Nov 26, 2024  
2021-22 Gaston College Catalog 
    
2021-22 Gaston College Catalog [THIS CATALOG IS OUT-OF-DATE. USE THE CURRENT CATALOG TO FIND CURRENT PROGRAMS.]

Nursing - Practical Nursing Diploma (D45660)


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The Practical Nursing curriculum provides knowledge and skills to integrate safety and quality into nursing care to meet the needs of the holistic individual, which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential.

Course work includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes safe, individualized nursing care and participation in the interdisciplinary team, while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation/long term care/home health facilities, clinics, and physicians’ offices.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

  1. Participate in evaluating the concepts of the holistic individual and client response in the promotion of health, wellness, illness, quality of life, and the achievement of potential.
  2. Practice professional nursing behaviors, within the ethical-legal practice boundaries of the LPN, incorporating personal responsibility and accountability for continued competence.
  3. Participate in providing evidence-based nursing care, from an established plan of care, based on biophysical, psychosocial and cultural needs of clients in various stages of growth and development, while assisting them to attain their highest level of wellness.
  4. Reinforce and/or implement the teaching plan developed and delegated by the registered nurse to promote the health of individuals, incorporating teaching and learning principles.
  5. Participate in the nursing process to provide individualized, safe, and effective nursing care in a structured setting under supervision.
  6. Demonstrate caring behaviors in implementing culturally-competent, client-centered nursing care to diverse clients across the lifespan.
  7. Participate in Quality Improvement (QI) by identifying hazards and errors and by suggesting, to the RN, changes to improve the client care process.
  8. Utilize informatics to access, manage, and communicate client information.
  9. Participate in collaboration with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, as assigned by the registered nurse, to support positive individual and organizational outcomes in a safe and cost effective manner.

Admission Information


Students applying for admission to this program MUST meet all Gaston College admission requirements for General Admission to the College. In addition, students will need to demonstrate college readiness for English and math as exhibited through the college placement test, a placement test waiver, or completion of the acceptable coursework. Your academic advisor will be able to assist you in determining your college readiness. 

For students interested in applying to this program at Gaston College, please note that there is limited enrollment and participates in a selective admission criteria process to select the most qualified applicants for admission. Students will need to make an appointment with their Admissions Specialist/Advisor in order to review admission requirements and to verify if the student has met selective admission criteria in order to submit an application by the deadline. Students interested in participating in the selective admission process for this program can find additional information and program admission requirements under the subheading “limited enrollment/selective admission” in the College Catalog. 

Lab/Clinical Fee


Level 1: $6 per lab hour for Art, Business, Health, Languages, and Math
Level 2: $12 per lab hour for Computer Information, and Natural Sciences
Level 3: $18 per lab hour for Engineering and Industrial, Central Sterile Processing, Health & Fitness Science/Physical Education, Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Technology, and Nurse Aide
Level 4: $24 per lab hour for Cosmetology, Esthetics, Veterinary Medical Technology, Practical Nursing, EMS, Associate Degree Nursing, and Health Information Technology
Malpractice Insurance (required for nursing and allied health services programs students): $13 per year

Total Credit Hours: 18


Total Credit Hours: 17


Total Credit Hours: 9


Total Program Hours: 44


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