Award

Certificate

Length

Three-Semester (One-Year) Program

Purpose

The one-year Certificate program in Practical Nursing is designed to prepare selected students to qualify as contributing members of a health team, rendering patient care in a variety of health service facilities. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the Virginia Board of Nursing examination leading to licensing as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Occupational Objectives

Employment opportunities for the Licensed Practical Nurse include nursing and staff positions in:

Clinics
Health Departments
Home Health Agencies
Hospitals
Industry
Nursing Homes
Physicians' Offices

Admission Requirements

In addition to the admission requirements established for New River Community College, entry into the practical nursing program requires that the student:

1. Complete high school or pass the GED examination.

2. Be proficient in English, reading, and basic mathematics. Students who fail to make a satisfactory score on the math, English and reading proficiency test will be required to take appropriate developmental courses.

3. Attend orientation session with nursing faculty.

Program Requirements

The Practical Nursing program is rigorous. All nursing courses in each semester are prerequisite to the succeeding semester. A student receiving a final grade lower than a "C" in any nursing course (including HLT 130) will be ineligible to progress in the nursing program. Further, satisfactory performance in the clinical area must be achieved.

The Practical Nursing program is operated in cooperation with the Pulaski Community Hospital and other clinical agencies. The first semester consists of classroom instruction. During the second semester, students are scheduled for selected learning experiences in the clinical setting. As a prerequisite to beginning the clinical experience the student must:

1. Sign an agreement which holds clinical agencies, the college, the Virginia Community College System, and the State of Virginia harmless for any injury the student may receive, or liability claim the student may incur while engaged in the clinical portion of the practical nursing program. Students are taught and supervised by registered nurses.

2. Purchase student professional liability insurance which is available through the college at a reasonable rate, complete student uniform, and watch.

3. Have a physical examination and return the signed form to nursing faculty. A positive drug screen will prevent the student from completing the program.

4. Be certified in CPR from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association (health care providers course).

The student is also encouraged to obtain a vaccination for the hepatitis virus prior to beginning the clinical experience.

A student who has failed to achieve a "C" or above in each nursing course and achieve a "satisfactory" clinical grade is eligible for readmission dependent on the following criteria:

1. Apply in writing to the Coordinator of Admission & Records at least one full semester before requested re-admission date.

2. Have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application.

In addition to the criteria, re-admission will depend upon the availability of a clinical opening. Students will be notified of a decision affecting their re-admission at the end of the semester before requested re-admission date.

Upon completion of the three-semester curriculum listed, the student will be awarded the Certificate of Practical Nursing.

Special Recognition

In addition to the general school recognition, the practical nursing school is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

FIRST SEMESTER (Fall)

SECOND SEMESTER (Spring)

THIRD SEMESTER (Summer)

NOTES:

1 Students may choose from college approved Social Science electives.