Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Practical Nursing, TD


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Program Description

The Technical Diploma - Practical Nursing program is designed to prepare students to meet the licensure requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), as established by the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners (LSBPNE). The program progresses from simple to complex and consists of classroom instruction, lab practicum and supervised clinical activities in accredited hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care agencies. Students should note that some courses have prerequisites, which must be completed before enrolling into upper level courses and continuing in the program. Articulated courses are determined at the discretion of the Practical Nurse Program Coordinator/Department Chair or Dean for Nursing, Allied Health & Safety and based upon individual evaluation as described in the 2005 Louisiana Nursing Education Articulation Model. Each course in the PN program must be completed with a minimum score of 80%. Upon graduation, the student is awarded a diploma and is eligible to apply for the National Council of State Boards Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

This is a limited enrollment program. Students must be admitted to the program to enroll in any of the PN courses. For direct admission, students must meet or exceed entrance test scores as indicated in table below:

Type of test Mathematics Reading Language Science
ACT (sub score) 18-36 20-36 18-36 20
COMPASS Pre-Algebra 48-100
Algebra 35-100
85-100 68-100 N/A
ASSET 42-55 44-55 44-55 N/A
TEAS N/A N/A N/A 42
Science Challenge N/A N/A N/A 70%

Students must demonstrate minimum test scores as required by LSBPNE. Students scoring below the scores noted above will be required to complete applicable developmental courses or pre-requisite courses prior to acceptance into the PN program - retesting may be required. A science challenge exam is available in addition to the TEAS exam.

IMPORTANT Students should be advised that LSBPNE may change these requirements periodically and the PN Nursing Department should be contacted for most current requirements should this table not be updated.

Objectives

  • To enable students to acquire the general education competencies expected of an Technical Diploma graduate
  • To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for achieving licensure as a LPN by passing the NCLEX-PN exam
  • To provide students with the necessary nursing knowledge and skills to function as LPNs in a variety of settings

Expected Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Technical Diploma - Practical Nursing will

  • Utilize basic and advanced nursing & medical technology to provide direct care to assigned clients
  • Apply and perform required skills necessary for entry level LPNs.
  • Employ professional behaviors consistent with expectations for entry level LPNs.

Specific Degree Requirements


Students wishing to earn a Technical Diploma - Practical Nursing at South Louisiana Community College must:

  • Applicants must NOT be currently serving under any court-imposed order of supervised probation, work release, school release or parole in conjunction with any felony conviction(s) or plea agreement.
  • Obtain CPR for Healthcare Provider certification
  • Submit Official birth certificate
  • Submit proof of Official HS or HISET/GED transcript
  • Submit proof of current immunizations
  • Submit a History & Physical examination report certifying they are physically and emotionally fit for the program
  • Provide recent (less than one year) TB skin test or Chest x-ray
  • Agree to provide Fingerprints and applicable fees payable to Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections
  • Complete application to Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners, including applicable fees, six (6) weeks PRIOR to start of semester
  • Adhere to HIPAA and other confidentiality clauses involving client care or clinical training.
  • Pass a background check
  • Pass a drug screen
  • Attain a minimum grade of “C” (80%) in each course within the PN curriculum as mandated by LSBPNE
  • Grading scale for HNUR courses A = 94-100; B = 88-93; C = 80-87. No credit received for grades less than 80%
  • Attain a minimum grade of “B” in BIOL 2017 and BIOL 2042
  • Have a degree program adjusted SLCC cumulative average of 2.0.   ​
  • Have earned at least 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree through SLCC courses.
  • Adhere to policies prescribed by each clinical agency when involved in clinical at that agency
  • Arrange transportation to and from hospitals or any other assigned areas for clinical practice
  • Purchase the required class and clinical uniform(s), and supplies as outlined by instructor
  • Assume the cost of the NCLEX-PN examination and other related expenses
  • As documented by a physician on the history & physical exam document, students must demonstrate ability to meet following technical/performance standards (related to ADA compliance) while receiving the instruction as outlined in each course syllabus:
  • Read and communicate orally and in writing using the English language.
  • Hear with or without auditory aids to understand normal speaking voice without viewing the speakers face.
  • Visually, with or without corrective lenses, observe changes in client’s condition and actively participate in learning process.
  • Utilize stamina, strength and psychomotor coordination necessary to perform routine practical nursing procedures at floor or bed level.
  • Demonstrate use of gross and fine motor skills necessary to provide independent, safe and effective practical nursing care.
  • Solve problems and apply critical thinking skills while providing safe and efficient client care.
  • Interact with individuals/families/groups from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
  • Adapt and function in a multi stressor environment while adhering to legal/ethical guidelines of the school, Louisiana Practical Nurse (PN) Practice Act and clinical agencies.
  • Used no more than one-third credit in required major courses and no more than 50 percent of credit hours total from non-traditional sources, Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), to meet the degree requirements, unless required by a specific program.
  • Have completed at least the number of credits stipulated in the degree program.

The PN Department reserves the right to limit enrollment in courses to ensure the efficient use of resources.

Special Conditions

Employment opportunities may be limited for students with back problems or other medical or physical conditions which limit ability to lift or function in long periods of physical exertion (such as patient movement and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation).

 

Curriculum Structure


Concentration


(58 Total credit hours)

  • Other Requirements 2 credit hours

Curriculum Guide - Fall Start


Technical Diploma Total Credits: 60


Must have a grade of “B” or higher in BIOL 2017 and BIOL 2042.

Must have a grade of “C” or higher in all HNUR courses.

Curriculum Guide - Spring Start


Technical Diploma Total Credits: 60


Must have a grade of “B” or higher in BIOL 2017 and BIOL 2042.

Must have a grade of “C” or higher in all HNUR courses.

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