Idaho State University Undergraduate Catalog 2003-2004 

Practical Nursing

3½ Semester Program

Instructors: Brown, DenHartog, Schmett

One certificate is available. Graduates of this program who are Licensed Practical Nurses are eligible to apply to the Associate of Science Degree in Registered Nursing. Also see Business Technology for the Associate of Applied Science degree. A part-time Outreach Program is also available.

This program will provide students with the skills and knowledge to sit for the National Council Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX – PN). Graduates will provide care that requires technical knowledge of the nursing profession. In hospitals, they will:

1. Provide much of the bedside care.
2. Provide intravenous therapy, draw blood, record vital signs, change dressings, administer most prescribed medications, and help patients with bathing and other personal hygiene.
3. Assist physicians and registered nurses in examining patients and in carrying out nursing procedures.
4.  Assist in the delivery, care, and feeding of infants.
Some graduates may work in specialized units such as intensive care, recovery rooms, or burn units. There, they will perform special nursing procedures and operate sophisticated equipment to provide care for seriously ill or injured patients.
For a Program Information Packet, use this link, where there are descriptions of each program in general, course descriptions, lists of course sequences, and the cost of books, tools, uniforms, fees, and other expenses.
 

The Practical Nursing Program provides classroom, laboratory, and student nurse practicum instruction which prepare graduates for entry into the nursing profession.

Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam.  Successful completion of the exam results in licensure as a Practical Nurse.


Certificate in Practical Nursing

Prerequisite: Each student entering this program must be a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Pre-Acceptance Required Course:
(Course must be completed prior to acceptance into the program.)
HO 106          Medical Terminology                   2 cr
        OR
HCA 210         Medical Terminology
                and Communications                    2 cr

Required Courses:

HO 105          Introduction to Allied Health
                Careers                               2 cr
OT 170          Introduction to Computers             3 cr
PNUR 110        Basic Foundations of Nursing          3 cr
PNUR 110L       Basic Foundations of Nursing Lab      1 cr
PNUR 111        Structure and Function of
                  the Human Body                      4 cr
PNUR 114        Clinical Foundations of Nursing I     3 cr
PNUR 115        Professional Development Seminar      1 cr
PNUR 116        Mental Health Nursing                 2 cr
PNUR 120        Medical and Surgical Nursing Theory I 3 cr
PNUR 120L       Medical and Surgical Nursing I Lab    1 cr
PNUR 121        Clinical Foundations of Nursing II    3 cr
PNUR 122        Nursing of Children                   3 cr
PNUR 123        Drug Therapy for the Practical Nurse  3 cr
PNUR 124        Nutrition and Diet Therapy
                  for the Practical Nurse             2 cr
PNUR 130        Medical and Surgical Nursing II       3 cr
PNUR 131        Clinical Foundations of Nursing III   3 cr
PNUR 133        Intravenous Therapy for the
                Practical Nurse                       1 cr
PNUR 133L       Intravenous Therapy for the
                   Practical Nurse Lab                1 cr

PNUR 135        Introduction to Community Nursing     1 cr
PNUR 136        Maternal and Newborn Nursing          3 cr
PNUR 137        Clinical Foundations of Nursing IV    1 cr
PNUR 140        Management for the Practical Nurse    2 cr
                                             TOTAL:  52 cr

  Every student is required to earn a grade of "C-" or better in every class to be eligible for a certificate.

Certificate in Practical Nursing (Outreach Program)
8 Semester (Part-Time) Program
Instructor: Keetch

One certificate is available.  Also, graduates who are licensed Practical Nurses are eligible to apply to the Associate of Science Degree in Registered Nursing degree program.  A Business Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree is also available.

The Outreach Practical Nursing Program provides classroom, laboratory, and student nurse practicum instruction which prepare graduates for entry into the nursing profession.

Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam.  Successful completion of the exam results in licensure as a Practical Nurse.

