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Practical Nursing

Program Codes: CPN
Certificate

PRACTICAL NURSING (PN) PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

The Practical Nursing Program is socially merciful, globally responsible, compassionately hospitable, intellectually creative, reflectively aware and Ambassadors of Service. Practical nursing involves the performance of selected nursing acts in the care of the ill, injured, or infirmed to clients across the life span. Practical nursing education is based on well-defined behavioral objectives with the course objectives contributing to the total program objectives. Students entering the practical nursing program bring their life experiences with them. Students take responsibility for self-directed learning. Students learn by actively participating in partnership with their faculty to achieve the program goals and objectives. Learning is best achieved in a democratic atmosphere, which remains sensitive and adaptive to student needs and input. Learners are accountability for their accomplishments and failures. Upon satisfactory completion of this program, the graduate will have knowledge, insights, skills, and vision necessary to lead fulfilling and productive lives as health care providers.

Licensure

Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination-PN (NCLEX-PN) for licensure as a licensed practical nurse. Graduates will be prepared to work in various health care settings such as acute care hospitals, long term care centers, ambulatory clinics, and home health care.

The State Board of Nursing shall not issue a license or certificate to an applicant who has been convicted of a felonious act as identified in the Nurse Practice Act No. 1985-109. In addition, when a graduate applies for licensure, they will be asked to declare convictions of any felony or misdemeanor and/or any current criminal charges pending and unresolved in any court. Conviction includes judgment, found guilty by a judge or jury, pleaded guilty or nolo contendere, received probation without verdict, disposition in lieu of trial, or ARD. See complete policy in the Department of Nursing student policy manual.

Admissions Requirements

The program is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and consists of a minimum of 30 credits. Requirements for admission include a high school diploma or G.E.D. Applicants must have completed course work equal to a standard high school course with a minimum of 16 units. These units must include 4 units of English, 3 units of Social Studies, 2 units of Mathematics (1 of which is algebra), and 2 units of Science (including a laboratory or the equivalent).

An assessment test to evaluate basic academic skills and the potential for success in the program will be administered by the university. Acceptance into the associate degree nursing program is conditional until receipt and review of required physical examination records, drug testing, federal, state, and child abuse clearances.

Accreditation

The Practical Nursing Program is approved by the PA State Board of Nursing and pre-accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation, located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20037. 800-669-1656. Holding pre-accreditation status does not guarantee that initial accreditation by NLN CNEA will be received.

The Mercyhurst University PN program is pursuing accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20037; phone 202-909-2500.

Program Outcomes:
  • Incorporate theory from the physical, biological, social, and behavioral sciences when providing nursing care. (RIL), (CriT), (SQR).
  • Communicate effectively with clients, families, significant others, and members of the health care team. (EC), (ER), (IS).
  • Prioritize biopsychosocial needs of clients. (SQR), (IS), (ER).
  • Utilize the nursing process when providing care to meet identified needs. (EC), (CriT), (SQR), (IS).
  • Apply ethical, moral, and legal standards in keeping with the Practical Nurses Code of Ethics and applicable nursing law. (RIL), (CriT), (ER).

Academic Progression:

     * All pre-licensure undergraduate nursing students must earn a minimum of a 3.0 (B) or above in each nursing or clinical nursing course.

     * All pre-licensure undergraduate students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to progress in the nursing program.

     * Students who fail to meet any of the academic progression standards will be placed on a departmental probation.

Fall Start - Course Sequence

Fall Semester:

NURSING PRINCIPLES
Course Code:
NURS 103
Active Term:
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course introduces the student to care across the life span and along the health-illness continuum through understanding of the etiology of illness, the body's response to illness, and common methods of disease prevention.  The focus of the course is on understanding the nursing process as it relates to acquiring skills to meet simple nursing needs of adult clients.  Students learn to apply knowledge of asepsis and universal precautions, body mechanics basic nutrition and diet therapy, fluid and electrolyte balance, documentation basic assessment skills, and CPR.  Basic psychological and social concepts as well as fundamental concepts of ethics and legal responsibilities involved in nursing are introduced.  Interpersonal relationships and communication  kills are stressed along with aspects of personal and vocational growth.  The current health care delivery system as it relates to values, influences, changes, and challenges in the areas of  personal and community health is discussed, along with the role of the practical nurse in the delivery of care.

Credit:
6
Instruction methods:
Lecture
x
NURS 103
NURSING PRINCIPLES
6
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE I
Course Code:
NURS 105
Active Term:
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course introduces the student to the nursing clinical environment of long-term patient care. The focus of the course is on understanding the nursing process as it relates to acquiring skills to meet simple nursing needs of adult clients. Students learn to apply knowledge of asepsis and universal precautions, body mechanics basic nutrition and diet therapy, fluid and electrolyte balance, documentation and basic assessment skills.

Credit:
2
Instruction methods:
Field
x
NURS 105
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE I
2
PHARMACOLOGY I
Course Code:
NURS 106
Active Term:
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course introduces students to basic pharmacology, drug calculations, and medication administration.  General characteristics of major classifications of medications are discussed. Specific information regarding action, dosage, side effects, adverse reactions, and on contraindications of selected medications within each classification is addressed.

Credit:
2
Instruction methods:
Lecture
x
NURS 106
PHARMACOLOGY I
2
ANATOMY
Course Code:
NURS 107
Active Term:
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course is an introduction to anatomy, physiology, and normal nutrition utilizing the body systems approach with the interrelationship between the body systems emphasized.  Basic concepts of chemistry and physics are reviewed. Knowledge of the normal structural and functional units of the body serves as the basis for the application of principles in providing safe, effective nursing care.

