Award: Diploma in Health Science, Practical Nursing
Advisor: Mrs. Sheila Forester
Semester hours required for graduation: 48
The Practical Nursing Program is 40 weeks in length (three successive semesters) and includes 48 credit hours of combined nursing and general education courses. Students receive classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and clinical nursing experience in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, geriatric, and community practice settings. Through guided learning experiences, students provide nursing care to patients with basic health needs. Students work as a member of the health care team under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Graduates of the program may apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses.
Major Courses: 31 Credit Hours
PNR 110: Fundamentals of Nursing (5)
PNR 120: Medical/Surgical Nursing I (5)
PNR 130: Medical/Surgical Nursing II (5)
PNR 140: Medical/Surgical Nursing III (5)
PNR 182: Special Topics in Nursing: Pharmacology (2)
PNR 170: Nursing Care of Older Adults (2)
PNR 155: Maternal/Infant/Child Nursing (7)
General Education Courses: 17 Credit Hours
ENG 101: English Composition I (3)
MAT 101: Beginning Algebra (3)
PSY 201: General Psychology (3)
BIO 210: Anatomy and Physiology I (4)
BIO 211: Anatomy and Physiology II (4)
Course Sequence
|
First Semester |
Second Semester |
Third Semester |
|
PNR 110 PNR 120 BIO 210 MAT 101 |
PNR 130 PNR 140 PNR 182 BIO 211 |
PNR 170 PNR 155 PSY 201 ENG 101 |
Acceptance Requirements
Placement into the Practical Nursing Program is a different process than admission to the College since this is a limited access program which accepts applicants through a first-qualified, first accepted process. Applicants are encouraged to apply early and seek additional information by contacting the Admissions Office. Admission to the Practical Nursing Program is a responsibility of the Director of Admissions at Williamsburg Technical College.
Acceptance to the Practical Nursing program is a two-part process based on a first-qualified, first admitted basis. Requirements for Preliminary Acceptance to the Practical Nursing Program are as follows:
Part One: Pre-Nursing Students
1. Meet admission criteria to Williamsburg Technical College.
2. Have minimum placement test score from one of the following tests: SAT, ACT, or COMPASS (College placement test). If minimum placement tests scores
are not achieved as outlined by WTC, a Developmental Studies course sequence will be required.
3. Score a composite of 78% or higher on the NLN Pre-Admission Examination for PN Programs (PAX-PN). The examination fee is the student’s responsibility. A student may take this examination once every six months up to three times. The first sixteen students with the highest PAX-PN scores will be admitted to the first matriculating class. If two or more students have identical PAX-PN composite scores, then the students with the highest science score will be offered admission.
4. Be at least 17 years of age by August 1st of the year of acceptance.
5. General education courses may be taken with, or prior to entering nursing courses. BIO 210 and BIO 211 must be completed within five year of entering the first nursing course.
6. Once the above criteria have been met, the student is placed on the qualified waiting list. The student will receive a letter from the Admissions Office with a projected future Practical Nursing Program start date. To reserve a seat, a $50.00 non-refundable deposit must be paid which will be applied toward the Practical Nursing Program tuition and fees.
Part Two: Practical Nursing Program Matriculation
1. Attend a mandatory orientation.
2. Submit a physical examination form certifying acceptable physical and mental fitness to enter the program (Appendix G).
3. Submit copy of current CPR certificate of completion (Healthcare Providers, Infant, Child and Adult or Professional Rescuer).
4. Submit criminal background check application (Appendix H). Participating health care facilities will determine if a student is eligible for entry into their respective facility. If a student is determined to be ineligible for clinical placement at any one facility, then that student is dismissed from the Practical Nursing Program.
Additional acceptance/technical standards include students who are able to independently engage in educational activities and clinical training activities in a manner that will not endanger clients/patients, other students, staff members, themselves, or the public (see Exhibit 7, Practical Nursing Program Student Handbook).
Academic Progression
In order to progress in the Nursing Program, the student must:
1. earn a minimum grade of “C” in all general education and nursing courses
2. receive satisfactory ratings in clinical evaluations
3. submit evidence of current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): American Heart Association: Professional Rescuer or
American Red Cross Healthcare Provider
4. be covered by professional liability insurance (included in tuition/fees)
5. submit a completed Physical Examination form at program matriculation, including documentation of required immunizations
6. meet all program and course requirements according to the Student Handbook.
A student earning less than a “C” in a nursing or general education course will not be allowed to advance to the next sequential course and is
required to withdraw from the Practical Nursing Program with eligibility for readmission. A student earning less than a “C” in a second nursing
or general education course will be dismissed from the program with eligibility of admission after a five-year period.
Transfer From Another Practical Nursing Program
Meet all admission criteria to the Practical Nursing Program
1. Submit a letter from the previous school stating good standing and eligible for continuation/readmission.
2. Provide the Department Head with each nursing course syllabus, including objectives and clinical evaluation tool. Courses that are granted transfer credit
must meet objectives of comparable WTC Practical Nursing courses.
3. Be admitted to WTC and submit official transcript from transferring institution.
4. The last two semesters of nursing clinical courses must be completed at WTC with grades of “C”.
5. The Department of Nursing Admissions Committee will review individual requests for transfer credit and will make recommendation for official action to the
Registrar. Admission by transfer is on a space available basis.
Course Description
PNR 110 Fundamentals of Nursing (3-6-5)
This course is an introduction to basic principles and beginning skills necessary to the nursing process. Concepts are integrated relating to physiological and psychosocial health needs of the individual. Legal and ethical roles of the Licensed Practical Nurse are emphasized. During the course students will practice basic nursing skills in the laboratory.
PNR 120 Medical Surgical Nursing I (3-6-5)
This course is a beginning study utilizing the nursing process. Concepts include physiological, psychosocial, nutritional, and health and safety needs of the adult. Clinical experiences address selected commonly occurring health problems having predictable outcomes.
PNR 130 Medical Surgical Nursing II (3-6-5)
PNR 140 Medical Surgical Nursing III (3-6-5)
This course is a continuation of PNR 130 utilizing the nursing process to meet the needs of adults. Concepts include physiological, psychosocial and health and safety needs of the adult patients. Clinical experiences address selected commonly occurring health problems having predictable outcomes in an inpatient acute care setting.
PNR 182 Special Topics in Nursing: Pharmacology (2-0-2)
The topic of this course includes pharmacology concepts to include effects of specific drugs, medication administration and calculation of drug dosages.
PNR 155 Maternal/Infant/Child Nursing (5-6-7)
This course of study utilizes the nursing process and integrating pediatrics to meet the needs of the childbearing family. Clinical experiences address the care of the mother, newborn, and the care of the child with commonly occurring illnesses.
PNR 170 Nursing of Older Adult (1.5-1.5-2.0)
This course is a study utilizing the nursing process. Concepts include physiological, psychosocial, nutrition, and health and safety needs of the older patient.
Clinical experiences address selected commonly occurring health problems having predictable outcomes.