This two-semester program combines classroom instruction with actual, on-site clinical experience. It's an energized approach that covers a broad range of basic skills and fosters a professional commitment to quality patient care. Clinical experiences at area hospitals and health care agencies provide opportunities for direct, holistic patient care. Graduates earn a certificate in practical nursing and are eligible to take the NCLEX Licensed Practical Nursing examination.

Student Learning Outcomes

A graduate of the Practical Nursing program, as defined by scope of practice, will be able to:

• Adhere to evidence-based standards of professional  practice, demonstrates accountability, and practices nursing within the legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks with diverse populations.
• Understand and utilize communication directed toward promoting positive outcomes and establishing trusting relationships with diverse populations.
• Collect and communicate assessment data from multiple sources, communicate the data to appropriate health care providers, and evaluate client responses to interventions.
• Collaborate with the registered nurse or other members of the health care team to organize and incorporate assessment data to plan/revise patient care and actions based on established nursing diagnoses and nursing protocols.
• Demonstrate caring behaviors and actions that assist individuals, families, and diverse populations in meeting their health care goals.   
• Identify needed health education to promote and facilitate informed decision making, achieve positive outcomes, and support self-care activities with diverse populations.
• Identify the role of the nurse as advocate, liaison, coordinator, and colleague within the healthcare team to meet needs of the individuals', family, and diverse populations, as well as organizational outcomes.
• Recognize, implement, and refer care management including human, physical, financial, and technological resources in collaboration with the healthcare team. 

Core Competencies

• Professional behaviors
• Communication
• Assessment/data collection
• Planning
• Caring interventions
• Managing care

Adapted from the National Association for Practical Nurse Education & Service inc., 2007. Standards of Practice and Educational Competencies of Graduates of Practical/Vocational Nursing Programs.

Career Possibilities

Employment in hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, infirmaries, physician's offices, private health care agencies and home health agencies.

To learn more about or apply for SUNY Delhi's Nursing Program, call the SUNY Delhi Enrollment Services Office at 1-800-96-DELHI or visit the SUNY web site.