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Upon successful completion of the certificate program for practical nurses, the graduate will be able to:

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1. Communicate effectively with clients and health team members to assist in assessing client needs with respect for physical, psychological, sociocultural and spiritual dimensions.

2. Assist in planning client care, identifying client needs and nursing measures necessary to promote, maintain or restore a state of health.

3. Provide safe and efficient basic care to clients with common, acute and/or chronic recurring physiological conditions, by carrying out nursing measures identified in the client’s plan of care.

4. Provide assistance in evaluating the client’s response to nursing care.

5. Demonstrate respect for clients’ values, dignity, and personal rights.

6. Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior and dress.

7. Practice within the accepted professional, ethical and legal framework for licensed practical nurses.

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Brief course outline:-IVQ Specialist Diploma in Healthcare/Practical Nursing Outline (duration 12 months)

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This program, IVQ Specialist Diploma in Healthcare (Practical Nursing), is presented in a modular format, and aims to equip candidates with the relevant knowledge, skills and attitudes which will allow them to effectively perform the duties of their occupation. This program is taught with a combination of lecture, practical exercises in the training laboratory and work experience. The graduates gain a diploma when they satisfy the rigorous internal and external assessments

 

Nature of Work

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The diploma in healthcare/Practical Nurses (PN) provide bedside care, taking vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They also administer enemas, monitor catheters, apply dressings, prevent and treat bedsores. PNs monitor their patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They collect samples for testing, feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. To help keep patients comfortable, PNs assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. In jurisdictions where the law allows, they may prepare and give injections, administer prescribed medicines or monitor intravenous fluids. Some PNs help to deliver, care for, and feed infants. Experienced PNs supervise Health Care Assistants and Aides.

In addition to providing routine bedside care, PNs in nursing care facilities help to evaluate residents’ needs, develop care plans. In doctors’ offices and clinics, they also may make appointments, keep records, and perform other clerical duties. PNs who work in private homes may prepare meals and teach family members simple nursing tasks.

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Instructional Units

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Unit1    Developing own knowledge and practice in care settings

Unit2    Rights, responsibilities and protection in Care setting

Unit 3   Communicating with and completing records for individuals in care setting

Unit 4   Understanding health and Safety in care setting

Unit 5   Supporting individuals to meet their personal daily living needs

Unit 6   Supporting the physical and emotional comfort of individuals

Unit 7   Support individuals with activities

Unit 8   Promoting, maintaining and understanding mobility

Unit 9   Working in collaboration with informal cares

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Admission to the Healthcare /Practical Nursing  Program

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Entry Requirements

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Applicants must provide evidence of academic preparation and demonstrate an ability to progress within the curriculum. For entrance into the practical nursing program, the following requirements must be met:

• Candidates for this training course must be at least 17 years old

• Has two (2) CXC subjects or the equivalent or

• Certificate of competence in an Allied Health Care program

• Pass the diagnostic test provided at the school

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Physical Requirements

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To be successful in the nursing curriculum and in the role of a practical nurse, the above physical requirements are necessary for the student to possess in order to perform the following list of competencies, with the appropriate educational instruction. These include, but are not limited to:

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1. Assist clients with meals.

2. Move, position clients in bed.

3. Assist clients to walk with and without mechanical devices.

4. Lift, transfer, and transport clients using wheelchairs and stretchers.

5. Administer medications.

6. Provide direct client care and assist with activities of daily living.

7. Respond to emergencies.

8. Supervising nurse aides in the nursing home setting.

9. Have emotional stability and the ability to accept responsibility and accountability.

10. Oral and written ability with accuracy, clarity and efficiency.

11. Ability to learn, problem solve, and reach judgments.

 

Every effort will be made to ensure the safety of both students and patients during clinical rotations. With this in mind, if you have any known allergies or chemical sensitivities, you must notify your instructor immediately. Great effort to prevent exposure to an allergen or chemical irritant will be made; however, the college and its staff cannot guarantee that students working on clinical assignments at off school locations will not be exposed to those allergens or irritants. Students should be proactive in determining whether or not allergens or chemical irritants may be present at a particular site.

 

 

 

Courses with Theory and Laboratory/Clinical Components

 

The theory and laboratory/clinical components of a course are considered to be interdependent.

Students must demonstrate satisfactory performance in the laboratory/clinical setting as well as in the classroom in order to progress in the program. If a student receives a failing grade in either component, the grade for the class will be “C-” or less and the entire class must be repeated before the student will be allowed to progress.

Laboratory/Clinical performance is graded on a pass/fail basis. Lab and clinical grades are based on specific behavioral objectives for each course. In order to pass the lab and clinical portion of a class, the student must earn a grade of “satisfactory/competent” on the final clinical evaluation tool and skill check offs.

 

 

Awards for successful performance are:

 

60 – 79                 Pass

80 – 89                 Merit

90 – 100              Distinction        

 

The College of International Skills and Health Care recommends the following letter grades and percentage equivalents:

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A   =  90 -100%

A-  =  85 – 89%

B+ =  80 – 84%

B   =  75 – 79 %

 

Credit hours are calculated on the basis of 15 hours theory equal 1 credit hour and 40 hours practical equal 1 credit hour.

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B-  = 70 – 74%

C+ = 65 – 69%

C   = 60 – 64%

D   = 50 – 59%

E   = 0 -  49%

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Portfolio

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All student nurses are required to complete a portfolio which is 20% of their final grade. The portfolio will consist of internal examinations completed throughout the course, graded research work completed and any other written material received by the student nurses by the health care facilitator. 

 

Written Assignments

All written assignments must be typed and must demonstrate college level spelling and grammar. An instructor may elect to decrease the grade on an assignment if it is not in accordance with college standards. Assignments must be turned in on the stated due date. Assignments turned in late will have points deducted.

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