Nursing, Practical, TD

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 healthcare agencies. 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. Applicants must meet or exceed the minimum standardized test scores established by the LSBPNE in order to apply. Visit the Practical Nursing admissions page for minimum test score requirements.

Tests must have been taken within the three years of the start of PN classes. The SLCC Testing Center offers Accuplacer testing if updated scores are needed. Please visit the Testing Center for more information about Accuplacer testing at SLCC.

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.

Objectives

To enable students to acquire the general education competencies expected of a Technical Diploma graduate
To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for achieving licensure as an 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

Demonstrate Practical Nurse professional competencies defined by National League of Nursing to include:

Identify strategies that create a safe environment while appreciating the cognitive and physical limits of human performance.
Provide culturally appropriate, individualized care to patients and their families, especially those underserved and vulnerable populations experiencing life changes and transitions of care.
Assume responsibility and accountability for the quality of nursing care provided to patients and their families in a variety of health care settings.
Function, according to the scope of practice requirements, as an ethical licensed practical/vocational nurse collaborating and communicating successfully with patients, families, and members of the interprofessional team.
Collaboratively seek creative approaches to care delivery.
Collaborate with team members with suggestions to improve health care outcomes for patient safety, recovery, and transitions.
Be accountable for decisions and actions performed in the provision of safe, quality care to diverse populations in a variety of health care settings.

Program Cycle

Practical Nursing is available on the campuses below. Start terms for the program vary by campus. Visit the SLCC program start calendar to determine the start date for Practical Nursing program on the campus of your choice.

CAMPUS

Abbeville

Crowley

Lafayette

Morgan City

Opelousas

St. Martinville

Ville Platte

Applying for the Program

Applicants must read the complete packet for Applying to the SLCC Practical Nursing Program.

Specific Degree Requirements

Students wishing to earn a Practical Nursing-Technical Diploma 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 an 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
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
Purchase the required class and clinical uniform(s), and supplies as outlined by the instructor
As documented by a physician on the history & physical exam document, students must demonstrate the ability to meet technical/performance standards (related to ADA compliance) throughout the PN Program
Read and communicate orally and in writing using the English language
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 medical or physical conditions which limit the ability to lift or function in long periods of physical exertion (such as patient movement and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation).