Practical Nurse Certificate

Transcription

1 Practical Nurse Certificate Campus Rockbridge Regional Center 1000 Dabney Drive 35 Vista Links Drive Clifton Forge, Virginia Buena Vista, Virginia Practical Nursing Certificate Program Packet Admission Requirements and Program Information DSLCC Rockbridge Regional Center 35 Vista Links Drive Buena Vista, Virginia (540) Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Approved by: Virginia State Board of Nursing Dabney S. Lancaster Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer.

2 Dabney S. Lancaster Community College Practical Nursing Program Admission Requirements and Program Information Table of Contents Disclaimer... 3 Institutional Policy for Equal Opportunity... 3 Introduction... 3 Practical Nursing Program Objectives... 4 Essential Functional Abilities... 4 Health Preadmission Screenings... 5 Criminal Background Check and Drug Screenings... 6 Program Behavior Expectations... 6 Factors Considered for Admission Decisions... 6 Admission Requirements... 7 Costs, Financial Aid and Scholarship Information... 8 Estimated Required Fees for PNP... 8 Curriculum for Practical Nursing Program... 9 Practical Nursing Program Course Descriptions Pre-Entrance Examination Testing Information Information for Program Applicants Practical Nursing Program Admission Checklist Application for Admission Practical Nursing Program VCCS Application for Admission Pre-entrance Examination Dates and Information Important Contact Information

3 Disclaimer Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (DSLCC) provides its Web site, catalog, handbooks, printed and digital class schedules and any other printed materials or electronic media for your general guidance. DSLCC does not guarantee that the information retained within them, including, but not limited to the contents of any page that resides under the Domain Naming System (DNS) registrations of are up to date, complete, and accurate. Individuals assume any risks associated with relying upon other information without checking this program s Admission Requirements and Program Information booklet published for the year in which the student is applying for admission. DSLCC reserves the right to make changes to any provisions or requirements within these sources, as well as any changes to any curriculum or program, whether during a student s enrollment or otherwise. Hard copies of the Admissions Requirements and Program Information booklet may be obtained at the Rockbridge Regional Center. Institutional Policy for Equal Opportunity It is the policy of DSLCC to promote equal opportunity in educational programs and activities, admission and employment without regard to race, creed, gender, national origin, disability or any other non-merit factor. For more information, contact the office of the Vice President for Instruction at Introduction Thank you for your interest in the Practical Nursing Program (PNP) that DSLCC offers each year in the Rockbridge area. To be considered for admission into the next class, please read this entire packet carefully and follow the steps as outlined for all applicants. The DSLCC PNP prepares graduates to successfully function in the role of an entry-level licensed practical nurse under the supervision of a registered nurse, physician, or dentist in structured settings, providing direct care to clients with common health problems that have predictable outcomes. The purpose of the PNP is to educate individuals who are concerned with basic, therapeutic, rehabilitative and preventative care for people of all ages and diverse cultures in various stages of dependency. The graduate of DSLCC PNP will be eligible to apply for licensure after successful completion of the NCLEX- PN examination. The person with emergent health needs and the student with learning needs comprise the central focus for curriculum development. The problem-solving process is used as a framework for critical thinking and practice. Concepts that provided further structure for the development of practical nursing competency are a collection of data for patients with emergent needs, communication skills, and development of professional attitudes and characteristics. For any questions about the program please call the Program Director at or to pfauber@dslcc.edu Bring or mail all completed materials to: DSLCC Rockbridge Regional Center Practical Nursing Program 35 Vista Links Drive Buena Vista, VA

