PRE-SHIFT ROUTINE

Upon arrival at the health care facility, the practical nurse checks-in with the nurse previously on duty. The nurse from the previous shift will bring the next nurse up to speed. They will exchange any special information or instructions regarding the patients they are caring for, which will help them plan the shift by determining which patients need more attention.

MAKING ROUNDS

Because of the personal nature of this profession, it is very important that the nurse make contact with his or her patients at the beginning of a shift. At this time, they can check on all patients, say hello and ask how they are feeling. Shortly after greeting patients they will meet with the RN or doctor who will brief them on changes since their last shift.

HELPING WITH EVERYDAY NEEDS

Much of the LPN’s job is to help with everyday needs of the patient. Some patients need the most basic of care such as bathing, eating, and changing clothes. At in-home care and nursing homes an LPN must have compassion and the drive to nurture their charges. This will help with the repetitive nature of personalized care.

SPECIALIZED MEDICAL PROCEDURES AND CHARTS

A practical nurse is trained to perform a wide range of medical procedures depending on the patient’s needs. These specialized procedures may include inserting a catheter, dressing a wound, drawing blood for tests, or simply administering medication. With this type of work, an LPN can expect no two days to be the same as the needs of their patients are always changing. A large portion of the typical day is consumed with monitoring charts and using the time in-between to check on patients and review paperwork.

END OF SHIFT

The end of the shift is much like the beginning – a meeting with the next shift LPN. During their meeting, the nurses will make sure that patient charts are as updated as possible. They will also check-in with the patient one last time to make sure they have everything they need. It is important that this transition from nurse to nurse goes smoothly.

Admissions Criteria DNS admissions process exists to screen and evaluate each applicant's credentials before an applicant is notified of acceptance or rejection. Personal interviews are not customary but may be arranged by the Director at the discretion of the DNS. DNS admission requirements clearly state the basis for admission, which include testing, advanced standing, experiential learning requirements, and transfer of credit. Remedial courses and refresher courses are not considered for credit. DNS accepts students, with reasonable assurance concerning the applicant qualifications and background that should be compatible with programs curricular objectives to ensure the likelihood of student success. Applicants are beyond the age of compulsory institution attendance in the state in which the institution is located and can be reasonably expected to benefit from the training offered by the institution. DNS does not accept (ability-to-benefit students) into their PN program. Educational Background The evidence of high school graduation or its equivalent, except for high school students concurrently enrolled in another school, is supplied to an institution within 30 days after the student's first class or lesson begins, and as permissible may be a signed attestation of graduation. The evidence or signed attestation of graduation must include the name of the high school attended, city, state, graduation year. The institution has the responsibility of having a policy at the campus level to verify the high school or program was approved by the applicable governing or state approval agency and accrediting body (recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education or by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation), as applicable. Technical Standards (Essential Program Requirements) Physical Requirements

• provide nursing care for clients for 6-8 hours
• perform one man CPR
• lift and move clients and objects of 35 lbs. or more
• move from room to room quickly, and maneuver in limited spaces
• demonstrate a high level of manual dexterity and use both hands simultaneously
• work at different heights/levels

Sensory Abilities

• Hearing: recognize and respond to auditory assessments, instructions and requests with or without assistance devices
• Vision Acuity: identify correct client, perform visual assessments of clients through inspection
• Read written instructions, labels, and records. Differentiate the color spectrum.
• Speech: clearly and succinctly explain procedures, provide client education, and communicate client status to appropriate persons
• Communication: speak in English clearly enough for most clients to understand, understand the verbal communication of English-speaking clients
• Touch: perform physical assessments through palpation, discriminate between sharp/dull, hot/cold

Cognitive Abilities

• Read in English with comprehension
• Utilize Algebra in solving mathematical problems
• Interpret graphs, numerical tables and charts
• Analyze data and solve problems
• Communicate effectively in writing
• Communicate verbally using appropriate grammar, vocabulary, and word usage

Emotional Abilities

• Function safely under stressful conditions
• Adapt to ever changing environments inherent in clinical situations involving client care
• Provide service to all clients regardless of race, age, color, sex, religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, or disease process
• Demonstrate emotional stability and effective coping when providing client care

Work Environment

• Possess the ability to carry out procedures that prevent the spread of infection, i.e., frequent hand washing, using a face mask, gloves, and/or goggles
• Possess the ability to function in a group setting

Admission Process - Phase I General Admission

• Pay $150.00 application fee (providing you have met the 56-credit hour prerequisite requirement)
• Applicants will receive a payment email confirmation and a PN application. This email will also contain the next steps in the admission process.
• Once an applicant has reviewed the email, and before uploading required documents, they must ensure ALL documents on check list are attached prior to hitting the submit button. DNS will not view multiple submissions. Applicants must submit the application and required documents at the same time for consideration.

