Level I, Level II, Level III, Level IV
Level I - 13 Weeks
Nursing I: This course introduces the student to the basic skills necessary for the safe and competent practice of Practical Nursing. The concepts of health, nursing and the individual are correlated with meeting the basic needs of the patient. Basic communication principles and the nursing process are introduced.
Correlated clinical experiences facilitate application of learned knowledge and theoretical principles. Emphasis is placed on meeting the basic human needs of selected adult medical-surgical patients by providing safe and competent basic nursing care.
Anatomy and Physiology: This course presents the structure and function of the human body. Basic principles of chemistry, microbiology, and physics are included. Medical terminology, examples of pathophysiology and common diagnostic procedures are introduced.
Normal Nutrition and Diet Therapy: This course presents the basic principles of nutritional science, nutrition throughout the life cycle, cultural influences and clinical nutrition.
Calculation of Drug Dosage: This course presents the metric system and basic mathematical concepts for the calculation of drug dosages.
Introduction to Computers for Practical Nursing Students: This course introduces the student to the computer and helps them develop basic skills necessary for utilization of computer programs. By increasing their comfort level, the student will be better prepared for taking the license exam on computer.
Gerontology: This subject discusses the individuals health related needs that result from the normal aging process. Focus is on the older adult in their struggle to maintain, promote, and restore health. It also discusses assistance for the challenges of abnormal disorders such as dementia and related conditions.
Personal and Vocational Relationships I: This course is designed to assist the student in making the necessary personal and professional adjustments appropriate to the role of student practical nurse; included are the transition to the educational environment, nursing’s history, ethical and legal guidelines and career information.
NAPNES I: Basic pharmacological principles of medication administration are covered. Demonstration and laboratory practice enable the student to practice these principles safely and competently in the clinical area.
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Level II - 13 Weeks
Nursing Process and Critical Thinking: This course is designed to help students develop problem-solving skills in order to provide safe and knowledgeable nursing care. The concepts of the nursing process and the development of the nursing care plan are introduced.
Nursing II: This course presents more advanced skills needed for the safe and competent practice of Practical Nursing. It builds on the knowledge and skills attained in Nursing I. Emphasis are placed on the nursing process in identifying needs/problems of the adult patient.
NAPNES II: This course is presented to further prepare the LPN for their expanding role as patient side nurses under the direction of the physician and/or the registered nurse. This course stresses the importance of the LPN in working toward maximizing therapeutic drug effects while decreasing the possibility of adverse effects. The nursing process is utilized throughout the course to achieve this purpose. The course follows a standardized NAPNES outline that begins with in-depth review of general principles of pharmacology. The course then progresses to the detailed discussion of drugs that affect all body systems as covered in consecutive levels of Medical-Surgical Nursing The course is designed to follow closely to corresponding clinical experiences.
Medical-Surgical Nursing I: This course introduces the student to adult patients with alterations in the reproductive, respiratory, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal systems. Common medical disorders are discussed in reference to etiology, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment methods. Use of the nursing process in planning care of the patient with alterations in the wellness continuum is emphasized. Introductory pharmacology and nutritional concepts are presented as they relate to their particular health problem.
Clinical assignments are scheduled in medical-surgical areas to enhance the learning experience. Promotion of the application of safe and competent nursing care is correlated with didactic learning. Supervised medication administration is introduced.
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Level III - 13 Weeks
Medical-Surgical Nursing II: This course briefly reviews normal anatomy and physiology of the integumentary, immune, special senses, and endocrine systems. Alterations in these systems are presented in detail. Continued use of the nursing process in planning care of the patient with complex needs/problems is emphasized. Competent and safe nursing care of the patient in need of proficient use of more advanced knowledge and skills is the expected outcome.
Correlated clinical experiences are scheduled in medical-surgical and extended care areas to provide the opportunity for the student to improve nursing skills and utilize the nursing process to meet the needs of the adult patient. Supervised medication administration is also included.
Maternal-Child Nursing I: This course presents the necessary knowledge and skills needed to care for the pregnant mother, fetus, family and newborn. Growth and development and nursing care of the normal newborn as well as infants with health problems is covered. Women’s health, family care and cultural diversity are stressed throughout the course.
Correlated clinical experience provides the student the opportunity to care for the patient in labor/delivery, post-partum area, and nursery.
I.V. Therapy: This course covers the scientific principles of Intravenous therapy including care of central lines, administration of medication, phlebotomy, site care and complications.
NAPNES III: This course continues the progression of the detailed discussion of drugs that affect all body systems as covered in consecutive levels of Medical-Surgical Nursing The course is designed to follow closely to corresponding clinical experiences.
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Level IV - 13 Weeks
Mental Health: This course presents basic concepts of assessment, diagnoses, and treatments of the patient with mental health problems. The subjects of abuse including substance and eating disorders as well as sexual abuse and domestic violence are emphasized as well.
Medical-Surgical Nursing III: The emphasis of this course is the maintenance of wellness and the importance of patient education in disease prevention associated with the neurological, blood and lymph and cardiovascular systems. The continued use of the nursing process is integrated throughout the course content. Common complex disease states associated with the specific body systems presented in this course are introduced and thoroughly discussed. Integration of pharmacological principles as they relate to the disease state becomes more detailed. Correlated clinical experience allows the student to utilize the nursing process in planning care for patients with health care problems associated with neurological, blood and lymph and cardiovascular systems. The goal is to promote the application of advanced knowledge and skills necessary for safe and competent nursing care.
Personal and Vocational Relationships II: This course prepares the student to function as a practical nurse who is capable of assuming a leadership role. It incorporates employment-seeking skills, legal implications, continuing education and nursing organizations into the graduates’ background.
Pediatrics: This course presents concepts of nursing care for the child from toddler through adolescence. Emphasis is placed on identifying appropriate needs/problems appropriate to age and developmental stage by use of the nursing process.
NAPNES IV: This course continues the progression of the detailed discussion of drugs that affect all body systems as covered in consecutive levels of Medical-Surgical Nursing. The course is designed to follow closely to corresponding clinical experiences.
Correlated clinical assignment provides the student experience in the acute care clinical setting. Other assignments are also scheduled to allow the student to experience on-going health promotion and maintenance of the child.
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