4 Practical Nursing Program Objectives Upon completion of the Practical Nursing Program the graduate is prepared to: Function as a beginning practitioner under the supervision of a licensed medical professional, registered nurse, or dentist. Utilize the nursing process with guidance in delivering safe, therapeutic individualized nursing care to the patient and/or family throughout the life span. Maintain effective professional relationships with the patient, family, and other members of the health care team. Participate in patient and family education to promote, maintain, and restore individual, family, and community health. Assist the patient and family in utilizing community resources to promote and maintain an optimal state of health. Assume responsibility for his/her own continued personal, professional, and educational growth as a practical nurse and private citizen. Function within the legal and ethical limits of the practical nurse role. Successfully pass the NCLEX-PN examination. Essential Functional Abilities The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc has determined that the following categories of functional abilities are essential for licensure and job performance of the practical nurse. A brief description and examples of representative activities/attributes are included. The health care provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician s assistant) who completes the pre admission health screening must certify the applicant can perform these essential functions. CATEGORY Gross Motor Skills Fine Motor Skills Physical Endurance Physical Strength Mobility Hearing DESCRIPTION Gross motor skills sufficient to provide the full range of safe and effective nursing care activities, such as moving within confined spaces, reaching above shoulders, reaching below waist, standing, and maintaining balance Fine motor skills sufficient to perform psychomotor skills such as grasping small objects with hands, keying/typing, pinching, picking, twisting, and squeezing with fingers Physical stamina sufficient to perform client care activities for entire length of work role such as standing during surgical or therapeutic procedures or performing CPR Physical strength sufficient to perform full range of required client activities such as pulling and pushing 25 pounds, supporting and lifting up to 25 pounds, moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds and squeezing with hands to operate a fire extinguisher Physical abilities sufficient to move from place to place in a quick manner and to maneuver by twisting, squatting, climbing, and walking Auditory ability sufficient for physical monitoring and assessment of client health needs, which includes hearing faint body sounds, faint voices, hearing situations when not able to see lips, and hearing auditory alarms 3

5 Visual Tactile Smell Reading Arithmetic Visual ability sufficient for accurate observation and performance of nursing care which includes seeing objects up to 20 inches away and 20 feet away, depth perception, peripheral vision and ability to distinguish color and color intensity. Tactile ability sufficient for physical monitoring and assessment of health care needs which include feeling vibrations, detecting temperature and feeling differences in surface characteristics sizes and shapes Olfactory ability sufficient to detect significant environmental and client odors Reading ability sufficient to comprehend the written word at a minimum of 10 th grade level Arithmetic ability sufficient to do computations at a minimum of an 8 th grade level which includes reading and understanding columns of writing, reading graphic printouts and digital displays, calibrating equipment, converting numbers to and/or from the Metric system, measuring time, counting rates, using measuring tools, reading measurement marks, computing fractions, and using a calculator Emotional Stability Emotional stability sufficient to assume responsibility/accountability for actions which includes establishing therapeutic boundaries, dealing with the unexpected, adapting to changing environment/stress, focusing attention on a task, performing multiple responsibilities concurrently and handling strong emotions. Analytical Thinking Critical Thinking Skill Interpersonal Skills Communication Skills Reasoning skills sufficient to perform deductive and inductive thinking for nursing decisions, which includes transferring knowledge from one situation to another, processing information, problem solving, evaluating outcomes, prioritizing tasks, and using short term and long term memory Critical thinking skill sufficient to exercise sound nursing judgment, which includes identifying causeeffect relationships, planning/controlling activities for others, synthesizing knowledge and skills, and sequenced information Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups respecting social, cultural and spiritual diversity Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in written and oral form, which includes teaching, explaining procedures, giving oral reports, and conveying information through writing Health Preadmission Screening All individuals admitted to the PNP will be required to submit documentation of a complete health assessment (at your expense) by his/her health-care provider. This will include documentation that specific immunizations and tests have been completed. Once the applicant has been granted contingent admission the forms for the health preadmission screening will be ed for completion. Applicants who fail to have the health preadmission screening done will not be considered for final admission. 4

