PRACTICAL NURSE (PN) DIPLOMA PROGRAM
PRACTICAL NURSE (PN) DIPLOMA PROGRAM
The program lays a foundation in nursing, preparing students for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings. The 14-month PN at GCF, available full-time on-campus, equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX examination, enabling them to provide fundamental medical care, monitor patients’ health, and collaborate with healthcare professionals in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing facilities, and private residences.
This program presents diverse opportunities within the healthcare sector, allowing GCF graduates to make a significant impact on patient care. Practical nurses (PNs) care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Most PNs provide basic bedside care, taking vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration count. They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, apply dressings, treat bedsores, and give alcohol rubs and massages.
PNs monitor their patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. To help keep patients comfortable, PNs assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene.
What PNs Do
Some PNs help to deliver, care for, and feed newborns. Experienced PNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides. In addition to providing routine bedside care, PNs in nursing care facilities help to evaluate residents’ needs, develop care plans, and supervise the care provided by nursing aides. In doctors’ offices and clinics, practical nurses may make appointments, keep records, and perform other clerical duties. PNs who work in private homes may prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks. Most practical nurses in hospitals and nursing care facilities work a 40-hour week, and because patients need round-the-clock care, some work nights, weekends, or holidays. Practical nurses often stand for long periods and help patients move in bed, stand, or walk.
PRACTICAL NURSE DIPLOMA CURRICULUM
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PRACTICAL NURSE DIPLOMA CURRICULUM |
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Course Number | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credit Hours |
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PN 101 | VOCATIONAL ADJUSTMENT | 24 | 0 |
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PN 102 | HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT | 24 | 0 |
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PN 103 | BODY STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS | 96 | 0 |
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PN 104 | PRINCIPLES OF NUTRITION | 24 | 0 |
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PN 105 | FUNDAMENTALS OF PRACTICAL NURSING | 76 | 0 |
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PN 106 | PHARMACOLOGY | 72 | 0 |
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PN 107 | MATERNAL-NEWBORN NURSING | 32 | 0 |
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PN 108 | PEDIATRIC NURSING | 32 | 0 |
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PN 109 | MENTAL HEALTH CONCEPTS | 32 | 0 |
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PN 110 | MEDICAL-SURGICAL AND GERIATRIC NURSING PART I | 60 | 0 |
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PN 111 | MEDICAL-SURGICAL AND GERIATRIC NURSING PART II | 60 | 0 |
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| TOTAL: | 1350 |
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TEXTBOOKS/LEARNING RESOURCES: (Include Publishers and Publication Dates)
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Potter, P. A. PhD, Potter & Amp; Perry, A.G. (2020). Fundamentals of Nursing. (10th ed). Mosby ISBN: 978-0323677721 Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Nursing-Patricia-Potter-FAAN/dp/032367772X
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Clayton, B. D., Stock, Y. N., & Cooper, S. E. (2019). Basic Pharmacology for Nurses (18th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby Elsevier. ISBN: 978-0323550611 Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Pharmacology-Nurses-Michelle-Willihnganz/dp/0323550614
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Ogden, S. J., & Fluharty, L. K. (2019). Calculation of Drug Dosages: A Work Text (10th ed.). St. Louis Missouri: Elsevier Mosby. ISBN: 978-0323551281 Book Link https://www.amazon.com/Calculation-Drug-Dosages-Work-Text/dp/0323551289
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Silvestri, L. A. (2019). Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination 8th Editions. St Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier. ISBN: 9780323358415
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Saunders-Comprehensive-Review-NCLEX-RN-Examination/dp/0323358411
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Thibodeau, G. A., & Patton, K. T. (2023). The Human Body in Health & Disease (8th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Mosby. ISBN: 978-0323734141 Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Human-Body-Health-Disease-Hardcover/dp/0323734146
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Williams, Staci Nix Mcintosh, MS, RD, CD. (2021). Nutrition and Diet Therapy (16th ed). St. Louis, Missouri: Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 9780323749800 Book Link: https://www.asia.elsevierhealth.com/williams-basic-nutrition-and-diet-therapy-9780323749800.html
