a. Phase I.

(1) Orientation to the practical nurse course. During orientation, an assessment of the student's academic knowledge will be completed. Academic confidence training and instruction in techniques of effective learning is given in order to enhance learning potential. An overview of practical nursing discusses organizations and publications for practical nurses and the history and trends of practical nursing. The standards of nursing practice and the duties and responsibilities of the practical nurse are discussed with the role of the practical nurse as a member of the health care team. Some of the many career opportunities for practical nurses are also presented to the student.

(2) Basic sciences for practical nurses. An introduction to the basic sciences for practical nurses is presented. Topics included are nursing and medical terminology, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and pharmacological mathematics.

(3) Field nursing. Instruction and performance oriented training in the administration of emergency care and first aid to combat casualties is presented in classroom and field settings. Training is given in the protection of self and subordinates when operating in a nuclear-biological-chemical contaminated environment.

b. Phase II.

(1) Medical-surgical nursing I. Basic practical nursing skills are learned in an integrated classroom and clinical experience approach. Basic nursing competencies are practiced on medical and surgical nursing units, to include the care of geriatric and pediatric patients.

(2) Medical-surgical nursing II. Basic medical-surgical nursing skills and knowledge are expanded with classroom and clinical instruction in the nursing care of a patient with problems in various body systems, to include musculoskeletal, blood and blood forming, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, nervous, and endocrine systems.

(3) Medical-surgical nursing III. Students receive theoretical instruction and clinical experience in the delivery of practical nursing care to adult patients with cancer, reproductive disorders, and mental illness. Nursing care related to obstetrics is included.

c. Phase III.

(1) Critical care nursing. Students will obtain the opportunity to acquire the beginning skills necessary to function in a critical care environment. The training includes 40 hours of classroom instruction focusing on advanced anatomy and physiology; pathophysiology of critical disease processes and integration of pharmacology; and medical and nursing management/treatment modalities for the critically injured/ill patient.

 

(2) Preceptorship. Students will also receive 80 hours of clinical instruction in a critical care environment.

(3) State board examination and preparation. During this phase, the student will receive NCLEX preparation through a structured review and the NCLEX predictor exam. Prior to completion of Phase 3, students will be required to sit for and complete the NCLEX--Practical Nurse (PN) examination.

(4) Outprocessing. During this module, outprocessing is accomplished and the students are assisted with permanent change of station (PCS) to their follow-on assignment.