6 Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening All DSLCC PNP students must complete a criminal background check and drug screening (at your expense) Once contingent admission has been granted you will be ed the information regarding registering online at for these screenings. No other processes may be substituted for this requirement. The testing is performed through an outside vendor and all fees will be paid directly to this vendor. Code of Virginia # : states that the Virginia Board of Nursing shall have the power to deny a nursing license upon proof that the person is: Guilty of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license Guilty of a felony or of a crime involving moral turpitude Unfit or incompetent by reason of negligence, habits, or other causes Addicted to the use of alcohol or habit-forming drugs Mentally or physically incompetent Guilty of professional misconduct In addition the background check will compare findings against the following criteria: Proof of Virginia residency Assault or battery Adult or child sexual offenses Adult or child or elder abuse or neglect Misdemeanor or felonies of any type We use various hospitals, nursing homes, and other agencies as clinical sites. If these sites would not hire the student as an employee as a result of the criminal background check, that student would not be eligible for clinical placement in that facility. Program Behavior Expectations The DSLCC Practical Nursing Program reserves the right to refuse admission to applicants if such refusal is considered to be in the best interest of the program. The PNP will not accept any student who has been dismissed from another college or program due to misconduct or threatening behavior, or who has been determined to be a potential threat. Students may be denied admission to the program if there is sufficient reason to believe that they present a danger to themselves, other members of the college community or clients in the clinical setting. Factors Considered for Admission Decisions Admission to the PNP is competitive and will be based on a ranking system that includes student performance in high school and/or college courses. Each student s past and potential educational achievement is measured against all others applying. Applicants must submit all official documentation and demonstrate minimum requirements for consideration by the deadline to be considered for acceptance. Coursework in progress at time of deadline will not be considered during the application process. Students meeting all of the minimum requirements for admission are not guaranteed acceptance and not all applicants will be granted admission. In April, all application data including transcripts, placement tests, and pre-entrance examination scores are reviewed. Applicants are notified by of contingent admission. Final admission is granted after review of the Criminal Background Check, Health Preadmission Assessment, and Drug Screen. 5

7 Admission Requirements Admission to the College: You must be admitted to DSLCC before you can be considered for admission to the PNP. Please note that admission to the college does not guarantee admission the Practical Nursing Program. You may complete a paper application or complete the college application online at: There is no fee to apply to the college. Graduation from High School or Earning a GED Certificate: Students must either have graduated from high school or have completed their GED. High school seniors may apply for admission to the program pending their graduation. Transcripts: You must provide transcripts from both your high school and from any college that you have attended. GED scores must be provided. If you have attended DSLCC or any other Virginia Community College you do not need to provide transcripts. Please send transcripts to DSLCC Rockbridge Regional Center, Practical Nursing Program, 35 Vista Links Drive, Buena Vista, VA Math Placement Testing: Prospective students must take the math placement test before the required nursing pre-entrance examination. Satisfactory scores must be achieved on MTE modules 1-4. If remedial work is required, it must be completed before you will be considered for admission to the practical nursing program. Please call the Rockbridge Regional Center to schedule the math placement test. There is no fee for this test. The following links may be helpful in preparing for the placement test. rs%20dslcc.pdf Nursing Pre- Entrance Examination: Upon completion of all academic placement testing and remedial requirements if needed the pre-entrance aptitude exam for practical nursing is administered. The fee for this test is $20.00 (cash only). Applicants must have an average score ranking of 45 th percentile or higher in order to be considered for the program. There will be four test dates offered from January, March, The student may repeat the exam if so desired for a maximum of two attempts per calendar year. Health Preadmission Assessment: Once you have met other admission requirements for the nursing program you will need to have a health assessment by your primary health care provider. (at your expense). This may be done by a licensed physician, physician s assistant, or a nurse practitioner. It will include immunization requirements and a PPD (TB test). Applicants who have contingent admission will be ed the correct form for this assessment Drug Screen: Once the applicant has received contingent admission you will be provided information on where to obtain the drug screen (at your expense). Positive results on the drug screen and/or refusal to obtain the drug screen will result in denial of admission to the nursing program. A drug test may also be requested randomly at any time during the school year. Criminal Background Check: After contingent admission has been granted you must pass a criminal background check (at your expense). Individual agencies may require additional background screening. CPR: Each student is required to provide proof of current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification in the areas of Basic Life Support (BLS) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for the Professional prior to the first day of the fall semester. CPR must include infant, child and adult training. The certification must either be by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, no others are accepted. Orientation: Each student is required to attend a DSLCC new student orientation session. Students may select one of several session offerings prior to the fall semester. Age: Students may enter the PNP at the age of 17; however, the age requirement for taking the NCLEX- PN state board examination is 18. 6

