ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN PRACTICAL NURSING

 

Award: Associate of Science Degree in Practical Nursing

Program #: PN-3

Associate of Science in Practical Nursing Total Program

Theory:	75 Semester Credit	Theory Hours:1125
Lab:	3.1 Semester Credits	Total Lab Hrs 93
Clinical:	12 Semester Credits	Clinical Hours: 540
	_____________________	_____________________
Total	90.1 Semester Credit Hrs	Total Clock Hours 1758

 

Program Outcomes:
1) To prepare students to meet the requirements of the Florida Department of Health, Board of Nursing for Practical Nurse Education and eligibility for licensing exams,
2) To prepare students to work as Practical Nurses in a variety of settings in a safe and effective manner,
3) To prepare students to be well prepared to serve their fellow man/woman consistent with the role and scope of practice for Practical Nursing according to the current State of Florida Nurse Practice Act,
4) To obtain Critical Thinking Skills and Work Readiness for the field of Practical Nursing
5) To obtain the General Education Courses required of an Associate of Science Degree so that students may continue to further their education and/or advance in the health care field. After satisfactory completion of this program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN Examination

This program will include 16 semester credit hours in the following General Education Courses: College Algebra, Communications, Intro to Psychology, College Writing, and Biology (Micro).

In addition to the General Education Course, this program will include 74.1 credit hours/1518 clock hours of laboratory, classroom and clinical practice for students wishing to be prepared to pass the National Licensing Exams for Practical Nurses and to be well prepared to serve their fellow men and women as Practical Nurses. The knowledge and skills taught are consistent with the role and scope of practice defined by the Florida Board of Nursing and are to be performed under the direction and guidance of a Registered Nurse, a licensed Physician, a licensed Osteopathic Physician, a licensed Podiatrist or a Licensed Dentist. This program is offered utilizing a non-traditional integrated curriculum designed to enhance students understanding and practical application of knowledge from the less complex and building to more complex concepts. It includes education in the areas of Medical/Surgical Nursing, as well as the special and unique nursing care needs of pediatric, obstetrical and geriatric patients. It includes nursing care skills and applications needed for a variety of settings such as acute, long term, and care in the home. It will cover such topics as the vocational role and functions for the Practical Nurse, Foundations and Fundamentals of Nursing Care, Infection control, Body Structure and Function, Human Growth and Development, Personal and Family Care in Multiple Environments, Mental Health Concepts, Nutrition, Pharmacology and Medicine Administration, Ethical and Legal Aspects of Practice, Interpersonal Relationships, Current Issues and Employability Skills. Students will be guided to be aware of the importance of lifelong learning, taking responsibility for learning and to use critical thinking skills via the SCANS model. Remediation opportunities will be made available and encouraged throughout the program. The State of Florida approved Curriculum Framework and Performance Standards for Practical Nurses are applied throughout. National Patient Safety Standards and Quality Measures are incorporated throughout.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates must pass the Florida Board of Nursing Exam for Licensed Practical Nurse.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Patient-Centered Care– Recognize the patient or designee as the source of control and fullpartner in providing compassionate and coordinated care based on respect for patient’spreferences, values, and needs.

2. Teamwork and Collaboration– Function effectively within nursing and inter-professionalteams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, and shared decision-making toachieve quality patient care.

3. Evidence Based Practice– Integrate best current evidence with clinical expertise andpatient/family preferences and values for delivery of optimal health care.

4. Quality Improvement– Use data to monitor the outcomes of care processes and useimprovement methods to design and test changes to continuously improve the quality andsafety of health care systems.

5. Safety– Minimizes risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectivenessand individual performance.

6. Informatics– Use information and technology to communicate, manage knowledge

Description of Courses:

ENC1101 College Writing
Course Semester Credit Hrs: 3 – offered both hybrid or traditionally

Pre-requisite Courses:
None

This course offers students a thorough understanding of the writing process and structure for College essays, reports and summaries. It will help the student make logical connections in their writing while using appropriate formatting and the basic principles of APA style and MLA style.

