Practical Nursing

Program Description

The Practical Nursing Program is structured to prepare the adult student for a career as a practical nurse, with a position in the health care field assisting the registered nurse, physician, or licensed dentist. The curriculum is divided into units of study proceeding from the simple to the complex, including theory and clinical practice.

Philosophy

We, the faculty of the school of Practical Nursing, feel the philosophy of our program is consistent with the overall philosophy of the Mercer County Technical Education Center. Our philosophy is based upon our beliefs regarding humanity, environment, education, health, nursing and the role of practical nurse in health care.

We believe in a holistic approach in the practice of nursing and that each individual is unique and has innate value. Humans are social beings influenced by heredity, culture, and life experiences that contribute to their growth and development.

We acknowledge that the primary purpose of nursing is to provide quality care throughout the life continuum. The practical nurse has a definite role in the hierarchy of nursing, meeting health care needs under the supervision of the registered professional nurse or physician.

Our program is designed to provide learning experiences structured to proceed from the simple to the complex in a variety of settings. We believe education is a continuous process that increases cognitive and psychomotor skills while under the supervision of qualified instructors.

The teaching-learning process is a method for the acquisition of knowledge and skills. The student assumes an active role as the learner under the guidance of the instructor, who facilitates the learning process in the classroom and clinical settings. As educators of future practical nurses our aim is to build a program that enables students to be self-directed and goal oriented while enhancing their abilities to achieve career and educational objectives.

An atmosphere conductive to learning is necessary for each student to achieve his or her potential. We strive to maintain a harmonious environment for students and faculty. An attitude of professionalism is fostered to reflect in appearance, communication, skills, confidentiality, and to uphold the standards of nursing practice for the practical nurse.

We believe the nursing process, as a problem solving method, provides high quality patient care through an organized sequence of steps while practicing within the legal scope of practical nursing for the entry-level practical nurse.

The student is taught to respect the right of patients with different values, cultures, nationalities, life styles, and to demonstrate legal accountability and ethical conduct in working with patients and their families.

Those who complete this class will have a strong theoretical foundation as well as competent clinical skills and will be eligible for the NCLEX examination for licensure.

In order to maintain continuing competence, students are encouraged to further their education after graduation by enrolling in college programs and to stay current in their field through continuing education subjects, independent study, and self-study.

We encourage the student to become involved in community services before and after graduation as a means of sharing with others the knowledge and skills they have gained through our program.

Student Terminal Objectives

Upon completion of this program, the graduate practical nurse will meet the following terminal objectives while providing care under the direction of the professional nurse or physician.

The graduate practical nurse will be able to:

1. Identify and use the nursing process in basic nursing care by:
   
   1. Assessment
      1. Collect, report, and record objective and subjective data in an accurate manner.
      2. Observe the condition or change in the condition of a client.
      3. Report and record signs and symptoms of deviation from normal health status.
   2. Planning
      1. Consult with other nursing personnel in developing of care for the client.
      2. Identify priorities of the client.
      3. Setting realistic and measurable goals for the client.
   3. Implementation
      1. Provide nursing care for clients whose condition is stabilized or predictable, under the direction of a registered professional nurse.
      2. Provide nursing care according to the priority of the needs and established practices.
      3. Provide an environment conductive to safety and health for the client. Document nursing intervention and responses to care.
      4. Communicate nursing interventions and responses to care to appropriate members of the health team.
   4. Evaluation
      1. Monitor the responses to nursing interventions.
      2. Document and communicate the assessment data to the appropriate members of the health team.
      3. Contribute to the modification of care on the basis of assessment data.
2. Practice nursing within the legal boundaries and scope of the practice for the entry-level practical nurse.
3. Accept accountability and responsibility for own actions by:
   
   1. Functions as a member of the health team.
   2. Accept responsibility for the individual actions, competencies and behavior.
   3. Serving as a patient advocate.
   4. Participate in continuing competency activities to maintain current knowledge and skill level.
4. Become licensed to practice in the nursing profession.
5. Obtain employment in the nursing field.

Tuition and Fees

All fees must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order. The fees listed are subject to change based upon current cost of materials.

Tuition is $2,800.00 for residents and nonresidents. A $100.00 deposit is payable the last Monday in June. One-half of the balance is payable the first day of class and the remaining balance payable the first of January. In addition, textbooks cost approximately $625.00. A proforma is supplied from the book distributor for direct ordering and payment. All books are required when school opens. Uniforms and other supplies cost approximately $2153.00. Save all receipts for reimbursement under scholarships and other financial aid.

Refund Policy

MCTEC will apply the Federal Pro Rata refund formula to the period of enrollment for refund or tuition and fees that are refundable.

Admission Policy

1. Requirements
   1. Applicants must be a high school graduate or possess a high school equivalency diploma (GED).
   2. Pass the Assessment Technologies Inc. Examination for practical nursing with a combined score of 45 percentile or above for other areas of the test. Test scores are valid for two years.
   3. Those applicants successfully passing the examination will be informed by mail of scheduled interviews with instructions and forms to be completed and returned prior to the interview.
   4. Three completed reference forms.
   5. Complete an interview with the admission committee.
   6. Review of student records.
   7. Hepatitis B vaccine and immunizations.
   8. Classes begin the first Wednesday after Mercer County Schools start.
2. Final Selection
   1. Final selection is made by the Admission Committe based on:
      
      1. Test scores
      2. Interview
      3. Evaluation of all school transcripts, references, and other forms submitted.
   2. A maximum of 30 applicants can be accepted.
3. Acceptance
   1. Applicants and alternates accepted to the program must:
      
      1. Attend orientation
      2. Complete a two-week mandatory math class held at the Adult Basic Education Center with an average of 80 percent competency.
      3. Makes a $100.00 deposit to reserve a place in class by the last Monday in June. This amount will be applied to your tuition.
      4. Abide by OSHA standards regarding immunization including Hepatitis.
      5. Must pass a physical, dental, drug and alcohol screening.
      6. Criminal background check required.

Clinical Affiliates