8 Costs, Financial Aid, and Scholarship Information Costs: DSLCC offers quality programs at affordable rates for tuition and fees. The rate for tuition per hour is set by the State Board for Community Colleges and is subject to change. Students may contact the college for the most current rate. The PNP requires the completion of 42 credits. Students may use this format as a general guide for their budget, tuition, and fees for the program. Payment is due when the student registers for the upcoming semester. Students should be aware that in addition to tuition and fees, they are responsible for the cost of textbooks, supplies, and other items required by the instructor including uniforms, white nursing shoes, and a watch with a second hand. Other costs of which the student should be aware include required testing and Health Preadmission Assessment. There is also a required criminal background check and drug screen which are approximately $44.00 each and are subject to change. Please note that final acceptance into the program is pending until the background check and drug screen are complete. Financial Aid: DSLCC offers financial aid programs funded by the federal government, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the college itself, organizations, clubs, businesses, and private citizens. Assistance is offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, and work study opportunities. Students are strongly encouraged to file for financial aid. The process begins by visiting Scholarship Information: The DSLCC Educational Foundation awards thousands of dollars in scholarships each year to deserving students. Visit for detailed information and deadlines to apply. Estimated Required Fees for PNP PRE-ENTRANCE ESTIMATED COSTS Nursing Pre-Entrance Examination $20.00 each time taken Drug Screen $44.00* Criminal Background Check $44.00* Health Preadmission Screen Varies check with your primary care provider Total Pre-entrance $ plus health preadmission screen ITEMS FOR PROGRAM COST QUANTITY TOTAL NLN Achievement Tests $ $60.00 Textbooks $ varies $ White scrub uniform top and pants with emblem $ $ Navy scrub uniform top and pants with emblem $ $ White lab coat with emblem $ $30.00 Hose/socks $ $20.00 Black pens $ $2.00 Name tag $ $ st semester lab kit $ $ nd semester lab kit $ $ Nursing school pin $ $50.00 Nursing school lamp $ $50.00 Graduation uniform $ $50.00 Watch with second hand $ $30.00 Nursing cap $ $20.00 Total for Program $

9 POST GRADUATION ESTIMATED COST Licensure Fee $ NCLEX-PN Examination Fee $ Total Post Graduation $ Approximate total cost in addition to tuition $ plus Health Preadmission Screening and fees ***All costs are approximate and are subject to change***** Curriculum for Practical Nursing Program The PNP curriculum is structured to prepare the student for entry level employment as a Licensed Practical Nursing under the direction of a licensed medical professional and/or registered nurse. The curriculum is designed to prepare the student for the Virginia State Board of Nursing NCLEX-PN examination and meets the requirements as set forth in the Virginia Board of Nursing regulations. Summer Term (Pre-Clinical) COURSE TITLE LECTURE LABORATORY CREDITS ENG 100* Basic Occupational Communications HLT 130* Nutrition and Diet Therapy ITE 101* Introduction to Computers Orientation to SDV 101 Licensed Practical Nursing NUR 135 Dosage and Drug Calculations Total 8 Total 0 Total 8 Fall Semester PNE 110 Practical Nursing Health and Diseases I PNE 141 Nursing Skills PNE 155* Body Structure and Function PNE 158 Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing PNE 181 PNE 145 Clinical Experience Trends in Practical Nursing 0 15 (clinical 225 hrs) Total 11 Total 18 Total

