Practical Nurse Education, Diploma

D45660  Total credit hours: 47

Note: Admission into the Practical Nurse Education program is limited. Students must complete the admissions requirements as outlined in the admissions packet in order for them to be eligible for selection. Meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee placement into the Practical Nurse Education program. Interested students should contact the admissions office for more information.

The Practical Nursing curriculum provides knowledge and skills to integrate safety and quality into nursing care to meet the needs of the holistic individual which impact health, quality of life, and achievement of potential.

Course work includes and builds upon the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. Content emphasizes safe, individualized nursing care and participation in the interdisciplinary team while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics.

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) which is required for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation/long term care/home health facilities, clinics, and physicians’ offices.

Davidson-Davie Practical Nurse Education Program NCLEX-PN results 2019: 100%

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the graduate may be eligible to apply to take the licensure examination required to become a licensed practical nurse and should possess the knowledge, fundamental skills, and attitudes to:

1. Provide evidence-based clinically competent nursing care in a culturally sensitive manner.
2. Use communication and information technology effectively and appropriately.
3. Work in interdisciplinary teams.
4. Contribute to continuous improvement of the health care system.
5. Demonstrate ethical and legal behavior in all professional activities.

Technical Standards

In addition to Davidson-Davie requirements and course objectives, there are professional standards that encompass communication, motor skills, sensory and cognitive ability and professional conduct that are essential for the competent study and practice of nursing. These technical standards are published in the application packet for admission to Practical Nurse Education programs and the program student handbook. PNE Technical Standards (PDF opens in new window)  

Admission Requirements

The following are admissions criteria for applicants to the Practical Nurse Education (PNE) program.

1. Complete the application process as described in the Practical Nurse Education Packet and be conditionally accepted into the PNE program option.
2. Complete the clinical clearance process within the designated due dates.
3. Complete an approved Nurse Aide I training course and be listed as a Nurse Aide I with no substantiated findings prior to the first day of the Fall semester.

NOTE: Meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee placement into the Practical Nurse Education program.

Transfer Courses

The decision regarding transfer credit for NUR courses is made by the Director of Nursing, in consultation with members of the Nursing faculty. Syllabi for courses for which credit is requested may be required. Transfer credit must be evaluated by the program and is not guaranteed.

Probation and Suspension

A nursing student is placed on suspension status from the program for the following reasons:

1. Demonstrates behavior which conflict with safety essential to nursing practice as determined by the nursing faculty;
2. Presents physical or emotional problems which conflict with safety essential to nursing practice and does not respond to appropriate treatment and/or counseling within a reasonable period of time;
3. Fails to demonstrate professional behavior, including honesty, integrity, and appropriate use of social media while enrolled in NUR prefix courses; and/or
4. Receives a final grade of “D” or “F” in any required course in the PNE curriculum.

Nursing students are subject to the same probation and suspension policies as all other students enrolled at the College. Additional criteria for nursing apply.

Since requirements for progression in the nursing program are in addition to the general requirements of the College, a student suspended from the program is not necessarily suspended from the College. Students who are eligible to do so may continue in their supporting courses and apply for readmission to the nursing program at a later time or may elect to change their major.

Criminal Background Check

Applicants for initial licensure in North Carolina must have a criminal background check.

The clinical site requires a criminal background check, drug screen, and up-to-date immunizations prior to participation in the clinical component. If any clinical facility denies a student’s participation in the clinical experiences in that clinical agency, the student will not be able to progress in the program.

Program Requirements

Students cannot take NUR 101 without being accepted through selective criteria. Once students start NUR 101, they MUST stay continually enrolled in NUR prefix courses.