Course Catalog

Practical Nursing - PN12 Diploma

Campus Locations: Valdosta, Ben Hill Irwin, Coffee

The Practical Nursing diploma program is designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This is done through a selected number of academic and occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care. A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. Program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse.

This program qualifies for the HOPE Career Grant.

Requirements:

Submit a completed application and application fee
Be at least 18 years of age
Submit official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript or college transcripts showing successful completion of 60+ semester credits or 72+ quarter credits
Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
Present acceptable ACCUPLACER, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, PSAT, or SAT scores or GED score of 145 or higher or have one of the following: an associate degree or higher or have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 after the completion of 10^th grade. Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores.

Additional Program Requirements:

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing program
Students are accepted to the program based on a competitive admissions process.
American Heart Association Provider CPR Certification, physical examination, up-to-date immunizations, criminal background check and drug screen required prior to start of clinical rotation.
One year expiration on PNSG 2010 when taken in the Advance Patient Care Assistant Technical Certificate.

Standards-Based Enrollment Program Admission Requirements Effective Fall 2020:

Program-Specific Advising Information:

Graduation from the Advanced Patient Care Assistant Technical Certificate does not guarantee admission to the Practical Nursing Diploma Program.
A criminal background check and drug screen will be required if accepted into the program and prior to the clinical experience. Previous arrests and convictions, as well as a positive drug screen, may prohibit a student from completing the clinical portion of the program. An immunization record will also be required to be submitted. Certain vaccinations and immunizations may be required. It is encouraged to begin the HBV vaccine prior to entering the program. These requirements are also required for completion of NAST 1100 Nurse Aide Fundamentals.
The NAST 1100 course requires three 8 hour clinical days - off campus. These 3 days will be scheduled as given by the facilities. These 3 days may cause conflicts with other class times. Students are expected to communicate these conflicts to work out a solution prior to the clinical days.
There will be a drug calculations competency exam that must be successfully completed upon entering the LPN program. The students will be required to prove competency on that exam or risk not being able to continue in program. While a study guide will be given at the program orientation, it will be the student's responsibility to seek out tutoring, review, or additional assistance if needed

Start Terms:

This program begins each Fall and Summer semester on the Valdosta campus; it begins each Fall semester on the Ben Hill campus and each Spring semester on the Coffee campus.
Beginning 2020, this program will begin each Fall and Spring semester on the Valdosta campus. The program will continue to begin each Fall semester on the Ben Hill-Irwin campus and each Spring semester on the Coffee campus.

This nursing education program is a candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326 404-975-5000
http://www.acenursing.us/candidates/candidacy.asp

Gainful Employment Information

Curriculum Outline (57 hours)