Course Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to meet the following learning outcomes:

• Understand the writing process and structure using revision, proofreading and formatting

• Write descriptive, narrative and example essays

• Relate logical connections using comparison, contrast, cause and effect and argumentative styles of writing

• Write a summary utilizing multiple sources of information, and cite sources

MCB2001 Biology (Micro)
Course Semester Credit Hrs: 4 – offered both hybrid or traditionally

This course in microbiology will include the chemistry of life, cell structure and function, safety and laboratory techniques and micro-organisms. Each system of the body will be addressed as it relates to infections. This course will also include how microorganisms affect the human body throughout the life span. Microorganisms in the community environment will be covered and environmental safety will be stressed.

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of the course student will be able to:

• Define the scope of microbiology

• Identify cell functions and structure

• Describe the effect of infections as it relates to all the body systems including sexually transmitted diseases

• Summarize environmental safety methods as it relates to microorganisms in the environment

MTB1104 College Algebra
Semester Credit Hrs: 3.0 – offered both hybrid or traditionally

Pre-requisite Courses:
None

This course is a developmental Algebra course including step by step Algebra examples and strategies for avoiding mistakes. Students are taught concept connections and problem recognition to assist in problem solving, overcoming Algebra anxiety and improve performance on Algebra assessments. Students will utilize an Algebra text and practice examples. Homework practice will be supplemented with a student solutions manual so that solution methodologies for each type of Algebra problem can readily be practiced. Math concepts will include factorization, ratio and proportions, units of length, mass, capacity both U.S. and metric, and statistical solutions.

Course Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to meet the following learning outcomes:

• •Perform basic Algebra functions

• •Describe units of measurement to include linear, angular, and volumetric Graph and interpret data using X and Y coordinates

• Describe and measure angles

• Apply trigonometric concepts to include sine, cosine, tangent, Pythagorean theorem, and Inverse Square law

• Solve multivariable Algebra problems

PSY2012 Introductory Psychology
Course Semester Credit Hrs: 3 – offered both hybrid or traditionally

Pre-requisite Courses:
None

This Introductory Psychology course assists students in learning psychology theory for application in their academic career and beyond into the world of work. The course covers thinking critically with psychological science, neuroscience and behavior, the nature and nurture of behavior, sensation, perception states of consciousness, learning, memory, motivation and work, emotion, stress and health, personality, and psychological disorders. Various therapeutic approaches are explored along with respect for human social needs and values without prejudice and recognition of work and dignity of each individual.

Course Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of the course students will be able to meet the following learning outcomes:

• Recognize neural communication, the brain, the nervous system and the endocrine system as it relates to behavior.

• Identify the life stages throughout the continuum from pre-natal development through adulthood.

• Apply motivational concepts, emotional expression and stress management.

• Summarize psychological disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and related therapies

SPC1017 Communications
Course Semester Credit Hrs: 3.0 – offered both hybrid or traditionally

Pre-requisite Courses:
None

This course will assist students in developing a foundation for communication strategies, defining purposes for communication and strengthen comprehension and competence of communication. Students will learn thought patterns, recognize organizational patterns and define the author’s purpose, tone, argument, data and evidence. Students will examine figurative language, generalizations, speaker’s assumptions and manipulative language. Students will apply communication skills working with context, word parts, context clues, and expression and communication tools. Key topics covered will be making inferences asking and answering critical questions to communicate effectively. There will be three speeches required a one minute, two minute, and three minute presentation using tools learned.

Course Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of the course the student will be able to meet the following learning outcomes:

• Define the purpose for communication and comprehension

• Recognize the functions of human wants, needs, desires, and attitudes as they influence human communicative behavior

• Develop flexibility using varied types of communication skills

• Use correct citations to avoid cyber plagiarism

 

Basic Skills: 95 clock hours/5.07 Semester Credits

Theory=57 hrs	Lab= 38 hrs	Clinical=0 hrs
3.8 Semester Credit	1.27 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit

 

Course Description:
This course is an introduction to Health Care and the Health Care environment. It prepares the student to provide basic care to patients. It is the first occupational completion point in the program. Completion of this course qualifies a student to sit for their Certified Nursing Assistant Exam in the State of Florida.

