Overview of Practical Nursing Program

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With advancement of nursing degrees into intrinsic specialties, practical nursing is sometimes considered a waste of time. Unless the student has researched the limitations on this diploma type of nursing, and is willing to stay within the limits, it may be just the right profession for that individual. Salary range for practical nurses is nowhere near comparable to that of degreed registered nurses and this should be considered as well.

However, from the advantage standpoint, a slow, deliberate start into this type of nursing can lend excellent opportunity for experience and a great feel for learning the ropes. Then, at a later time, a transition program in a facility that offers tuition reimbursement may be the answer to advancement for these students.

Academics

In the practical nursing program, the student will study many of the same courses as degreed nurses. If a student would like to advance later into higher nursing, it would be wise to plan ahead and make sure these courses will transfer to the college or university that graduate work will be done. Some of the technical colleges fail to counsel properly that their courses are non-transferable. This can cause major frustration later on. It is also a huge waste of money and time to take courses that are non-transferable.

College Algebra

College Algebra is a must. In order to calculate dosages, the nursing student should be able to know the required formula for intravenous drips and other special pharmacology needs of the patient. Nurses must also be confident in their skills to question the physician about his or her recommended dosage, if it seems to be inappropriate for a particular patient. Having excellent algebra skills will definitely make for excellent nurses.

Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology will be a basic course that will be essential for knowing new terms that are not normally used in day-to-day conversation. Full knowledge of this type of terminology is important in order to know parts of the body, procedures, different medicines, and understanding the diagnoses of diseases.

Fundamentals of Nursing

Fundamental of Nursing is a foundational course that practical nursing programs will offer, usually in the first semester. This type of training involves care plans and the patient’s treatment pathway. It is basic training on how to take vital signs, reading lab values, learn charting, and other very basic nursing functions.

These are only some of the basic courses offered in practical nursing programs. Others include: Growth and Development, Geriatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Pharmacology, Maternal/Infant Nursing, Obstetrics, Anatomy and Physiology, and Med-Surg Nursing.

Clinical Application

Once the student has gotten past some of the academic basics, it is time to put the knowledge to work. Training facilities in the network of the college or university will allow these new students to come into the nursing departments and practice hands on training with patients. They are supervised by an experienced licensed nurse and scrutinized with intense attention. There is little room for error in this profession, so some practical nursing programs set stern boundaries on attendance, number of mistakes noted, and attitude is always considered.

Applying for Licensure

In all states, there are certain prerequisites for applying for nursing licensure.

•Be of good moral character;
•Be at least eighteen years of age;
•Be a high school graduate or the equivalent;
•Meet education requirements; and
•Meet examination requirements.

All fees must be paid and deadlines should be met accordingly.