Diploma - Practical Nurse

Offered at Overland Park, Kansas.  Continuing/one-year approval from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 has been granted by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. 

Nursing is both an art and a science with varying levels of practitioners.  The art of nursing centers upon the meaning of relationships between the patient and nurse. In practicing the art of nursing, the nurse gives attention to aesthetic and caring approaches.  Nursing as a science is based upon a unique body of knowledge derived from a general education in the areas of physical, biological and behavioral sciences.

Within nursing, there are levels of practice within varying settings which require different educational preparation.  The practical nurse graduate provides direct patient care by assisting with data collection, contributing to a plan of care, performing basic therapeutic and preventive nursing measures, and assisting in evaluating the outcomes of nursing interventions of patients with commonly occurring health problems.  The associate of science degree graduate provides direct care for more complex patient problems which require judgment and collaborative decision-making. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Exhibit behaviors and characteristics congruent with the professional nurse role.
• Show caring behaviors in the nurse-client interaction.
• Utilize skills to promote collaboration in the health care environment.
• Incorporate information to promote health, prevent disease, restore health, and promote adaptation across the lifespan.
• Create a safe and effective environment.
• Plan and adapt care based on desired outcomes utilizing the nursing process.
• Demonstrate achievement of competency of identified essential nursing skills.
• Provide culturally sensitive care to a diverse group of clients across the lifespan.

Admission Requirements
Application to the practical nursing foundational core is contingent on application to NAU.

Admission to the practical nursing foundational core does not guarantee enrollment in the practical nursing clinical core. Admission to the practical nursing clinical core is selective and highly competitive.

Completed applications to the practical nursing clinical core must be received at least 90 days prior to the start of each practical nursing clinical core cohort. Spaces for the practical nursing clinical core are assigned on a competitive and space available basis for each admission period.

Admission for LPN articulation is based on academic criteria and complies with individual state board of nursing policies.

Acceptance is based on available resources and overall ranking in the following areas:

• Admission to National American University before application to the practical nursing clinical core.
• Students who have completed practical nursing foundational coursework at National American University will be given priority consideration but not guaranteed admission into the practical nursing clinical core.
• Criteria to be considered for acceptance into the practical nursing clinical core:
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on all practical nursing foundational courses.
• All nursing foundational courses must be completed by application.
• All science courses must have been completed within five years of application.  All science courses must have been achieved with a minimum "C" grade.
• Minimum grade of "C" in Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy & Physiology II, and Algebra (elective).
• A state specific verification of active certification of a nursing assistant must be on the completed application for admission into the practical nursing clinical core.
• Prior to application to the practical nursing clinical core, applicants must successfully complete a pre-entrance examination (TEAS). The TEAS provides a means to determine the potential for professional competency. The TEAS score will remain valid as entry criteria for six months. Applicants may retake the test if desired in an attempt to gain a higher score.

Submitted with the application (the cost of the following items is student’s responsibility):

• Successful criminal background check through a company designated by National American University.
• Evidence of a physical exam (current within six months of admission) completed and signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
• Evidence of up-to-date immunizations or evidence of serologic immunity as required by clinical agencies.
• Documentation of a negative TB skin test (taken within one year) or chest x-ray (taken within five years) signed by a licensed professional.
• Documentation of current active CPR certification (American Heart Association for Health Care Providers).
• Evidence of active health insurance (NAU student policy application is available at the Student Services desk).
• The functional abilities statement form that declares one’s ability to meet the required performance standards necessary for success in a nursing education program as well as in the nursing profession.