organizing framework umbrella. In order for an umbrella to function properly, it must be unfurled, have all its parts connected and its fabric intact. The nursing faculty visualizes the organizing framework in a similar manner. The philosophy serves as the handle of the umbrella and is used to unfurl the curriculum. The organizing framework is composed of four major concepts: nursing, nursing process, human needs and the health-illness continuum. These four concepts are depicted by the horizontal bands on the umbrella. The eleven ribs of the umbrella represent the eleven curriculum threads. These threads are based on the philosophy and the four major concepts and connect the fabric of the curriculum to the pinnacle of the umbrella which represents the program outcomes.
Threads Integrated Throughout the Curriculum
The following eleven threads are integrated throughout the curriculum and are based on the philosophy and the four basic major concepts:
The program outcomes are consistent with The Alabama Community College System Nursing Program Outcomes which include:
theoretical and clinical competency, graduation rates, NCLEX-PN passage rate of first-time test takers, and job placement rates.
Performance on Licensure Exam—the licensure exam pass rate will be at or above the national mean for first-time writers.
Program Completion—At least 75% of the students admitted will graduate within 150% of the time of the stated program length beginning with the first required nursing course as delineated below:
o Associate degree nursing--eight semesters
o LPN-RN mobility option with NUR 200--six semesters o LPN-RN mobility option without NUR 200--five semesters o Paramedic -RN mobility option--five semesters
o Practical nursing--five semesters
o Part-time practical nursing and associate degree nursing options-one and one-half times the semester length of the respective program
Program Satisfaction—At least 80% of graduates responding to the graduate survey distributed within one year after graduation will indicate satisfaction with the program. At least 80% of employers responding to the employer survey distributed within one year after graduation will indicate satisfaction with the program.
Job Placement- At least 90% of the graduates seeking employment will be employed one year after graduation in a position for which the program prepared them.
Nursing Program Objectives
The program’s purpose and philosophy are supported by the program objectives. The approved competencies for practical nursing graduates (National League of Nursing) have been adopted by the faculty (June 28, 1993) as the program objectives.
These objectives prepare the practical nurse to meet the biological, psychological, and social needs of man through utilization of the nursing process.
Upon successful completion of the practical nursing program, the graduate will demonstrate the following entry-level competencies upon program completion: Assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and member of the discipline.
Assessment
Assess basic physical, emotional, spiritual, and socio-cultural needs of the health care client
Collect data within established protocols and guidelines from various sources: client interviews;
observations/measurements; health care team members, family, and significant others; and health records
Utilize knowledge of normal values to identify deviations in health status
Document data collection.
Planning
Contribute to the development of nursing care plans utilizing established nursing diagnoses for clients with common, well-defined health problems
Prioritize nursing care needs of clients
Assist in the review and revision of nursing care plans to meet the changing needs of clients Implementation
Provide nursing care according to: accepted standards of practice, priority of client needs, and individual and family rights to dignity and privacy
Utilize effective communication in: recording and reporting and in establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with clients, families, and significant others
Collaborate with health care team members to coordinate the delivery of nursing care
Instruct clients regarding health maintenance based on client needs and nurse’s knowledge level Evaluation
Seek guidance as needed in evaluating nursing care
Modify nursing approaches based on evaluation of nursing care
Collaborate with other health team members in the revision of nursing care plans Member of the Discipline
Comply with the scope of practice as outlined in the nurse practice act of the state in which licensed
Describe the role of the licensed practical/vocational nurse in the health care delivery system
Utilize educational opportunities for continued personal and professional growth
Identify personal potential and consider career mobility options
Identify personal strengths and weaknesses for the purpose of improving performance
Adhere to a nursing code of ethics
Function as an advocate for the health care consumer
Employment Outlook
The Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 states that licensed practical nurses held about 753,600 jobs in 2008. Twenty-five percent of LPNs worked in hospitals, 28 percent worked in nursing care facilities, and another 12 percent worked in offices of physicians. Others worked for home healthcare services, employment services; residential care facilities, community care facilities for the elderly; outpatient care centers, and Federal, State, and local government agencies.
Employment of LPNs is expected to grow 21 percent between 2008 and 2018, faster than the average for all occupations, in response to the long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the general increase in demand for healthcare services. The projected employment of LPNs for 2018 is 909,200, an increase of 155,600 from 2008.
Median annual wages of licensed practical nurses were $39,030 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,360 and $46,710. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $53,580.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to this program must complete the application procedure, present official documentation of a high school diploma, in accordance with State Board policy, or GED, and meet the following minimum admission standards for the practical nursing program:
1. Unconditional admission to the college.
2. Receipt of completed application for the practical nursing program by set date.
3. A minimum of 2.50 average GPA on the last 24 credit hours of college coursework for students with previous college work. Hours are considered in reverse chronological order.
4. A minimum of 2.50 high school cumulative GPA for students without prior college work (GED acceptable in lieu of high school transcript).
5. Eligibility for English 101 and Math 116 as determined by college policy:
a. Compass writing score of 62.
b. Compass math (pre-algebra) score of 36.
6. Good standing with the college.
7. Meeting the essential functions or technical standards required for nursing.
8. A score of 76 or higher on the COMPASS Reading Examination (or related ACT Reading Score of 17 or higher).
This will continue through the pilot phase of TEAS-V testing.
9. The TEAS (The Test of Essential Academic Skills) testing will be done on all nursing applicants. The cost of the test will be $50.00 and will be the responsibility of the student. The TEAS test must have been taken prior to application.
10. The actual score made by the student will be calculated into the compilation of points. The total number of points possible on the TEAS is 150.
