VIRGINIA BEACH
PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM

Virginia Beach City Public Schools
2008-2009

Admission/Qualifications   |   Application Process   |  Curriculum
Financial Information & Pell Grants
Grading and Promotion   |   High School Extended Section

MISSION STATEMENT

APPROVAL/ACCREDITATION

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

Copied:  Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Nursing Statutes and Regulations, July 1, 2005

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing is located in the Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center, 2925 North Landing Road. The program is approved by the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. The practical nursing program offers an eighteen-month course of study for high school seniors and adults. (A twenty-four month Evening and Weekend Section is offered when there are sufficient numbers of qualified adult applicants.) The program is divided into three courses: Practical Nursing I, Practical Nursing II and Practical Nursing III.

Practical Nursing I is held the first semester and Practical Nursing II is held the second semester of the first year. Practical Nursing I offers classroom and laboratory performances. Practical Nursing II offers classroom, laboratory and clinical skill performances. Upon successful completion of theory, laboratory, and clinical objectives in Practical Nursing I and Practical Nursing II, the student may elect to take the Certified Nurse Aide Exam to become a Certified Nurse Aide. Passing this exam prior to high school graduation earns the high school senior a verified unit of credit and the Technical and Career Education Seal on his/her high school diploma. In addition, successful completion of both courses earns the high school senior 3 units of credit and satisfies the 2 sequential electives requirement.

Practical Nursing III offers subject matter concurrent with nursing care assignments in local hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and physicians’ offices. Upon successful completion of all program objectives, the graduate is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) to become a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN).

ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS

Adult Licensed Practical Nursing Program (LPN) – 18 Months (Including PN I, II & III) The Practical Nursing program prepares adult men and women for the NCLEX-PN examination for licensure in Virginia as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Graduates of this program are prepared for opportunities in nursing homes, office nursing, clinics, hospices, and hospitals. Here are the steps:

1. A catalog with information and an application is available online at www.adultlearning.vbschools.com, the Adult Learning Center, or the Technical and Career Education Center from October 1, 2008 through May 1, 2009 for classes beginning September 2009. Complete and submit the application to the Technical and Career Education Center, 2925 North Landing Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
   
   
2. Applications must be RECEIVED in the nursing department by May 1, 2009 to be processed for classes beginning September 2009. Take the Psychological Services Bureau Aptitude for Practical Nursing Exam, which will be scheduled after receipt of your application. Prepare to do your best on the pre-admission screening test by following the instructions for preparation received with the catalog.
   
   
3. Meet admission requirements as outlined in the catalog by established deadlines.
   If selected for admission, you will attend classes for PN-I & II (first 9 month period) part-time, either mornings or afternoons at the Technical and Career Education Center beginning September 2009. Hours are: 7:45 AM -10:15 AM or 11:20 AM-1:50 PM five days week.
   
   
4. Classes for PN-III (second 9 month period) are scheduled full-time, from July 2009 – March 2010. Classroom hours are 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM two days a week and clinical hours are 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM three days per week. Evening classes will be offered if there is sufficient enrollment.
   
   
5. Obtain a minimum grade of ‘C’ in each subject, demonstrate satisfactory clinical performance, have good attendance and graduate in March 2010.
   
   
6. Following graduation, take the NCLEX-PN and receive a passing score and meet other Virginia Board of Nursing requirements and you can then begin practice as an LPN.
   
7. Based upon current accreditation status, financial aid is available to qualifying students. The program is approved for eligible students to receive Veteran’s Affairs benefits and/or PELL Grants .
   
   PROGRAM OBJECTIVES Upon completion of the program, one will:

1.  Function effectively in the assessment, analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation  of patient care under the supervision of the physician and/or professional nurse.

2.  Display accountability of actions while providing nursing care.

3.  Provide nursing care according to established standards.

4.  Attend in-services and staff development presentations to enhance personal/professional  growth and development.

5.  Establish positive interpersonal relationships based on respect for the dignity and worth of  each individual.

6.  Engage in deliberate actions to prevent illness and to maintain or restore personal health  and to promote a high level of wellness.

7.  Function within the role of the practical nurse using the laws of the state providing current  licensure.

8.  Function as an advocate for the individual and his family.

9.  Participate in the basic education of patients/significant others.

10.Identify organizations that promote continuation and advancement of practical nursing in  the health care delivery system.

11.Utilize critical thinking skills for problem solving while exercising nursing judgment.

12.Exhibit positive work ethics.

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CURRICULUM

All subjects must be taken in sequential order.

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The competency-based curriculum is sequential; therefore, all objectives must be met according to the sequential curriculum plan in order to progress to the next level and/or graduate from the program.  Repeat subjects must be completed the next time the subject is offered in order to be granted credit for any previous program work/accomplishments. The promotions committee shall decide the successful progression of each student.  Probation may be indicated if student performance is deficient.

