x

Nursing: Practical

Download PDF

Academic Programs

Nursing: Practical - Certificate (E91)

This program is designed to prepare the graduate to function with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for the role of the beginning practical nurse to provide care in a variety of health care settings. The program is approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Work and Employment

Licensed practical nurses assist in patient care with other interprofessional members under the direction of registered nurses, physicians, dentists or podiatrists. They perform procedures and treatments such as measuring vital signs, applying dressings and administering medications. LPNs work for nursing homes, clinics, and other health care facilities where patients with chronic conditions receive care. Advancement in health care education is generally required for acute care and the specialized areas of nursing practice. 

Special Considerations

In order to become licensed as a practical nurse, a person must complete a state-approved program like SVCC's and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for practical nurses (PN).

Admission Requirements

Satisfy all of the following academic criteria:

1.  Active CNA certificate on file with IDPH with verification of work history or documentation of successful completion of a state approved program, NRS 121 (recertification), or VOC 121 within the last 2 years. CNA work history verification can be documented via: tax records, payment stub, IDPH registry (if clinical updates are present) or a letter from the employer. 

2.  Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.5 or above.

3.  ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (Note: only one of the following must be met. The most recent score or grade will be utilized.)

  • SVCC placement test, SAT, or ACT writing score validating minimum ENG 101 placement.            
  • Completed ELA 099 or higher with a grade of "C" or better. 

4.  MATH (Note: only one of the following must be met. Applicants are encouraged to complete higher level math courses without risk to points earned. The highest level points achieved within the passing standard of a "C" or better will be used)

  • Placed into intermediate algebra (MAT 080, 081) or higher using placement, SAT, or ACT score
  • Completed beginning algebra (MAT 074 or 075), Preparatory Math for Non-STEM Majors (MAT 078), or higher level with grade "C" or better OR Preparatory Math for Non Stem Majors (MAT 078), or higher level with grade "C" or better
  • Completed an equivalent course at another college or university with a grade of "C" or higher
  • Two semesters of high school algebra or Math1 within the last five (5) years of when the math was taken 

Admission Procedure

Further admission information is available in the Nursing Admission Handbook (obtained at the required nursing informational meeting).

  • Complete the College's general admission procedure.
  • Attend a nursing information meeting.
  • Meet with the health career education Advisor in the semester of intended application prior to the admissions deadline and develop an academic progression plan.
  • File a current nursing application form with the Dean of Health Professions.
  • Submit two letters of recommendation to the Dean of Health Professions.

 TEAS Testing-Requirement for All Nursing Applicants

  • All new applicants to the nursing program must take the ATI TEAS test. Reapplicants can opt to retake the ATI TEAS test.
  • TEAS testing must be completed prior to the application deadline date.
  • Testing will include areas of Reading, English, Mathematics and Science.
  • Applicants may not test any more than once per semester.  Retesting allowed in subsequent semesters.  Test may be repeated three times.
  • TEAS testing applicable for admission MUST be completed at SVCC or additional charges for official ATI transcripts are incurred.
  • You must set up an ATI account with a user name and password.
  • Contact the Academic Advising office at 815-835-6354 to submit a request to the Testing Center to schedule the TEAS test.
    • Fee will be paid to ATI per credit card at the time of testing.
  • BRING THE FOLLOWING TO THE TESTING SESSION:
    • ATI user name, password and ID number
    • Photo ID
    • Credit card for payment to ATI
  • Study guides are available in the SVCC Library or may be purchased online at www.atitesting.com.  For free practice tests, please visit www.testprepreview.com/teas_practice.html.
  • TEAS score valid for 3 years.

Points will be awarded according to your score as detailed in the Nursing Admission Handbook.

Application Deadlines

The admission requirements and the admission procedure must be completed by March 1 of the year the applicant wishes to be admitted. If the class is not filled, candidates must meet the second candidate evaluation deadline of June 1.

Out-of-District Application

Sauk Valley Community College is required by the Illinois Community College Act (110 ILCS 805/3-17) to give preference to in-district resident candidates. Out-of-district applicants will be considered if space is available after June 1 of the year of application to enter the program. Out-of-district applicants to the program coming from colleges with cooperative agreements will be given the same consideration (March 1 deadline) as in-district applicants.

