Program

Diploma in Practical Nursing

Hocking College offers a unique two-year Career Ladder Nursing Program.

You may enter and exit the nursing program at different levels, according to your educational background and career goals. Students are admitted to the Nursing program quarterly. If you are currently a Licensed Practical Nurse, please see the Nursing: Registered Nursing program information.

Level I (PN)
The first year (quarters one, two, three, and four) results in a Diploma in Practical Nursing and prepares you for licensure and practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. You will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Hocking College Level I (PN) graduates who meet specified academic and clinical requirements may proceed into the second level of the program (to complete quarters five, six, and seven).

Level I is offered as a full-time day program as well as a part-time Evening/Weekend Nursing program. There will no longer be an evening/weekend PN program option effective with the graduation of the current PN class and the change to semesters in Fall 2012.

Nursing Honors Program
Applications can be obtained at the Nursing Admissions Office.

Eligibility

• Have a 3.4 grade point average from your last college or high school experience or 3.4 GPA at Hocking College over the last 12-15 credits including courses from the nursing curriculum.
• Pass the Asset or compass test on the first try or submit equivalent ACT scores on the first attempt.
• Write an essay on why you would be a good candidate for the honors program.
• Submit two references from teachers/professors.
• Follow the directions in submission of the application and return the paperwork to the Nursing Admissions Office.
• Interview with nursing faculty.

Selections

• Each quarter, five students will be selected based on their interview skills, essay and recommendations.
• Students will be called in for interviews based on date of honors application completion.
• It is recommended that students take two quarters of general courses prior to becoming an honors student.

Advantages

• Allows candidates to bypass the waiting list and start the LPN program early.
• Guarantees a continuous spot directly into the RN program at the end of the LPN program, as long as a 3.4 GPA is maintained each quarter and honors students meet or exceed the expectations outlined below.

Expectations

• Tutor other nursing or health students for two hours per week.
• Display leadership skills.
• Be a good role model.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain professionalism.

Accreditation
Approved by the
Ohio Board of Nursing
17 South High Street, Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43215
614.466.3947

Accredited by the
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc. (NLNAC)
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 500
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
404.975.5000
 

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Diploma in Practical Nursing:

• Participates collaboratively in the nursing process by contributing to assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of individualized, holistic plans of care;
• Uses critical thinking skills in all areas of LPN practice;
• Provides empathetic and compassionate care;
• Practices basic principles of effective and therapeutic communication with clients, significant others, and health team members;
• Provides basic information to meet the learning needs of clients;
• Uses nursing knowledge, skills, and current technology to provide and promote safe nursing practice;
• Provides basic nursing care based on developmental, biological, psychological, socio-cultural, and spiritual differences in clients;
• Safely performs basic clinical skills;
• Safely administers and contributes to the evaluation of the effectiveness of medications and treatments;
• Practices within the profession’s ethical and legal framework and is accountable for own nursing practice and care delegate;
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth, self-development, and lifelong learning; and,
• Demonstrates understanding of the levels of authority and responsibility and uses basic leadership skills to delegate nursing care tasks.

Curriculum

• 2011 Transition
• 2012 Curriculum

Career Opportunities

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are usually employed in medical-surgical units in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies and clinics. Nursing graduates may be requested to work evening, night and weekend shifts.

Occupational Profile

Hocking College Career Services