Practical Nursing

The Certificate Program in Practical Nursing addresses the need for an alternative career option in the Allied Health Sciences. After completion of all the pre-requisite courses, then placing above the National Average in the ATI TEAS, the two-semester LPN course of study at Hostos Community College provides the successful graduate, who passes the NCLEX-PN Exam, with marketable skills as a Licensed Practical Nurse within one calendar year.

The major course content within this program is based on a practical nursing curriculum. This program supports a major focus for the College, which is the provision of both strong allied health career programs and a broad-based, liberal arts education. A unique feature of this course of study is that, unlike the traditional practical nursing programs, students are exposed to other disciplines in a collegiate setting -e.g., English and the natural, social, and behavioral sciences.

The framework for the Certificate Program in Practical Nursing embodies basic needs, selected components of the nursing process, and the skills that are needed to practice as a member of the health care team. Students learn to deliver nursing care to patients of all age groups in a variety of settings, under the directguidance and supervision of qualified professional nurse instructors. The Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate program is accredited by the New York State Education Department.

Objectives of the Program in Licensed Practical Nursing

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to do the following:

1. Use critical thinking skills and knowledge acquired from nursing, the physical, biological, social, behavioral sciences and the humanities to identify and respond to health needs of our culturally diverse patients and their significant others across the life span.

2. Use components of the nursing process to deliver care to patients using therapeutic communication, patient teaching and a caring attitude.

3. Use components of the nursing process to deliver care to patients across the life span to function as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team.

4. Appropriately manage one’s own nursing care and monitor the care provided by unlicensed caregivers.

5. Assume responsibility and accountability for one’s nursing practice based on established standards for the Licensed Practical Nurse.