General Core Courses	57
ENGL 1010Fundamentals of English I Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Diploma Level Reading and Writing Scores OR READ 0090 and/or ENGL 0090 w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.	3
MATH 1012Foundations of Mathematics Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Diploma Level Math Scores or MATH 0090 w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, geometric concepts, technical applications, and basic statistics.	3
PSYC 1010Basic Psychology Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Presents basic concepts within the field of psychology and their application to everyday human behavior, thinking, and emotion. Emphasis is placed on students understanding basic psychological principles and their application within the context of family, work and social interactions. Topics include an overview of psychology as a science, the nervous and sensory systems, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychological disorders and their treatment, stress and health, and social psychology.	3
Occupational Courses	48
ALHS 1011Structure and Function of the Human Body Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 5 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): None Focuses on basic normal structure and function of the human body. Topics include general plan and function of the human body, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous and sensory systems, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.	5
ALHS 1090Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.	2
PNSG 2010Intro. to Pharmacology and Clinical Calculations Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s):Diploma Level reading & writing scores and MATH 1012 Co-requisite(s): None Applies fundamental mathematical concepts and includes basic drug administration. Emphasizes critical thinking skills. Topics include: systems of measurement, calculating drug problems, resource materials usage, fundamental pharmacology, administering medications in a simulated clinical environment, principles of IV therapy techniques, and client education.	2
PNSG 2030Nursing Fundamentals Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2010, PNSG 2035 An introduction to the nursing process. Topics include: nursing as a profession; ethics and law; client care which is defined as using the nursing process, using critical thinking, and providing client education and includes principles and skills of nursing practice, documentation, and an introduction to physical assessment; customer/client relationships; standard precautions; basic life support; infection control/bloodborne/airborne pathogens; and basic emergency care/first aid and triage.	6
PNSG 2035Nursing Fundamentals Clinical Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2010, PNSG 2030 An introduction to nursing practice in the clinical setting. Topics include but are not limited to: history taking; physical assessment; nursing process; critical thinking; activities of daily living; documentation; client education; standard precautions; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; and perioperative care.	2
PNSG 2210Medical-Surgical Nursing I Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): PNSG 2030 Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2010 Focuses on client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the cardiovascular, respiratory, and hematological and immunological systems.	4
PNSG 2220Medical-Surgical Nursing II Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): PNSG 2030 Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2320 This second course in a series of four focuses on client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the endocrine, gastrointestinal, and urinary system.	4
PNSG 2230Medical-Surgical Nursing III Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): PNSG 2030 Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2330 This third course in a series of four focuses on client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; mental health; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the neurological, sensory, and musculoskeletal systems.	4
PNSG 2240Medical-Surgical Nursing IV Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): PNSG 2030 Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2340 This fourth course in a series of four courses focuses on client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole, oncology; as well as pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to the integumentary and reproductive systems.	4
PNSG 2250Maternity Nursing Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): PNSG 2030 Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2255 Focuses on health management and maintenance and the prevention of illness, care of the individual as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, providing client education, displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. Topics include: health management and maintenance and prevention of illness, care of the individual as a whole, pathological and nonpathological concerns in obstetric clients and the newborn; client care, treatments, pharmacology, and diet therapy related to obstetric clients and the newborn; and standard precautions.	3
PNSG 2255Maternity Nursing Clinical Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2250 At completion of this maternity course, students will have completed a minimum of 37.5 clock hours of maternity related clinical experience. This course focuses on clinical health management and maintenance and the prevention of illness, care of the individual as a whole, and deviations from the normal state of health. The definition of client care includes using the nursing process, performing assessments, using critical thinking, providing client education, displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. Topics include: health management and maintenance and prevention of illness, care of the individual as a whole, pathological and non-pathological concerns in obstetric clients and the newborn; client care, treatments, pharmacology, and diet therapy related to obstetric clients and the newborn; and standard precautions.	1
PNSG 2310Medical-Surgical Nursing Clinical I Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2210 This first clinical course, in a series of four medical-surgical clinical courses, focuses on clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, applying critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. At the completion of the four-part sequence of these medical surgical clinical courses students will have completed a minimum of 300 clock hours of clinical experience including 225 clock hours of comprehensive medical-surgical, 37.5 clock hours of pediatric experiences and 37.5 clock hours of mental health experiences. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology. In addition pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems.	2
PNSG 2320Medical-Surgical Nursing Clinical II Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2220 This second clinical course, in a series of four medical-surgical clinical courses, focuses on clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, applying critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. At the completion of the four-part sequence of these medical-surgical clinical courses students will have completed a minimum of 300 clock hours of clinical experience including 225 clock hours of comprehensive medical-surgical, 37.5 clock hours of pediatric and 37.5 clock hours of mental health experiences. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology. In addition, pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems.	2
PNSG 2330Medical-Surgical Nursing Clinical III Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2230 This third clinical course, in a series of four medical-surgical clinical courses, focuses on clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, applying critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. At the completion of the four-part sequence of these medical-surgical clinical courses students will have completed a minimum of 300 clock hours of clinical experience including 225 clock hours of comprehensive medical-surgical, 37.5 clock hours of pediatric experiences and 37.5 clock hours of mental health experiences. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology. In addition, pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems.	2
PNSG 2340Medical-Surgical Nursing Clinical IV Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2240 This fourth clinical course, in a series of four medical-surgical clinical courses, focuses on clinical client care including using the nursing process, performing assessments, applying critical thinking, engaging in client education and displaying cultural competence across the life span and with attention to special populations. At the completion of the four-part sequence of these medical-surgical clinical courses students will have completed a minimum of 300 clock hours of clinical experience including 225 clock hours of comprehensive medical-surgical, 37.5 clock hours of pediatric experience and 37.5 clock hours of mental health experiences. Topics include: health management and maintenance; prevention of illness; care of the individual as a whole; hygiene and personal care; mobility and biomechanics; fluid and electrolytes; oxygen care; perioperative care; immunology; mental health; and oncology. In addition, pathological diseases, disorders and deviations from the normal state of health, client care, treatment, pharmacology, nutrition and standard precautions with regard to cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, sensory, musculoskeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, urinary, integumentary and reproductive systems.	2
PNSG 2410Nursing Leadership Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): PNSG 2030 Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2415 Builds on the concepts presented in prior nursing courses and develops the skills necessary for successful performance in the job market. Topics include: application of the nursing process, supervisory skills, client education methods, group dynamics and conflict resolution.	1
PNSG 2415Nursing Leadership Clinical Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 6 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): PNSG 2410 At completion of this nursing leadership course, students will have competed a minimum of 75 clock hours of leadership related clinical experience. This course builds on the concepts presented in prior nursing courses and develops the clinical skills necessary for successful performance in the job market, focusing on practical applications. Topics include: application of the nursing process, critical thinking, supervisory skills, client education methods, and group dynamics.	2