Practical Nursing - NURS/PN.CP

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Program Coordinator Brittin Quigley

Students in the Practical Nursing Certificate Program will learn basic nursing skills required to provide safe, effective care and achieve positive patient outcomes. Practical nurses are an essential part of the healthcare team and provide care under the guidance and supervision of physicians and registered nurses. Employment opportunities include hospitals, clinics, home health, medical offices, public health, long term care, and more. In just three semesters graduates can join the healthcare workforce and make a difference in the lives of others. Practical nursing students complete coursework and clinical experiences developed to prepare them to successfully complete the Practical Nurse National Licensure Exam (NLCEX-PN).

Program Learning Objectives

1. Utilize the nursing process to provide safe, holistic, evidence-based and culturally-appropriate care across the lifespan to achieve an optimum state of well-being
2. Provide direct, safe, culturally appropriate, holistic nursing care in various health care settings using principles from the biological, cultural, social, and physical sciences and incorporating the total multidisciplinary team
3. Relate knowledge of the language and behavioral sciences to nursing care in order to assure meaningful, therapeutic relationships
4. Demonstrate responsibility for the supervision of other healthcare personnel
5. Provide information and educate clients regarding acute or chronic condition, maintaining wellness, and/or managing illness throughout the life span
6. Display professional behaviors and recognize responsibility for the continuation of personal and professional growth

Nature of Work: Practical nurses work in a multitude of healthcare settings not limited to hospital, long term care facilities, assisted living facilities, medical offices, and clinics supplementing the work force in the local community as well as surrounding rural and urban healthcare locations. The practical nurse collaborates with registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, physicians, and the healthcare team to care for clients with a medical conditions, both acute and chronic. Practical Nurses are governed by the Illinois Nurse Practice Act and practice within the scope set forth by the act.

Opportunities: Upon successful completion of the Practical Nursing Program, you will receive a Certificate of Proficiency and be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Successful completion of the NCLEX-PN allows students the opportunity to continue their nursing education and advance their careers by pursuing registered nurse and advanced degrees opportunities.

Admission Requirements:

• Application to the Practical Nursing Program
• Evidence of high school graduation or Illinois High School Diploma (formerly GED) 
• High school seniors must provide a list of senior high subjects planned and a current high school transcript showing all previous courses taken
• Official transcript(s) from any previously attended colleges, universities, or schools of nursing
• GPA of 2.5 (high school and/or college) or a GPA of 2.5 (high school and/or college) plus proof of being a current, registered certified nurse assistant
• A Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) entrance score of 13 or higher
• Proof of in-district residency
• Completion of nursing admission test at least one semester prior to entry into the program
• Proof of immunizations including flu and COVID-19
• Proof of health insurance
• Completion of a CPR course for Healthcare Providers
• All students accepted will be required to satisfactorily complete a drug screen and federal background check and required program orientation

Nursing: Practical Nursing - NURS/PN.CP

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Certificate of Proficiency