Required documents to be uploaded with application to:

• High School diploma or GED
• Prerequisite’s transcript(s)- view prerequisite’s list here - hyperlink
• TEAS >70 scores or proof of consecutive clinical experience (500 hours) on the Medical Facility’s letterhead
• Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate or Medical Assistant Certificate with proof of consecutive clinical experience (>500 hours) on the Medical Facility’s letterhead 
• A Background check (BCI & FBI)
• A Ten Panel Immunoassay Drug Test
• Driver’s License & Social Security Card or Government Issued I.D.

All applications will be reviewed during a scheduled enrollment period and a determination will be sent via e-mail. Please, contact DNS at 770-529-6801, if you have not received a response from the Admission Office within two (2) weeks prior to the beginning date of the course. 

A formal admission letter into the Nursing Program and clinical courses will be offered upon successful completion of the requirements.

Admission Process - Phase II Supporting Documents

After acceptance, the below documents must be submitted during scheduled orientation. The orientation date will be sent in your PN acceptance letter.

These include:

• Proof of Identification- Social Security Card and Driver’s License or Government Issued ID
• Current Immunization Record and Titers: TB (Mantoux - two steps series (2x) or T-Spot or Chest X-Ray); MMR- two steps series (2x); Tetanus; Hep BV - three steps series (3x); Rubella and Varicella Titers.
• Current Physical Examination
• COVID Vaccination may be required for Clinical
• Active CPR and First Aid (must include: adult, child, and infant AED)

Students are allowed two attempts in Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry courses for points inclusions as admission points. Should a student attempt these classes more than twice, only the first two attempts will be considered when calculating admission points.

Dignity Nursing School- Healthcare College, shall promote the realization of equal opportunity through a positive continuing program of specific practices designed to ensure the full realization of equal opportunity. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: La Monique Benford Ed. and Title IX Coordinator, Tammy O’Reilly

3950 Cobb Parkway STE 801 Acworth, GA 30101, 770-529-6801 ext. 106 or info@dignitynursingschool.org

AFTER ADMISSION COURSES

DNSHC Fundamentals of Nursing Course Syllabus

Attendance Policy

Students are to notify the instructor or the Program Director prior to the beginning of class if they are going to be absent or tardy. All absent time, including late arrivals and early departures, regardless of reason, is recorded and becomes a part of the student record. Absences exceeding 10% of total class time may result in termination from the program.

Grading Policy

Method of evaluation is based on the combined scores from homework assignments, quizzes, projects, skills performance, class participation, midcourse exams, independent study projects, and final examinations. All scores earned are converted to a percentage of the total score possible within each course.

All assigned course work is due the day defined by the instructor. Make up assignments are evaluated as noted below:

• All assignments, including quizzes and examinations will be reduced by 10% per class if not submitted or taken on assigned or scheduled day. Exams and quizzes must be taken within the prescribed time during the day to avoid late penalty of 1 day. The exam must be made up within one (1) calendar week of the original due date as scheduled by the instructor.
• Any extensions past the one (1) calendar week will be at the discretion of the instructor and Program Director.
• Students absent the day of the final examination must make prior arrangements with the instructor for an alternative testing date. With proper documentation of circumstances beyond a student’s control, the score reduction may be waived due to jury duty, military obligations, death of an immediate family member or birth of a son or daughter.

Grading Scale

Grade	Percentage	Description
A	93%-100%	Exceptionally Competent
B	85%-92%	Highly Competent
Grade	Percentage	Description
C	77%-84%	Fully Competent
Failure	Below 77%	Not Competent

Methods of Evaluation

Assessment is based on the allocation of course requirements as follows:

Assessment	Percentage
Quizzes	5%
Homework and Presentations	15%
Exams	20%
Midterm Exam	15%
Lab Practical Exam	15%
Final Exam	15%
Clinical Performance	15%
Total	100%

Course Schedule

The course schedule is subject to change. All changes will be announced in class and posted on the Learning Management System.

PN CLASS SCHEDULE