Prerequisite:   Each student entering this program must be a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Pre-Acceptance Required Course:

(Course must be completed prior to acceptance into the program)
  HO 106     Medical Terminology                       2 cr
              OR
  HCA 210    Medical Terminology and Communication     2 cr

Required Courses:
  HO 105     Introduction to Allied Health Careers     2 cr
  OT 170     Introduction to Computers                 3 cr
  PNUR 110   Basic Foundations of Nursing              3 cr
  PNUR 110L  Basic Foundations of Nursing Lab          1 cr
  PNUR 111   Structure and Function of the Human Body  4 cr
  PNUR 113   Medication Administration for the
               Practical Nurse                         1 cr
  PNUR 115   Professional Development Seminar          1 cr
  PNUR 116   Mental Health Nursing                     2 cr
  PNUR 117   Geriatric Nursing                         2 cr
  PNUR 118   Clinical Foundations of Nursing I         2 cr
  PNUR 120   Medical/Surgical Nursing I                3 cr
  PNUR 120L  Medical/Surgical Nursing I Lab            1 cr
  PNUR 123   Nursing Care of Children                  3 cr
  PNUR 123   Drug Therapy for the Practical Nurse      3 cr
  PNUR 124   Nutrition and Diet Therapy for the
               Practical Nurse                         2 cr
  PNUR 128   Clinical Foundations of Nursing II        2 cr
  PNUR 130   Medical/Surgical Nursing II               3 cr
  PNUR 133   Intravenous Therapy for the Practical
               Nurse                                   1 cr
  PNUR 133L  Intravenous Therapy for the Practical
               Nurse Lab                               1 cr
  PNUR 135   Introduction to Community Nursing         1 cr
  PNUR 136   Maternal/Newborn Nursing                  3 cr
  PNUR 137   Management for the Practical Nurse        2 cr
  PNUR 138   Clinical Foundations of Nursing III       2 cr
  PNUR 148   Clinical Foundations of Nursing IV        2 cr
  PNUR 158   Clinical Foundations of Nursing V         2 cr
                                              TOTAL:  52 cr
Every student is required to earn a grade of "C-" or better in every class to be eligible for a certificate.

Courses

ACAD 102 First Year Seminar 1 credit. Provides an extended orientation to the university for new students. Utilizes presenters from various campus support systems, collaborative learning activities, and written assignments which involve students in resources and activities on campus. F, S

HO 106 Medical Terminology 2 credits. Body systems approach to theory and application of medical terms including anatomical, pathological, surgical and diagnostics as well as appropriate abbreviations. Coursework must be completed prior to admission. Course is required for graduation.

PNUR 110 Basic Foundations of Nursing 3 credits. A study of the principles of disease transmission; therapeutic communication; patient teaching, medication administration, the nursing process and basic clinical skills which provide the foundation for nursing practice. F

PNUR 110L Basic Foundations of Nursing Lab 1 credit.  Practical application of the nursing process and basic clinical skills which provide the foundation for nursing practice.  COREQ: PNUR 110.  F

PNUR 111 Structure and Function of the Human Body 4 credits. A study of the normal structure and function of body cells, tissues, organs and systems. F

PNUR 113 Medication Administration for Practical Nursing 1 credit. The basics of safe medication administration, including math calculations and proper procedures, are taught. The medication examination included in this class must be successfully passed before the student Practical Nurse is allowed to enter actual clinical settings. COREQ: PNUR 110. F

PNUR 114 Clinical Foundations of Nursing I 3 credits. Through hands on clinical experience in a variety of settings the student nurse will be exposed to the skills basic to nursing practice. S

PNUR 115 Professional Development Seminar 1 credit. Professional development for students entering the Practical Nursing program will be presented. Seminar topics will include issues in Practical Nursing, study strategies, professional organizations, and other topics of interest to increase professionalism. F

PNUR 116 Mental Health Nursing 2 credits. The theory of psychiatric disorders and principles of nursing the mentally ill patient are presented. F

PNUR 117 Geriatric Nursing 2 credits.  A study of normal and abnormal aging in the older adult. F

PNUR 118 Outreach Clinical Foundations I 2 credits. Through hands-on clinical experience in a variety of settings the student nurse will be exposed to skills basic to the nursing practice. S

PNUR 120 Medical and Surgical Nursing Theory I 3 credits. Introduction to various disease processes and how they affect the adult client. The theory of nursing care is provided. IV Therapy is included. COREQ: PNUR 120L. S

PNUR 120L Medical and Surgical Nursing I Lab 1 credit.  Clinical application of nursing interventions and procedures learned in Medical/Surgical Nursing I.  COREQ: PNUR 120.  S.

