Practical Nursing

Mission

The Practical Nursing (PN) program supports the mission and goals of the College. The PN program is designed to prepare graduates for entry level nursing practice in a variety of health care setting by providing a quality educational program using a curriculum that is in compliance with the Mississippi Curriculum Framework for Practical/Vocational nursing programs.

Goals

1. To provide opportunities that assists students in academic and career advancement beyond practical nursing.
2. To provide a program that prepares students to meet the healthcare needs of the community served.
3. To provide students opportunities in diverse service areas throughout the community.

Practical Nursing Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Practical Nursing Program at Southwest Mississippi Community College demonstrate the following competencies:

Course Sequence

Performance Standards

These standards set forth cognitive, sensory, affective and psychomotor performance requirements for applicants as well as those enrolled in the program. These standards are required abilities and activities students are expected to possess in order to perform essential functions required of the program. Applicants and students who cannot meet one or more of the standards will be considered on an individual basis in terms of whether reasonable modification/accommodation can be made. (Southern Regional Education Board [SREB] – The Americans with Disabilities Act: Implications for Nursing Education, 2015) In order to successfully complete the program of study, an applicant/student must be able to do the following:

1. Critical Thinking- ability for effective clinical reasoning and clinical judgment consistent with level of educational preparation. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
2. Prioritize information and identify cause-effect relationships in the clinical setting
3. Analyze assessment findings and use findings to plan and implement care
4. Evaluate plan of care and make revisions as appropriate
5. Make decisions using logic, creativity and reasoning to make sound clinical judgments based on standards of nursing care
6. Demonstrate arithmetic ability to correctly compute dosages, tell time, and use measuring tools
7. Managing multiple priorities
8. Professional Relationships- interpersonal skills sufficient for professional interactions with diverse population of individuals, families, and groups. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
9. Respect differences among clients and exhibit an attitude accepting of clients as individuals
10. Establish rapport in order to communicate effectively with clients, families, significant others, and health team members work effectively in small groups as a team member and a team leader c. Recognize crises and institute appropriate interventions to help resolve adverse situations
11. Peer accountability
12. Communication- Abilities sufficient to interact appropriately with individuals, families, and groups of people from a variety of backgrounds. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
13. Speak coherently to clients, families, and other staff members
14. Clearly explain treatment procedures and initiate health teaching for clients, families, or groups based on assessed needs, available resources, age, lifestyle, and cultural considerations
15. Provide clear, understandable written client documentation based upon proper use of the English language
16. Convey critical information to other caregivers through graphic, print, and/or electronic media in an accurate, timely, and comprehensible manner
17. Maintain therapeutic relationships with clients and colleagues
18. Respect the rights of others and socio-cultural differences in clients, families, and groups
19. Mobility/Activity Tolerance- Physical ability sufficient to move about on a nursing unit, clients’ rooms, and provide nursing care. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
20. Physical mobility and strength sufficient to propel wheelchairs, stretchers, etc. through doorways and close-fitting areas alone or with assistance
21. Stand, walk up to 75% of 8 to 12 hour shifts
22. Stoop, bend, squat, reach overhead as required to reach equipment and provide nursing care
23. Lift a minimum of 15 pounds of weight
24. Use correct body mechanics
25. Respond quickly in emergencies
26. Provide for activities of daily living (bed bath, oral hygiene, dressing, etc.)
27. Perform CPR satisfactorily and respond quickly in an emergency situation
28. Motor Skills- Gross and fine motor skills sufficient to respond promptly in providing safe and effective care. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
29. Demonstrate physical dexterity and coordination in delivery of care, treatment, and medications
30. Hold skin taut with one hand while inserting needle in skin or vein with other hand and perform other procedures requiring the use of 2 hands
31. Pick up, grasp, and effectively manipulate small objects such as dials, syringes, switches
32. Calibrate and use equipment
33. Maintain sterile technique when performing sterile procedure
34. Perform CPR
35. Hearing- Auditory ability necessary to monitor and assess the client and the environment. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
36. Hear monitors, alarms, emergency signals, lung/heart sounds, bowel sounds, and cries for help, telephone, intercom interactions, and public address systems (codes)
37. Perceive and receive verbal communications from clients, families, and health team members
38. Visual- Visual acuity necessary in the observation and assessment of the client and environment in providing nursing care. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
39. Read written words and information on paper and computer screens, small print, gauges, measuring cups, syringes, and other equipment
40. Discriminate colors; changes in color, size and continuity of body parts
41. Discriminate alterations in normal body activities such as breathing patterns and level of consciousness
42. Observe hazards in environment (water spills, safety rails, restraints) and harmful situations
43. Tactile Sense- Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
44. Perform physical assessment: palpate pulses, feel for heat or cold, tap body surfaces
45. Environmental- Ability to tolerate environmental stressor. Examples of Tasks (not all inclusive):
46. Adapt to rotating shifts
47. Work with chemical compounds and tolerate exposure to odors, blood/body fluids
48. Gown, glove, and mask appropriately
49. Tolerate wearing gloves and other protective devices
50. Accountability and Responsibility- Cognitive/emotional abilities necessary to demonstrate responsibility and accountability in providing safe nursing care.
51. Ability to understand and abide by legal and ethical standards
52. Shows a caring attitude toward others
53. Demonstrate an attitude of honesty and openness throughout the learning process
54. Ability to comprehend, understand, and abide by established policies and procedures
55. Ability to monitor own emotions
56. Be flexible and adaptive