Program Requirements

A grade of "C" is the minimum passing grade for all major field requirements, social science, and natural science. Successful completion of a nursing course requires a "C" in the classroom, satisfactory clinical performance and on skills testing. A student who is unsatisfactory in any one of those areas will receive a failing grade for the course. If an NRS course is failed, it may be repeated once. No more than one NRS course may be repeated.

Follow this link for career information.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

  • Health Career Education Advisor, 815-835-6354
  • Pamela A. Eubanks, MSN, RN, Dean of Health Professions, 815-835-6376

Total Hours Required - 43 Hours

Major Field Requirements - 36 Hours

  • NRS108 - Practical Nursing Fundamentals ( 13 Semester Hours)

    This course is designed to introduce the beginning practical nursing student to the profession of nursing with particular focus in the long term care setting. Safe and effective care principles will be applied. The students will be expected to manage hygiene related needs, basic safety, and nutritional provision of oral fluids and foods. Concepts related to assessment, culture, values and ethics, legal aspects, and therapeutic interpersonal communication skills will be presented. The principles and practices of medication administration will be introduced. Alterations in bowel and urinary elimination, oxygenation, rest and sleep will be discussed. The concepts of pain, teaching and learning, death and dying, and spirituality will be addressed. The nursing process will be introduced and integrated throughout the course. Knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to perform competent nursing care will be applied to the care of the geriatric/adult patients. Clinical experience will focus on the basic care of the geriatric/adult resident in the long term care setting. Prerequisite: Admission to the LPN program. 13 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 8 lec/10 lab

  • NRS109 - Fd. Mod Bed Nurs/Repro Hlth II ( 7 Semester Hours)

    This course includes the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nursing care related to the following: maternity patient, normal newborn and newborn with complications, pediatric patient, care of patients with sexually transmitted diseases, and pathology and care related to the urinary and reproductive systems (male and female). The clinical/laboratory component will help reinforce knowledge and skills needed with the birthing family, hospitalized child, well child care, and adult patients with selected medical and surgical conditions with a patient-centered focus. Prerequisite: NRS 108 with a grade of C or better. 7 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/6 lab

  • NRS110 - Foundations Med Surg Nursing I ( 7 Semester Hours)

    Topics will include the knowledge, skills and attitudes of nursing care related to gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, diabetes, respiratory, and cardiovascular and hematologic and lymphatic system disorders. The clinical and laboratory component provides experience in the care of the patient throughout the adult lifespan (ages 18 years through old age) with medical and surgical conditions with integration of the nursing process. Prerequisites: NRS 108 and BIO 108 with a grade of C or better or permission of instructor. 7 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/6 lab

  • NRS111 - Foundation Med Surg Nursing II ( 6 Semester Hours)

    Topics will include the systems and concepts of nursing care related to actual mental health diagnoses or issues and disease states in the systems of endocrine, immune, nervous and integumetary. Evidence based knowledge, skills, and attitudes of practical nursing regarding education, teamwork, and employment opportunities; preparation for licensure; career evaluation; legal responsibilities, and the concept and management of patient centered care are incorporated. The clinical component will provide experience in the adult long term and skilled care nursing settings. Prerequisites: NRS 109 and NRS 110 with a grade of C or better. 6 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/4 lab/week

  • NRS113 - Drug Dosage Calculations ( 1 Semester Hours)

    A course designed to promote competency in calculating commonly encountered drug dosage problems. Conversions between metric and household systems will be covered. Concepts regarding safety in medication administration and interpreting health care provider orders will be included. Students will learn how to calculate oral, parenteral, IV flow rates, critical care and pediatric drug dosage calculations using their calculation method of choice. Prerequisite: NRS 108 - "C" with concurrent enrollment allowed and BIO 108 - "C" with concurrent enrollment allowed or BIO 109 - "C" no concurrency and BIO 110 - "C" with concurrent enrollment allowed or permission of instructor. 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/week

