The mission of the Practical Nurse (PN) Program is to prepare students for entry-level practical nursing by offering learning experiences through clinical practice and classroom theory. The PN program is committed to meeting the educational needs of future professional nurses within the ever-changing health care system. This commitment is directed at advancing health care by providing an effective educational program through excellence in teaching, clinical leadership, and service to the health care community. Students who successfully complete the required PN and concurrent course work are eligible to take the State Board Practical Nursing Examination leading to licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Students who are accepted into the Practical Nurse Program at Heritage have the opportunity to complete an associate of science degree.
The PN/AS Program prepares the student for the NCLEX-PN exam while completing the prerequisites for an RN program. A grade of at least 2.0 (C) is expected in each class in the General University Course Requirements, with a 2.3 (C+) required in nursing classes. Students obtaining less than the 2.0 in each class or 2.3 in nursing classes will be expected to retake the class.
Proficiency in algebra is demonstrated by taking the Compass placement exam or by taking an intermediate algebra course.
Heritage University encourages students who wish to become nurses to complete all academic credit requirements before applying to the Heritage Nursing Program. This approach increases the probability of success by 1) providing a strong liberal arts foundation, and 2) reducing the stress of an academic/clinical overload.
DEGREES AND PROGRAMS OFFERED
The Practical Nurse Program offers courses to complete the following degrees and programs:
Certificate Program
Practical Nurse (PN) requirements to be eligible for the NCLEX-PN
Associate of Science (A.S.)
Major: Practical Nurse (PN) requirements to be eligible for the NCLEX-PN; includes prerequisites for an RN program
Nursing Program Goals and Outcomes
Characteristics of the Practical Nurse:
- Utilizes the nursing process to safely implement multidimensional care for adult and pediatric patients
- Applies knowledge of the developmental stages of the life span in implementing patient care
- Uses effective communication skills to promote quality patient care
- Applies basic principles of leadership and patient advocacy when implanting patient care
- Implements health teaching based on the identified plan of care
- Administers medications safely
- Utilizes appropriate nutritional interventions in promoting wellness
- Utilizes legal/ethical principles in professional conduct and demonstrates accountability of actions taken within the practical nurse role
- Maintains a safe environment for patients and for members of the health care team
- Applies the multidimensional concepts of health and wellness in implementing care for individuals from various cultures
What jobs are available for nursing graduates?
- Acute care nurse
- Home health nurse
- Long-term care nurse
- Medical clinic nurse
DEGREE AND PROGRAM OPTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The following courses are required before an application can be submitted to the PN Program.
These classes are the courses required for the certificate program.
1. Prerequisites for all PN students 33 credits
(Proficiency in intermediate algebra, as demonstrated by the Compass Exam or by taking an
intermediate algebra course)
ENG 101 English Composition I......................................................................................... 3
BIOL 110 General Biology I................................................................................................ 3
BIOL 110S Lab General Biology I......................................................................................... 1
BIOL 111 General Biology II............................................................................................... 3
BIOL 111S Lab General Biology II......................................................................................... 1
CHEM 101 Introduction to Chemistry.................................................................................... 3
CHEM 101S Lab Introduction to Chemistry.............................................................................. 1
BIOL 211 Human Anatomy and Physiology I....................................................................... 3
BIOL 211 S Lab Human Anatomy and Physiology I................................................................. 1
BIOL 212 Human Anatomy and Physiology II...................................................................... 3
BIOL 212S Lab Human Anatomy and Physiology II................................................................ 1
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology..................................................................................... 3
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology.................................................................................. 3
COMM 105 Heritage Core or................................................................................................. 4
*HUM 305W Heritage Core..................................................................................................... 3
* for students entering at junior standing
* Heritage Core can be taken during the Practical Nursing Program.
2. Along with the above prerequisites/certificate course, the following additional courses
are required to fulfill the Heritage University Course Requirements.
Associate of Science Degree. Major: Practical Nursing
BIOL 220 Principles of Microbiology................................................................................... 3
BIOL 220S Lab Principles of Microbiology1
CHEM 201 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry............................................................. 3
CHEM 201S Lab Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry....................................................... 1
SP 102 Public Speaking
Or
ENG 102 English Composition II ....................................................................................... 3
History Requirement: (Choose two): ...................................................................................... 6 credits
HIS 101W World Civilization, Or.......................................................................................... 3
HIS 102 World Civilizations II, Or...................................................................................... 3
HIS 204 Fund. of the History of the American People I....................................................... 3
HPER 210 Nutrition............................................................................................................ 3
MATH 221W Introduction to Probability and Statistics............................................................... 3
Humanities Elective........................................................................................................................ 3
American Cultural Studies Elective................................................................................................... 3
All PN students will take the following nursing courses after applying to and being
accepted into the Practical Nursing Program.
