UCT Practical Nurse Program
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PN 101: FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING
Theory Component:
This course presents a foundation for patient care predicated on theory and the development of basic skills. The student is expected to acquire knowledge of basic scientific and communication principles, which can be applied to multiple clinical situations. The student views the patient as a complete person with physical, emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs. The student is taught to use the nursing process to give safe basic nursing care. The role of the practical nurse and the graduate of a practical nursing program are emphasized.

Clinical Component:
Students have an opportunity to practice nursing skills in a lab experience, which resembles the clinical setting. This opportunity allows them a certain level of skill before going into the clinical setting or a chance to practice skills after the initial clinical experience. Students are given extra assistance in the lab with the skills if necessary.

PN 102: VOCATIONAL TRENDS
This course is designed to assist the learner to increase his/her knowledge of the role of the Practical Nurse. The course content contains information regarding the history of nursing, trends in education, cultural competency, environments of care, and safe nursing practice. Emphasis is placed on the role of the Practical Nurse in today’s healthcare enviorment. Methods of health care delivery, licensure and employment, communication, and nursing process are the basis for the learner to build a foundation for his/her role as a Practical Nurse.

PN 103: ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
This course gives the student the basic understanding of the human body emphasizing its structure and function.  This course provides a background for application of physiologic principles in nursing care, terminology used by nursing personnel in designating parts of the body, appreciation of the complexity and interactions of the systems of the body, application of the principles of body structure and function to all nursing courses, and an appreciation of hygiene needed in maintaining the body at optimum functioning.

PN 104: NUTRITION
This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic principles of nutrition. The content covers carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, water, and minerals. Emphasis is on interpretation of food labels in relationship to proper food choices. The student is introduced to nutritional deficiencies and appropriate food sources to correct these deficiencies.  Issues of food safety are explored.

In the clinical area the student applies the principles of nutrition to the nursing diagnoses of Altered nutrition; Impaired skin integrity as it relates to wound healing and decubitus prevention; and Isolation as it relates to mealtimes. The role of the nurse in meeting nutritional needs of clients is addressed.

PN 109:  INTRODUCTION TO PHARMACOLOGY
This course is designed to assist the learner to increase his/her knowledge about safety in medication administration. The course content contains information on basic principles of pharmacology, different classes of medication, drug action, adverse reactions and interactions, calculations, and reading drug labels. 

In the clinical area the student applies the principles of pharmacology to safely administer medications.  

PN 106: MEDICAL SURGICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
Theory Component:
Concepts of basic human needs and nursing treatment using nursing process is the core of this course. Principles of safe, knowledgeable care for adults are presented.  The course addresses preventative health, illness, restorative care, and patient teaching.  Units and content are organized according to appropriate nursing diagnoses.  Therapeutic communication and nursing role are addressed throughout the content.  Pharmacology is integrated into each unit as it applies to the illnesses. 

Clinical Component:
Students have the opportunity to practice and increase their skills in the acute care and/or rehabilitation settings, as well as out-patient/community settings.  Here, the student correlates his/her skills integrating the theoretical and the clinical. The student is given clinical assignments, which are commensurate with his/her level of skill and knowledge.  Students are evaluated according to specific behaviors outlined in the clinical evaluation tool.

PN 108:  LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
Theory Component:
Theory will also include role of the LPN as a manager and leader.  Delegation of nursing activities to unlicensed personnel and safe management of care for small groups of patients are emphasized. Different management styles will be discussed as well as the underlying dynamics. The leadership and management style will be situational leadership because of its ability to assess each individual and their strength and need.  A didactic and experiential capstone project will take place to demonstrate the use of group dynamics and communication so as to understand leadership and management.

Clinical Component:
In the clinical area students will have an experience that allows them to function as team members and team leaders. Students will work collaboratively with leaders and managers within the extended care and/or rehabilitation facility and apply the concepts learned in class to the roles observed in leaders and managers.  Students are expected to focus on the multiple roles nurses play in the management of multiple assignments, administration of medications, delegation of responsibilities, resolving conflicts, and the responsibilities involved in managing a clinical unit.  

PN 107: MATERNITY, PEDIATRIC, and COMMUNITY NURSING
Theory Component:
This course provides students with the theoretical foundation to apply the nursing process and provide care to the expectant mother, normal newborn, and pediatric client.  It includes didactic information regarding stages of pregnancy, parturition, and the puerperium, as well as, the role of the practical nurse in caring for children with a focus on family-centered care including communication, safety, prevention, and utilization of community resources.  

Clinical Component:
Student will also have the opportunity to participate in community experiences across the care continuum. Experiences have occurred in Assisted Living residences, Wound Care Centers, Physician offices, Correctional Facilities, and psychiatric treatment facilities.  

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Photo used under Creative Commons from Peter Gene