Practical Nursing
This course is designed to give the student both theory and clinical experience in the nursing field in order to meet criteria to pass the National Council License Exam (NCLEX) and practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Mission
The mission of the nursing program is to provide the instruction and skill development for the student to become gainfully employed in the nursing field.
Program Objectives
The objective of vocational education is to instruct individuals in occupational skills to meet the demands of specific jobs. It involves the develtopment of skills, abilities, attitudes, understanding, working habits and work ethics that result in a satisfying useful life of work and good citizenship. Additionally, the practical nurse will atempt to meet other objectives which will aid the improvement of health, the recovery from illness or the support in death of those coming into his/her care.
Upon completion of the course, the graduate will be able to:
- Understand the functions of the practical nurse on the nursing team.
- Practice basic nursing in a safe manner and understand related information necessary for a beginning nurse.
- Appreciate health as related to the individual, the family, and the community.
- Demonstrate a beginning skill of nderstanding behavior in relation to patients, co-workers, family and friends.
- Recognize scientific principles which form a background for nursing.
- Demonstrate communication skills in observing and reporting.
- Develop and demonstrate competency in theory and clinical performance, leading to eligibility for graduation and written state board exams.
- Recognize the need for continued self-direction in personal and vocational growth.
- Give nursing care to clients under the supervision of a registered nurse, licensed physician, dentist, opthalmologist or optometrist.
Nature Of The Work
Licensed Practical Nurses work under the direction of a physician or registered nurse to assist in the care of medical, surgical, geriatric, pediatric and maternity patients. The curriculum includes classroom study and supervised clinical practice in hospitals, nursing homes, and allied health facilities.
The practical nursing student must complete the prescribed course of study and clinical experience and then pass the state licensure examination to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Broad Units of Study
- Vocational Relationships
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Nutrition and Diet Therapy
- Nursing Principles and Skills
- Basic Pharmacology (includes Technology Foundations Math)
- Administration of Medicines
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Geriatric Nursing
- Obstetrics
- IV Therapy
- Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health Concepts
- Maternal and Child Health
- Pediatric Nursing
- Advanced PVR
- Work Ethics
Practical Nursing Estimated Student Expenses
Clinical Experience: |
Hours |
| Medical-Surgical Nursing | 309 |
| Maternal and Child Nursing | 60 |
| Pediatric Nursing | 36 |
| Psychiatric Nursing | 45 |
Program Awards
| Title | Est. Hours | Award |
| Practical Nursing | 1296 | Diploma |
General Application Procedures
* NOTE:
Beginning September 2013, applicants will be required to complete a prerequisite
course. Additional information available here.
- Apply to take the COMPASS exam. You must pay your fee at this time. ($15 non refundable) Check with the school regarding specific dates and times of tests.
-
On the date you are scheduled to take the Exam, you must bring the following:
Positive I.D. (must be a photo I.D.) -
Persons scoring 80% or higher on Reading and 50% or higher on Math will be notified to attend an information session.
(This will not guarantee a position in the Nursing Program) - Persons scheduled to enter the program will be notified by mail.
- Prior to the first day of class, persons scheduled to enter will be required to submit a current physical exam documenting physical and mental competence. Proof of immunizations required on physical form.
- Persons not entering the program during the current year's application process must re-apply to be considered for a future class. There will be no carryovers.
Affiliating Agencies
The clinical agencies that the Shelbyville Practical Nursing program is affiliated with are Heritage Medical Center, John W. Harton Regional Medical Center, Middle Tennessee Medical Center, Lincoln Medical Center, Southern Tennessee Medical Center, StoneCrest Medical Center, Murfreesboro V.A. Hospital, or Glen Oaks Convalescent Center. Clinical facilities are subject to change without notice.
Students will be required to rotate through all these agencies as assigned by the nursing faculty.
We are the lead institution of the Tennessee Valley Regional Practical Nursing Program.
We have five campuses and seven programs:
- Shelbyville - Full-Time
- Murfreesboro - Full-Time
- McMinnville - Full-Time
- Winchester - Part-Time
- Fayetteville - Full-Time
NEW Application Procedures
Please call Student Services for information
Practical Nursing Instructors - Shelbyville
Trudy Kettenbach - Practical Nursing Coordinator
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(Fayetteville, McMinnville, Murfreesboro, Shelbyville and Winchester Campuses) Bachelor of Science Nursing (Southeast Missouri State University) 30+ years experience Trudy.Kettenbach@ttcshelbyville.edu |
Vicki Aman - Practical Nursing Instructor
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Associates of Science Nursing (Hillsboro Community College) Bachelors of Science Nursing - Management Masters in Business Administration (National Louis University, Chicago, IL) 26+ years experience Vicki.Aman@ttcshelbyville.edu |
Jennifer B. Greenwell - Practical Nursing Instructor
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Adjunct Nursing Instructor |
Kim Rymer - Practical Nursing Instructor - Winchester Campus
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Associate of Applied Science (Motlow State Community College) 10+ Years Experience Kim.Rymer@ttcshelbyville.edu |
The Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville does not offer a student loan program.
The Tennessee Technology Center at Shelbyville does not offer a student loan program.
63% of graduates from this program, who began their studies in 2011-12, completed it within 12 months.


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