10 Spring Semester PNE 111 Practical Nursing Health and Diseases II PNE 135 Maternal & Child Health Nursing PNE 135 Lab Maternal and Child Health Nursing PNE 142 Nursing Skills II PNE 182 Clinical Experience II 0 15 (clinical 225 hrs) 5 Total 10.5 Total 18.5 Total 17 PROGRAM TOTAL 42 **Course Substitutions** The following course substitutions are permitted in the PNP Current Course Requirement ENG 100 ITE 101 HLT 130 PNE 155 Substitution ENG 111 (within 5 years and course grade of C ) ITE 115 (within 5 years and course grade of C ) HLT 138 (within 2 years and course grade of B ) HLT 230 (within 2 years and course grade of B ) BIO 141 AND 142 (within 2 years and course grade of B ) Practical Nursing Program Course Descriptions ENG 100 Basic Occupational Communication: Develops ability to communicate in occupational situations. Involves writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. Builds practical skills such as handling customer complaints, writing various types of letters, and preparing for a job interview. HLT 130 Nutrition and Diet Therapy: Studies nutrients, sources, functions and requirements related to normal nutrition. Introduces diet therapy. ITE 101 Introduction to Computers: Examines concepts and terminology related to microcomputers and introduces specific used of microcomputers. NUR 135 Drug Dosage Calculations: Teaches apothecary, metric and household conversion and reading of drug orders and labels. Provides a practical approach to learning to calculate and prepare medications and solutions. Includes calculating intravenous flow rates and pediatric dosages. PNE 110 Practical Nursing Health and Disease I: Studies the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms prescribed medical and surgical treatments and appropriate nursing care for the patient with selected disorders. Also includes geriatric care. Part I of II PNE 111 Practical Nursing Health and Disease II: Studies the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, prescribed medical and surgical treatments, and appropriate nursing care for patients with selected disorders. Part II of II PNE 135 Maternal and Child Health Nursing This course examines pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and newborn care from a family centered approach. It covers complications related to childbearing. Emphasizes growth and development and exploration of common childhood disorders including physical and emotional; at various ages from newborn to age 18 years. PNE 141 Nursing Skills Studies principles and procedures essential to the basic nursing care of patients. Includes introduction to pharmacology. Part I of II. 9

11 PNE 142 Nursing Skills Studies principles and procedures essential to the basic nursing care of patients. Includes medication administration skills. Part II of II. PNE 145 Trends in Practical Nursing Studies the role of the LPN. Covers legal aspects, organizations, and opportunities in practical nursing. Assists students in preparation for employment. PNE 155 Body Structure and Function Studies the structure and function of the body as it applies to the practice of nursing. PNE 158 Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing Recognizes emotional needs of patients. Provides knowledge of the role that emotions play. Enables students to understand their own behavior as well as patient behavior. PNE 181 Clinical Experience I Provides guided nursing experiences in the hospital setting. Practices skills and applies principles of nursing in basic areas. Includes supervision in administration of medicines. Encourages students to develop basic skills in analyzing patient needs and making nursing decisions. Part I of II. PNE 182 Clinical Experience II Provides guided nursing experiences in the hospital setting. Practices skills and applies principles of nursing in basic areas. Includes supervision in administration of medicines. Encourages students to develop basic skills in analyzing patient needs and making nursing decisions. Part II of II. SDV 101 Orientation to Licensed Practical Nursing Assists students with the transition to college and provides success with study habits and career planning and other activities related to academic and occupational success. Addresses specific issues related to the occupation of Licensed Practical Nursing. Pre-Entrance Examination Testing Information The use of psychological testing in the selection process for this career education program is intended to be constructive and beneficial to both the applicant and the Practical Nursing Program. Tests are designed to assist in selecting and placing people in situations where assets are maximized. The results obtained from psychological tests may be used as a tool or device to help determine unique individual potential. Acceptance and positive utilization of this information can lead to a happy, productive, and satisfying training, and subsequent work experience. Psychological Services Bureau Aptitude for Practical Nursing Examination The pre-entrance examination contains five sections as described below: Part I: Academic Aptitude Academic aptitude as measured by the total (combined subtests), might be thought of as a type of ability to learn. The test content is specifically adapted for appraising the combination of innate and acquired abilities that are need for work of an academic nature. The academic aptitude total emphasizes familiar experiences and concepts while requiring careful reasoning and the capacity to comprehend and draw conclusions. Verbal: The verbal aspect consists of 30 vocabulary-related test questions. Empirical evidence has shown this type of test item to be highly related to academic success. Arithmetic: The numerical aspect consists of 30 items drawing largely from arithmetic. To some degree, it involves skill with arithmetical concepts along with computational speed. The content of the numerical items is that to which practically all eighth grade students have been exposed. Nonverbal: The nonverbal aspect consists of 30 test items calling for a comprehension of form relationships. Measurement is in terms of the ability to manipulate things mentally, to reason out differences in pictured objects, and to deal with concrete materials through visualization. Recognition of relationships and of differences has been shown by research to be basic to learning aptitude. 10

