Gainful Employment Information
Practical Nursing with Fast Track Option
Overview
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are an integral part of the health care team and are employed in a variety of different work
settings such as hospitals, clinics, homes, extended care facilities, and nursing homes. LPNs work under the direct supervision
of registered nurses and/or physician. They perform many duties such as assisting patients with activities of daily living, taking
vital signs, observing patients, dressing wounds, and administering medication. Individuals interested in becoming a licensed
practical nurse should have a sincere interest in caring for people, display professional behaviors and possess sound judgment
as it will be their responsibility to provide basic bedside care for patients who may be experiencing substantial alterations in health.
The Fast Track Practical Nursing Program is a terminal practical nurse program for college credit. The design of the curriculum
permits an economical and efficient method of education to prepare the graduate to sit for the practical nurse licensing exam.
GateWay Community College (GWCC) awards the certificate of completion for the Nurse Assisting and Practical Nursing Programs in
addition to the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. The Fast Track Practical Nursing Program is a separate program
in relationship to the Maricopa Nursing Program. Applicants may enter the Fast Track Practical Nursing Program after completing
the required prerequisites.
The Fast Track Practical Nursing Program provides students with the theory and skills required to practice as a practical nurse
in acute care, extended care, and intermediate care settings. The program of study combines nursing theory with planned patient
care learning experiences in hospitals, nursing homes and health care agencies. Various teaching strategies are used throughout
the program of study. Lecture, role play, online case studies, and simulation are a few of the teaching methods students will be
engaged in during the program. It is important to note that technology is used extensively during the program. It is strongly
recommended that students have access to a personal computer; however, computers for student use on campus are available through
the college computer commons.
Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become a
licensed practical nurse (LPN). Licensing requirements are the exclusive responsibility of the Arizona State Board of Nursing
according to Title 32, Chapter 15 of the Arizona Revised Statues.
Following are the Fast Track Practical Nursing Program competencies:
- Function effectively in the role of the beginning Practical Nurse under the direction of a Registered Nurse
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and evidence based practice through utilization of the nursing process as a guideline in providing nursing care
- Assist with data collection and contribute to the established plan of care
- Implement an established plan of care using appropriate practical nursing knowledge
- Assist with the evaluation of nursing care based on established outcome criteria
- Apply therapeutic communication techniques in providing basic nursing care for clients throughout the lifespan
- Perform technical aspects of basic, safe nursing care
- Demonstrate identified caring behaviors
- Function in accordance with the ethical and legal standards of practical nursing practice
- Illustrate use of relevant technology for client care and
documentation
Program Certificate Options
Employment Outlook
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