Practical Nursing

Program Description

The Practical Nursing curriculum is Craven Community College’s oldest program. It prepares individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide nursing care to children and adults and to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

The graduate of the Practical Nursing program at Craven Community College is prepared to practice as an entry-level nurse. The practice of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is directed towards meeting the healthcare needs of individuals throughout their lifespan. Their role is supported by evidence-based clinical practice with the provision of care for individuals and families in structured settings. The LPN functions in a dependent role under the supervision of the registered nurse (RN) and/or other healthcare providers approved by North Carolina law.

The Practical Nursing program at Craven Community College is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA), located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037, 202-909-2487.

This program is approved by the NC Board of Nursing (NCBON) and graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Admission Criteria – 2023 Fall Admission

Nursing is a selective admission program. See the “Admissions” and “Tuition” sections of this Catalog regarding general college admission procedures and fees. Also, in the Admissions section, see the heading titled “Limited Admission Programs: Health Programs” for information about deadlines and processes for admission. The following are a few special requirements for entry to the nursing program:

• Math high school GPA must be 2.8 or higher within 10 years of enrollment at Craven CC or complete all developmental requisites to be eligible for MAT 110 & BIO 168.
• English high school GPA must be 2.8 or higher within 10 years of enrollment at Craven CC or complete all developmental requisites to be eligible for ENG 111.
• Physical examinations, immunizations and background checks are digitally managed with an online service. After a student is accepted into the nursing program, they will be provided with directions on how to access this service and will be responsible for any costs associated.
• The physical examination must be completed within 12 months prior to enrollment utilizing the form provided by the online service.
• Immunizations are required of all nursing students in order to be in compliance with clinical sites utilized during the program. Students with current medical conditions that certain immunizations may be contraindicated, should consult with their health care provider and provide appropriate documentation for consideration by the clinical site(s).
• Prior to the student’s participation in the clinical component of the nursing programs, the clinical sites require drug testing. Students are also required to have a statewide criminal background check for the past seven years and a national sex offender database search. The clinical sites have the right to deny student access based on criminal background check results. This denial would result in the student’s inability to successfully complete the program. Inability to complete the clinical portion of a course will prevent the student from progressing within the program.
• Student must have an overall GPA of at least 2.5. GPA is not rounded.
• Student must be a graduate of an accredited/registered high school or a recognized equivalency, such as a GED diploma.
• All applicants must currently be listed on the NC registry as a CNAI.

Students who:

• Present physical or emotional problems which conflict with the safety essential to nursing practice and do not respond to treatment or counseling within a time frame that enables meeting program objectives; or
• Demonstrate behavior which conflicts with the safety essential to nursing practice; or
• Fail to demonstrate professional behavior, including honesty, integrity, and appropriate use of social media, while in the nursing program of study;

will be removed from direct patient care and will be scheduled for a conference with the faculty member and the Director of Nursing. The consequence will be determined by the severity of the lack of adherence to nursing standards as determined by the faculty and the Director of Nursing. Any of the above infractions may be grounds for dismissal from the nursing program. If dismissed, the student will receive a grade of “D” for the course in which they are enrolled, and will be ineligible for re-entry into the nursing programs.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Practice professional nursing behaviors, within the ethical-legal practice boundaries of the LPN, incorporating person responsibility and accountability for continued competence.
• Participate in providing evidence-based nursing care, from an established plan of care, based on biophysical, psychosocial and cultural needs of clients in various stages of growth and development while assisting them to attain their highest level of wellness.
• Utilize nursing judgement while participating in the nursing process to provide individualized, safe and effective nursing care in a structured setting under supervision.
• Reinforce and/or implement the teaching plan developed and delegated by the registered nurse to promote the health of individuals, incorporating teaching and learning principles.
• Utilize informatics to access, manage and communicate client information.
• Demonstrate a spirit of inquiry by participating in the evaluation of the concepts of the holistic individual and client response in the promotion of health, wellness, illness, quality of life and the achievement of potential.
• Participate in Quality Improvement (QI) by identifying hazards and errors and by suggesting, to the registered nurse, changes to improve the client care process.
• Participate in collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare team, as assigned by the registered nurse, to support positive individual and organizational outcomes in a safe and cost-effective manner.
• Demonstrate caring behaviors in implementing culturally-competent, client-centered nursing care to diverse clients across the lifespan.
• Take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities include:

• hospitals
• rehabilitation/long-term care facilities
• home health agencies
• clinics
• physicians’ offices

Additional Education Opportunities

Advanced standing (transition) students will have NUR 111, NUR 112 and NUR 114 waived if they have their LPN license and have successfully completed NUR 214 as part of the admission criteria. Upon successful completion of NUR 214, transition students are enrolled in the third semester of the Associate Degree Nursing program. Admission criteria must be met.

Contact Information

Director of Nursing
252-638-7346

Health Programs Admission & Advising Coordinator
(252) 639-2025
healthcare@cravencc.edu

Admissions Office
252-639-7430