LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSING Certificate

Transcription

1 LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSING Certificate Area I Written Composition... 3 ENG 101English Composition I... 3 Area III Natural Science or Mathematics MTH 116 or higher level math from Approved List... 3 BIO 201 Anatomy & Physiology I... 4* BIO 202 Anatomy & Physiology II... 4* Area V Professional, Major and Elective Courses NUR 102 Fundamentals of Nursing... 6 NUR 104 Introduction to Pharmacology... 1 NUR 103 Health Assessment... 1 NUR 105 Adult Health... 8 NUR 106 Maternal and Child Nursing... 5 NUR 107 Adult/Child Nursing... 8 NUR 108 Psychosocial Nursing... 3 NUR 109 Role Transition... 3 *PN students must complete BIO 201 and BIO 202 for their Biology requirement. STUDENT PROGRESS GRADE TERM COMPLETED Total Hours Required for Degree EXIT EXAM(S) Required

2 NURSING EDUCATION Practical Nursing General Information GSCC s practical nursing program, which is approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing (RSA Plaza St. 250, 770 Washington Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104; telephone ; website: is a Certificate program that prepares students in the theoretical and clinical practice of basic bedside nursing. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, graduates are eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). After passing the examination, graduates will carry the title "Licensed Practical Nurse." The Practical Nursing program is offered during the daytime on the Valley Street Campus, at the McClellan Center in Anniston and the Cherokee Center. The Fall Admissions are three semesters in length while the Spring Admission is four semesters in length. New classes are admitted for the Fall and the Spring semesters on the Valley Street Campus and in the Fall for the McClellan Center and Cherokee Center. Advisers are available in Helderman Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus (256) and at the McClellan Center (256) to answer prospective students' questions concerning the program. Mission Statement of the Nursing Program Within the context of the Mission, Purpose and Philosophy of Gadsden State Community College, the mission of the Practical Nursing program is to provide educational services that satisfy both the needs in the College service area for licensed practical nurses and the desire of people who seek a relatively short-term technical program to prepare them for a career. Practical nursing education can also be viewed as a vehicle for career mobility. As an Alabama State Board of Nursing approved program, there is dedication among the faculty to incorporate the most current knowledge and technology in the preparation of nurses who, under the supervision of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or licensed dentist, perform activities that contribute to the prevention of illness, as well as the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health. Philosophy of Nursing Programs The Alabama College System Please refer to the Philosophy of Nursing Programs for the Alabama College System found in the Registered Nursing Section of this catalog. Standing Outcome Goals The outcome goals for the practical nurses 1. Prepare students for licensure and successful practice as practical nurses; 2. Maintain Alabama Board of Nursing approval 3. Maintain NCLEX-PN pass rates at or above the State and National levels; 4. Achieve high job-placement rates for students completing the Practical Nursing Program: 5. Ensure that the graduate of the practical nursing program is competent to function in the capacity of providing basic bedside nursing in the areas of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating client care 6. Achieve a high Graduation Rate for those students completing the Licensed Practical Nursing Program. 7. Achieve a high passing standard for the exit examination (Specifics to be determined). Admission Requirements and Procedure In addition to the procedure for admission to GSCC, if you seek admission to the practical nursing program you must satisfy certain additional requirements. For more information, contact an adviser at or To qualify for admission, you must meet the following: Minimum admission standards for the Practical Nursing Program (Modifications currently being made) 1. Unconditional admission to the college: a. A completed, signed application for admission to the college b. All required official transcripts both high school and/or college - If you are a high school senior see *NOTE. c. Entry on clear academic status d. Appropriate, valid COMPASS assessment scores for placement e. International students must meet all pre-determined admission criteria in accordance with Alabama State Board of Education , including providing all required documentation 2. Receipt of completed application packet for the Practical Nursing Program by [May 1st ] or October 15th. This packet includes: a. Proof of COMPASS Reading score * (subject to change) b. Copies of all high school and college transcripts c. Complete Application to Admission Department at Gadsden State d. Proof of GSCC admission No application will be accepted by the Admission Department at Gadsden State until the student has all documents collected. 3. A minimum of 2.50 GPA for students with previous 24 credit hours of college work. 4. A minimum of 2.50 high school 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. Your eligibility to enter these courses depends on acceptable placement scores or completion of developmental/preparatory courses by the time these courses are designated in the nursing curriculum *NOTE: If you are a senior in high school, request that a transcript of your work through the first semester of your senior year be sent to the Admission Department Prior to May 1 st, upon graduation, have a completed transcript sent to the Success Center. If you did not graduate from high school, ensure that a copy of GED grade report is sent to both the Success Center and the Admission Department.