  • NRS115 - LPN Intravenous Therapy ( 2 Semester Hours)

    The purpose of the Intravenous Therapy Course is to provide the appropriate knowledge, skill, and attitudes to perform selected tasks identified in the Illinois Nurse Practice Act related to intravenous therapy on stabilized patients under the supervision of a registered nurse, physician, dentist or podiatrist. Prerequisite: NRS 108 with a grade of C or better or current Illinois practical nurse license and/or a sponsoring agency willing to provide a registered nurse preceptor and consent of instructor or concurrent enrollment in NRS 108. 2 Semester hours 1.5 lec,/1 lab/week

General Education Requirements - 7 Hours

  • PSY103 - Introduction to Psychology ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts, theories, principles, and research in the field of psychology. This course will survey the scientific study of human and animal characteristics and behavior. Major topics from biological, behavioral, cognitive, personality, developmental, abnormal, and social psychology theory and research will be emphasized. Universal characteristics and individual differences will be explored Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S6 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • BIO108 - Intro to Human Anatomy/Physiol ( 4 Semester Hours)

    A study of introductory chemistry, cells, tissues, and structure and function of organ systems including: digestive, respiratory, reproductive, urogenital, cardiovascular-lymphatic, musculoskeletal, nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. Prerequisite: None 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec, 2 lab/week

Suggested Support Course

BIO 109 and 110 will meet the science requirements for the LPN program for students interested in advanced placement into the ADN program. The NRS courses are organized to be completed in a one-year sequence. However, provisions are made for those students who need to distribute the general education courses over a longer period of time. See suggested programs.

  • BIO109 - Human Anatomy & Physiology I ( 4 Semester Hours)

    A study of introductory chemistry, cells, metabolic processes, the organization of tissues, the skeletal system, joints and articulation, the integumentary system, micro and macro organization of the nervous system, and somatic and special senses. Prerequisites: BIO 105 or BIO 108 with a grade of C or higher OR two years of high school biology with a C or higher within the last five years AND CHE 102 or CHE 103 or CHE 105 with a grade of C or higher OR one year of high school chemistry with a grade of C or higher within the last five years. 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 2 lab/week

  • BIO110 - Human Anatomy & Physiology II ( 4 Semester Hours)

    A continuation of BIO 109. BIO 110 is the study of the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, immune, lymphatic, and reproductive systems. Additionally, electrolyte, pH, and water balance and human development will be discussed. Prerequisite: BIO 109 with a grade of C 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec, 2 lab/week

Suggested Program Option I - For students entering the Program in the fall semester:

First Semester - 23 Hours

  • BIO108 - Intro to Human Anatomy/Physiol ( 4 Semester Hours)

    A study of introductory chemistry, cells, tissues, and structure and function of organ systems including: digestive, respiratory, reproductive, urogenital, cardiovascular-lymphatic, musculoskeletal, nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. Prerequisite: None 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec, 2 lab/week

  • NRS108 - Practical Nursing Fundamentals ( 13 Semester Hours)

    This course is designed to introduce the beginning practical nursing student to the profession of nursing with particular focus in the long term care setting. Safe and effective care principles will be applied. The students will be expected to manage hygiene related needs, basic safety, and nutritional provision of oral fluids and foods. Concepts related to assessment, culture, values and ethics, legal aspects, and therapeutic interpersonal communication skills will be presented. The principles and practices of medication administration will be introduced. Alterations in bowel and urinary elimination, oxygenation, rest and sleep will be discussed. The concepts of pain, teaching and learning, death and dying, and spirituality will be addressed. The nursing process will be introduced and integrated throughout the course. Knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to perform competent nursing care will be applied to the care of the geriatric/adult patients. Clinical experience will focus on the basic care of the geriatric/adult resident in the long term care setting. Prerequisite: Admission to the LPN program. 13 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 8 lec/10 lab

  • NRS113 - Drug Dosage Calculations ( 1 Semester Hours)

