Program Description

If service to others appeals to you, then practical nursing will offer you a fulfilling career. Both men and women find employment opportunities as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

One class of twenty-five is admitted each August for a twelve-month course. The program is conducted at the McDowell Career and Technology Center with clinical affiliation at McDowell Health Care Center, Welch Community Hospital, Princeton Community Hospital, Southern Highlands Mental Health Center, Tug River Health Clinic and McDowell County Public Health Department.

This is a full time educational program. Study outside of normal class hours is required for successful program completion. Students may expect to devote at least fifteen hours weekly in outside study. Students must maintain a 80 average in each subject and perform satisfactorily in the clinical area. A student must exhibit behavior that is conducive to the highest standards of care for the welfare of patients in their care. The affiliating agency has the right to refuse student affiliations if a student’s performance is less than desirable.

The curriculum is divided into units of study which proceed from the simple to complex including theory and clinical experience. Subjects include Basic Sciences, Social Sciences, Fundamental Skills, Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Maternity Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Geriatrics, and Computer Technology

Philosophy

We believe that nursing in its broadest sense is an assisting art and science concerned with the provision of health, care, and the maintenance of optimum health.

We believe that the practical nurse has a well-defined role in the total pattern of patient care.

We believe that qualified candidates can learn in a specified period of time in a well-planned education program those beginning skills and knowledge necessary to give nursing care in
situations free of complexity and to assist the physician and the professional nurse in situations of greater complexity

We believe that a democratic atmosphere is conducive to learning and that learning experiences must be provided in a well-planned curriculum which builds from the simple to the complex.

We believe that the student must be given ample opportunity to apply theory to practice in the
clinical area, and the guidance for application is a responsibility of the faculty.

We believe that certain characteristics of sincerity, loyalty, honesty, kindness, and tolerance are necessary qualities in nursing.

We believe that counseling is helpful for the student to realize his/her potential and that this, too, is a responsibility of the faculty.

We believe that evaluation of all aspects of the program is essential for continuous improvement and effectiveness of the program.

We believe that secondary education is necessary to develop transferrable skills, understandings, and attitudes that make the worker an intelligent and productive participant in economic life.

We believe in the fundamental aim of vocational education in that “we can prepare individuals for employment by providing the quality training and experiences necessary to develop skills,
abilities, understandings, work habits, attitudes, and appreciations needed for the workers who are to enter into employment.”

We believe that health occupations education, i.e., Practical Nursing, is an integral and essential part of preparation for employment in the field of work health occupations.

The faculty accepts the responsibility of providing educational theory and nursing situations.
The student must accept the responsibility of utilizing these opportunities to develop his/her potential. Throughout the one year program, the practical nursing student will be made aware of the need for continuing education and can be challenged to take on this responsibility after graduation.

Admission Policy

A. Requirements
1. Applicant must be a high school graduate or have a GED.
2. Must complete the application form.
3. Must take the TEAS Pre-Entrance Exam for Practical Nursing and score 40% on the exam.. Test scores are valid for 1 year. $70.00 fee for exam
4. Those applicants meeting the entrance requirements will be notified by letter.
5. MCCTC does not offer Vocational English-As- A-Second Language Program.

B. Provisional admission
1. Pay holding fee $250.00
2. Must attend orientation, math review & CPR class
3. Must complete the physical exam, dental exam and submitted all immunizations records, etc..
4. Be fitted for uniforms.
5. Must complete background check, drug screening.

Cost Of Program

Total cost of the program will be discussed with the prospective student during the interview. A cost list will be included in packet at orientation.

Refund Policy

Refund policy is outlined in the handbook.

Terminal Objectives

UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM, THE GRADUATE:

I. Will meet the principles of the nursing process by meeting specific patient needs such as safety, psychosocial, hygiene, and nutrition.

II. Will utilize knowledge, skills, and abilities for providing competent and safe care

III. Will utilize effective communication with the patient and family members as well as with documentation

IV. Will utilize the knowledge of legal and ethical practices of the profession

V. Will be accountable for own actions in nursing

State Board Exam

After completing the program, the graduate will be eligible to make application to the NCLEX-PN for Practical Nursing to take the licensing exam. Upon successful completion of this exam, the graduate will receive from the State Board of Examiners a license to practice nursing and the right to use the initials L.P.N. The license is transferable to many other states through the process of endorsement.

The West Virginia LPN Board may refuse to admit an applicant to the licensure examination who has been convicted of a felony