Practical Nursing (LPN)

Practical Nursing (LPN) Courses

• •  

  • Code

  • Course

  • Credits

• • PNU 152

  • Fundamentals of Nursing

  • 11
  This course focuses on the fundamental concepts necessary for safe, patient-centered nursing care for a diverse population with well-defined health concerns, focusing on the aging adult. Legal and ethical responsibilities of the practical nurse are introduced. Nursing process and critical thinking/clinical judgement are presented and the role of the practical nurse in applying basic nursing principles is identified, in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. Communication techniques used when interacting with patients, families and other support persons and members of the interdisciplinary team are discussed. Math calculations for medications and nursing responsibilities in the preparation, safe administration and documentation of medication is presented. Program concepts such as evidence-based care, teamwork and collaboration, and information technology are also discussed.
  
  Concepts of human behavior, microbiology and nutrition are integrated in the course. Psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual factors that affect human behavior are presented. Coping mechanisms and guidelines for the promotion of psychological and spiritual comfort are discussed. Effects of common and newly emerging microorganisms and their characteristics in relation to health and the control of disease are introduced, including methods of destroying microorganisms. Principles of nutrition are introduced, including knowledge of nutrients, food sources, menu planning and nutritional needs across the lifespan. Selected nursing skills are taught in the laboratory with opportunities to apply fundamental concepts basic to nursing skills and clinical practice. Application of knowledge and skills occurs in a variety of clinical settings. Pre- or co-requisites: MAT 103, HSC 149, PNU 101.
• • PNU 153

  • Concepts of Adult Health Nursing I

  • 8
  This course is the third of five core nursing courses in the traditional 10-month Practical Nurse certificate program. This course incorporates and expands on the concepts introduced in PNU 145 & PNU 146 and provides for the knowledge and application of basic nursing theory, communication, collaboration, and clinical reasoning necessary for safe, patient-centered nursing care for diverse adult patients experiencing various medical/surgical and mental health issues. Pharmacology is integrated throughout the concepts with emphasis on safe administration of medication. The course incorporates the legal and ethical responsibilities of the Practical Nurse in the care of adult patients with common health problems. Concepts of leadership and management are introduced. Select advanced nursing skills are taught in the laboratory with the application of knowledge and skills in a variety of clinical settings. Prerequisites: PNU 152.
• • PNU 154

  • Concepts of Adult Health Nursing II

  • 8
  This course is a continuation of Concepts of Adult Health Nursing I, and provides broader knowledge and application of basic nursing theory, communication, collaboration, and the clinical reasoning/ judgment necessary for safe, patient-centered nursing care for diverse adult patients experiencing various medical/surgical issues. Pharmacology is integrated throughout the concepts. The course incorporates legal and ethical responsibilities of the Practical Nurse in the care of diverse adult patients with common health problems. Concepts of leadership and management are expanded upon, with a focus on team leading. Application of knowledge and skills are evaluated on a higher level, including the ability to care for a multiple (2) patient assignment. Synthesis of clinical reasoning and practical skills occurs in a variety of clinical settings with continued emphasis on safe administration of medication. Course content also includes health promotion strategies. Prerequisites: PNU 153.
• • PNU 157

  • Practical Nursing Across the Continuum

  • 7
  This course incorporates and builds on previously learned concepts for the knowledge and application of basic nursing theory, communication, collaboration, and clinical judgment necessary for safe, patient-centered nursing care to diverse families across the life span (with a focus on childbearing families, children, and the elderly). The course also applies mental health nursing to the care of the family and introduces concepts of community nursing. Also included are the legal and ethical responsibilities of the Practical Nurse in the care of patients across the lifespan. The student will learn to effectively apply strategies in preparation for entry- level practice, including a review for the NCLEX-PN® as well as current trends in nursing. Synthesis of clinical judgment and practical skills will occur in a variety of clinical settings. Prerequisites: PNU 154.
• • HSC 149

  • Applied A&P for Health Care Professions

  • 4
  This course is an integrated study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body from the cellular level to the system level; designed for students embarking on a career/profession in the field of health care. Emphasis will be placed upon clinical applications, associated medical terminology and patient assessment. Advances in biomedical technology and patient/client treatment will be highlighted. Completion of HSC 140 prior to enrollment HSC 149 strongly recommended.
• • MAT 103

  • College Algebra

  • 3
  This college level algebra course expands upon a student’s knowledge by further developing algebraic concepts. Topics include graphing equations with an introduction to functions, factoring polynomials, operations on rational functions, simplifying rational exponents, and solving quadratic equations. Students will be required to complete homework assignments using a web-based computer program. Prerequisite: Appropriate score on the placement test or successful completion of MAT 097.
• • PSY 216

  • Growth & Development

  • 3
  This course explores human growth and development across the lifespan, from how the fetus develops a preference for familiar voices, to the adolescent identity crisis, to the development of wisdom in late adulthood. The course is organized around major developmental periods in the lifespan. Contributions of significant developmental theorists are highlighted. Prerequisites: Placement at ENG 101 level strongly recommended.