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PRACTICAL NURSING I & II

In Practical Nursing I & II, the subjects are devoted to the study of the nursing process and the underlying scientific principles and skills of nursing.  This level offers clinical experience in caring for adult patients.  Satisfactory completion of all Practical Nursing I subjects is required for promotion to Practical Nursing III.

Introducing Principles of Vocational Relations

This subject is designed to introduce the beginning student to the practical nursing program and to nursing as a career.  Information is provided on the expectations and relationships encountered in nursing practice. Legal and ethical aspects, licensure, employment and current trends in health care are introduced.  There is emphasis on good physical and mental health.  Communication skills and the role of the practical nurse on the health care delivery team are stressed.  A historical background of nursing is included.  Health organizations and community involvement and resources are presented along with religious practices encountered in nursing.  Methods of studying and problem solving are initiated.

Introducing Nursing Fundamentals

This subject is designed to offer the student of practical nursing a basic knowledge of the principles of physical and psychosocial needs underlying nursing care.  Performance skills are demonstrated and practiced in the laboratory that will lead to proficiency in the clinical area.  Basic first aid and emergency nursing measures are introduced.  The subject is based on the premise of total patient care using the nursing process for the beginning practitioner of practical nursing.

Introducing Anatomy and Physiology

This subject is designed to present the normal basic structure and function of the human body.  The sequence of the subject begins with cells and proceeds to tissues, organs and systems.  The student is provided a background for the recognition of deviations from normal structure and function.
 

Introducing Food, Nutrition and Health

This subject deals with the relationship of food and nutrition to health.  It includes the study of the nutrients, their functions, sources, requirements, and uses by the body.  Meal planning to meet the needs of the individual at various stages of the life cycle is incorporated.  Various health problems designed to improve a basis for application of sound nutritional principles to the care of patients, family, and self.

Explaining the Normal Life Span

This subject is designed to give the student of practical nursing an introduction to normal growth and development.  It includes the physical, social, emotional development and the characteristics of each age group from birth through old age.  This knowledge assists the student in recognizing deviations from normal for the purpose of providing better health care.

Introducing Principles of Medical-Surgical Nursing

This subject introduces the student to the terminology and symptomatology of disease conditions and basic microbiology.  The student will be presented with specific nursing care required of patients with cancer, allergies and infectious conditions.  The needs of the general surgical patient are stressed.  The nursing implications of procedures used in diagnosis and treatment are discussed.  This subject also introduces the student to community health with emphasis on prevention of illness.

Introducing Principles of Pharmacology

This subject presents basic information relative to the underlying scientific principles of drug absorption, distribution, biotransformation and excretion of drugs, motivating the student to administer medications with concern for safety, precision, attention to important physiological factors and patient education.  Emphasis is placed on the integration of drug therapy into the nursing process. Methods of administration, nursing implications, drug controls and drug calculations are included.

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PRACTICAL NURSING III

Practical Nursing III emphasizes the utilization of the nursing process and bio-psycho-social principles essential to nursing care.  Recognizing individual differences, every effort is made to cultivate and to build upon previous experiences.  Nutrition and pharmacology are integrated into each subject.  Students administer medications to their assigned patients according to hospital policy.  As the student progresses, he/she will administer nursing care to patients with more complex health problems.

Applying Principles of Geriatric Nursing

This subject is concerned with the assessment of the health needs of older adults, planning and implementing health care to meet their needs and the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the care.  Emphasis is placed on special nursing problems and nursing care of the older adult in the hospital and nursing home setting.  This section includes information concerning the economics of the health care laws, regulations and mechanisms that directly affect the older adult.

Applying Principles of Medical-Surgical Nursing

This subject is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary for utilization of the nursing process in the care of adult medical-surgical patients.  Included are concepts related to the development of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.   Theory concepts are correlated with clinical practice.

Applying Principles of Obstetric Nursing

The subject promotes child bearing as a normal physiological process, in which health care personnel offer support during the entire childbearing cycle.  The individual needs of the mother and newborn are emphasized utilizing a family centered approach.  This subject also prepares the student to care for patients with complications of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period using the nursing process.  Learning experiences include the hospital setting, prenatal clinic, and childbirth classes.

Applying Principles of Pediatric Nursing

This subject focuses on the physical and psychological needs of the infant, child and adolescent with emphasis on health maintenance.  The effects of illness and physical or emotional handicaps will be emphasized in relation to normal growth and development.  The interpretation of illness, treatments and the effects on the child and his/her family will be discussed.