11. The TEAS score is good for three (3) years. A student may repeat the TEAS V (or current version) once during any semester admission time frame. The student must wait at least six (6) weeks between taking each test. A student’s score on a previous version of the TEAS test may be considered at the discretion of each college if it is within the three year time frame.
Admission to the practical nursing program is competitive, and the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
Essential Functions
Reid State Technical College Practical Nursing Program and the Alabama College System endorse the Americans’ with Disabilities Act. In accordance with College policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.
Physical, cognitive, psychomotor, affective, and social abilities are required in unique combinations to provide safe and effective nursing care. The applicant/student must be able to meet the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations throughout the program of learning. Admission, progression, and graduation are contingent upon one’s ability to demonstrate the essential functions delineated for the nursing program with or without reasonable accommodations. The nursing program and/or its affiliated clinical agencies may identify additional essential functions. The nursing program reserve the right to amend the essential functions as deemed necessary.
In order to be admitted and to progress in the nursing program one must possess a functional level of ability to perform the duties of a nurse. Admission or progression may be denied if a student is unable to demonstrate the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
The essential functions delineated are those deemed necessary by Reid State and the Alabama College System nursing programs.
No representation regarding industrial standards is implied. Similarly, any reasonable accommodations made will be determined and applied to the respective nursing program and may vary from reasonable accommodations made by healthcare employers.
The essential functions delineated below are necessary for nursing program admission, progression, and graduation and for the provision of safe and effective nursing care. The essential functions include but are not limited to the ability to:
1. Sensory Perception a. Visual
1) Observe and discern subtle changes in physical conditions and the environment 2) Visualize different color spectrums and color changes
3) Read fine print in varying levels of light 4) Read for prolonged periods of time 5) Read cursive writing
6) Read at varying distance
7) Read data/information displayed on monitors/equipment b. Auditory
1) Interpret monitoring devices
2) Distinguish muffled sounds heard through a stethoscope
3) Hear and discriminate high and low frequency sounds produced by the body and the environment 4) Effectively hear to communicate with others
c. Tactile
1) Discern tremors, vibrations, pulses, textures, temperature, shapes, size, location and other physical characteristics d. Olfactory
1) Detect body odors and odors in the environment 2. Communication/Interpersonal Relationships e. Express one’s ideas and feelings clearly
f. Communicate with others accurately in a timely manner g. Obtain communications from a computer
3. Cognitive/Critical Thinking
a. Effectively read, write and comprehend the English language
b. Consistently and dependably engage in the process of critical thinking in order to formulate and implement safe and ethical nursing
c. Demonstrate satisfactory performance on written examinations including mathematical computations without a calculator
d. Satisfactorily achieve the program objectives 4. Motor Function
a. Handle small delicate equipment/objects without extraneous movement, contamination, or destruction b. Move, position, turn, transfer, assist with lifting or lift and carry clients without injury to clients, self or others c. Maintain balance from any position
d. Stand on both legs
e. Coordinate hand/eye movements
f. Push/pull heavy objects without injury to client, self or others
g. Stand, bend, walk and/or sit for 6-12 hours in a clinical setting performing physical activities requiring energy without jeopardizing the safety of the client, self or others
h. Walk without a cane, walker or crutches
i. Function with hands free for nursing care and transporting items j. Transport self and client without the use of electrical devices k. Flex, abduct, and rotate all joints freely
l. Respond rapidly to emergency situations
m. Maneuver in small areas
n. Perform daily care functions for the client
o. Coordinate fine and gross motor hand movements to provide safe effective nursing care p. Calibrate/use equipment
q. Execute movement required to provide nursing care in all health care settings r. Perform CPR and physical assessment
s. Operate a computer 5. Professional Behavior
a. Convey caring, respect, sensitivity, tact, compassion, empathy, tolerance and a healthy attitude toward others b. Demonstrate a mentally healthy attitude that is age appropriate in relationship to the client
c. Handle multiple tasks concurrently
d. Perform safe, effective nursing care for clients in a caring context
e. Understand and follow the policies and procedures of the college and clinical agencies f. Understand the consequences of violating the student code of conduct
g. Understand that posing a direct threat to others is unacceptable and subjects one to discipline h. Meet qualifications for licensure by examination as stipulated by the Alabama Board of Nursing i. Not to pose a threat to self or others
j. Function effectively in situations of uncertainty and stress inherent in providing nursing care k. Adapt to changing environments and situations
l. Remain free of chemical dependency
m. Report promptly to clinicals and remain for 6-12 hours on the clinical unit n. Provide nursing care in an appropriate time frame
o. Accepts responsibility, accountability, and ownership of one’s actions p. Seek supervision/consultation in a timely manner
q. Examine and modify one’s own behavior when it interferes with nursing care or learning
Upon admission, an individual who discloses a disability can request reasonable accommodations. Individuals will be asked to provide documentation of the disability in order to assist with the provision of appropriate reasonable accommodations. The respective college will provide reasonable accommodations but is not required to substantially alter the requirements or nature of the program or provide accommodations that inflict an undue burden on the respective college.
In order to be admitted one must be able to perform all of the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations. If an individual’s health changes during the program of learning, so that the essential functions cannot be met with or without reasonable accommodations, the student will be withdrawn from the nursing program. The nursing faculty reserves the right at any time to require an additional medical examination at the student’s expense in order to assist with the evaluation of the student’s ability to perform the essential functions.
Licensure Requirements
Students who complete the practical nursing program may apply to the Alabama Board of Nursing, or the board of nursing in
Students who complete the practical nursing program may apply to the Alabama Board of Nursing, or the board of nursing in