The nursing program is committed to developing graduates with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for leadership, quality improvement, patient safety, scholarship for evidence-based practice, information management, healthcare policy, professionalism, inter-professional communication, and collaboration. Nursing is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning through an integration of a liberal education into nursing practice, which allows culturally sensitive students to critically think and engage in the larger community locally and globally.
Skills Checks in the Practical Nursing Certificate program are conducted at an approved clinical site.
This program is currently only open to residents of the state of Tennessee.
Your Learning Experience
Upon completion of the practical nursing program, the graduates will have the necessary knowledge to:
- Describe the different entities of the health care delivery system, health occupations, and the scope of practice for the practical nurse.
- Determine the leadership and management principles, legal and ethical responsibilities specific to the scope of practice of the licensed practical nurse.
- Apply evidence-based and patient-centered principles in the provision of safe, quality nursing care to patients of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills for delivery of efficient patient-centered care within the scope of practice of the licensed practical nurse.
- Utilize quality improvement indicators identified for system improvements and better health outcomes.
- Maintain consistent and accurate health data for the development of the patient plan of care by the professional nurse.
- Utilize interpersonal and intrapersonal communication skills for effective interactions with patients, families, and other disciplines.
- Demonstrate competence in information technology to document patient care as related to practical nursing functions.
- Implement the principles of infection prevention and control, utilizing established nursing procedures and guidelines for better patient outcomes.
- Examine appropriate strategies for health promotion, disease prevention and management to help patient achieve and maintain optimal health
- Develop specific plans for educational, personal, and professional growth through continuing education and/or higher nursing degrees.
Students successfully completing this program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) leading to licensure as a practical nurse.
Clinical Hours
A clinical externship of 405 hours is required to gain real-world work experience to include caring for patients one-on-one, performing medical procedures, gathering patient information, and helping healthcare facilities stay organized.
See if there is an existing clinical site in your local area:
