Practical Nursing

Theory and clinical experience are correlated to provide the student with the opportunity to assist the individual in meeting his/her basic needs through the basic use of the nursing process. In addition to basic needs and the nursing process, emphasis will be placed on therapeutic nursing skills, communication skills, growth and development and the legal and ethical aspects of nursing as they relate to physiologic and safety needs. Man will be viewed as a holistic being. Each student in this course must have a physical exam, criminal background check without any disqualifying convictions and a negative drug screen.

Theory and clinical experiences will be correlated as the student studies man's adaptation to major illness states in his/her attempt to attain, regain, or maintain health. The student will expand upon previous learning of the nursing process, therapeutic nursing skills and communication to provide nursing care to individuals throughout the life cycle who are experiencing interferences with physiologic and safety needs.

The nursing process will be used to teach skills to prepare medications, administer by various routes, and record accurately. Basic mathematical calculations necessary to correctly calculate dosages for a variety of clients will be included. Terminology, abbreviations, and legal implications of drug administration will be emphasized. Basic knowledge of the Licensed Practical Nurse's responsibilities in IV therapy will be taught.

The student will study the administration of medications in relation to the nursing process and the role of drug therapy in the prevention of disease and the promotion of health. Classification of drugs will be studied to give the student knowledge of their actions, interactions, side effects, contraindications, dosages and routes, and nursing implications. Concepts of client assessment, care and teaching will be included with each drug classification group.

The course is designed to prepare the practical nursing student to care for persons during the normal childbearing cycle, children during the neonatal period, and individuals throughout the life cycle. Emphasis is placed on organizing care for a group of clients.

The course is designed to assist graduates of practical nursing programs to prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. Principles and theories relating to medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child nursing, mental health concepts, and pharmacology will be reviewed, utilizing lectures, discussions and testing to simulate the exam experience. This course does not guarantee satisfactory results on the exam. Guidance will be given regarding the method of testing and how to prepare for the examination.