The Practical Nursing (P.N.) program prepares the individual to assist in providing general nursing care requiring basic knowledge of the biological, physical, behavioral, psychological, and sociological sciences; and of nursing procedures. This care is performed under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or dentist.
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Admission Policy
Practical Nursing (PN) – Students desiring to enter the PN program will be selected based on the following criteria:
1. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
3. Applicants must have an enhanced ACT composite score of 16 or greater and must send proof of ACT score to Northwest's Registrar's Office.
4. Applicants must have a Northwest application on file with the Registrar’s Office.
5. Once a prospective student has a P.N. application on file with the P.N. Program, an opportunity to sit for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) can be scheduled by calling the Career-Technical Division for each respective campus.
*The Practical Nursing Program accepts applications from mid-January through April 30 of each year. Testing begins each February.
**The LYTC-Oxford Campus also accepts applications from July-Mid-November for students planning to being Spring semester. Testing begins for this class in August.
Application Forms
Please contact the Practical Nursing Department at the location of interest. These forms are used IN ADDITION to the normal Application for Admission.
Program Withdrawal
If a student finds it necessary to withdraw from the program for any reason, the official steps as outlined in the NWCC Bulletin must be followed. A Student who properly and officially withdraws will receive a grade of “W” (official withdrawal) in all classes. Withdrawal must be made prior to exam week. An unofficial withdrawal is attributed to a student who leaves the program without going through the published withdrawal procedures. This unofficial withdrawal will result in the student receiving “F” grades in all classes.
Readmission Policy
Any student who is dismissed from the Practical Nursing program (regardless of how far along they are in the program) will not be given any credit for work that has been completed before the dismissal. Upon re-admittance, the student will start over completely as if they are beginning the program for the first time. A grade of 80% or above is required in all courses in order to progress. The student who does not achieve these criteria will be allowed one chance to reenter the Practical Nursing Program.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Northwest Mississippi Community College does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or status as a veteran or disabled veteran in employment, programs, or provision of services. Compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act is coordinated by the Disability Support Services Coordinator. This policy is also in compliance with Title II of the Age Discrimination Act and Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972. The Practical Nursing Program has differences which are related to selection and admission, progression, grading CPR, health requirements and criminal background checks. The program also requires an 80 final average to be successful in each course. These requirements are in place to assist with student success and to provide the student with the baseline competencies needed for the practice of practical nursing. Differences related to health requirements, CPR certification and background clearance are in place to meet the requirements of the clinical agencies.
Practical Nursing Licensure
Students who complete the program requirements, as identified by the Mississippi Department of Education, will be eligible to apply to the Mississippi Board of Nursing for licensure to practice as a licensed practical nurse. All applicants should be advised that according to the Mississippi Nursing Practice Laws and Rules and Regulations an individual’s application to write the licensing exam may be refused if the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offense under any provision of Title 97 of the Mississippi Code of 1972.
What can I expect from a career in Practical Nursing?
Practical Nurses care for patients in many ways. Often, they provide basic bedside care. Many P.N.s measure and record patients' vital signs such as height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, dress wounds, and give alcohol rubs and massages. To help keep patients comfortable, they assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, moving in bed, standing, and walking. They might also feed patients who need help eating. Experienced P.N.s may supervise nursing assistants and aides.
As part of their work, P.N.s collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, and record food and fluid intake and output. They clean and monitor medical equipment. Sometimes, they help physicians and registered nurses perform tests and procedures. Some P.N.s help to deliver, care for, and feed infants.
P.N.s also monitor their patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. P.N.s gather information from patients, including their health history and how they are currently feeling. They may use this information to complete insurance forms, pre-authorizations, and referrals, and they share information with registered nurses and doctors to help determine the best course of care for a patient. P.N.s often teach family members how to care for a relative or teach patients about good health habits.
What can I earn?
Median annual wages of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses were $39,030 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,360 and $46,710. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $53,580.
Reference: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Last Updated Wednesday, January 25 2012 @ 11:06 AM CST|8,937 Hits 