3 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). Schedule this test in time to meet the stated deadline. COMPASS scores must be within the past 3 years for consideration. Students not meeting the 76 minimum should seek advisement regarding retesting policies and/or remediation requirements. 9. Contact the program director/coordinator if you have been convicted of a felony (see Standards of Conduct found in this document) 10. Have grades of C or higher in high school biology or higher science and/or algebra II or higher math in order for you to gain the greatest benefit in the ranking process for admission into the program. 11. Repeat any academic courses that you took in years past that repeating may improve your chances of success depending on the time lapse & grade earned. Please see the Nursing Advisor or Program Director if you have any questions regarding this issue. 5 year limit is pending for all Biology courses. 12. BIO 201 & 202 are the required biology requirements. You will need to complete BIO 103 or achieve a passing score on the ACS approved placement exam. (Gadsden State Community College is currently in a state wide pilot program to give students the option to waive BIO 103 and take BIO 201 & 202 without having BIO 103.) *COMPASS test may be replaced by a different exam. Please contact the Nursing Advisor. 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. Admission Procedure If you apply for admission to Gadsden State Community College and the Nursing Education program, you must: 1. complete the process of applying for admission to the College as explained earlier in this catalog (However, admission to GSCC does not ensure admission to the nursing education program.); 2. access the Nursing Application form,other information and instructions from the Health Sciences website ( 3. schedule an appointment to see the Nursing Advisor in Helderman Hall, McClellan Center, or Cherokee Site; 4. complete the admission procedure as directed by the Nursing Advisor; which includes turning in a complete packet of information by the deadline(s) listed. This includes completed nursing application, copy of COMPASS Reading score Copies of all high school and college transcripts Application to nursing program Proof of GSCC admission No application will be accepted by the Admission Department until the student has all documents collected. 5. schedule an appointment to take the ACT COMPASS Test through the Testing Office in the Inzer Student Center at the Wallace Drive Campus, Ayers Campus, McClellan Center or Cherokee Campus; NOTICE: You must ensure that you complete all tests in time for the results to be received by the admission department by May 1 st for Fall Admission and October 15 th for Spring Admission. Selection and Notification A beginning class is selected for admission into the Practical Nursing Program each fall and spring* Semesters at the Valley Street Campus* and Fall at the McClellan Center and Cherokee Center. Students will begin the nursing course sequence each Fall or Spring Semester. *Students admitted in the Spring Semester will take 4 semesters to complete. Applicants who have met all admission requirements and have completed the admission procedure before May 1 st or October 15 th are eligible for presentation to the Nursing Admissions / Progression Committee. This committee selects applicants for admission to the program on the basis of their pre-admission test scores (COMPASS reading score), academic transcripts (GPA), and fulfillment of any pre-admission requirements. Qualified applicants are ranked in order, and only a predetermined number will be selected. Prior to the term registration in which you are applying to enter, all applicants presented to the committee will be notified in writing whether or not they were selected. Applicants who have been notified of their selection for admission must respond in writing to the Chairperson of the Nursing Admissions / Progression Committee, indicating their intent to enter the program or not. Applicants who do not respond as prescribed above prior to the desired term registration forfeit their place in the class and must reapply for the next class if they wish to be admitted. All vacancies in a new class will be filled by acceptable alternate applicants who have met the admission requirements. Prior to registration in a clinical nursing course, each applicant admitted to the program will be required to submit a Student Health Form verifying mental and physical health sufficient to allow the applicant to meet the nursing curriculum objectives and the requirements of the clinical agencies that provide clinical experiences. Your health care provider must verify your ability to comply with the Essential Functions for this program as stated below. The physician will be provided the criteria by which to determine your eligibility. Additional medical examinations and a specific release from your physician may be required at any time (for example, during pregnancy, infectious disease, interference with mobility, emotional instability) if they are deemed necessary for the faculty to evaluate your state of health. As