Practical Nursing (P.N.)

Competitive Entry

1. If HS program or GED is in progress, the completion of 12 or more college-level credits is required. Final HS transcript or GED must be received prior to starting NURS courses.
2. Application to the Practical Nursing program.
3. Minimum grades of C/2.00 must be earned in each of the prerequisite courses required for the program.
   Prerequisites:
• CAOT-179 (Medical Terminology)
• PHAR-150 (Introduction to Pharmacology)
• ENGL-101 (English Composition)
• MCTE-102 (Computational Skills for Allied Health)
• BIOL-175 (Human Biology)
• PSYC-101 (Introduction to Psychology)
  
  
4. All lab science courses which were completed more than seven years prior to application must be repeated.
5. Obtain a valid Certified Nursing Assistant certificate from any state by the application deadline.
6. Completion of an approved medical terminology course with a grade of C/2.00 or higher within seven years prior to application in the program.
7. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 calculated on all courses which meet the curriculum requirements. This excludes the medical terminology and Certified Nursing Assistant courses.
8. Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Results.
9. A criminal background check will be required upon acceptance. Violations may result in denied access to clinical sites and therefore inability to complete the program. For questions regarding specific violations, please contact the program director.

North Idaho College’s Practical Nursing Program is committed to student success by providing the highest quality education and teaching excellence. The nursing education received will help students reach their potential in providing safe and professional health care. North Idaho College’s Practical Nursing Program will enhance the quality of life for the student as well as the community and provide a resource for lifelong learning.

Nursing is a discipline with its own unique body of knowledge and skills, which focuses on optimizing the health of individuals and their communities. The Practical Nursing Program at North Idaho College is dedicated to educational excellence and preparing safe, caring, and competent graduates.

Faculty engage students as partners to achieve student learning outcomes that are relevant to the clinical practice environment. This partnership is exemplified by behaviors that demonstrate respect, equity and justice. Faculty embrace Knowles’s Theory of Adult Learning in which students are acknowledged to be self-directed and responsible for their decisions. Students are encouraged to connect and relate prior experiences and knowledge to current and future learning. Learning is optimal when students and faculty develop a dynamic professional partnership fostered on mutual respect and engagement in critical reflection.

Faculty model effective communication, ethical behavior, and respect for diversity. Research and best practice in modern pedagogy are utilized in both the academic and clinical environments to educate students regarding the art and science of nursing. Faculty recognize that students differ in abilities, learning preferences, educational and cultural backgrounds, and goals. The curriculum is structured to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes, which promote patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, safety, and informatics.

Upon completion of the Practical Nursing Program the graduate will:

• Recognize people as unique individuals with rights and viewpoints, reflective of their culture and developmental level.
• Integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical practice.
• Utilize the nursing process to provide care for people experiencing problems resulting from illness, injury, or commonly occurring health problems.
• Integrate the nursing roles of organizer, coordinator, advocate, and educator under supervision.
• Demonstrate accountability for learning and growth.
• Utilize effective interpersonal communication skills.