Credit:
2
Instruction methods:
Lecture
x
NURS 107
ANATOMY
2

Spring Semester:

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE II
Course Code:
NURS 110
Active Term:
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course is the second clinical course designed to introduce students to those skills needed to provide nursing care to adult clients with moderately complex nursing needs.  Clinical experience will be in acute care settings, long term care settings, rehabilitation, and community-based programs.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Field
Prerequisites:

NURS 103, NURS 105, NURS 106, NURS 107

x
NURS 110
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE II
3
PHARMACOLOGY II
Course Code:
NURS 111
Active Term:
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course focuses on the nursing process as it relates to medication therapy. General characteristics of major classification of medications are discussed. Specific information regarding action, dosage, side effects, adverse reactions, and on contraindications of selected medications within each classification is addressed.

Credit:
2
Instruction methods:
Lecture
x
NURS 111
PHARMACOLOGY II
2
MED/SURG W/CARDIO & ENDO FOCUS
Course Code:
NURS 112
Active Term:
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course is a continuation of nursing care for adults with diseases of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.  Content related to diet modifications, drug therapy, and disease management for these specific diseases is integrated.  Information about health care agencies that focus on various conditions discussed in the course, as well as related information on disease prevention, health screenings, health promotion, and patient education is included.

Credit:
2
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Prerequisites:

NURS 103, NURS 105, NURS 106, NURS 107

x
NURS 112
MED/SURG W/CARDIO & ENDO FOCUS
2
ADULT CONDITIONS OF ILLNESS I
Course Code:
NURS 113
Course Description:

This course introduces students to the care required by adult clients with more complex medical-surgical conditions.  Psychosocial and developmental needs of adult clients are discussed. Students apply the nursing process in caring for patients with diseases of the respiratory, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal systems.  Content related to diet modifications, drug therapy, and disease management for these specific diseases is integrated.  Information about health care agencies that focus on various conditions discussed in this course, as well as related information on disease prevention, health screenings, health promotion, and patient education is included.  Principles of Oncology, Geriatrics, and rehabilitation are presented. This course also introduces students to nursingcare of adult clients with moderately complex nursing needs related to mental health, elimination, selected emergencies, perioperative care, and death and dying.

Credit:
2
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Prerequisites:

NURS 103, NURS 105, NURS 106, NURS 107

x
NURS 113
ADULT CONDITIONS OF ILLNESS I
2
PRACTICAL NURSING LEADERSHIP
Course Code:
NURS 114
Active Term:
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course is designed to provide the student with various leadership roles available for practical nurses.  Emphasis is placed on developing the practical nursing roles of leader, communicator, collaborator, and life-long learner as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Evidence-based nursing practices and their impact on client care outcomes are stressed.

Credit:
1
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Prerequisites:

NURS 103, NURS 105, NURS 106, NURS 107

x
NURS 114
PRACTICAL NURSING LEADERSHIP
1
MATERNITY, NEWBORNS, & PEDIATRICS
Course Code:
NURS 116
Active Term:
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course introduces the student to the concept of family-centered care and the specialized healthcare needs of the childbearing family. Students will be introduced to focused perinatal,
newborn, and pediatric nursing care with sensitivity to the cultural and ethical needs of diverse populations. The concepts and principles of normal growth and development for the neonate
to adolescent are explored and include the physical, emotional, psychosexual, mental, and social development.

Credit:
2
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Prerequisites:

NURS 103, NURS 105, NURS 106, NURS 107, NURS 110, NURS 113

x
NURS 116
MATERNITY, NEWBORNS, & PEDIATRICS
2

Summer Semester:

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE III
Course Code:
NURS 115
Active Term:
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course is a continuation of nursing care for adults with more complex medical and surgical diseases and disorders including adults with mental health conditions.  Clinical experience will be in acute care settings and mental health services.

Credit:
2
Instruction methods:
Field
Prerequisites:

NURS 103, NURS 105, NURS 106, NURS 107, NURS 110

x
NURS 115
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE III
2
ADULT CONDITIONS OF ILLNESS Ii
Course Code:
NURS 118
Active Term:
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course is a continuation of nursing care for adults with diseases of the musculoskeletal, neurological and integumentary systems. Mental health conditions are discussed. Content related to diet modifications drug therapy, and disease management for these specific diseases is integrated. Information about health care agencies that focus on various conditions discussed in the
course, as well as related information on disease prevention, health screenings, health promotion, and patient education is included. Theory and clinical experience will be discussed in the
application of nursing care to adult clients, including the geriatric client, progressing from the simple to the more complex medical and surgical diseases and disorders of the various body systems. Integrated into this course are dietary modifications and the medications used in treating the various conditions.

Credit:
2
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Prerequisites:

NURS 113

x
NURS 118
ADULT CONDITIONS OF ILLNESS Ii
2
PRACTICAL NURSING CAPSTONE
Course Code:
NURS 119
Active Term:
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course is the final clinical course which focuses on advanced medical surgical nursing. Acute care, long term care and community programs are utilized to provide student with a diverse
clinical experience.  Students will be partnered with a Licensed Practical Nurse preceptor in the long-term care, acute care, or community environment.

Credit:
2
Instruction methods:
Field
Prerequisites:

NURS 103, NURS 105, NURS 106, NURS 107, NURS 110, NURS 113

x
NURS 119
PRACTICAL NURSING CAPSTONE
2
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