a student in this program, you are responsible for all medical expenses incurred by you while in the nursing program, and you must show proof of medical insurance. Clinical affiliation agreements require that if you are injured, such as by a needle stick, you must go to the emergency room for treatment as a private pay patient. If you do not have medical insurance, there is a student accident and sickness insurance plan that you may purchase through the College. See the nursing advisor for an application for this coverage. Additional Requirements 1. Each applicant admitted to the program must attend the scheduled uniform fitting and pay for the uniforms and for the small equipment ordered at that time; 2. Each applicant admitted to the program will be required to complete the American Heart Association or American Red Cross Cardio

4 Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) class for Health Care Provider as scheduled; 3. At the time of tuition payment for the first clinical nursing course, each applicant admitted to the program must pay the specified fee for professional liability (malpractice) insurance coverage; 4. Healthcare agencies have the same requirements of students as they do of their employees, therefore, drug screening will be done at the student s expense; 5. Students are required to pay any required program fees such as HESI, MEDS Pub fees or other testing fees before they can attend class. This fee is paid in the Business Office or online (MEDS). 6. Health care agencies are requiring background checks prior to attending clinical. You can access our website for a direct link to the background check site. The background checks will be at the students expense. NOTICE: The Alabama Infected Health Care Worker Management Act mandates that any health care worker who performs invasive procedures and who is infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus shall notify the State Health Officer, or his designee, of the infection. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The essential functions that have been deemed necessary by the Alabama College System nursing programs are the set requirements for students entering and participating in the licensed Practical Nursing Program. You will find a copy of the Essential Functions in the Nursing Student s Handbook. If you have individual concerns, please contact the nursing advisor. NOTICE: Your ability to comply with the ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS listed may be evaluated by nursing faculty at any time that your ability to do so is in question. The Alabama College System endorses 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 programs with or without reasonable accommodations. The nursing programs and/or its affiliated clinical agencies may identify additional essential functions. The nursing programs 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 required 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 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 i) Observe and discern subtle changes in physical conditions and the environment ii) Visualize different color spectrums and color changes iii) Read fine print in varying levels of light iv) Read for prolonged periods of time v) Read cursive writing vi) Read at varying distances vii) Read data/information displayed on monitors/equipment b) Auditory i) Interpret monitoring devices ii) Distinguish muffled sounds heard through a stethoscope iii) Hear and discriminate high and low frequency sounds produced by the body and the environment iv) Effectively hear to communicate with others c) Tactile i) Discern tremors, vibrations, pulses, textures, temperature, shapes, size, location and other physical characteristics d) Olfactory i) Detect body odors and odors in the environment 2) Communication/ Interpersonal Relationships a) Verbally and in writing, engage in a two-way communication and interact effectively with others, from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds b) Work effectively in groups c) Work effectively independently d) Discern and interpret nonverbal communication 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

5 b) Consistently and dependably engage in the process of critical in order to formulate and implement safe and ethical nursing decisions in a variety of health care settings 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. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be directed to: Dr. Susan Tucker, DSN, RN Nursing Program Director PO Box 227 Gadsden State Community College Gadsden, AL NOTICE: Your ability to comply with the ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS listed may be evaluated by the nursing faculty at any time that your ability to do so is in question. NOTICE: These Essential Functions are a part of the Student Health Form and are to be verified by the physician signing the form. Examples of criteria to determine eligibility will be attached to the Student Health Form. Progression Procedure Please refer to the Progression Procedure for Nursing Programs for the Alabama College System found in the Registered Nursing Section.