Fees & Expenses

 The regular college fees are listed on the college website. There are additional costs specific to the nursing program. These additional costs are an estimate and are subject to change.

Books/Online Resources (for entire program)                        $650

Clinical Required Criminal Background Check                       $50

Uniforms/Accessories/clinical shoes                                     $365

Clinical Equipment                                                             $100

ATI Testing (for entire program)                                            $2120

Lab Skills/Supply Kit (from SMCC bookstore)                         $220

MS State SNA Membership (optional but recommended)         $25

CPR (must be American Heart Assn BLS Healthcare Provider)   $80

Mandatory NCLEX Review                                                    $300

Licensure Exam fees                                                            $300

MS State Board Background Check                                       $75

NCLEX (Pearson VUE) fee                                                   $200

Physical Exam/Immunizations (prior to first semester)             $200

Drug Screen (prior to first semester)                                     $90

Class Pin and Photograph                                                   $40

Malpractice Insurance                                                         $15

Transfer/Readmission Policy

Acceptance of transfer credit or readmission to the program is based on the PN policies related to transfer and readmission and is determined on an individual basis and space availability. Students applying or readmission enter under the current catalog in effect at the time the re-enter the program and are obligated to follow the requirements, policies, and procedures in effect at the time they re-enter.

1. A course can only be repeated one time. Students who are unsuccessful in a nursing course twice will be dismissed from the program. Calculation of GPA for readmission will include nursing course grades.
2. Readmission is not guaranteed. Priority is given to students who, at the time they left, were passing both theory and clinical. Second priority is given to students based on their average in theory and demonstration of safety in the clinical agency.
3. Readmission may be denied based upon unsatisfactory clinical performance.
4. All first-time applicants within a higher priority category are admitted before applicants applying for readmission.
5. Students unsuccessful in the program may reapply to the program as first-time students after a period of 2 years.
6. Entry into a core nursing course is counted as an admission/readmission once the classes begin for the semester. Student who leave the nursing program (interrupt normal progression) at any time for any reason must apply for readmission.
7. Students are eligible to apply for readmission within one year of the last nursing course enrolled.
8. A student who has been dismissed from or who leaves the ADN or LPN program under adverse circumstances (i.e., unsafe clinical practice, cheating on tests or paper work, uncivil behavior, etc.) may be denied admission to the ADN and/or the LPN program.
9. If readmission is granted, the Associate vice President for Nursing will decide at what point the student will be allowed to enter the program.

Outcomes

Practical Nursing Program Outcomes

Legal Limitations for Licensure

Applicants for state accredited Mississippi programs shall be eligible to qualify for licensure by examination and must:

1. Submit an official transcript to the board from a state accredited Mississippi nursing program showing successful completion of such program;
2. Submit official documentation of eligibility for graduation to the board if applicant has met all requirements for graduation, but degree has not been formally conferred. Applicant must submit an official transcript within 30 days after the degree is conferred. Failure to submit such transcript shall result in the voiding of the license;
3. Comply with criminal background checks and fingerprinting in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. Section 73-15-19 (1) and 73-15-21 (1);
4. Submit completed board-approved application, including the notarized authorization to release information form;
5. Pay required nonrefundable application fee upon submission of application to the board;
6. Submit the application by deadline dates established by the board;
7. Register for the examination with the designated testing service; and
8. Pay required fee upon examination registration to the designated testing service.

Professional Licensure Reciprocity

Professional Licensure

Requirements for licensure vary from program to program and from state to state. If a student lives outside the state of Mississippi and is considering a program and desires licensure in another state, then the person should contact the appropriate state before applying to Southwest Mississippi Community College.

While it is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board Southwest will make attempts to contact students who are residing out of state while enrolled in licensure programs to prompt them to check their state’s requirements.

Southwest Mississippi Community College has been approved to participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

For your licensure or certification questions, click the appropriate link: 

• Associate Degree Nursing
• Practical Nursing

Accreditation

The accrediting body has been the Mississippi Community College Board. The practical nursing program’s last accreditation visit was spring 2018. The outcome was “Continuing Accreditation”.

In 2019, the Mississippi Board of Nursing took over accreditation of practical nursing programs in the state of MS. The next accreditation visit is spring 2026.