Certificate Programs

Practical Nursingoffice information worker

Length: Four semester program.

Purpose: The practical nurse program prepares students to qualify as contributing members of the health care team, rendering patient care as practical nurses in a variety of health service facilities. At the successful completion of the program, and application approval of the state board of nursing, students will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam, leading to licensure as a practical nurse.

Occupational Objective: Position in health-related facilities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, certain government agencies, or other health-related agencies.

Admission Requirements: To enter the Certificate Practical Nursing program, the student must be a high school graduate or the equivalent. High school courses must include one unit of biology (lab) and one unit of algebra with a “C” grade or better. Students not having Biology and Algebra in high school must complete Biology 20 and Math 03. COMPASS or ASSET prior to consideration for the program. Students who do not meet the above requirements, or who do not score high enough on math, writing, and reading tests to be eligible for ENG 101, must enroll in the college Developmental Studies program to gain proficiency in this area.

This program is open to both male and female applicants. Application should be made by January 15 of the year students plan to enter the program and all application materials must be in place by this date. Out- of- region applicants will be considered after April 1. Out-of-state applicants will be considered for any openings available after May.

The SWCC service region is Buchanan, Dickenson, (partial), Russell, Tazewell counties.

The nursing law of Virginia addresses criteria for application for licensure. The Virginia State Board of Nursing has the power to deny opportunity to procure license through testing if the applicant has willfully committed a felony/misdemeanor under laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia or of the United States.

Program Requirements: Upon admission, students must complete a health examination form before enrolling in the classes. During the course of the program, the practical nursing faculty will carefully observe and evaluate the student’s suitability for nursing.
Students must earn at least a “C” grade in each of a given semester’s PNE prefix courses to continue into the next semester. Students who receive a grade lower than the required “C” must drop out of the program.
Proof of tuberculin skin test (PPD) must be shown on admission to the program and /or before entry into the clinical areas. Previous positive reactors are exempt but must see the program director.

Physical demands in this program include duties that frequently require squatting, bending, kneeling, reaching, and stair climbing; lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; frequent pushing and pulling up to 200 pounds with assistance; occasional lifting up to 200 pounds with assistance and occasional carrying up to 51-74 pounds. Duties also require constant use of acute sight, hearing, touch, and speech. Environmental conditions include procedures that involve handling of blood and body fluids using universal precautions.

Other Requirements:

1. Professional liability insurance is required of all students.
2. Students are responsible for transportation to classes and to agencies used for clinical experience.
3. Complete required physical examination prior to admission with current immunizations.
4. Be assigned to clinical agencies on a space available basis.
5. Be certified in CPR (American Heart Association Health Care Provider or Red Cross CPR for Professional Rescuers). Student must maintain CPR certification throughout the entire clinical phase of the program.
6. Purchase of uniforms and accessories.
7. Travels to clinical facilities are the responsibility of the student.
8. Students doing clinical rotations must adhere to the policies of clinical affiliate.

Program Readmission: In order to return to the program (usually the following year when the course(s) in question are offered again), the student must meet the following:

1. Apply in writing to the program head at least one semester before the readmission semester for permission to repeat the course(s) in which a grade lower than a “C” was earned.
2. Have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application for readmission.
3. Have a conference with the program head and/or a designated representative to discuss and review a) personal or professional factors which may have an influence in the student’s success; and b) academic or professional activities in which student may have undertaken since the interruption of the program.
Decisions on readmission will depend on this criteria and upon the availability of a clinical slot in the desired class. Normally, students will be notified of readmission four to six weeks before the requested admission date, except in situations where there are mitigating circumstances.

A Virginia law may affect an individual’s ability to find employment in certain settings as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Effective July 1, 1992, licensed nursing home and similar organizations are prohibited from hiring persons who have been convicted of certain criminal acts. Any person wishing to enter the LPN Program who has committed any legal offenses other than minor traffic violations should discuss these matters with the Director of the Program prior to application.

Financial Requirements: In addition to the usual college tuition and fees, the nursing program requires: Uniforms, Books, Liability Insurance, CPR certification, and Achievement tests.

Clinical Contracts: Individual contracts are in effect with each affiliate clinical agency and these contracts differ in requirements made of students. The general stipulations are as follows:

1. Clinical agencies reserve the right to dismiss a student from their agency at any time with any due cause. This will be done with advance notice except in an emergency.
2. Proper uniform must be worn.
3. Published policies of hospital must be adhered to.
4. Immunizations must be current and include Hepatitis B and MMR. Proof of Tuberculin skin test (PPD) must be shown on admission to the program and before beginning a readmission second year. Previous positive reactors are exempt but must see the Program Director.
5. Student releases the hospital, its agents and employees from any liability for any injury or death to himself or damage to his property arising out of agreement of use of hospital’s facilities. Contracts for each agency are available in the Nursing office and may be reviewed by the students upon request.
6. Certain clinical facilities require a criminal history record check or drug screen as a condition for placement. All nursing students will be required to provide proof of the background checks and drug screens prior to clinical placement. Associated costs for the background checks are the responsibility of the students.
 

Course
Number		 Course Title Lecture
Hours		 Lab
Hours		 Course
Credits
Summer Semester
PNE 155 Body Structure and Function 3 0 3
SDV 108 College Survival Skills 1 0 1
TOTAL 4 0 4
         
  Fall Semester      
PNE 141 Nursing Skills I 2 3 3
PNE 151 Medical Surgical Nursing I 3 3 4
PNE 181 Clinical Experience 0 15 5
MTH 126  Mathematics for Allied Health 2 0 2
TOTAL 7 21 14
Spring Semester
PNE 173 Pharmacology I 2 0 2
PNE 135 Maternal & Child Health Nursing I 4 3 5
PNE 152 Medical Surgical Nursing II 3 3 4
HLT 130 Nutrition Diet Therapy 1 0 1
PNE 182 Clinical Experience 0 15 5
TOTAL 10 21 17
Summer Semester
PNE 290 Geriatric Nursing 2 15 7
PNE 158 Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing 1 3 2
ENG 101* Practical Writing I 3 0 3
PNE 145 Trends in Practical Nursing 1 0 1
TOTAL 7 18 13

Total Minimum Credits for Practical Nursing Program  48