Practical Nursing Program of Study at Iowa Lakes Community College

The Iowa Lakes Community College Practical Nursing (PN) program prepares graduates as entry-level practical nurses. Graduates are eligible to take the PN-NCLEX licensure exam upon completion of the program.

As a Licensed Practical Nurse, you will provide care under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician in hospitals, long-term care facilities, doctor’s office, and home health care agencies. New graduate nurses will have the skills necessary to succeed and grow within the profession of nursing. However, nursing education only begins at Iowa Lakes Community College. Nursing is a lifelong process of developing knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that are needed for a challenging and rewarding profession.

The Practical Nursing Program is offered as a full-time daytime program at the Emmetsburg Campus. Iowa Lakes Community College values the challenges of the non-traditional, working student and strives to provide an accommodating learning environment. Therefore, you have the option of attending part-time in the evening/weekend program.

The nursing program is approved by the Iowa Lakes Board of Trustees, the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Picture of Nursing student taking blood pressure

Practical Nursing Admission Requirements:


1.	Complete the Iowa Lakes Application for Admission
2.	Submit official high school transcript(s)/GED scores demonstrating a minimum GPA of 2.5 or GED mean score of 550, and transcripts from any prior college(s)
3.	Submit results of HESI A2 exam. Minimum composite score of 70 is required.
4.	Attend an academic advising session.

Program Schedule
(STARTING FALL 2010! New Nursing Curriculum – please see 2010 Nursing Curriculum above for more information)

Click on the course numbers to view the catalog course descriptions. Use your browser's back button to return. Courses listed in parentheses are suggested courses to meet that requirement.

The following are considered prerequisites & must be taken BEFORE enrolling in any Nursing (PNN or ADN courses).
CHM-151	College Chemistry OR	4
	2 semesters of High School Chemistry (C or better)
HSC-172	Nurse Aide OR Complete a non-credit Nurse Aide Course (HEAL-115) through Continuing Education NEW FOR THOSE ENTERING PROGRAM IN FALL 2009	3
MAT-110	Math for Liberal Arts OR NEW FOR THOSE ENTERING PROGRAM IN FALL 2009	3
	1 year of High School Algebra (C or better)


Freshman (First) Semester
PNN-101	Mathematics for Health Professionals	1
PNN-722	Fundamentals of Nursing Clinical	2
HSC-186	Human Growth & Development OR	3
PSY-121	Developmental Psychology
HSC-163	Nutrition OR	3
BIO-151	Nutrition
PNN-141	Fundamentals of Nursing Skills Lab	4
BIO-168	Human Anatomy & Physiology I	4
SDV-090	College 101	0
	Total Credits - First Semester Freshman	17

Freshman (Second) Semester
PNN-421	Maternal & Newborn Nursing	2
PNN-631	Adult and Child Health Nursing	9
PNN-632	Nursing Care Lifespan - Clinical	3
BIO-173	Human Anatomy & Physiology II	4
	Total Credits - Second Semester Freshman	18

Freshman (Third) Semester
ENG-105	Composition I	3
Complete 1 of the 2 options listed below:
Option 1 : For those completing Practical Nursing diploma program
PNN-345	Dimensions of Practical Nursing AND	2
PNN-723	Dimensions of Practical Nursing Preceptorship	2
Option 2: For those accepted to the A.D.N. program
PSY-111	Intro to Psychology	3
SOC-110	Intro to Sociology	3
BIO-186	Microbiology	4
	Total Credits - Third Semester Freshman	7-13

Other recommended courses
HSC-114	Medical Terminology	3
CSC-110	Introduction to Computers OR	3
CSC-101	Computer Familiarization	1
SDV-103	Successful Learning	1

Core Requirement

Concentration Area Requirement

General Education Requirement

Elective

Unique Characteristics of Program:

1.	Arts and Science courses may be taken prior to beginning nursing program core courses. Each semester of nursing track/core courses must be taken in sequence. These courses must be completed with at least a "C" or “P” in classroom/clinical courses to advance to the next semester of core nursing courses.
2.	If a student fails to successfully complete a classroom or clinical/preceptorship course, the failed course and corresponding classroom and clinical/preceptorship course must be repeated.

Practical Nursing Outcomes:

The graduate of the practical nursing program is prepared to carry out three interrelated roles in nursing: provider of care, manager of care, and member within the discipline of nursing.

Provider of Care

1.	Provides holistic care for individuals with non-complex needs in structured health care settings under supervision of a licensed health care member.
2.	Utilizes basic critical thinking skills and evidence based practice in application of the nursing process to an established plan of care.
3.	Demonstrates effective communication skills.
4.	Displays caring behavior by recognizing and respecting all people and their individual differences.
5.	Implements established teaching plans.

Coordinator of Care

1.	Promotes and maintains a safe, cost-effective practice and environment for clients, self, and health team members.
2.	Collaborates interdependently with health care team to facilitate effective client care and promote a positive organizational environment.
3.	Displays accountable and responsible professional behavior.
4.	Actively participates as a client advocate.

Member of the Discipline of Nursing

1.	Applies knowledge and skills within the scope of practical nursing practice.
2.	Uses legible, well-organized, and comprehensible written communication skills.
3.	Demonstrates academic achievement of the practical nursing curriculum.
4.	Participates in professional activities and organizations to facilitate life-long learning.