Level 4 Curriculum

This course is designed to prepare the fourth level student for success on the nursing licensure exam (NCLEX-PN). The course will be taught utilizing a nationally known nursing preparation curriculum, preparing graduates in all subject areas related to practical nursing. Benchmarks for student success will be based on nationally recognized scores, as defined by the company supplying the course material.

This course gives the student the opportunity to use past academic and clinical knowledge in caring for and teaching wellness behaviors to patients in the community and from different cultures. Students are taught necessary skills to encourage creative planning for and implementing of individualized nursing care. Basic principles of sociology are discussed, introducing the student to the concepts of community health nursing. The student learns to appreciate the patient's needs after discharge into the community. Emphasis is placed on using the nursing process for managing stress and crisis intervention in community nursing. The student learns to recognize resources available for support and assistance, and to view the client in relation to family and society.

This course examines the effects of changes in wellness in inpatient admissions to health care facilities on children and their families. Using a body systems approach, the nursing process, well child care, and growth and development are discussed. Nursing interventions are explained which include nutrition, homecare, and pharmacological therapy.

This course is designed to assist the student in increasing knowledge of the aging process and its effect on the individual. The aging process is inspected from a physical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspect, allowing the student to identify optimal functioning in the elderly adult. The student is taught to identify problems and benefits of healthy aging. This course also explores the effect of illness on the older adult's total lifestyle. Using the nursing process, students are taught how to administer care to the chronic and acutely ill elderly patient, with special emphasis on rehabilitation, nutrition, and maintenance of health. Students also explore the different environments of care where the elderly adult resides. Community agencies offering aid to the aged are identified and discussed.

This course focuses on the physical and psychosocial aspects of the childbearing family. Basic concepts of reproduction and the childbearing cycle are presented. The role of the practical nurse is discussed as it relates to caring for, supporting, and teaching the childbearing family. The nursing process is utilized in discussing the care and treatment of the patient and family throughout the obstetrical cycle. Nutrition is discussed as it applies to each obstetrical stage. Common complications of these stages are presented emphasizing the nursing interventions and pharmacological applications.

Time is spent in supervised client clinical situations and/or the lab setting in geriatric/rehabilitation; child-bearing family; pediatric; and home care/community areas. Experience in the administration of medications is further provided. As a member of the healthcare team, students continue to demonstrate ethical behaviors and to implement the nursing process while refining skills. Although supervision continues, students are encouraged to become more independent in carrying out the practical nurse role.