3.15 Practical Nursing Program

3.15.1 System Guidelines

Enrollment in the Practical Nursing Program may be limited because of available laboratory facilities, as well as faculty and financial resources.

• Technical Standards
  • Nursing at the technical level involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of nursing functions. All students should possess sufficient:
    1. Nursing at the technical level involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of nursing functions. All students should possess sufficient:
    2. auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, IV infusion pumps, Doptones, fire alarms, etc.; and
    3. gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment required in meeting health needs; and
    4. physical strength and endurance to be able to access patients as well as provide patient care for extended periods of time. This may include transporting patients and equipment within a facility, standing or being mobile for 8-12 or more hours, constant standing and walking, lifting up to 50 pounds; and
    5. communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the individual’s interest; according to KAR 314.051 (1) (c) An applicant is able to understandably speak and write the English language and to read the English language with comprehension; and
    6. intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.
  • In addition to the other qualifications, the college will, in compliance with KCTCS regulations and in the manner and to the extent permitted by law, endeavor to provide opportunities to all students in order to promote diversity among the student population in the Practical Nursing Program.
• Admission
  • Selection of students for the Practical Nursing Program will be made by a Practical Nursing Admissions Committee, which is to be appointed for this purpose. Membership on this committee shall be from the college as follows:
    • Practical Nursing Program Coordinator; and
    • One to Two Practical Nursing Faculty Members; and
    • One to Two Members-At-Large, e.g., Development Studies Counselors,
    • General Studies Faculty, Student Services, Admission Officer.
  • Terms for members-at-large are for two years and are to be staggered. Terms for the Practical Nursing faculty members are for two years but may be reappointed.
    
    In order to be considered for admission to the Practical Nursing Program, each applicant must submit the following:
    
    1. admissions application to a KCTCS college.
    2. official documentation of obtaining minimum college readiness benchmarks.
  • A pre-admission conference with the coordinator or the coordinator’s designee is required prior to an applicant’s consideration by the Practical Nursing Admissions Committee.
• Preference may be given to:
  1. Candidates who demonstrate above average standing in high school or on the General Education Development Examination (GED).
  2. Applicants who score above the assessment and placement entry level scores for admission to the practical nursing program.
  3. Applicants who have completed 12 or more credit hours in the approved curriculum with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better from any regionally accredited college, or Council on Occupational Education accreditation.
• Readmission
  1. To be considered for readmission by the Practical Nursing Admissions Committee, the applicant must submit a written request to the Practical Nursing Coordinator including evidence of remedial study, additional preparation or resolution of factors contribution to unsuccessful course completion and must meet current admission guidelines.
  2. A student may be readmitted to the Practical Nursing Program one time if a student has furnished sufficient evidence of remedial study, additional preparation, or resolution of factors contributing to unsuccessful course completion. The Practical Nursing Admissions Committee may recommend readmission a second time.
  3. If more than three years have elapsed since initial enrollment in the first nursing course of any practical nursing program, an applicant must repeat all nursing courses unless the student has demonstrated current competency by passing exams equivalent to comprehensive course final examinations (both written exams and clinical skills) if available at the college to which the student is applying for admission.
• Transfer
  1. Applicants who have attended another nursing program, or wish to transfer from one KCTCS Practical Nursing Program must:
     1. meet all admission requirements of the receiving institution; and
     2. notify the Coordinator of the Practical Nursing Program in writing, requesting entry into a nursing course (s) and stating the reason for transfer; and
     3. have a faculty member from the program previously attended submit a letter of recommendation to the receiving institution.
  2. If more than three years have elapsed since initial enrollment in the first nursing course in any practical nursing program, an applicant must repeat all nursing courses.

3.15.2 College Guidelines

• 3.15.2.1 Jefferson Community and Technical College
  • The Kentucky Community and Technical College system (KCTCS) Guidelines for Admissions will be observed with the following qualifications:
    1. applicants must hold current certification in CPR the American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider course or the American Red Cross Professional Rescuer level; and
  • Preference may be given to:
    1. applicants who are veterans, active duty personnel, their spouses, and also displaced workers who qualify under the Trade Adjustment Act.
• 3.15.2.2 Bluegrass Community and Technical College
  • The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Guidelines for Admissions will be observed with the following exceptions:
  • Admission:
    1. Official high school or post-secondary transcripts will not be required with the submission of the application.
    2. Proof of successful completion of a Nurse Aide equivalent course within the past three (3) years or proof of active status as a State Registered Nurse Aide will be required prior to starting the nursing program.