Student responsibility for learning is explored including study and work habits, financial and life management skills to ensure student success.

Course Objectives for Theory & Lab:
This course will provide basic skills for learning and studying. Students will complete the 22 Essential Nursing Skills. Students will obtain CPR Certification. Perform patient and personal care as it pertains to the practical nurse. SLO#3 Assist with restorative (rehabilitative) activities. SLO#3 Recognize and practice safety, security and emergency procedures. SLO#5

Academic Progression:
While a student may progress if they are unsatisfactory in Basic Skills, they will be placed on Academic Probation for the remainder of the term. Satisfactory Progression Rules apply for any student who has not passed the CNA exam prior to the end of the term up to and including termination. Because Patient Safety Risk is such an important matter for clinical performance probation or termination is the appropriate assigned status.

PRN0098B – Body Structure and Function– 85 clock hours/5.67 semester credits

Theory=85 hrs	Lab= 0 hrs	Clinical=0 hrs
5.67 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit

 

Course Description:
This course will provide students with knowledge of the total human body structure, systems, functions, growth and its development spanning the life stages. It will offer students a foundation upon which to understand the effect, illness, disease and dysfunction has on the human body and the resultant inter relatedness of each organ and system.

Course Objective:
Describe the structure and function of the human body.

PRN0099A (Th) / PRN0099A/CL (Clin) -Nursing Process & Geriatric Nursing – 270 clock hours/ 9.42 semester credits

 

Theory=77 hrs	Lab= 0 hrs	Clinical=193 hrs
5.13 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit	4.29 Semester Credit

 

Course Descriptions:
This Nursing Process and Geriatric Nursing course is taught with a corresponding clinical experience component. Nursing Process and Geriatric Nursing will be taught prior to students moving onto the more complex involved care for those with serious and complicated illnesses and surgeries. It will include the knowledge of physical comfort and safety functions, providing personal patient care, and performing nursing tasks and procedures. The importance of principles of Infection Control, Aseptic Techniques, Verbal and Written Communication and Documentation, and Legal and Ethical Responsibilities will be stressed along with the performance of skills. Nursing Theoretical Frameworks will be reviewed so that students will have an understanding of theory upon which Nursing Procedures are based. The Course encompasses the Nurse’s role in assisting with data collecting and care plan implementation. This course will average 2 hours of lecture daily and 5.5 hours of clinical daily for 9 weeks.

Course Objectives for Theory & Clincal:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.

• Recognize and practice safety, security and emergency procedures.

• Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

• Perform patient and personal care as it pertains to the practical nurse.

• Provide patient-centered care for the geriatric population.

• Assist with restorative (rehabilitative) activities.

• Demonstrate organizational functions, following the patient plan of care.

• Demonstrate computer literacy as related to nursing functions.

• Use appropriate verbal and written communications in the performance of nursing functions.

• Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities specific to the nursing profession.

• Apply the principles of infection control, utilizing nursing principles.

• Perform aseptic techniques.

• Apply principles of nutrition as it relates to practical nursing scope of practice.

• Describe human growth and development across the lifespan.

• Demonstrate the performance of nursing procedures.

• Demonstrate how to provide bio-psycho-social support

• Demonstrate healthy lifestyle responsibility specific to personal health maintenance.

• Implement education and resources for family wellness.

• Participate in Community Health Awareness Forums.

 

PRN0099B (Th) / PRN0099B/L (Lab) – Pharmacology & Medication Administration& IV Skills – 110 clock hours/5.5 semester credits

Theory=55 hrs	Lab= 55 hrs	Clinical=0 hrs
3.67 Semester Credit	1.83 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit

 

Course Description:
This course is intended to teach the Student Practical Nurse to administer medication with concern for safety, precision, and attention to important physiologic factors and teaches students to correlate pharmacological response to nursing action. It stresses the importance of patient education about medication as a part of the patient’s complete treatment plan. It covers drug classifications, actions, interactions, monitoring parameters, patient variables, techniques of medication administration, distribution systems, medication administration records and documentation. The course is meant to afford the student a solid foundation upon which to administer medications, and monitor specific drug effects on individuals.

