Practical Nursing

Program Description
The Practical Nursing program content includes basic concepts in Health Science Core Training, Fundamentals for Nursing Assistant, Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Geriatric Nursing, Obstetrics, Mental Health Nursing, and Pediatrics. All theory work is complemented with Clinical Rotations and Laboratory Training.

1. The program is a traditional campus site-based program. Theory training will be delivered through classroom-based lectures supported by our learning management system and testing systems. Students will be able to access online Modules, Syllabi, and Course Documents through the Sycamore Campus Learning Management system and RUN Exam testing system.
2. Clinical and Laboratory training will also be completed during laboratory and clinical rotations. Clinical rotations will be scheduled during the regular school day, with a possibility that some may be offered in the evening.

The Practical Nursing program follows all Department of Education guidelines. It is governed by the Standards established by the Florida State Board of Nursing, which includes the number of program hours, the curriculum, and the types of clinical learning experiences that the student will successfully complete in the program.

Program Objectives
The purpose of the Practical Nursing Program is to provide training for students for entry-level employment as Practical Nurses in the healthcare industry. The program provides the student with the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills needed to work in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other acute settings. Upon completion of the Practical Nursing program, graduates are eligible to sit for the national examination, which qualifies them as Licensed Practical Nurses.

The following are the program objectives:

• The student will demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.
• The student will recognize and practice safety, security, and emergency procedures.
• The student will demonstrate knowledge of bloodborne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
• The student will perform patient and personal care as it pertains to the practical nurse.
• The student will provide patient-centered care for the geriatric population.
• The student will assist with restorative (rehabilitative) activities.
• The student will demonstrate organizational functions, following the patient’s plan of care.
• The student will demonstrate computer literacy as related to nursing functions.
• The student will use appropriate verbal and written communication in the performance of nursing functions.
• The student will demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities specific to the nursing profession.
• The student will apply the principles of infection control, utilizing nursing principles.
• The student will perform aseptic techniques.
• The student will describe the structure and function of the human body.
• The student will apply principles of nutrition as it relates to the Practical Nursing Scope of Practice.
• The student will describe human growth and development across the lifespan.
• The student will demonstrate the performance of nursing procedures.
• The student will demonstrate how to administer medication.
• The student will demonstrate how to provide bio-psycho-social support.
• The student will demonstrate healthy lifestyle responsibility specific to personal health maintenance.
• The student will implement education and resources for family wellness.
• The student will participate in Community Health Awareness Forums.
• The student will demonstrate how to care for the surgical patient with a Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Lymphatic, Musculoskeletal, Endocrine, or Integumentary disease/disorder.
• The student will demonstrate how to care for pre-operative and post-operative patients, utilizing nursing principles.
• The student will demonstrate how to care for the surgical patient with a Gastrointestinal, Neurological, Urinary, Reproductive or Oncologic disease/disorder.
• The student will demonstrate how to care for maternal/newborn patients, utilizing nursing principles.
• The student will demonstrate knowledge of SIDS/ SUIDS as it relates to the practical nursing role.
• The student will demonstrate how to care for pediatric patients, utilizing nursing principles.
• The student will develop transitional skills.
• The student will demonstrate employability skills specific to practical nursing.

At the completion of the program, the student will be able to:

• Become prepared to function in positions in various medical office settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, doctor’s offices, hospices, health insurance companies, home healthcare, and other healthcare-related companies requiring skills in nursing administration, record keeping, quality management, human resources management, medical law and ethics, and communication.
• Sit and Pass the Florida NCLEX PN credentialing examination.

Credential Awarded
The student must complete the program with at least a 2.0 GPA, which is equivalent to a C average. The student receives a Diploma once all program competencies and objectives are fulfilled and the required basic skills have been demonstrated. Students will also be eligible to take the Florida Board of Nursing Licensed Practical Nursing Examination.

Program Length
1616 contact hours completed over the course of 46 weeks.

Program Delivery
The Practical Nursing Program (PN) program is a Blended and Residential (on-campus) program.

Additional Information
Required: For Clinical Rotations, students must complete a Physical Examination, TB test, and an MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine or proof of immunity must be completed prior to the Clinical Rotation. Students are required to wear white scrub uniforms at all times, while on campus and during clinical rotations.