NURS 101W Practical Nurse Fundamentals...................................................................................... 3
NURS 102 Clinical and Skills Lab................................................................................................. 3
NURS 104 Medical Surgical Nursing............................................................................................. 3
NURS 105 Medical Surgical Clinical/Skills Lab............................................................................... 3
NURS 110 Basic Pharmacology................................................................................................... 1
NURS 120 Pharmacology II.......................................................................................................... 1
NURS 250 Maternal/Child Theory.................................................................................................. 3
NURS 252 Maternal/Child Clinical/Skills Lab.................................................................................. 1
NURS 260 Nursing Care of the Patient with Mental Illness Theory.................................................... 1
NURS 261 Nursing Care of Patient with Mental Illness Clinical......................................................... 1
NURS 290W Transition to the PN Graduate and Testing Prep............................................................. 3
NURS 291 Practicum for Transition to Practical Nurse Graduate...................................................... 3
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
NURS 101W Practical Nursing Fundamentals 3 credits
This first theory course assists the practical nursing student to develop fundamental knowledge and technical skills as a basis for nursing care. Nursing history and trends are examined. Vocational, legal, and ethical responsibilities of the practical nurse are included. An introduction to microbiology and asepsis are examined, and HIV education is provided. The course further includes an introduction to the nursing process, health, nutrition, behavior, and growth and development stages, with special emphasis on the geriatric patient. Offered fall semesters.
NURS 102 Clinical and Skills Lab 3 credits
The skills lab and clinical course provide the student with the opportunity to practice specific nursing techniques and procedures in conjunction with NURS 101. Preparation for the initial clinical rotation will be emphasized, along with health care and nursing vocabulary. Offered fall semesters.
NURS 104 Medical Surgical 3 credits
This theory course is designed to develop knowledge and skill in the care of the patient across the life span, with selected medical surgical conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine. Promotion of wellness and prevention of illness are stressed in an ecological framework. Nutrition and diet therapy are examined. The course focuses primarily on acute care but includes aspects of home health and community-based nursing practice. Prerequisites: NURS 101, NURS 102, NURS 110. Offered spring semesters.
NURS 105 Medical Surgical Clinical 3 credits
This clinical rotation will focus on medical surgical nursing in the acute care and long-term care arenas. The skills lab section provides the student with the opportunity to practice specific nursing techniques and procedures. This course is in conjunction with NURS 104. Prerequisites: NURS 101, NURS 102, NURS 110. Offered spring semesters.
NURS 110 Basic Pharmacology I 1 credit
This introductory course of pharmacology is meant to assist the PN student to understand the basic fundamentals of pharmacology; ethics in medication administration; regulatory authorities; dosage calculations; and forms, routes, and classifications of drugs. The nursing process serves as the organizing framework for study and delivery of nursing care and medications. The concepts of communication, life span, legal/ethical issues, pharmacology, safety, health teaching, and culture are integrated throughout as a means of promoting adaptation and wellness. Offered fall semesters concurrently with NURS 101.
NURS 120 Pharmacology II 1 credit
This is an advanced pharmacology course to assist the PN student to understand pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and classifications of drugs. The nursing process serves as the organizing framework for study and delivery of nursing care and medications. The concepts of communication, life span, legal/ethical issues, safety, health teaching, and culture are integrated throughout as a means of promoting adaptation and wellness. Prerequisites: NURS 101, NURS 102, and NURS 110. Offered spring semesters concurrently with NURS 104.
NURS 250 Maternal/Child 3 credits
This theory course assists the licensed practical nurse to develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes to provide care in pediatric, maternal, and infant care settings. Pharmacological and nutritional issues will be addressed. This course will survey client assessment beyond pregnancy and the infant to include guidance in the needs, expectations, and behaviors of a multicultural patient and family. Prerequisites: NURS 104, NURS 105, NURS 120. Offered summer semesters.
NURS 252 Maternal/Child Lab and Clinical 1 credit
This clinical experience will focus on maternal/child health and care along with labor and delivery. This course is taken concurrently with NURS 250. Prerequisites: NURS 102, NURS 105. Offered summer semesters.
NURS 260 Nursing Care of the Patient with a Mental Illness 1 credit
This theory course explores the role of the licensed practical nurse as a member of a multidisciplinary team in caring for the client with a mental illness. Special emphasis will be placed on care of the geriatric client, community resources, and mental health education. Prerequisites: NURS 104, NURS 105, NURS 120. Offered summer semesters.
NURS 261 Nursing Care of the Patient with a Mental Illness Clinical Lab 1 credit
This clinical lab is for the practical nurse working with mental illness in the geriatric patient. Covers community resources and mental health education. This course is taken concurrently with NURS 260. Prerequisites: NURS 104, NURS 105, NURS 120.
NURS 290W Transition to Practical Nurse Graduate 3 credits
The final theory course focuses on the transition from student to graduate, including leadership, licensure, employability issues, and the role of the LPN on the health care team. Prior curriculum/clinical knowledge will be integrated and applied to real-world experience. Advanced medical surgical nursing is examined. Prerequisites: NURS 250, NURS 252, NURS 260, NURS 261. Offered fall semesters.
NURS 291 Practicum for Transition to Practical Nurse Graduate 3 credits
The transition to independence in practice will occur with a mentor in a skilled nursing facility, along with other experiences as arranged. Specific goals will be developed and shared with the mentor. Prerequisites: NURS 250, NURS 252, NURS 260, NURS 261.