Course Objectives for Theory & Lab:

• Demonstrate how to administer medication.

• Demonstrate how to care for the surgical patient with a cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, endocrine, or integumentary disease/disorder

• Demonstrate how to care for the surgical patient with a gastrointestinal, neurological, urinary, reproductive, or oncologic disease/disorder.

 

PRN0290/0291 (Th) / PRN0280/0291/CL (Clin) – Medical Surgical Nursing – 340 clock hours/15.02 semester credits

Theory=168 hrs	Lab= 0 hrs	Clinical=172 hrs
11.2 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit	3.82 Semester Credit

 

Course Description:
This course is offered for Practical Nursing students to learn about and experience the nursing skills and tasks that are appropriate and necessary to care for medical/surgical patients within their role and scope of practice. It includes clinical experience in a Medical/Surgical setting. At this point in the program, students transition to learning more complex nursing care needs of patients, resulting in utilizing knowledge of Asepsis, Diagnostics, Common Diseases and conditions, and Medical and Surgical Procedures. This course includes various illness states, admission, discharge, pre and post medical and surgical procedures and care. The complexity of the entire patient, family and cultural needs are taught. Students will begin to experience the changing routines associated with day, evening and/or night shift. They will be learning to apply their correct role in assisting Registered Nurses with implementing Care Plans for medical/surgical patients and for the promotion of health and wellness, with age and cultural considerations. There will be a strong emphasis on accurate documentation, monitoring and reporting outcomes. Critical thinking exercises are utilized to enhance learning. This course includes the Curriculum Framework and Performance Standards of the Florida Department of Education regarding Medical/Surgical Nursing. It is a further goal of this course for the student to begin to integrate knowledge from previous courses (Basic Skills, Body Structure and Function, Nursing Process and Geriatric Nursing and Pharmacology). This integration of knowledge is demonstrated in the clinical setting through care giving activities for patients with actual and potential health problems and through student’s Data Collection and Care Analysis assignments. The integration and retention of knowledge is measured in the didactic setting through Case Study exercises, Unit Exams and a Stand-Alone Test in Pharmacology.

Course Theory and Clinical Objectives:

• Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

• Demonstrate organizational functions, following the patient plan of care.

• Demonstrate computer literacy as related to nursing functions.

• Use appropriate verbal and written communications in the performance of nursing functions.

• Demonstrate the performance of nursing procedures.

• Participate in Community Health Awareness Forums.

• Demonstrate how to care for the surgical patient with a Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Lymphatic, Musculoskeletal, Endocrine or Integumentary disease/disorder.

• Demonstrate how to care for pre-operative and post-operative patients, utilizing nursing principles.

• Demonstrate how to care for the surgical patient with a Gastrointestinal, Neurological, Urinary, Reproductive or Oncologic disease/disorder.

 

PRN0690 (Th) / PRN0690A/CL (Clin) – Obstetrics/Family Care: 120 clock hours/4.98 semester credits

Theory=52 hrs	Lab= 0 hrs	Clinical=68 hrs
3.47 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit	1.51 Semester Credit

 

Course Description:
This course is offered for Practical Nursing students along with an associated and related clinical practice experience in order to accomplish the learning objectives for the specialty area of Maternity and Newborn Nursing. Current trends in the delivery of Maternal Child Nursing Care are addressed to include nursing needs in the hospital and in the home. The Practical Nurses’ role and scope of responsibility for nursing care, health promotion, legal and ethical considerations, and contemporary trends are taught. The course stresses the family as a unit including culturally diverse preferences, implications, and the importance of considering all family members when providing care. Learning about Fertility Management and Obstetrical Complications help students to understand and address current patient issues and problems. Health promotion, disease prevention and the importance of patient teaching are stressed. Integration of knowledge continues in this course and is demonstrated in the clinical setting through care giving activities for patients with actual and potential health problems and through student’s Data Collection and Care Planning assignments. Integration and retention of knowledge is measured in the didactic setting through Case Study exercises, Mid Term Exam, a Comprehensive Exam in Obstetrics and Family Care Nursing and a Stand-Alone Test in Medical Surgical Nursing.

