Licensed Practical Nursing Diploma (LPN)

Program Description

An LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) diploma program is a healthcare training program designed to prepare individuals to become Licensed Practical Nurses. This program will focus on developing the necessary skills and knowledge to provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or doctors.

Admission

A point system is used to evaluate applications of qualified candidates to accept applicants into the program as either a pre-nursing or nursing major. The point system used by the Nursing Program Admissions Committee will be provided to an applicant upon request.     

Prospective LPN Nursing Students must meet the following requirements:  

1. Graduate from an accredited high school.   

2. Students who did not graduate from high school must have completed the General Education Development (GED) tests, with a composite score of at least 600 and no sub score below 145, or the High School Equivalency test (HSE) with a score of at least 75 with no sub score below 8.    

3. Have a minimum 2.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.   

1. Direct-out-of-Highschool (DOH) or First-Time College students may use their high school GPA.  

2. Transfer students with greater than 12 college credits will use their cumulative college GPA    

4. Complete one of the following Entrance Exams within the last 3 years:    

1. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with a combined score of ≥ 900    

2. American College Test (ACT) with a composite score of ≥ 16    

3. Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam with a minimum score of proficient.    

1. TEAS Tests cannot be taken more than three (3) times per year    

2. Applicants with a less than proficient score may be considered if their individual Reading and English scores meet the proficiency range.    

5. Attend/View an informational session prior to the completion of the program application.    

1. Students may be required to complete an attestation form for proof of completion.    

6. Complete an interview with Division of Nursing Faculty/Staff.   

7. Students transferring from a different SF major are required to apply to the undergraduate nursing program within the application window.  

Progression

Failure to maintain the academic standards for progression will result in academic probation or dismissal as described below. Students will be notified by letter from the Program Director. Only one academic probation period is allowed during enrollment as a nursing student. A change of major from pre-nursing major to nursing major does not provide an additional opportunity for academic probation.     

1. Academic Probation: Nursing Majors:      

Nursing majors will be placed on Academic Probation for failure to:  

1. earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. GPA will not be rounded.     

2. earn a minimum grade of “C” in a nursing theory course and a “P” in a nursing clinical course.     

3. earn a minimum grade of “C” in required non-nursing courses.   

4. The probation period will be one semester in length.     

5. The student who has failed to meet the minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, has failed to earn a minimum grade of “C” in a nursing theory course and a “P” in a nursing clinical course or has failed to earn a minimum grade of “C” in required non-nursing courses may be placed on academic probation only once. A second probation period will result in dismissal from the nursing major. The student may continue enrollment at the University.     

6. A student may repeat only one failed nursing course.  When repeating a nursing course, a student who receives less than a “C” will be dismissed from the nursing major.    

7. If a nursing course must be repeated for either clinical failure or for a theory grade below “C”, both the theory course and the concurrent clinical course must be repeated at the same time.     

8. A student who has earned less than a “C” in a nursing course may NOT take additional nursing courses until the failed course is successfully completed.     

9. If the cumulative GPA has not reached the minimum requirement of 2.0 by the end of the probation period, the student will be dismissed from the nursing major.     

10. If a student earns less than a “C” in a required non-nursing course, the non-nursing course may be repeated only once. Upon a second attempt, if the student does not earn a minimum grade of “C” the student will be dismissed from the nursing major.     

2. Academic Dismissal:      

A student who is dismissed from the nursing major may reapply to the nursing major no sooner than two years from the date of dismissal and must follow the University of Saint Francis (SF) Catalog criteria for admission.     

1. A student seeking readmission to the nursing major must provide evidence of improving one’s potential for success. Evidence may include increased GPA, improved science grades, completion of another academic program or other changes that indicate the student’s potential for success has improved.     

2. Readmission to the nursing major is not guaranteed.     

3. After dismissal, a readmitted student who fails to achieve any of the following progression criteria will be dismissed from the nursing major and is not eligible for readmission:      

1. earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. GPA will not be rounded.     

2. earn a minimum “C” in nursing theory course or a “P” in a nursing clinical course, and        

3. earn a minimum grade of “C” in a required non-nursing course.     

4. Dismissal from the nursing major does not necessarily mean that the student is also dismissed from the University. Students dismissed from the nursing program who desire to remain enrolled at the University must go to Academic and Career Development Center for a change of major form and the Office of Career Outreach Center for career counseling.     

3. Non-Academic Dismissal:        

1. Unsafe practice in a nursing clinical will result in dismissal from the Nursing Program.     

2. Violation of the University Standards of Conduct will result in dismissal from the Nursing Program.     

3. A student dismissed for unsafe nursing practice, or a violation of the University Standards of Conduct is not eligible for readmission to the nursing major.     

4. Pre-Nursing Majors:      

Loss of Pre-Nursing Status:  

1. Pre-nursing majors who do not achieve the minimum required cumulative GPA of 2.0 or who fail to earn a minimum grade of “C” in required non-nursing courses or a minimum of “C” in a non-clinical nursing course will be placed on academic probation.     

