Southeast Community College - Nebraska

1. 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.
2. All tuition, fees, books, and related costs are the responsibility of the student.
3. If you are taking the part-time track, you must attend clinicals in-person, in Lincoln, Beatrice, Geneva or Falls City, Neb. 

The graduate practical nurse is prepared to:

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

1. Ability to communicate effectively using English grammar and legible handwriting.
2. Ability to interact with patients, families and members of the health care team.
3. Ability to identify and interpret nonverbal communication.
4. Ability to maintain self-control under stress and respond appropriately.
5. Ability to prioritize and organize work while maintaining flexibility and problem-solving.
6. Ability to accurately calculate and administer medications.
7. Ability to work closely with people and feel comfortable in the appropriate use of touch.
8. Ability to function safely.
9. Ability to work in the presence of unpleasant odors, sights, and sounds.
10. Ability to be a positive role model for others by practicing the values of cleanliness, honesty, confidentiality, responsibility, dependability, and quality work habits.
11. Ability to accurately hear physiological sounds such as blood pressure, breath and bowel sounds.
12. Ability to accurately receive and record telephone messages.
13. Possess adequate vision to read thermometers, read and interpret small print, measurement lines and numbers, and assess such things as skin color and drainage.
14. Manual dexterity to perform exacting tasks such as handling syringes and needles, and intravenous tubing.
15. Physical stamina to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach and move during an eight- to 12-hour shift.
16. 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.
17. Stability of personal health and control of chemical dependency.