The Practical Nursing Program has four levels. All courses in each level stress the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation.
Level I
Fundamentals of Nursing: Includes the theory of the nursing process and its application to patient care. Focus is on basic nursing skills, elements of microbiology and nutrition.
Anatomy and Physiology: Includes the study of the structure and function of the body. Identifies abnormal body function, physiologic changes in aging and applicable medication.
Pharmacology: Includes study of the calculation and administration of medications. Discusses drug classifications and drug actions.
Foundations in Nursing Education: Explores personality development, relationships, and the role of the practical nurse in society and as a member of the health care team.
Level II
Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing: Includes classification of diseases; diagnostics and treatment methods. Discusses nursing care of the surgical and oncology patient.
Medical-Surgical Nursing I: Includes scientific principles in caring for the medical and/or surgical patients with moderately complex health problems with introduction to EKG.
Level III
Maternal and Child Health Nursing: Discusses the normal and abnormal aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and the six-week post-delivery period. Includes a study of growth, development and childhood related illnesses.
Medical Surgical Nursing II: Includes scientific principles in caring for medical and/or surgical patients with moderately complex health problems.
Level IV
Medical-Surgical Nursing III: Includes scientific principals of nursing for neurological, psychiatric, geriatric and the mentally challenged patient.
Issues in Nursing Practice: Includes a leadership component, employment preparation, ethics, legal issues, NCLEX and licensing preparation.
I.V. Therapy: Includes the scientific principles of I.V. therapy. Includes central lines, phlebotomy, theory and lab practice.
Clinical experience is concurrent and sequential with classroom instruction through the cooperation of the Chester County Hospital, Brandywine Hospital, Pocopson Home, Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tel Hai Retirement Community and community care experiences.