12 Part II: Spelling The spelling test measures skill with a tool essential to written expression or communication. It also reflects educational achievement in basic tools of learning. The applicant is given four choices of a spelling of a common word or medical term and is asked to select the correct spelling. Part III: Information in the Natural Sciences Measurement with this test concerns accumulation of information in the natural sciences, i.e. biology, chemistry, health, safety, etc., at a fundamental level. The relationship of knowledge in the area of the natural sciences to the course of study of the nursing or allied health educational program is an obvious one. Part IV: Judgment and Comprehension in Practical Nursing Situations This test is concerned with the measurement of judgment in the working relationships experienced by the nurse as a student and as a practitioner. Part V: Vocational Adjustment Index The person s characteristic life style is reflected in his or her distinctive educational and occupational adjustment. Feelings, attitudes, opinions, and other personality characteristics and behavioral traits, which may be quite acceptable in many situations, may not be those desirable for the prospective student and nurse. General Test Taking Tips 1. The lack of adequate rest the night before will affect test-taking efficiency. 2. Relax too much worry and anxiety is neither necessary nor helpful. 3. Mobilize your self-confidence; be positive your attitude is important. 4. Take care of any personal needs before the testing begins. Specific Tips 1. Listen carefully to the oral directions that are being given to you. 2. Read the general instructions carefully and follow them exactly. 3. Instructions for each part of the examination must be ready and interpreted with the given time limits. 4. The directions are simple and should be read quickly but be sure you understand how to proceed within the particular section. 5. Plan for maximum use of the time allotted for each part of the exam. 6. Read the questions carefully. Work rapidly; answer as many questions as possible. 7. Do not waste time puzzling over a difficult question. While the test questions are arranged in approximate order of difficulty, some earlier questions may be more difficult for you than the later ones. 8. Indiscriminate guessing does not pay off. An educated, reasoned guess may be worthwhile, however, random guessing is not recommended. 9. If you change an answer to a question be sure the change is justified. You m ay view a sample examination by going to and clicking on Information for the PSB Aptitude for Practical Nursing Examination. Students may find that the information contained on the college website regarding Math and English placement tests beneficial as a review for Parts I and II of the pre-entrance examination. 11

13 Information for Program Applicants What do I need to do to apply? Complete the following and submit appropriate material directly to: Penny Fauber, Program Director Practical Nursing Rockbridge Regional Center 35 Vista Links Drive, Buena Vista, VA Apply to the college by completing a Dabney S. Lancaster Community college application, if not currently attending. You are encouraged to complete the application on-line at Please make sure you indicate your program/plan of study as Practical Nursing on the application. 2. Apply to the Practical Nursing Program by completing the Practical Nursing Application. You must submit this by mail or in person. 3. Have all official sealed transcripts (high school and college) and a copy of GED scores (if applicable). When possible applicants should request official transcripts from high school and all colleges attended/attempted to be mailed to your home address. Upon receipt of transcripts, do not open the sealed official envelope(s). Place all unopened transcripts with your program application into one larger envelope and mail to Penny Fauber. GED holders must submit a copy of their GED scores and also submit official high school transcripts if they completed at least through the 9th grade of high school. Transcripts must be submitted from all colleges attended (except DSLCC or any other Virginia Community College). If any school refuses to issue an official transcript directly to student, please have it sent directly to Penny Fauber. What are the minimum academic requirements to be considered for the program? A high school diploma or GED. Applicants must have a cumulative high school or college-level GPA of 2.0 or higher. High school graduates and GED holders who earned less than a 2.0 GPA during high school will be considered for admission if they have generated a college GPA of 2.0 or above. The GPA is calculated at the most recent institution/college you attended and completed at least 12 college credit hours completed. The GPA is determined at the end of the fall semester. Students are required to take the math placement tests and pass MTE 1-4 modules prior to registering for the required pre-entrance examination. The math placement test is free to students and may be taken either on the DSLCC Main Campus or at the Rockbridge Regional Center. Please call to make an appointment. The applicant must take the required pre-entrance examination which is scheduled to be offered four times: January 9, 2016, January 21, 2016, February 13, 2016, and March 10, The fee is $20.00 (cash only) and is non-refundable. Applicants need to bring a photo ID (driver s license) on the day of the examination. Applicants must have an average score ranking of 45 th percentile or higher in order to be considered for admission. When should I Apply? Applications are accepted beginning January 1 st of each year. The required pre-entrance examinations will be offered beginning in January of each year. Is admission to the program competitive? Are there admissions priorities? Priority consideration will be given to applicants who have a GPA of 2.0 or greater. Students must score above the 45 th percentile on the pre-entrance examination in order to be considered for the PN Program. Meeting the curriculum admission standards does not guarantee program admission. 12