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Leifer, G. (2015) Growth and Development Across the Lifespan: A Health Promotion focus (3rd ed.) Saunders ISBN: 978-0323809405 Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Growth-Development-Across-Lifespan-Promotion/dp/0323809405?language=en_US
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Success in Practical/Vocational Nursing (From Student to Leader) by Patricia Knecht (10th edition) ISBN: 9780323810173 Book Link: https://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9780323810173?role=student
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Ignatavicius, D.D. & Workman, M. L. (2015). Medical -Surgical Nursing, Patient-Centered Collaborative Care (8th) ed) with Clinical Study Guide- St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier ISBN: 978-0323222310 Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Clinical-Nursing-Judgment-Study-Medical-Surgical/dp/0323222315
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Knippa, Audrey & Sommer, Sheryl: ATI Nursing Education Complete Set 9th Edition ATI Nursing PN Content Mastery Series Review Modules (Full Set of 8) TPPN10 |
Knippa, Audrey & Sommer, Sheryl: ATI Nursing Education Complete Set 9th Edition ATI Nursing PN Content Mastery Series Review Modules (Full Set of 8) TPPN4 |
Includes: |
Nutrition For Nursing 4.0 (9781933107837) |
Fundamentals For Nursing 7.0 (9781933107783) |
Maternal Newborn Nursing Edition 8.0 (9781933107806) |
RN Ready Set RN – Preparing for the NCLEX RN (9781933107905) |
Quest for Academic Success (9781933107011) |
RN Community Health Nursing Edition 5.0 (9781933107776) |
RN Mental Health Nursing Edition 8.0 (9781933107813) |
RN Adult Medical Surgical Nursing Edition 8.0 (9781933107769) |
RN Nursing Care of Children Edition 8.0 (9781933107820) |
RN Nursing Care of Children Edition 8.0 (9781933107820) |
RN Nursing Care of Children Edition 8.0 (9781933107820) |
Subscription for each student to the library Internet Resources Network (LIRN) |
Admission Requirements
The college will consider each applicant individually in relationship to the entire applicant pool, and select the best candidates for admission. The College reserves the right to limit the number of students admitted based on faculty and clinical resources. The College’s programs are taught in English.
ADMISSIONS FOR THE PRACTICAL NURSE DIPLOMA PROGRAM (PROGRAM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS)
- Applicants must meet the following requirements before being accepted:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of $150.00.
- Provide a copy of your Driver’s License, Passport, or state-issued ID Card and a Social Security Card.
- Proof of high school completion, GED (11.0+ grade), or TABE test pass.
- Foreign credentials require NACES or AICE evaluation (Foreign Physicians exempt)
- Pass the Entrance Exam with a score of 70% or higher.
- Have a personal interview with the Nursing Program Director or Designee.
- ENTRANCE EXAM RETAKE POLICY If an applicant does not pass, they may retake the exam after 2 weeks, and if needed, a third attempt is allowed after 30 days.
- Submit a signed enrollment agreement.
- Applicants must have the following documents before the first day of class:
- Level II Background Check
- 12 Panel Drug Screening Test Results No physical or mental restrictions that impede clinical tasks and skills.
- GCF-approved uniform and student ID.
- Applicants must have the following documents before clinical rotation:
- Medical report attesting to good health.
- Provide proof of negative PPD within the past 6 months or chest X-ray within 1 year.
Proof of immunizations: Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis B series, Varicella and Influenza titers during flu season.
ACADEMIC CALENDER
SPRING 2024
April 15–26 | Registration period for new and returning students |
April 22–25 | Spring break |
April 26 | Final day to register without incurring a $50 late fee |
April 26 | Semester tuition and fees due date |
April 29 | Semester start date |
April 26 | New student orientation |
May 12 | Final drop date |
May 27 (Memorial Day) | Observed holidays (College closed) |
July 4 (Independence Day) | Observed holidays (College closed) |
August 12 -16 | Final week of the semester |
August 15 | Date for grade submission |
August 16 | Semester end date |
SUMMER 2024
August 12–23 | Registration period for new and returning students |
August 19– 23 | Summer Break |
August 23 | Final day to register without incurring a $50 late fee |
August 23 | Semester tuition and fees due date |
August 23 | New student orientation |
August 26 | Semester start date |
September 9 | Final drop date |
October 14– 18 | Final week of the semester |
October 17 | Date for grade submission |
October 18 | Semester end date |
FALL 2024
October 14–25 | Registration period for new and returning students |
October 21–25 | Fall Break |
October 25 | Final day to register without incurring a $50 late fee |
October 25 | Semester tuition and fees due date |
October 25 | New student orientation |
October 28 | Semester start date |
November 8 | Final drop date |
November 11 (Veteran’s Day) | Observed holiday (College closed) |
November 28–29 (Thanksgiving) | Observed holidays (College closed) |
December 16– 20 | Final week of the semester |
December 19 | Date for grade submission |
December 20 | Semester end date |