PNUR 121 Clinical Foundations of Nursing II 3 credits. Introduction to the basic physical and emotional needs of clients (children and adults) in a variety of health care facilities. Students can apply the nursing process in patient situations, beginning with basic nursing care and moving to more complex patient situations. This includes nursing care and application of drug therapy. S

PNUR 122 Nursing of Children 3 credits. The disorders of childhood and the principles of pediatric nursing will be presented. Normal growth and development of the child will be incorporated throughout. S

PNUR 123 Drug Therapy for the Practical Nurse 3 credits. The study of drugs and their actions as related to patient care in nursing practice. S

PNUR 124 Nutrition and Diet Therapy for the Practical Nurse 2 credits. The principles of basic nutrition and the application of diet therapy for the ill patient. F

PNUR 128 Outreach Clinical Foundations II 2 credits. Introduction to the basic physical and emotional needs of clients (children and adults) in a variety of health care facilities. Students can apply the nursing process in patient situations, beginning with the basic nursing care and moving to more complex patient situations. This includes nursing care and application of drug therapy. Su

PNUR 130 Medical and Surgical Nursing II 3 credits. The theory and principles of the nursing care of the critically ill adult client. S

PNUR 131 Clinical Foundations of Nursing III 3 credits. The theory and principles of the nursing care of the critically ill in real situations. Su

PNUR 133 Intravenous Therapy for the Practical Nurse 1 credit. Study of principles and practice of intravenous therapy for the Practical Nurse. Subjects include fluid and electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, paranteral solutions, infection control relating to IV therapy, central venous access, intravenous nutritional support, and clinical skills relating to intravenous therapy. S

PNUR 133L Intravenous Therapy Lab for the Practical Nurse 1 credit. In the clinical lab setting, practice of intravenous therapy skills for the Practical Nurse.  S

PNUR 135 Introduction to Community Nursing 1 credit. Advanced training for the Practical Nurse in the community setting is offered. Emphasis is on collaboration with other disciplines and members of the health care team. Further development of skills in sound judgment, effective communication, and assessment in the community setting is included. Documentation and legal/ethical considerations of community nursing are presented. F

PNUR 136 Maternal and Newborn Nursing 3 credits. The theory and principles of the nursing care of the pregnant client and the newborn. Su 

PNUR 137 Clinical Foundations of Nursing IV 1 credit. Through hands-on clinical experience in a variety of settings, the advanced student nurse will identify, perform, and model skills basic to nursing practice.

PNUR 138 Outreach Clinical Foundations III 2 credits. Caring for patients in the actual clinical setting, applying the nursing process in a variety of healthcare settings. F

PNUR 140 Management for the Practical Nurse 2 credits. Provides a beginning knowledge of first-level management skills for the role of Charge Nurse in long-term care facilities.  This course meets the criteria set forth by the Board of Nursing for the LPN Charge Nurse course. F

PNUR 148 Outreach Clinical Foundations IV 2 credits. The theory, principles, and practice of nursing care of the critically ill in real situations. S

PNUR 158 Outreach Clinical Foundations V 2 credits. The theory and principles of the nursing care in community setting and in clinical situations. Su

PNUR 198 Special Topics 1-8 credits. This course is designed to address the specific needs of individuals. It will enable the students to upgrade their technical skills through part-time enrollment in units of instruction that are currently available through the program's full-time pre-employment curriculum. PREREQ: Permission of instructor.



IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
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Revised: July 2003