The Practical Nursing program offers concentrated basic study and laboratory practice in nursing fundamentals. The program teaches students the concepts, principles, skills, and attitudes needed to become practical nurses who can work with patients throughout the life-span. Students will gain knowledge in medical-surgical, maternal-child, and geriatric nursing. Faculty facilitate clinical experience in area health care agencies.

All tuition, fees, books, and related costs are the responsibility of the student. See estimated cost list.

Learning by doing-clinical experience
Students will have hands-on clinical experience in a variety of health care facilities. SCC instructors provide close supervision and guidance in the clinical settings.

Becoming a licensed practitioner
The Practical Nursing program is approved by the Nebraska State Board of Nursing and accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission.

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Graduates become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) by successfully passing the exam.*

*After licensure, LPNs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care, clinics and home health care.

Please note: Misdemeanor or felony convictions may prevent a graduate from acquiring a state license. Contact the State Board of Nursing with questions.

For students interested in advanced study
SCC transfer agreements with public and private four-year colleges and universities allow the transfer of SCC credits. However, if students know the institution to which they will transfer, it is their responsibility to check with an appropriate advisor at the four-year college to determine the best course selection for transfer.

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Mission

Program Mission Statement:

The mission of the Practical Nursing Program at Southeast Community College is to offer a course of study that prepares the graduate with the knowledge, principles, skills, and attitudes to function as an entry-level nurse. The program enables the graduate to continue his/her education for advanced certification or higher education.

Program Objectives:

The graduate practical nurse is prepared to:

1. Practice entry level nursing under the direction of a registered nurse or a licensed practitioner.
   Assess the health status of individuals throughout the lifespan, identifying their needs and contributing to formation of the nursing diagnosis.
2. Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the plan of care using the nursing process to meet the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of the individual.
3. Participate in providing safe, effective care by creating an environment conducive to safety and health.
4. Direct and assign nursing interventions that may be performed by others.
5. Communicate (oral and written) effectively to establish relationships with the patient, families, significant others, health care team members and the community.
6. Accept accountability for nursing actions by functioning within his/her educational preparation, the state’s scope of practice, and the nursing code of ethics.
7. Accept responsibility for personal and professional growth through life-long learning.

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Requirements

Health Pre-Entrance Agreement (pdf 11k)
Student Health Statement (pdf 22k)

Expected Physical and Mental Qualities for Success

• Ability to communicate effectively using English grammar and legible handwriting.
• Ability to interact with patients, families and members of the health care team.
• Ability to identify and interpret nonverbal communication.
• Ability to maintain self-control under stress and respond appropriately.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work while maintaining flexibility and problem-solving.
• Ability to accurately calculate and administer medications.
• Ability to work closely with people and feel comfortable in the appropriate use of touch.
• Ability to function safely.
• Ability to work in the presence of unpleasant odors, sights, and sounds.
• Ability to be a positive role model for others by practicing the values of cleanliness, honesty, confidentiality, responsibility, dependability, and quality work habits.
• Ability to accurately hear physiological sounds such as blood pressure, breath and bowel sounds.
• Ability to accurately receive and record telephone messages.
• Possess adequate vision to read thermometers, read and interpret small print, measurementlines and numbers, and assess such things as skin color and drainage.
• Manual dexterity to perform exacting tasks such as handling syringes and needles, and intravenous tubing.
• Physical stamina to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach and move during an 8 to 12 hour shift.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or support objects or patients while performing nursing functions such as transferring a patient. Exact weight requirements differ by facility.
• Stability of personal health and control of chemical dependency.

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Student Responsibilities

LEARNING

It is not possible, nor is it in the best interest of the student for instructors to include all necessary knowledge within the lecture/discussion periods. Learning is a shared responsibility with the instructor’s role as a resource person, guide and facilitator. The student is responsible for the independent research necessary to adequately complete the course requirements. Students need to develop the habit of researching indexes and the tables of content for topics related to the current subjects in resources supplementary to required texts. Use of the Learning Resource Center is encouraged. Failure to utilize independent study and resources may result in inadequate performance in the classroom and the clinical setting.

All tuition, fees, books, and related costs are the responsibility of the student.

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Clinical Education

Learning by Doing - Clinical Experience
Students will have hands-on clinical experience in a variety of health care facilities.

Student clinical assignments will be based upon facility availability. This requires some assignments to be in nearby towns and some evening hours.

CLINICAL SITES
The student will provide his/her own transportation to and from clinical sites. Clinical site assignments are made on a random basis.

The student is required to follow each clinical institution’s policy for infection control precautions or for accidents or illnesses.

Clinical experiences are essential for the student to learn to apply knowledge in caring for patients; therefore, a student must make the most of any and all experiences in the clinical area. While the student must assume responsibility for the planning and execution of care within his/her capabilities, he/she should also recognize limitations and seek assistance from the clinical instructor. Since clinical education is skill-based, the student must be prepared for the experience, including having passed skills in the laboratory prior to performing them on clinical. Lack of sufficient and timely preparation for required nursing skills may result in the student not meeting the behavioral objectives.

The student is expected to perform safely in all areas of patient care. If, in the judgment of the instructor or the clinical site, a student is not adequately prepared for clinical assignment or if his/her conduct could harm the patient, the student will be asked to leave the clinical area. The student will be counted absent for the clinical experience if asked to leave.

LEARNING
It is not possible, nor is it in the best interest of the student for instructors to include all necessary knowledge within the lecture/discussion periods. Learning is a shared responsibility with the instructor’s role as a resource person, guide and facilitator. The student is responsible for the independent research necessary to adequately complete the course requirements. Students need to develop the habit of researching indexes and the tables of content for topics related to the current subjects in resources supplementary to required texts. Use of the Learning Resource Center is encouraged. Failure to utilize independent study and resources may result in inadequate performance in the classroom and the clinical setting.

All tuition, fees, books, and related costs are the responsibility of the student.