Practical Nurse Program

COURSES OF STUDY

First Semester

• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Principles & Practices in Nursing

Second Semester

Pharmacology is integrated in each applicable concept

• Geriatric Nursing
• Medical/Surgical Nursing I
• Mental Health Nursing

Third Semester

• Maternal Newborn Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Medical/Surgical Nursing II
• Professional Preparation

PRACTICAL NURSE PROGRAM

FIRST SEMESTER COURSES

FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING

This course provides the Practical Nurse student with an organized body of knowledge that serves as an introduction to the profession and practice  of Nursing. This course includes the study of the Evolution of Nursing, Legal and Ethical Aspects of Nursing, Communication, Nursing Process, Critical Thinking, Documentation, Cultural and Ethnic Considerations, Life Span Development, Loss, Grief, Dying, and Death.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

This course provides the Practical Nurse student with the basic knowledge of the human body structures and their functions. This course includes study of the gross anatomy and physiology of the following systems : Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, Gastrointestinal, Hematologic and Lymphatic, Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Endocrine, Urinary, Sensory, Reproductive, Neurologic. Basic knowledge of the body structures and functions will allow the student to understand alterations and disturbances brought about by diseases.

PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES IN NURSING

This course provides the Practical Nurse student basic knowledge and skills to meet the various needs of individuals across the life span, in a variety of health care setting to include home health care and long term care. This course includes study of the roles and responsibilities of the Practical Nurse in admission, transfer, and discharge of clients. The student is taught basic assessment skills which includes vital signs taking, physical assessment history taking, prevention and control of infection. This course also assists the Practical Nurse student to develop skills in meeting the needs of clients for hygiene, mobility, nutrition, fluid and electrolytes, safety, oxygenation, comfort, rest, sleep, and elimination. The Practical Nurse student learns to calculate and safely administer drugs, and is introduced to pharmacology, drug classifications, its actions, interactions, and adverse reactions. This course has a laboratory component where nursing skills are demonstrated to the students. Opportunities for skills practice are provided, then students are tested on the said skills.

SECOND SEMESTER COURSES

GERIATRIC NURSING

This course is the first exposure of the Practical Nurse student to the clinical area. The course provides opportunity for the student to manage the care of older adults in a long term care setting, utilizing nursing skills acquired from Principles in Nursing. The student is expected to provide holistic care to the adult clients, specifically meeting the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the older people.

MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING I

This course provides the basic principles and concepts in the care of adult patients undergoing surgery, and those with disorders of the Integumentary, Musculo_Skeletal, Gastrointestinal, Circulatory, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory system. The PN students learn how to utilize the nursing process approach in the care of clients with altered functions, specifically assessment for signs and symptoms, drawing conclusions based on analysis of clustered data (diagnosing). Outcomes identification, Nursing Care Plan formulation, implementation and evaluation of care. The PN student also learns to integrate important aspects such as therapeutic communication, legal and ethical aspects, cultural consideration, patient-centered care, and safety in his/her plan of care.

MENTAL HEALTH

This course provides basic concepts in mental health which serve as foundation for analyzing the needs and problems encountered by clients with psychiatric issues and disorders. The disorders included involve : Organic Mental, Though Process Major Mood, Anxiety, Personality, Sexual, Psychophysiological, Eating, and Addictions. Special consideration tackled in this course is the ethical-legal responsibilities of the nurse in dealing with clients. Major treatment modalities addressed in this course are : Milieu Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Group Therapy, Family Therapy, Electroconvulsive Therapy, Crisis Intervention, and Medications.

THIRD SEMESTER COURSES

MATERNAL & NEWBORN NURSING

This course provides the basic principles and concepts in the care of the normal woman in her reproductive years and her perinatal experiences : prenatal, intra-natal, and postnatal. The course also deals with care of the normal newborn from birth to about 28 days immediate postpartum complications. The student will also learn about identifying and caring for high risk newborns, mothers, and pregnancy.

PEDIATRIC NURSING

This course provides basic concepts in the care of infants and children. This course prepares the Practical Nurse student to utilize the nursing process approach in the care of infants and children with abnormalities involving the different body system : Cardiovascular, Hematologic, Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, Urinary, Integumentary, Immune, Endocrine, Neurologic, Musculoskeletal, Sensory Organs.

MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING II

This course provides the basic principles and concepts in the care of adult patients with disorders of Urinary System, Endocrine System, Reproductive system, Visual / Auditory, Neurologic System, Immune System. This course also includes a discussion on the care of adults with HIV/AIDS and Cancer. The PN students learn how to utilize the nursing process approach in the care of clients with altered functions, specifically assessment for signs and symptoms, drawing conclusions based on analysis of clustered data (diagnosing), outcomes identification, Nursing Care Plan formulation, implementation and evaluation of care. The PN student also learns to integrate important aspects such as therapeutic communication, legal and ethical aspects, cultural consideration, patient-centered care, and safety in his/her plan of care.

PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION

This course prepares the Practical Nurse student to sit in the NCLEX and function as a graduate. This course includes a seminar in professional nursing which tackles milestones in the life of the graduate PN, such as finding, obtaining, starting and keeping the job, transitioning from a student to a graduate and assuming the role of a Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse. This course also presents the PN student varied career opportunities and health care settings like home health long term care facilities, physicians clinics, adult day care, schools, and hospitals. The PN student also learns Time Management, Anger Management, Conflict resolution, Burnout, and Delegation.

NATIONAL COUNCIL LICENSING EXAM – PRACTICAL NURSE (NCLEX-PN) REVIEW

This review course is based on the content of National Council for State Board of Nursing (NCSBN).

NCLEX-PN Test Plan and is organized into four major client needs categories such as: Safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, physiology integrity. Students will recognize the nursing process as a scientific approach to client care that includes data collection, planning, implementation and evaluation. Students will recognize the vocational nurse role in providing support and compassion to help achieve desired therapeutic outcomes. Recognize the importance of verbal and nonverbal interactions with clients, families, significant others and member of the healthcare team.

OBJECTIVES: At the completion of this review course the student will be able to answer questions on the following topics in the NCLEX-PN exam:

Client Needs	Percentage of Items from Each Category/Subcategory
I. Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Coordinated Care	16-22%
• Safety and Infection Control	10-16%
II. Health Promotion and Maintenance	7-13%
III. Psychological Integrity	8-14%
IV Physiological Integrity
• Basic Care and Comfort	7-13%
• Pharmacological Therapies	11-17%
• Reduction of Risk Potential	10-16%
• Physiological Adaptation	7-13%

Practical Nurse Classroom/Clinical Schedule

CLASS/CLINICAL	TIME	HOURS
Class – Monday - Thursday Clinical – Monday & Tuesday	8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Class – Wednesday & Thursday (NEW SCHEDULE) Clinical – Wednesday & Thursday (alternate week)	8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. (16 months) 7: a.m. to 3 p.m.
Total Class Hours		1000 hours
Total Clinical Hours		400 Hours

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CLASS/CLINICAL	TIME	HOURS
Class – Monday - Thursday	4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Clinical – Monday & Tuesday	3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Total Class Hours		1000 hours
Total Clinical Hours		400 Hours

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CLASS/CLINICAL	TIME	HOURS
Class – Saturday & Sunday	8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Clinical – Saturday & Sunday (Alternate Weekend)	7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Total Class Hours		1000 hours
Total Clinical Hours		400 Hours

FOR MORE DETAIL INFORMATION PLEASE CALL THE SCHOOL

GRADUATION

Upon completion of the program, a Certificate will be awarded. Graduation from the program enables the graduate to apply and take the National Council Licensing Exam-Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN).

GRADUATE PRACTICAL NURSE GOALS

As an entry-level practitioner, the graduate practical nurse will be able to assume the role of a care provider prepared to practice in various health care settings where policies and procedures are specified and guidance is available. The graduate practical nurse will be practicing under the supervision of a licensed health care professional. Apply the nursing process in health promotion restoring and maintaining the client’s health as will as provide compassionate care to the dying.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNA positions will continue to increase at a rate of about 21 percent until the year 2022. At this rate of growth, there could be between 300,000 and 400,000 new CNA positions available over the next several years. The reason for this impressive growth is largely due to the country’s aging Baby Boomer generation. As this large group comes of age, there is an increased need for people trained to work in long-term care facilities.
Another reason that there is a growing need for CNAs today is because many CNAs are moving on to higher -paying occupations such as LPNs and RNs. With the experience you can gain from working as a nursing assistant, you can significantly increase your chances of being accepted into an LPN or RN training program.
Certified Nurse Aides have job opportunities in various health-care settings such as:

• Nursing Homes
• Hospitals
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Rehabilitation Centers
• Adult Day Care Centers
• Healthcare Health
• Private Duty

EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANT

MLC helps with:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Interview technique
• Nursing Home/Agency referral after passing the State Board Exam