ACCELERATE D HYBRID PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM IN ILLINOIS
Practical nurses (PNs) care for the sick, injured, convalescent, and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses. Most PNs provide basic bedside care, taking vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration count. They also prepare and give injections and enemas, monitor catheters, apply dressings, treat bedsores, and give alcohol rubs and massages.
PNs monitor their patients and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments. They collect samples for testing, perform routine laboratory tests, feed patients, and record food and fluid intake and output. To help keep patients comfortable, PNs assist with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene.
In States where the law allows, practical nurses may administer prescribed medicines or start intravenous (IV) fluids. Some PNs help to deliver, care for, and feed newborns. Experienced PNs may supervise nursing assistants and aides. In addition to providing routine bedside care, PNs in nursing care facilities help to evaluate residents’ needs, develop care plans, and supervise the care provided by nursing aides.
In doctors’ offices and clinics, practical nurses 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. Most practical nurses in hospitals and nursing care facilities work a 40-hour week, and because patients need round-the-clock care, some work nights, weekends, or holidays. Practical nurses often stand for long periods and help patients move in bed, stand, or walk.
Practical Nurse Career Outlook
Employment opportunities for Practical Nurses are expected to be excellent in the years to come. There is an expected growth of 12% between 2016-2026 for this area of nursing. The growing elderly population, which requires more care from trained personnel, and the general growth of the healthcare industry will also promote the PN career field to expand. Another area of exceptional growth and ample opportunity for PNs is in nursing homes. Long-term care of elderly patients will be an increasing concern to the nation’s health care system as the current population continues to age. Please visit www.bls.gov to learn more about the outlook of PN opportunities.
Major Nursing Shortage
There currently is a major nursing shortage in the the United States and specifically in Illinois. The Nursing shortage is expected to last for years and is a great opportunity for anyone interested in starting a career in nursing. We have classes starting year round and or day, evening and weekend schedules available. Dont miss out on this opportunity.
Course Objective
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Verve College’s Practical Nurse (PN) program/courses in Chicago and Oak Brook is a 12-14 month certificate/diploma program which prepares students to provide nursing care for the sick, injured and otherwise disabled health patients. The PN program utilizes a blended learning methodology, which includes classroom instruction, laboratory simulations at our own PN labs present at both campuses, externships in clinical settings including hospitals and nursing care facilities, and online practice and exam preparation. After successful completion of the PN courses with a minimum grade of “B,” students must take the ATI Exit Exam and pass it with a 94% or higher, predicting a probability of passing NCLEX on the first attempt. After taking the ATI Exit Exam students will receive a certificate in Practical Nursing and will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN State Licensure Exam.
Verve College has a goal of providing the highest quality education in a supportive and stimulating environment by hiring highly qualified faculty with considerable nursing knowledge and experience, and varied cultural backgrounds. Students will discover an excellent opportunity to enhance their knowledge at Verve College. This knowledge allows both the faculty and the student to incorporate educational standards with the need for individual customization that should be initiated when integrating health care and the community.