Diploma in Practical Nursing - Ohio

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of one (1) two-week module and four (4) eleven-week quarters* (46 weeks) of the Practical Nursing curriculum, and meeting all graduation requirements, the graduate will be awarded a diploma and be certified to the Ohio Board of Nursing, which will determine the student’s eligibility to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX®-PN). The one (1) two-week module is a required prerequisite for the four (4) eleven-week degree program. The one (1) two-week module is a no-cost, no-materials needed, non-transferable, no-credit, non-Title IV (Federal Financial Aid) eligible course. Within the scope of practice for the licensed practical nurse, and at the direction of a licensed physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, chiropractor or registered nurse, the graduate will meet the client’s needs by fulfilling the following program outcomes:

1. Provide safe, quality, evidence-based, patient-centered nursing care to diverse patients across the lifespan in a variety of structured healthcare settings within the scope of practice of the Practical Nurse.

• Collect data related to physical, behavioral, psychological, and spiritual aspects of health and illness parameters in patients experiencing common health problems, using developmentally and culturally appropriate approaches.
• Work with the Registered Nurse or other healthcare provider to identify patient needs based on the data collected.
• Contribute to a patient-centered plan of care based on knowledge of evidence and patient information/preferences to meet individual patient needs.
• Provide patient-centered care focusing on restoration, promotion, and maintenance of physical and mental health.
• Incorporate factors that create a culture of safety when providing patient care.
• Provide patient teaching that reflects developmental stage, age, culture, spirituality, patient preferences, and health literacy considerations.
• Implement nursing interventions to prevent illness, and restore, promote and maintain physical and mental health of patients across the lifespan.
• Analyze collected patient outcome data to determine the effectiveness and impact of nursing care.
• Deliver care within expected time frame.
• Communicate information about care provided and evaluation data including appropriate hand-off at each transition in care.
• Incorporate cultural awareness/sensitivity when providing care to diverse patients in a variety of healthcare settings.
• Assist with the revision of the plan of care based on an ongoing collection of patient data including recognition of alterations to previous patient conditions.
• Safely perform all psychomotor skills needed for efficient, safe, and compassionate patient care including accurate calculation of dosages.
• Accurately document all aspects of patient care.

2. Engage in clinical judgment to make patient-centered care decisions within the scope of practice of the Practical Nurse.

• Use clinical judgment to ensure accurate and safe care when implementing all steps of the nursing process.
• Anticipate risks, and predict and manage potential complications for patients experiencing common health problems.
• Prioritize patient care.
• Incorporate knowledge of the healthcare system and how it impacts the nurse’s ability to provide safe, quality care.

3. Incorporate quality improvement activities to improve patient care.

• Participate in quality improvement activities.
• Use the data from quality improvement activities to plan patient care.
• Report identified quality improvement concerns to appropriate personnel (e.g., nurse manager, risk manager, etc.).
• Implement National Patient Safety Goals in all applicable patient care settings.

4. Participate in teamwork and collaboration with the inter-professional team, the patient, and the patient’s support persons.

• Share pertinent, accurate, and complete information with the inter-professional team.
• Work with the Registered Nurse to plan for patient safety and quality improvements within the context of the interprofessional team.
• Interpret the impact of team functioning on safety and quality improvement.

5. Use information technology to support and communicate the provision of patient care.

• Use patient care technologies, information systems/technologies, and communication devices to support safe nursing practice.
• Use high quality electronic sources of healthcare information.
• Enter computer documentation accurately, completely, and in a timely manner.

6. Incorporate management, legal, and ethical guidelines within the scope of practice of a Practical Nurse.

• Practice within the legal and ethical frameworks of Practical Nursing.
• Demonstrate accountability for nursing care given by self and/or delegated to unlicensed personnel.
• Delegate nursing tasks to unlicensed personnel.
• Advocate for patient rights and needs.
• Initiate a plan for ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.

7. Promote a culture of caring to provide support, compassion and culturally-competent, holistic care.

• Provide support, empowerment, and hope when caring for diverse patients.
• Reflect on care provided to continue to improve caring relationships.
• Deliver compassionate, culturally-competent care that respects patient and family preferences.
• Maintain an environment conducive to well-being.

*Full-time students only. Part-time students in Ohio will complete one (1) two-week module and seven (7) eleven-week quarters.