Course Objectives for Theory & Clinical:

• Describe human growth and development across the lifespan.

• Demonstrate how to provide bio-psycho-social support.

• Demonstrate healthy lifestyle responsibility specific to personal health maintenance.

• Implement education and resources for family wellness.

• Participate in Community Health Awareness Forums.

• Demonstrate how to care for maternal/newborn patients, utilizing nursing principles.

• Demonstrate knowledge of SIDS/ SUIDS as it relates to the practical nursing role.

 

PRN0690B (Th) /PRN0690B/CL (Clin) – Pediatrics/Family Care: -120 credit hours/49.8 semester credits

Theory=52 hrs	Lab= 0 hrs	Clinical=68 hrs
3.47 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit	1.51 Semester Credit

 

Course Description:
This course is offered for Practical Nursing students along with an associated and related clinical practice experience in order to accomplish the learning objectives for the specialty area of Pediatric Nursing Care. The special needs of children and their families are addressed to include the child’s unique health, recreational, nutritional, and safety needs. Common health problems of children are studied including: alterations in body temperature, skin problems, infectious disorders, orthopedic, respiratory, cardiovascular, GI, metabolic, GU and hematological problems. The special care, skills and tasks associated with rehabilitation, grief and loss are studied. This course includes the Curriculum Framework and Performance Standards of the Florida Department of Education regarding Pediatric Nursing for Practical Nurses. Integration of knowledge continues in this course and is demonstrated in the clinical setting through care giving activities for patients with actual and potential health problems and through student’s Data Collection and Care Analysis assignments. Integration and retention of knowledge is measured in the didactic setting through Case Study exercises, Mid Term Exam, a Comprehensive Exam in Pediatric Nursing and an Obstetrics Stand-Alone Test.

Course Objectives for Theory & Clinical:

• Describe human growth and development across the lifespan.

• Demonstrate how to provide bio-psycho-social support.

• Demonstrate healthy lifestyle responsibility specific to personal health maintenance.

• Implement education and resources for family wellness.

• Participate in Community Health Awareness Forums.

• Demonstrate knowledge of SIDS/ SUIDS as it relates to the practical nursing role.

 

PRN0690C (Th) / PRN0690C/CL (Clin) – Mental Health/Family Care: – 69 clock hours/2.87 semester credits

Theory=30 hrs	Lab= 0 hrs	Clinical=39 hrs
2 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit	.87 Semester Credit

 

Course Description:
This Course has 5, 6 hour classroom days and 5, 8 hour clinical days over a 2.5 week period. This course is offered for Practical Nursing students along with an associated and related clinical practice experience in order to accomplish the learning objectives for the specialty area of Mental Health Nursing Care. Students will study the varied aspects of Psychiatric Nursing in the hospital and outpatient setting as well as learn the pharmaceutical and other forms of treatment of mental illness and the role of the Practical Nurse. Nursing skills and tasks are learned and clinical examples are used as a means to understand the complexities of this specialty. Substance abuse, family abuse and violence are topics covered in this course along with the Practical Nurses’ role in fostering and encouraging prevention and treatment. Community resources for patients will be highlighted. Causative factors for disorders and associated client behaviors and influences will be taught along with the special needs of the patient and family. Integration of knowledge continues in this course and is demonstrated in the clinical setting through care giving activities for patients with actual and potential health problems and through student’s Data Collection and Care Planning assignments. Integration and retention of knowledge is measured in the didactic setting through Case Study exercises, and a Comprehensive Exam in Mental Health and Family Care Nursing.

