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.

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, 48 credit hours.