14 Who makes the admission decisions? When are the results given to the applicants? Admission decisions are made in April. Contingent admission is offered to qualified applicants. Final admission is granted after the results of the Criminal Background Check, Drug Screen, and Health Assessment are received and reviewed. It is the applicant s responsibility to have the Health Assessment with their own primary care physician (at the applicant s expense). Applicants are expected to provide proof of current immunizations. Applicants must be able to perform the Essential Functional Abilities skills that are in the application packet. The applicant is responsible for paying for the required drug screening test (approximately $44.00) and the criminal background check (approximately $44.00). You will be provided information about where to obtain these. Failure to pass the health screening, and/or the drug test and background check will result in denial of admission to the nursing program. Failure to submit to the drug test or background check will result in denial of admission to the nursing program. The Criminal Background check is a requirement of the Virginia State Board of Nursing in order for students to practice clinical nursing in a hospital or nursing home. Applicants who have a criminal background check that would result in their not being eligible to be employed as a health care worker will be denied admission into the nursing school. See the information in the packet regarding Code of Virginia regulations. Will I need to take any courses to be eligible for the program? Some applicants may need developmental courses for math (prior to taking the pre-entrance examination), which can be determined by reviewing your placement testing results with a counselor. Students who are considering application to the PN Program may benefit from the following courses: ENG 100 or ENG 111 (English classes); NUR 230 or HLT 130 (Nutrition classes) BIO 141 and BIO 142 (Anatomy classes) HLT 141 and HLT 143 (Medical Terminology classes); HLT 100 (First Aid and CPR); HCT 101 and HCT 102 (Certified Nurse Assistant classes) Where are the clinical sites for the program? Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital, Kendal at Lexington, Golden Living Shenandoah Valley, Buena Vista City Schools, Buena Vista Child Development Center, Augusta Health Care Center, Augusta Pediatrics, Western State Hospital. Other facilities may also be used. Transportation to all clinical sites is the responsibility of the student. Can I be a LPN if I am a convicted felon? In the state of Virginia, if someone has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor they may not be allowed to take the LPN licensing exam. The question of eligibility to take the LPN licensing exam cannot be determined until application for licensure is received by the State Board of Nursing. DSLCC has no control over whether or not the Board of Nursing in Virginia or other states will allow the student to take the NCLEX exam. If you wish to discuss this issue, you may call the PN Program Director at (540) Applicants will be notified by of their final acceptance. Tuition and fees must be paid by the deadlines set by DSLCC. 13

15 Practical Nursing Program Admission Checklist Prospective Students complete the following steps: Application Requirement Deadline Cost Complete an Application for Admission to DSLCC (online ASAP None preferred; paper enclosed) Complete an Application for Admission to the PNP (paper ASAP None enclosed) Have official transcripts sent from high school and colleges you have attended other than DSLCC ASAP Varies by institution or another Virginia Community College File Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( ASAP None Take the required pre-entrance examination and score above 45 th TBA $20.00 each exam taken (cash only) percentile Wait to be contacted for personal interview with Director of the Varies Program Receive letter of contingent admission or denial into the program April Students with Conditional Acceptance: Arrange for health assessment screening ASAP Varies Take drug screen test ASAP $44.00 Criminal background check ASAP $44.00 Students with Final Acceptance: Register for classes at RRC. Pay or secure financial aid ASAP Varies by semester Purchase textbooks and supplies at RRC ASAP or first day of class Varies by semester DSLCC is not responsible for any increases in the figures listed. 14