    A course designed to promote competency in calculating commonly encountered drug dosage problems. Conversions between metric and household systems will be covered. Concepts regarding safety in medication administration and interpreting health care provider orders will be included. Students will learn how to calculate oral, parenteral, IV flow rates, critical care and pediatric drug dosage calculations using their calculation method of choice. Prerequisite: NRS 108 - "C" with concurrent enrollment allowed and BIO 108 - "C" with concurrent enrollment allowed or BIO 109 - "C" no concurrency and BIO 110 - "C" with concurrent enrollment allowed or permission of instructor. 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec/week

  • PSY103 - Introduction to Psychology ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts, theories, principles, and research in the field of psychology. This course will survey the scientific study of human and animal characteristics and behavior. Major topics from biological, behavioral, cognitive, personality, developmental, abnormal, and social psychology theory and research will be emphasized. Universal characteristics and individual differences will be explored Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S6 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • NRS115 - LPN Intravenous Therapy ( 2 Semester Hours)

    The purpose of the Intravenous Therapy Course is to provide the appropriate knowledge, skill, and attitudes to perform selected tasks identified in the Illinois Nurse Practice Act related to intravenous therapy on stabilized patients under the supervision of a registered nurse, physician, dentist or podiatrist. Prerequisite: NRS 108 with a grade of C or better or current Illinois practical nurse license and/or a sponsoring agency willing to provide a registered nurse preceptor and consent of instructor or concurrent enrollment in NRS 108. 2 Semester hours 1.5 lec,/1 lab/week

Second Semester - 14 Hours

  • NRS109 - Fd. Mod Bed Nurs/Repro Hlth II ( 7 Semester Hours)

    This course includes the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nursing care related to the following: maternity patient, normal newborn and newborn with complications, pediatric patient, care of patients with sexually transmitted diseases, and pathology and care related to the urinary and reproductive systems (male and female). The clinical/laboratory component will help reinforce knowledge and skills needed with the birthing family, hospitalized child, well child care, and adult patients with selected medical and surgical conditions with a patient-centered focus. Prerequisite: NRS 108 with a grade of C or better. 7 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/6 lab

  • NRS110 - Foundations Med Surg Nursing I ( 7 Semester Hours)

    Topics will include the knowledge, skills and attitudes of nursing care related to gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, diabetes, respiratory, and cardiovascular and hematologic and lymphatic system disorders. The clinical and laboratory component provides experience in the care of the patient throughout the adult lifespan (ages 18 years through old age) with medical and surgical conditions with integration of the nursing process. Prerequisites: NRS 108 and BIO 108 with a grade of C or better or permission of instructor. 7 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/6 lab

Third Semester - 6 Hours

  • NRS111 - Foundation Med Surg Nursing II ( 6 Semester Hours)

    Topics will include the systems and concepts of nursing care related to actual mental health diagnoses or issues and disease states in the systems of endocrine, immune, nervous and integumetary. Evidence based knowledge, skills, and attitudes of practical nursing regarding education, teamwork, and employment opportunities; preparation for licensure; career evaluation; legal responsibilities, and the concept and management of patient centered care are incorporated. The clinical component will provide experience in the adult long term and skilled care nursing settings. Prerequisites: NRS 109 and NRS 110 with a grade of C or better. 6 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 4 lec/4 lab/week

Suggested Program Option II

Begin NRS course sequence upon acceptance into the LPN program. The sequence of the NRS courses would then be same as Option I. Successfully complete the following courses prior to beginning the NRS course sequence.:

  • PSY103 - Introduction to Psychology ( 3 Semester Hours)

    This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts, theories, principles, and research in the field of psychology. This course will survey the scientific study of human and animal characteristics and behavior. Major topics from biological, behavioral, cognitive, personality, developmental, abnormal, and social psychology theory and research will be emphasized. Universal characteristics and individual differences will be explored Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S6 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

  • BIO108 - Intro to Human Anatomy/Physiol ( 4 Semester Hours)

    A study of introductory chemistry, cells, tissues, and structure and function of organ systems including: digestive, respiratory, reproductive, urogenital, cardiovascular-lymphatic, musculoskeletal, nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. Prerequisite: None 4 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours 3 lec, 2 lab/week