Applying Principles of Psychiatric Nursing

This subject is designed to provide the student with an opportunity to develop a deeper awareness of his/her responses to his/her environment leading to an increased ability to therapeutically meet the physical and psychosocial needs of the patient.  Emphasis is placed on the study of personality formation, communication skills, adaptive and maladaptive behavior, and problem solving using the nursing process.  Clinical correlation is achieved by providing the student the opportunity to care for adult medical/surgical patients with complex emotional or behavioral needs.  Experiences in a Chemical Dependency Unit, an After Care group, an Intervention Therapy group, and a Day Treatment Center may also be provided during the clinical phase of this subject.
 

Applying Advanced Principles of Medical Surgical Nursing

This subject builds upon the theories and principles introduced in previous subjects.  Students are provided the opportunity to care for adult medical-surgical patients with more complex nursing needs.  Included are experiences in the intesive care unit and the postoperative recovery room (inpatient and outpatient).

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Employment opportunities include:

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ADMISSION/QUALIFICATIONS

Consideration for admission of high school students is based on:

1. An overall "C" high school average (2.0 cumulative GPA).  Completed Algebra 1 and received a grade of "C" or better.

2. Senior year status.

3. Acceptable health-must be able to meet physical requirements of the course.

4. Documentation of having participated in an individual or group information sharing session* with nursing faculty member.
   

Consideration for admission of post-secondary applicants is based on:

1. Documentation of high school graduation as evidenced by an official high school transcript or official GED record. (Official document must be received directly from granting institution and have an official seal and signature.)

2. Acceptable health-must be able to meet physical requirements of the course.

3. Acceptable scores on the Revised Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Aptitude for Practical Nursing Examination. (Acceptable essay hand-written during PSB testing is also required.)

4. Three satisfactory PROFESSIONAL references; one of which must be from a recent employer, if applicable. (Teachers or employers required -- NOT FRIENDS, FAMILY, CLERGY, OR CO-WORKERS.)

5. Documentation of having participated in an individual or group information sharing session* with a nursing faculty member.

*Information Sharing Sessions are scheduled after all applications are received.  Applicants will be notified in writing of the scheduled dates for the information sharing sessions.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.         Two (2) years of math.
2.         Two (2) years of science, including one year of biology.
3.         Keyboarding Skills.


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APPLICATION PROCESS

1. High school students must apply through their guidance counselors during the sophomore/junior year for entry  beginning their senior year.

2. Post-Secondary applications can be picked up at the Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center and the Adult Learning Center, 4160 Virginia Beach Blvd., 648-6050, beginning the first week in October or simply CLICK HERE TO APPLY.   Application period runs from October 1, 2008 through May 1, 2009.  Applications received after May 1, 2009 will not be accepted.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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Veteran’s Affairs

The program is currently approved for eligible students to receive Veteran's Affairs benefits.  Students are responsible for the necessary forms. 

Title IV Funds

Adult students accepted for enrollment in the Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing may apply for financial assistance through the Carl Perkins Act and be awarded a PELL Grant.  PELL Grant funds may be applied against the program fee and fees assessed students in the program.

If a student receiving a PELL Grant withdraws from the program, certain standards apply.  The administration and staff of the Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing will ensure that Title IV Funds disbursed through the PELL Grant will be treated in accordance with the provision and requirements outlined in Title 34 CFR, Part 668.22 of the Code of Federal Regulations.  In short, if a student withdraws for any reason, Title IV Funds are subject to the regulations cited above.

 Students are responsible for the necessary forms.  The required form, the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA), is available at the Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing, all Virginia Beach Public Libraries and most post-secondary educational institutions.  For more information on financial aid or to complete the FAFSA on-line, go to www.ed.gov. The deadlines for PELL grant applications are as follows: for students entering PN I/II - August 15; for students entering PN III - June 15. Satisfactory attendance and academic progress must be maintained.

General nursing scholarship information may be found online at (http://www.nursingscholarship.us); however, Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing neither approves, endorses, or awards scholarships. Additional scholarship information is provided to enrolled students as it becomes available.

 All program fees are paid according to due dates stated on the Estimated Expenses Sheet. 
(See "Estimated Expenses" sheet)

REFUND POLICY

1.    Refund eligibility: Student must submit a letter of withdrawal to the director.
2.    Program Fee is refunded per semester according to the following schedule.

TRANSFER/ADVANCED PLACEMENT

The Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing offers an educational opportunity to students who have previous education and experience within the past 12 months in a school of nursing. Admission must be within 12 months of leaving a nursing program. All transfer / advanced placements are granted strictly on a space available basis. Those seeking transfer / advanced placement must submit the following:

1. An official transcript from the former nursing program the applicant attended;

2. A letter from the Director of the former nursing program the applicant attended;

3. Documentation of high school graduation as evidenced by an official high school transcript or official GED record. (Official document must be received directly from granting institution and have an official seal and signature.)