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17 Application for Admission Practical Nursing Program Date of Application: Name Last First Middle/Maiden Current Address Street City State Zip Phone Numbers Home Cell Work Personal Birth date: SS# or Student ID# Have you ever applied to this nursing school before? yes no If yes, when? Reason for not attending? Do you have any experience in nursing? yes no If yes, what experience do you have? The following information is required by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Have you ever been convicted, pled guilty to, or pled no contest to the violation of any federal, state, or local law which constituted a felony or misdemeanor, excluding traffic violations, but including driving while intoxicated? Yes No 16

18 Have you ever had action taken against you or been denied a certification of a license in a health-related field? Yes No Explain any yes answers below: Please note: A criminal background check will be done on each applicant by the Department of Social Services and the Virginia Board of Nursing. If the applicant has not been forthcoming on the nursing school application regarding the above information, and the criminal background check reveals a conviction in any of the areas, the applicant may be denied admission into the nursing program. High School Education Type School State Attendance dates Graduated? GED Community College University Nursing Employment Experience (begin with the most recent, attach extra sheet if needed) From To Employer Position Reason for Leaving 17

19 Have you completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? yes no In your own words briefly state why you are interested in nursing and why you feel you should be admitted to this program? (Attach an extra sheet if needed) I hereby certify that the statements made in this application are true. I understand that falsifying any statements may lead to non-acceptance or dismissal from the program. Signature of Applicant Date Printed Name 18

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27 Pre-Entrance Examination Information Candidates must select one of these four examination sessions: Saturday January 9, 2016 Check in at 8:30 am Testing begins at 9:00 am Thursday January 21, 2016 Check in at 3:30 pm Testing begins at 4:00 pm Saturday February 13, 2016 Check in at 8:30 am Testing begins at 9:00 am Thursday March 10, 2016 Check in at 3:30 pm Testing begins at 4:00 pm Individuals who plan to take the pre-entrance examination must submit both a completed DSLCC Application for Admission and a completed Application for Admission to the Practical Nursing Program. It is suggested that these applications be submitted at least a week before the test date, however, they will be accepted on the day of the examination. An applicant may not test without first completing the applications. The exam fee is $20.00 each time the exam is taken (cash only) Location of all examinations is at the DSLCC Rockbridge Regional Center on Vista Links Drive in Buena Vista. Vista Links Drive is right off of Midland Trail (U.S. route 60), a short distance east of Food Lion/CVS. Examinees should follow signs to the Vista Links Golf Course. Examinees must arrive 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the exam session to register, pay, and log in to a computer to be ready for the actual testing session. Individuals should check at the RRC Front Desk upon arrival for further instructions and for the room number where testing will be held. Directions and assistance will be provided by a college representative who will proctor the examinees for each session. The test will begin promptly at the assigned time. No one will be admitted to enter the session late. This is critical so that the proctor can determine the exact number of examinees and insure that all individuals have the courtesy of a quiet, professional setting with no interruptions or distractions from late arrivals. The online format of the examination will be used. A proctor will assist examinees with logging in and providing the test code information necessary to begin. The testing process is expected to take approximately three hours, with one scheduled break. The proctor will remain in the room during the entire session. After the examination is over, the proctor will provide information on the process of obtaining test results and taking the next steps in the application process. Those who later learn that they did not meet the minimum score required of all applicants may retest at upcoming session by repeating the process of registering and paying for the examination. If an applicant tests for the first time during exam #4, there will be no opportunity to retest. In the event of inclement weather, power outage, or any other emergency that can have an impact on the testing session, check before traveling to the Center. Watch for information posted on the College s web site at or call for a recorded message. 26

28 Important Contact Information DSLCC Main Campus Rockbridge Regional Center Transcripts 35 Vista Links Drive Lorrie Ferguson Buena Vista, VA Registrar Bookstore Penny Fauber, Director Practical Nursing Program Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital Student Services One Health Circle Lexington VA Financial Aid Office Library Devon Nicely, Adjunct Faculty Rockbridge Regional Center 35 Vista Links Drive Buena Vista, VA x3507 Note: All application materials including the DSLCC application (if not online), nursing application, and transcripts should be sent to: Penny Fauber, Program Director Practical Nursing DSLCC Rockbridge Regional Center 35 Vista Links Drive Buena Vista, VA

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