6 Transfer Student Please refer to the Transfer Policy for Nursing Programs for the Alabama College system found in the Registered Nursing Section. The following are specific policies for the PN Program for students wishing to transfer: 1. Your placement in the program will be contingent upon a review and evaluation of their record for placement, the availability of space, and the existing teacher-student ratio. 2. You must complete an interview with the Practical Nursing Program Director or Coordinator. 3. You must complete two (2) semesters of the program on this campus. 4. You will receive no credit for any nursing education that they acquired more than one (1) year prior to the transfer. 5. You must have attended a comparable nursing program approved by the appropriate State Board of Nursing. Readmission If you are out of progression in the nursing sequence for whatever reason you must apply for readmission by writing a letter to the Chairperson of the Nursing Admissions / Progression Committee. The policies, requirements, and procedure for applying for readmission are listed below: 1. If you have not progressed through the nursing sequence because of academic failure, you may be considered for readmission only once; 2. Your application for readmission will be reviewed and evaluated by the committee. After due deliberation, the committee will make its recommendation and decision based on data from your records, including all pre-admission test scores, your previous and current transcripts, your level of functioning during previous enrollment, the time lapse since your previous enrollment, the circumstances surrounding the interruption of your sequence, and the current curriculum content; 3. Your readmission to the program is dependent upon the availability of space in the class because those students in regular progression in the nursing sequence have priority right to enroll in the required courses; 4. If your progression in the nursing education program was interrupted because of your withdrawal from a course, the committee will decide whether to consider the withdrawal an unsuccessful attempt; therefore, to treat it as a failure in that course; 5. The committee may require that you repeat any nursing course(s) that you completed twelve (12) months or more before your readmission; 6. You will not be allowed to progress in the program sequence until you repeat the course and earn by the time designated for that course in the curriculum outline the required grade in the course in which you once failed to earn the required grade; 7. If you apply for readmission, you must: complete and earn a grade of 75% or higher on written theory examination(s) for the nursing course(s) specified by the Nursing Admissions / Progression Committee; 8. Register to audit any course(s) in which, AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS, YOU FAIL TO ATTAIN THE REQUIRED 75% OR HIGHER FINAL EXAMINATION GRADE; NOTICE: As an Audit student, you must attend all class meetings, complete all unit and final examinations, and attain an overall theory average of at least 75%. Failure as an Audit student will constitute your second failure in the Nursing program. 9. Be prepared to audit or take for credit any course(s) in which you earned a passing grade or any course(s) in which the content has changed, as required of you by the Nursing Admissions / Progression Committee; 10. If you received a failing grade in two (2) nursing semesters, you shall not be considered for readmission, and you may be advised to seek further career counseling. Failure in one or more courses in a semester constitutes a one-semester failure; 11. You must meet academic standards specified under "Admission Requirements" above, including transcripts and testing; 12. You must apply for readmission at least one semester before the beginning of the semester in which you wish to be readmitted. Notifying the admission committee earlier than the one semester before you enter would give you the opportunity to audit any courses you failed to make 75% in the two (2) attempts; 13. Complete a dosage and calculation exam with a grade of 90% or higher when required. This exam may be retaken 2 times after the initial testing for a total of three attempts. Progression and Graduation To progress through and to complete the nursing education program successfully, you must: 1. Progress through the required courses of the nursing curriculum in the prescribed sequence (see "Curriculum" below); 2. Attain a minimum grade of 75% in each of the required nursing courses; NOTICE: A grade below 75% becomes a "D" or an "F," depending on your numerical average. 3. attain a minimum grade of "C" (70%) in each of the required general education courses NO LATER than the semester specified in the curriculum format, although these courses can be completed BEFORE the specified time; 4. Maintain current professional liability insurance for nursing students; 5. Maintain current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification for Healthcare Providers thru American Heart Association as required ; 6. Submit acceptable Student Health Form prior to entering fall semester each year or spring for LPN students 7. Complete successfully all previous semester requirements before progressing to the next semester 8. Complete successfully all LPN curriculum requirements to be approved for graduation; 9. Attain a minimum overall clinical evaluation of 75% on effectiveness in each clinical nursing course; NOTICE: If you fail to satisfy requirement 9. (above), you will receive an "F" in the course(s) affected, and you will be declared "out of progression" in the nursing sequence. 10. Maintain proficiency in the calculation for administering medications as evidenced by a. attaining a minimum grade of 75% in NUR 104;and b. attaining a minimum score of 90% on the drug administration and calculation examination given at the beginning of NUR 105. This exam by be taken a total of 3 times during the semester involved.

