Nursing - Practical Nursing Diploma (D45660)

This information is in addition to the general admission information found in the Gaston College Catalog.

Curriculum Description

The Practical Nursing curriculum prepares individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide nursing care to children and adults.

Students will participate in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care.

The Gaston College Practical Nursing Program is nationally accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. (NLNAC). 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 the assessment of a client by obtaining data from relevant sources regarding the biophysical, psychological, social and cultural factors that influence health status.
2. Participate in the analysis of collected data by recognizing existing relationships between data gathered and a client’s health status and treatment regimen.
3. Utilize basic communication techniques in the client interview and in the establishment/ maintenance of therapeutic nurse/ client relationships.
4. Participate in the implementation of the therapeutic and preventative health care plan developed by the registered nurse or other authorized individual.
5. Participate in client teaching deemed appropriate by the registered nurse or other authorized individual.
6. Record and report assessment information, nursing care rendered, and the client’s response to care.
7. Participate as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team.
8. Demonstrate traits of an active learner by seeking out and taking advantage of learning situations and opportunities for continuing education and membership in professional organizations.
9. Function within the legal, ethical and professional parameters for a practical nurse.
10. Utilize the nursing process in delivery of culturally competent client-centered care reflective of respect for individual differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs.
11. Utilize informatics in communication.
12. Recognize, participate, and apply quality improvements as directed by the registered nurse.

Admission Information

Students applying for admission to the Gaston College Practical Nursing Program MUST meet all Gaston College admission requirements for GENERAL ADMISSION to the college.                                                                        

Additional requirements to be eligible to submit an application to the practical nursing program:

1. Must submit a minimum composite score of 18 on the American College Test (ACT) 850 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (the Critical Reading and Math scores only), or a minimum composite score of 60 on the TEAS V examination. Must be taken within five (5) years of date of application.
2. Must have a grades of “C” or better in all required college courses listed as part of the nursing major (PNE).
3. The required course in Anatomy & Physiology must be taken within the last ten (10) years of making application.
4. The ACT will be waived for students who hold a Baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university.
5. International students and U.S. resident applicants whose primary spoken language is not English will be required to demonstrate English proficiency. This may be established by scoring no less than 540 (207 on the computer) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Department Chairperson of the Practical Nursing Program, in consultation with the Dean of Health Education, will determine the means of demonstrating proficiency on an individual basis.
6. Current CPR certification (adult, infant, child and FBAO certification) is required prior to entrance to the program.
7. Students may be required to submit documentation of additional non-academic criteria such as, but not limited to, criminal background checks and urine drug testing. If the clinical facility refuses to allow the student to do clinical at the facility based on said findings, the student would not be allowed to continue in the program.
8. Students on academic probation or suspension due to related course work will be denied admission to the Practical Nursing Education Program. A student must have a 2.0 or better for admission.                                                                       

The final selection of applicants into the program is based on the following criteria, which has been approved by the Admissions Committee made up of the nursing faculty. The final selection of applicants into the
program is made by the nursing faculty.

1. ACT/SAT/TEAS V score
2. Number of required courses completed by end of the Fall Semester prior to entering program.
3. Grade Point Average (GPA) in required courses only.                                                                  

A completed health form documenting satisfactory emotional and physical health is required before entrance into the program by date to be announced by Nursing Department Chairperson. Forms will be provided by the College.

Individuals interested in additional information about the Practical Nursing Program should contact the Chairperson Practical Nursing Program at 704.748.5220 or 704.748.5221. Deadline for Practical Nursing Application: March 1 of each year.