Practical Nursing

The health care industry is growing, and along with it is the need for qualified Practical Nurses. Whether in a hospital, extended care facility, or home health, employers look for skilled, compassionate people to handle one of the most important aspects of client care-bedside nursing. As a Practical Nurse, your primary role will be bedside nursing, assisting physicians and Registered Nurses in client care. You are an important part of the health care team and your skills have a direct effect on the client's health and well-being.

The program is offered as either 1 year full-time day or 2 year part-time evening classes. During the program, your studies will include both classroom and clinical experiences. Your classroom instruction will be enhanced by concurrent clinical experiences at Marietta Memorial Hospital, Selby General Hospital, and Heartland of Marietta. You will also gain experience through observational time with home nursing, nursery schools, physicians' offices, and clinics.

The practical nursing education program is fully approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Careers

• Hospitals
• Extended Care Facilities
• Physician's Offices
• Clinics
• Private duty
• Home Health

Skills

After graduation, you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This examination is designed to test knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level. The use of a national examination facilitates licensure by endorsement from one jurisdiction/state to another. There are many career opportunities open to Washington State Community College Practical Nursing Education graduates.

If you wish to continue your nursing education, you may enroll in the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Washington State Community College with advanced standing, provided you meet admission criteria. There are also nursing programs in other areas in which you may enroll with advanced standing, provided you meet admission criteria.

Admission to the Program

Admission to the Practical Nursing Education program is limited and admission is done on a selective basis. Selection is made based on the Nurse Entrance Test (NET) scores, high school transcripts (GED), and references. There are specific requirements that must be met for admission.

 

Goals

• Recognize optimal health and normal function for self and individuals across lifespan, practicing and teaching this knowledge within the scope practice to family and community members.
• Collect and record objective and subjective data within the scope practice of a practical nurse.
• Perform basic nursing skills with dexterity, competency, insight, and safety within the scope of practice for a beginning practical nurse.
• Develop communication and listening skills which can assist clients across the lifespan to cope with problems which affect health and rehabilitation within the scope of practice for the practical nurse.
• Contribute to the evaluation of the effectiveness of nursing actions and contribute to establishing a new nursing approach as needed within the scope of practice for the practical nurse.
• Communicate effectively with clients and co-workers both orally and in writing.
• Develop skills which promote appropriate interpersonal relationships, effective communication, and mental health.
• Develop an appreciation for the dignity and integrity of human beings which leads to respect for the individuality of the client and other health team members.
• Demonstrate a code of behavior based on ethical principles and an understanding of the legal scope of practice of the practical nurse.
• Demonstrate motivation to learn through involvement in assignments, participation in conferences, and self-evaluation.

Enrollment requirements

1. Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED certificate.
2. Must have had algebra, biology, and chemistry in high school or college with a grade of "C" or higher.
3. Pass the Nurse Entrance Test with an academic ability score of the 60th percentile or higher. ($35 fee)
4. Take the placement test offered by Washington State Community College in reading, writing, and math (no fee).
5. This will determine any areas which may need development work before admission to the Practical Nursing Education Program.
6. Must have a current CPR certification which would be in effect for the academic year enrolled. This is to include adult, child, and infant CPR and Heimlich maneuver and is offered at the college.

Application forms are available the day/evening of the Practical Nursing Entrance Exam and include:

1. Application to Washington State Community College
2. Application to the Practical Nursing Education program
3. Forms for three personal references
4. Form for OFFICIAL transcript request from high school and any college(s) attended
5. Form to release information to the Admission Committee
6. Appointment with the Director of Practical Nursing Education after Entrance examination scores are known and all forms have been submitted.
7. Upon acceptance, the applicant will be required to complete the following health requirements: complete physical, specified laboratory tests, immunizations, and the passing of a criminal record check.

Pratical Nursing Education - Day Program
Course listings with descriptions of each class may be found in the Washington State Community College Catalog. www.wscc.edu (.pdf)

Practical Nursing Education - Evening Program
Course listings with descriptions of each class may be found in the Washington State Community College Catalog. www.wscc.edu (.pdf)

Practical Nursing is a certificate program.

Contact to learn more or to request an application packet:
Admissions
admissions@wscc.edu
740.568.1900

Ann Stewart , Director
740.374.8716, Ext. 1671
astewart@wscc.edu

Health Sciences office:

740.374.8716 Ext: 1601 or 1602