2. The probation period will be one semester in length.     

3. After this period of academic probation, the student who fails to meet the minimum required cumulative GPA of 2.0 or who fails to earn a minimum grade of “C” in required non-nursing courses or a minimum of “C” in a non-clinical nursing course is no longer eligible for consideration as a nursing major. A student desiring to continue at the University must go to the Academic and Career Development Center for a change of major and for career counseling.     

Maximum Number of Nursing Course Attempts and Withdrawals:      

1. During the duration of enrollment, a student may only attempt each required nursing course two times. Should a student be unsuccessful in the second attempt, the student will be dismissed from the nursing program. A nursing course that includes both theory and co-requisite clinical will represent one course attempt.    

2. A course attempt is defined as enrollment in a NURS course and co-requisite clinical (if applicable) past week one of the semester regardless of completion status.     

3. All nursing course attempts must fall within program semester limits. All AAS students must complete requirements for graduation no more than eight (8) semesters. All pre-licensure BSN students must complete requirements for graduation in no more than 12 semesters.    

4. A student who withdraws for medical, military, or other extenuating circumstances should refer to the University of Saint Francis Undergraduate Catalog.      

Incomplete Work:  

1. An “I” (Incomplete) is a conditional grade granted when the student has not completed the basic course requirements due to extraordinary circumstances. See the University catalog for the entire policy    

2. A conditional grade of Incomplete may be granted for a clinical nursing course when the student is unable to complete clinical requirements due to unusual and extraordinary circumstances.    

3. An “I” is not appropriate when a student has missed several weeks of clinical class or has failed to complete assignments other than the final ones. See the University catalog for the complete policy.   

Learning Outcomes

1. Nursing Skills and Patient Care

• Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental nursing skills, such as taking vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure), performing basic wound care, assisting with daily activities (e.g., bathing, feeding, dressing), and helping with mobility.
• Administer medications safely and accurately according to established procedures, including oral, topical, and injectable medications.
• Provide personal care to patients while maintaining their comfort, dignity, and privacy, ensuring patient hygiene and maintaining skin integrity.
• Practice infection control measures to prevent the spread of disease, including hand hygiene, sterilization techniques, and following standard precautions.

2. Clinical Judgment and Critical Thinking

• Demonstrate the ability to assess patient conditions and accurately report findings to the healthcare team, recognizing normal and abnormal health patterns.
• Make informed decisions about patient care based on clinical data, nursing assessments, and medical guidelines, while seeking guidance from RNs and physicians when necessary.
• Apply evidence-based practices in nursing care to improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of care.

3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team, including verbal and written communication. This includes listening attentively, providing clear instructions, and documenting care and observations accurately.
• Support and educate patients and families on health conditions, treatment plans, medications, and preventive care strategies, while fostering a compassionate and empathetic environment.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, RNs, physical therapists, and other professionals to provide coordinated care.

4. Understanding of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathophysiology

• Understand and apply the basic concepts of anatomy and physiology to identify normal and abnormal body systems and how they respond to diseases, injuries, and treatments.
• Recognize common diseases and disorders, and understand the pathophysiology of conditions that require practical nursing interventions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disorders.

5. Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Demonstrate an understanding of legal and ethical issues related to patient care, including patient rights, confidentiality (HIPAA), informed consent, and professional boundaries.
• Adhere to nursing standards of practice, state laws, and regulations that govern the scope of practice for an LPN.
• Advocate for patients’ needs, ensuring their safety, well-being, and autonomy are respected in the care process.

6. Patient Safety and Quality Care

• Identify and mitigate risks to patient safety, including preventing falls, medication errors, infections, and other healthcare-related complications.
• Ensure a safe and supportive environment by adhering to safety protocols, maintaining clean and organized workspaces, and ensuring equipment is functioning properly.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives within healthcare settings by recognizing areas for improvement and advocating for better patient care practices.

7. Cultural Competence and Diversity

• Demonstrate cultural competence in nursing practice, understanding and respecting the diverse cultural, social, and religious needs of patients.
• Provide care that is sensitive to the differences in age, ethnicity, gender, and background while ensuring equitable and respectful treatment of all individuals.

8. Lifelong Learning and Professional Development

• Engage in lifelong learning and professional development to stay current with the latest nursing practices, technologies, and advancements in healthcare.
• Participate in continuing education opportunities, as required by licensure and professional organizations, to maintain competencies and improve nursing practice.

9. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

• Promote wellness and preventive healthcare by providing education on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
• Support patients in making informed choices regarding their health, such as immunizations, screenings, and chronic disease management.

10. Teamwork and Leadership

• Demonstrate effective teamwork in various healthcare settings, working collaboratively with other nurses, doctors, and healthcare professionals.
• Develop leadership skills by taking initiative in specific nursing tasks, managing patient care during clinical rotations, and supervising unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) when appropriate.

 

Required courses, 44 credit hours.