Course Objectives for Theory & Clinical:

• Use appropriate verbal and written communications in the performance of nursing functions.

• Demonstrate how to provide bio-psycho-social support.

• Demonstrate healthy lifestyle responsibility specific to personal health maintenance.

• Implement education and resources for family wellness.

• Participate in Community Health Awareness Forums.

 

PRN0690C (Th) -Transitional Skills and Critical Thinking: – 144 clock hours/9.6 semseter credits

Theory=144 hrs	Lab= 0 hrs	Clinical=0 hrs
9.6 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit

 

Course Description:
This course is offered for the student who is about to complete the Practical Nursing Program, in order to assist the student in preparing to enter the workforce. Current Issues in Nursing and Healthcare are presented in order to give students an appreciation for the current occupational climate they are about to enter. Employment goals, job search activities, resume writing, and interviewing skills are taught so that students learn how to access employment opportunities. Students will participate in exercises designed to build self-esteem and self-confidence in preparation for showcasing strengths during their job search. Guidelines for examinations (NCLEX), licensure, endorsement and reciprocity will be included. This course includes a review of pertinent aspects of the Florida Nurse Practice Act as well as current trends in the profession of nursing.

Course Objectives:

• Participate in Community Health Awareness Forums.

• Develop transitional skills.

• Demonstrate employability skills specific to practical nursing.

All prior coursework must be successfully completed prior to entering PRN0690D

PRN0690D (Th) -Integration: – 165 clock hours/ 11 semester credits

Theory=165 hrs	Lab= 0 hrs	Clinical=0 hrs
11 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit	0 Semester Credit

 

Course Description:
This portion of the program takes place during the last weeks of the Program. It is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of all previous coursework. All previous program objectives and content will be tested with emphasis on the assimilation and integration of all the principles and vital information they will need to safely, efficiently and effectively provide nursing care. Successful completion of this portion of the program will assure that all basic competencies are met and that the student is eligible to take the NCLEX-PN Exam and practice Practical Nursing consistent with entry level expectations.

Course Objectives:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the healthcare delivery system and health occupations.

• Recognize and practice safety, security and emergency procedures.

• Demonstrate knowledge of blood borne diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

• Perform patient and personal care as it pertains to the practical nurse.5

• Provide patient-centered care for the geriatric population.

• Assist with restorative (rehabilitative) activities.

• Demonstrate organizational functions, following the patient plan of care.

• Demonstrate computer literacy as related to nursing functions.

• Use appropriate verbal and written communications in the performance of nursing functions.

• Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities specific to the nursing profession.

• Apply the principles of infection control, utilizing nursing principles.

• Perform aseptic techniques.

• Describe the structure and function of the human body.

• Apply principles of nutrition as it relates to Practical Nursing Scope of Practice.

• Describe human growth and development across the lifespan.

• Demonstrate the performance of nursing procedures.

• Demonstrate how to administer medication.

• Demonstrate how to provide bio-psycho-social support.

• Demonstrate healthy lifestyle responsibility specific to personal health maintenance.

• Implement education and resources for family wellness.

• Participate in Community Health Awareness Forums.

• Demonstrate how to care for the surgical patient with a Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Lymphatic, Musculoskeletal, Endocrine or Integumentary disease/disorder.

• Demonstrate how to care for pre-operative and post-operative patients, utilizing nursing principles.

• Demonstrate how to care for the surgical patient with a Gastrointestinal, Neurological, Urinary, Reproductive or Oncologic disease/disorder.

• Demonstrate how to care for maternal/newborn patients, utilizing nursing principles.

• Demonstrate knowledge of SIDS/ SUIDS as it relates to the practical nursing role.

• Demonstrate how to care for pediatric patients, utilizing nursing principles.

 

Pre-Requisites: There is no pre-requisite required prior to entering the Associate of Science Degree in Practical Nursing Program included in the program are linear in nature.
Please see Admission Requirements on Page 9 for the above program.