4. A Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing program application accompanied by a letter from the applicant seeking advanced placement / transfer;

1. Requests for admission by transfer or for advanced placement are evaluated on an individual basis.

2. Students receiving transfer/advanced placement must be enrolled at least six (6) months in the Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing in order to be effectively evaluated and graduate from the program.

3. Former nursing school transcripts will be reviewed carefully. Teacher-made and/or standardized tests and observation in the laboratory/clinical area may be used to determine eligibility for advanced placement/credit.

4. In order for subject credits to transfer, the student must have earned a “C” or better in the subject.

5. ALL PROGRAM FEES ARE DUE ON THE DAY OF ADMISSION. The Program Fee will be prorated according to the time remaining in the program.

6. The applicant shall meet ALL requirements for routine admission. Program Fee, uniform, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, nursing liability insurance (purchased through VBSPN), Criminal Background and Sex Offender Checks, and Health Policies must be current.

7. The final decision for admission and/or the amount of advanced credit will be made by the Admissions Committee.

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GRADING AND PROMOTION

Grading System - Theory

Promotions

A student must receive a final grade of "C" in each subject for promotion to the next sequence of the program.  However, three Units of Credit are awarded to high school seniors for successful completion of Practical Nursing I & II (the first nine months) with a "D" or better.

The student must complete the objectives and receive a satisfactory rating in the laboratory and clinical practice.

The Promotions Committee determines which students will be advanced.

GRADUATION

Eligibility for a certificate from the Virginia Beach School of Practical Nursing is based upon successful completion of all phases of the program.  All financial obligations, including return of library materials, must be satisfied to participate in graduation.

FACILITIES

Classrooms, library, laboratory and faculty offices are located in the Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center, 2925 North Landing Road, Virginia Beach, VA  23456-2499.

Clinical agencies in the Hampton Roads area provide educational experiences.  In addition to the excellent clinical facilities at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Sentara Southside Hospitals, Lake Taylor Transitioned Care Hospital, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Westminster Canterbury, Maxim Healthcare Services and Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center, educational experiences are provided through cooperative arrangements with other agencies: i.e. Tidewater Physicians for Women, Detox, VBCPS and Pembroke Elementary School.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION

Students are encouraged to participate in Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA), a national student organization which promotes self-government through local, state and national participation.

LICENSURE

Completion of the program qualifies the graduate to take the National Council Licensure for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) to qualify for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

COUNSELING SERVICES

The faculty members serve as advisors to assist students in meeting educational goals.  Individual guidance is a continuous process from application until graduation.  Students are encouraged to confer with instructors as the need arises.

TESTING INFORMATION

DATE:              Mid January through early May

COST:             $25.00 (cash or money order only)

PLACE:           Technical and Career Education Center

TIME:              As scheduled after completed application is received.

TEST:              Revised 1990 Psychological Services Bureau Aptitude for Practical Nursing                        Examination *(3 1/2 hour timed)

                        Part I                Academic Aptitude
                                    Math, Verbal and Non-Verbal

                        Part II              Spelling

                        Part III             Natural Sciences

        Part IV             Judgment & Comprehension in Nursing Situations

        Part V              Vocational Adjustments

(A timed written essay is also required during this testing session.) 

See http://www.psbtests.com for sample test and answer sheet (under resources). Proof of identity is required at testing and must include first and last name, signature, social security number, and photograph. You must also present your Social Security Card entitling you to work in the United States.

To see the Estimated Expense sheet for 2008-2009, click this link Estimated Expenses.

Written requests for testing accommodations should be addressed to the program director.

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HIGH SCHOOL EXTENDED SECTION -18 Months

High School Seniors and Adults

Students in PN I & II observe the calendar of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools plus the Fourth of July.  PN III begins the first week of July and is completed the following March.

During the last 10 weeks of the program the student may be scheduled 4-6 days of 8-hour clinical evenings to prepare for transition into the work place.

Holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day &   Weekend, and Winter Holidays.

    Vacation:      As schedule permits.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The Virginia Beach City Public Schools prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy and childbirth, or marital status. School Board policies and supporting regulation (Policies 2-33, 4-4, 5-7, and 6-7 and Regulation 5-44.1) provide equal access to courses, programs, counseling services, physical education and athletics, vocational education, instructional materials, and extracurricular activities. Violations of these policies should be reported to the Director of Student Leadership at 263- 2020 or the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at 263-1133.

Alternative formats of this publication which may include taped, Braille, or large print materials are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Call or write Technical and Career Education Program Coordinator, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, 1800 College Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA 23453. Telephone 757-648-5850; fax 757-468-4233 or email him/her at Patrick.Konopnicki@vbschools.com.

Rehabilitation Act & American Disabilities Act

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the 1990 American Disabilities Act (ADA), the School of Practical Nursing does not discriminate against otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities.

Disability is defined in these Acts as a person with (1) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individuals (2) a record of such impairment; or (3) being regarded as having such an impairment.