7 NOTICE: If you fail to satisfy requirement 10. (above), you will receive an "F" for the course, and you will be out of progression in the nursing program. 12. Abide by the policies, procedures, and rules of behavior of the institutions from which you obtain clinical laboratory experiences; 13. Abide by the policies, procedures, rules of behavior, and course requirements published in each course syllabus and clinical evaluation form; 14. Attain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.00 in order to graduate; 15. Abide by all other policies stated for progression and graduation in the nursing program and abide by the rules of behavior of the Practical Nursing Program as published in the Nursing Education Student Handbook as well as those in the GSCC college catalog. NOTICE: Your failure to comply with any of the above stipulations while in the nursing program constitutes grounds for your suspension from the program. If both the Assistant Dean of Health Sciences and the Dean of Instructional Services uphold your suspension for violating stipulations 9. and/or 10. of the list above, you will receive a grade of "F" for the nursing course(s) affected, regardless of your academic standing. 16. attend the scheduled sitting for graduation pictures and pay for the pictures at that time; and 17. participate in the pinning ceremony. 18. Must show proof of health insurance each semester he or she is in a clinical nursing course to the nursing advisor or purchase thru GSCC. 19. Drug screening will be required at the students expense before your first clinical experience and thereafter for cause. 20. Students must attend 90% or above of the scheduled clinical hours to enable the students to meet the objectives of the course. Students attending less than 90% of the scheduled clinical hours will not pass the course. 21. No student may progress from the first semester to the second semester clinical courses until all requirements are satisfactorily completed. 22. All NUR 107/109 students are required to pay for and take the HESI Exit Exam. If a score of 850 or higher is not achieved, students must attend a live review. Expenses Tuition fees for students in the Practical Nursing Program are the same as for other GSCC students. Expenses beyond tuition fees, which are specified below and which are subject to change without notice, amount to between $2,150 and $2, Textbooks/Course packets (Entire Program)... $ Liability Insurance Uniforms NCLEX-PN (Licensing Fees) Pictures Graduation Fee Graduation Pin HESI Tests Drug Screen/Background Checks Lab Supplies MEDS Publishing Total... $ NOTICE: You are responsible for transportation expenses, meals, health care expenses, and any other liabilities incurred while traveling to and from and during educational experiences. Health insurance is the student's responsibility. Curriculum The Certificate in practical nursing requires credit hours: 6 in general education courses and 39 in LPN courses. Students must take BIO 201 & BIO 202. (Gadsden State Community is currently in a state wide pilot program to give students the option to waive BIO 103 and take BIO 201 & 202 without having BIO 103.) All students must take in three consecutive semesters the courses specified below and, depending on the semester of admission, in the sequence shown. For FALL Semester Admission If you enter the program in a Fall semester, you should complete the certificate at the end of the following Summer semester, as shown below: Fall Semester (1 st session) Spring Semester (2 nd session) Summer Semester (3 rd session) Courses Hours Courses Hours Courses Hours BIO NUR NUR NUR NUR NUR NUR ENG NUR NUR BIO MTH For SPRING Semester Admission If you enter the program in a Spring semester, you should complete the certificate at the end of the next Springl semester, as shown below: Spring Semester (1 st session) Summer Semester (2 nd session) Fall Semester (3 rd session) Spring Semester (4 th session) Courses Hours Courses Hours Courses Hours Courses Hours BIO NUR NUR NUR NUR ENG NUR NUR NUR BIO NUR