Practical Nurse

Associate of Applied Science
PRACTICAL NURSE
CIP:  51.3901EPC:  326 

Mission
To prepare qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds for practical nursing licensure by meeting all program learning objectives.

Vision Statement
Nursing is both an art and a science. Nursing is composed of skills requiring a high level of competency and knowledge achieved by observation, study and research. The educational process for Nursing is available to qualified adult learners, regardless of race, color, gender or religious preference.

Values
The Bates Practical Nursing Program is committed to high quality, current nursing education in a rich, supportive learning environment.

Students prepare for careers as licensed practical nurses in a variety of healthcare settings. Clinical activities are an integral part of this program which is approved by the Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.  During the clinical phase, students demonstrate nursing competencies under supervision at clinical sites and improve skills by working with a healthcare professional in a preceptorship role.  Graduates are required to pass the Washington State Practical Nursing licensing exam to practice as licensed practical nurses in Washington State. Prior to licensing exam, applicant will need to provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent. 

Prerequisites:  Applicants must 

1. Pass a clear National Criminal background check covering WA state. 
2. Obtain medical and dental clearance. 
3. Pass a drug screen. 
4. Provide documentary evidence of current immunizations, medical insurance (illness and injury), and Health Care Provider CPR. 
5. Possess current liability insurance coverage in the amount of $1 million. 
6. AIDS/HIV Training – seven hours.

Statistics

1. Graduation rate of 89% over the last two years
2. NCLEX first time pass rates of 83.5%

Bates Technical College End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes (EPSLO)

Upon completion of the Practical Nursing Program, the graduate will be prepared to take the licensing examination, and as a beginning practitioner will be able to:

1. Assist in implementing the nursing process to provide care that is safe, compassionate, culturally and developmentally appropriate.
   1. Assessment – make observations, gather data and assist in identification of needs and problems relevant to the client.
   2. Analyzing – assist and collaborate in developing a list of actual and potential nursing diagnoses and selecting the goals for care.
   3. Planning – contribute to the development of nursing interventions to meet the needs of clients and families.
   4. Implementation – carry out planned interventions to client care.
   5. Evaluation – appraise the effectiveness of care.
2. Make judgements that integrate nursing science in the provision of safe, quality care
3. Use communication skills effectively in order to function as a member of the Nursing team and apply beginning skills in verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
4. Demonstrate, in a work environment, responsibility for own actions by using critical thinking and decision making to plan and organize client care.
   1. Participate in self-assessment, including self-evaluation of personal health habits.
   2. Seek learning opportunities that will foster growth.
   3. Apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and responsibilities pertinent to self, client, and others.
   4. Practice conservation of available resources.
   5. Follow employer rules and regulations.
5. Assist in the health teaching of clients recognizing individual differences.
   1. Health teaching – assist in the development of teaching plans for individual clients and families.
   2. Implement teaching of basic health information according to the individualized teaching plan.
   3. Communicate client’s request for information to appropriate team member.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of own role in the health care delivery system.
   1. Function as a practical nurse within the health care delivery systems.
   2. Recognize functions of health care delivery system.
   3. Act as client advocate in health maintenance and clinical care.
7. Recognize the need for change health care and demonstrate willingness to participate in effecting change.
   1. Recognize need to adjust functions to comply with the accepted Practical Nurse role and assist in assessing effectiveness of current nursing practices.
   2. Discuss the value of belonging to professional organizations.
8. Use information systems and patient care technologies in support of safe nursing practices.

Bates instructors are industry experts who enjoy working with and teaching students.