Mar 29, 2024  
2021 - 2022 Academic Catalog 
    
2021 - 2022 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Licensed Vocational Nursing


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Panola College’s vocational nursing curriculum places emphasis on practical nursing skills providing classroom lectures, nursing skills training, and clinical experiences in a variety of clinical settings.

The vision of the Vocational Nursing Program is to promote safety and caring in nursing. Graduates should be able to care for patients within standard legal, ethical and regulatory parameters. The Vocational Nursing Program is committed to the preparation of individuals who will assume the role of vocational nurse and collaborate with the registered professional nurse and other health care professionals in the delivery of quality health care. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic nursing care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors.

Most licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses work in long-term care facilities, home health, or clinics. Many work nights, weekends, and holidays, because medical care takes place at all hours. They may be required to work shifts of longer than 8 hours.

Chair

Annissa Jackson

Instructors

  • Sarah Chaput
  • Jo Lynn Field
  • Lisa Miller
  • Charde Salone

Department Mission

To prepare competent vocational nurses who are knowledgeable, safe, and demonstrate a positive and caring behavior.

Department Objectives

  • To prepare graduates who will assume the role of vocational nurse to care for patients within standard legal, ethical, and regulatory parameters.
  • To prepare life-long learners who will continue their nursing education through continuing education and career advancement toward registered nursing.

Job Outlook

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (accessed 2/18/2021), employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 9 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the baby-boom population ages, the overall need for healthcare services is expected to increase. LPNs and LVNs will be needed in residential care facilities and in-home health environments to care for geriatric patients. Vocational nurses can find employment in nursing homes, home health/hospice, urgent care clinics, doctors’ offices, dialysis, public schools, and occupational health.

Licensed Vocational Nurse: Areas of Specialization

  • Geriatrics/Extended Care
  • Home Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Dialysis
  • School Nursing
  • Occupational Health

Applying to the Vocational Nursing Program

The VN program is a “closed” program and requires additional application and acceptance into the program. Admission to Panola College does not guarantee admission to specific courses or programs of study. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will receive a Certificate of Completion and may take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Those who pass this examination are granted a license to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Texas.

The VN program is offered on the Carthage (fall start) and Center (spring start) campuses. This face-to-face program is taught over three semesters.

Clinicals will be scheduled during days, evenings, nights, and/or weekends within a 70-mile radius of Carthage, Texas. Clinicals are scheduled by the instructors and the clinical site. Applicants must have these times available until the schedule is finalized.

BEFORE Applying to the VN Program

  1. You must apply and be admitted to Panola College.
  2. Complete prerequisite BIOL 2404 with a “C” or higher or BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402 with a “C” or higher in both courses. Lab must have been taken in the same semester and at the same school as the lecture portion of the course.
  3. Pass the HESI A2 with a minimum score of 75 on Reading Comprehension, Math and Grammar sections. This a $60 non-refundable fee and may only be taken twice within the past 5 years. Call (903)693-2036 for an appointment. https://www.panola.edu/student-services/student-support/testing-services

How to Apply to the VN Program

  1. Call (903) 694-4026 or (936) 598-9543 for questions regarding the VN Program. Students can apply to the program at the Health and Natural Sciences Building in Carthage or at the Shelby College Center in Center, Texas. Applications are given to students September 1 through October 1 and February 1 through March 1. To receive an application, bring with you:
    1. HESI A2 scores
    2. Transcript evaluation completed by Student Success office
    3. Proof of required Hepatitis B immunization series or positive antibody titers by the deadline.
    4. Unofficial transcript from Panola College, if applicable.
  2. Verify official transcripts from each college or university attended were received. Send official transcripts from all other colleges and universities attended to: Admissions/ Records Office, 1109 W. Panola St., Carthage, TX 75633.
  3. Applicants not accepted for admission at one campus may reapply at the next enrollment period.

Requirements of the VN Program

  • Must have a clear criminal background check (to be completed at time of application)
  • Must have a clear drug screen (to be completed after admission to program)
  • Must have all required immunizations or antibody titers.

Deadline to Apply

  • Carthage program - March 1st for fall admission
  • Center program - October 1st for spring admission

Important Information

  • Approximate expenses of the VN program = $9,800.
  • The nursing program requires a grade of 75 to earn a “C” in any nursing course. A “C” or higher must be maintained to continue in the program.

Accreditation

The VN program has full approval status by the Texas Board of Nursing, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460, Austin, TX 78701, (512) 305-7400.

For program-specific information and FAQs, please visit the Vocational Nursing link: https://www.panola.edu/academics/school-nursing-health-sciences/department-vocational-nursing.

Expenses of the Nursing Program

In addition to tuition, fees, and books, the student who is accepted into the program will complete the following requirements upon admission (fees for lab and clinical range $150-$300):

  1. Uniforms, shoes, a watch with a second hand, stethoscope, scissors, and uniform logo.
  2. Remaining required immunizations.
  3. Transportation to health care agencies. Driving distances will vary and may be as far as 70 miles OR GREATER from the main campus to clinical sites. Clinical rotations are assigned by nursing faculty.
  4. Graduation expenses such as school pin, sash photo, etc.
  5. NCLEX-PN course (if needed) and/or NCSBN Review (15 wk course).
  6. Fees for NCLEX-PN exam and Board of Nursing Application.

Note: Students are encouraged to have access to a computer with Internet connectivity.

Students are required to participate in clinical training at multiple sites which may include hospitals, day care centers, physicians’ offices, health clinics and other health care facilities in Carthage, Center, Henderson, Marshall, Jefferson, Nacogdoches, Longview, and San Augustine. Transportation to and from the clinical sites is the responsibility of the student.

System of Grading

A student may not progress to the next level of VNSG classes without successfully completing all VNSG courses at the previous level.

The nursing program requires a grade of 75 to earn a “C” in any nursing course. A “C” must be maintained in each nursing course to continue in the program. If a student earns a grade of “F” (below 75 in a nursing course) or withdraws from classes, the student will be dropped from the program and must submit a letter and a form to the Director to be considered for reentry. Readmission is considered on an individual basis. A student may be readmitted once, on a space available basis.

Achievement Examinations

Achievement examinations will be administered throughout the nursing program. In addition to fulfilling the academic requirements of Panola College, all students must successfully pass a comprehensive achievement examination in the final semester of the nursing program or complete remediation in order to be eligible to receive authorization to take the NCLEX-PN. A two-day review for the state board exam will be provided.

For more information, email lvn@panola.edu or call 903-693-2038 for advising

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