Master Plan of Instruction

Practical Nursing

Annamaria Linton, Catherine

Smith and Pam LaBud, Instructors

Beth Thornton, HSE Department Coordinator

2001 Kurt Street, Eustis, FL 32726 - 352.589.2250

www.laketech.org

2022 - 2023

he mission of Lake Technical College is to be an integral component of the economic growth and development in

ur communities by offering a variety of high quality career-education and training opportunities.

ake Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, genetic

nformation, age, pregnancy, disability, or marital status in its educational programs, services or activities, or in its

iring or employment practices. The district also provides access to its facilities to the Boy Scouts and other

atriotic youth groups, as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, or any other youth group listed

in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society.

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 1 of 28 Practical Nursing

LAKE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Practical Nursing Program

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Lake Technical College Health Science Education Department’s Practical Nursing (PN) program. Your

future holds a rewarding and challenging health career!

This Master Plan has been prepared to help students orient to the school and understand the requirements of the Practical

Nursing program.

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content. This content is aligned with

challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for careers in the Health

Science career cluster and further education. In addition, it provides technical skill proficiency, competency-based learning,

higher-order reasoning, problem-solving skills, work attitudes, employability skills, and knowledge of all aspects of Health

Science.

This program is designed to prepare students for employment as licensed practical nurses. The program is approved by

the Florida State Board of Nursing (BON) so the graduate may apply to take the examination to practice as a Licensed

Practical Nurse.

The content includes, but is not limited to, theoretical instruction and clinical experience in medical, surgical, obstetric,

pediatric, mental health, and geriatric nursing; theoretical instruction and clinical experience in acute care, long term care

and community settings; theoretical instruction and clinical application of role and function; personal, family and community

health concepts; nutrition; human growth and development over the life span; body structure and function; interpersonal

relationship skills, mental health concepts; pharmacology and administration of medications; legal and ethical aspects of

practice; and current issues in nursing.

We will do everything in our power to make this educational experience both enjoyable and challenging. We believe that

faculty and students have reciprocal rights and duties toward each other in the education process. We will strive to instruct,

motivate, demonstrate, guide, and encourage students and facilitate learning; and we believe students must desire and

seek knowledge, display professional behavior, demonstrate initiative by participating in their own learning, demonstrate

understanding, and always strive to give the best care possible.

All faculty are registered nurses with years of clinical experience. Please feel free to call on us for help at any time.

HEALTH SCIENCE EDUCATION MISSION

The mission of the Health Science Education Department is to prepare students to meet the health care needs of a growing

and diverse population, while serving as productive members of our local, state, national, and international communities.

PRACTICAL NURSING PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

We believe that nursing is both a science and an art that includes the promotion and maintenance of optimum health

standards as well as the care and rehabilitation of the sick and the teaching of appropriate health care. It is our belief that

the practical nurse is an essential and distinct part of the health care team. We further believe that qualified students can

learn to become beginning practitioners in the following situations:

1. Meeting the patient's needs with skill under minimal supervision in subacute settings.

2. Assisting the professional registered nurse or physician under direct supervision when the needs of the patient require

more complex judgments, skills, and techniques.

We believe the curriculum must have a unified and organized pattern. The educational experiences should be meaningful

and build from simple to complex and should provide opportunities to apply new learning directly to real life situations or

nursing practice. All facts and concepts drawn from physical, biological, and social sciences should be selected because

of their direct importance to the process of learning to care for patients.

We believe that continuous evaluation of a student’s progress is necessary in measuring the effectiveness of instruction

and in achieving the stated objectives of the program.

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 2 of 28 Practical Nursing

We believe that Practical Nursing education is a continuous process that must continue after completion of the program

and throughout the LPN’s career to keep the practitioner accountable for and alert to current trends and practices in the

health field and to develop leadership potential.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

The Practical Nursing program admission policy requires that applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a high

school diploma or GED and must be academically, physically, and emotionally capable of meeting the demands of the

program chosen. Applicants make initial application through the Admissions Office.

The Practical Nursing program has the following minimum admission requirements. Students must:

1. Complete an LTC online application.

2. Be at least 18 years of age.

3. Have a standard high school diploma or its equivalent (GED).

4. Meet the definition of Good Moral Character and be able to perform Essential Physical and Emotional requirements.

5. If applicable, provide verification of application for financial aid or a signed waiver statement.

6. Meet the minimum levels on the nursing entrance exam – Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

7. Submit copies of any postsecondary certificates or transcripts.

8. Submit proof of a physical exam prior to the start of the program. The physical must document negative 2-step

Tuberculin test and/or chest x-ray (within one year’s time), recent Tetanus inoculation and booster required once per

10 years, current MMR immunizations and Hepatitis B vaccination as well as two Varicella vaccines or a blood test

verifying immunity. A flu shot is required during flu season.

9. Submit a completed residency form with documentation to Admissions.

10. Have a negative drug screen (to be conducted at the start of the program and randomly during the program).

11. Have a level two criminal background report (owned by LTC) without any felony convictions prior to the start of the

program.

12. The Florida Board of Nursing does have specific requirements for students related to potential reasons for

disqualification for application for licensure. This is readily accessible on the Florida Board of Nursing (FBON) website.

Several Florida Statutes also govern candidacy for licensure and are accessible on-line and through the FBON

website.

When the requirements have been met and documented, the applicant's packet is considered complete. Consideration for

selection will be based on the applicant's test scores, academic achievement, work experience, health-related professional

experience and TEAS test score results.

Acceptance and continuance in the program is conditional based upon results of a physical exam, background check

without any felonies regardless of adjudication, and random drug screens.

Instructions for receiving a background check are included at the end of the acceptance packet. While there are many

companies that provide this service, this is provided as reliable and low-cost method.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS

All applicants for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs 450 hours or more, with the exception of Florida Law

Enforcement Academy applicants, take a state mandated basic skills evaluation prior to enrollment. Basic skills

evaluation scores must be valid at the time of enrollment. Testers must be 16 years of age or older.

If a student has met or exceeded standard scores on one area of one test, they may use another test to meet the

additional skill area requirements. It is acceptable to combine test scores from more than one test. (Rule 6A-10.315,

F.A.C.)

Assessment instruments meeting this requirement include:

A common placement test where a minimum score has been achieved and is valid for 2 years from the date

of testing pursuant to Rule 6A-10.0315, F.A.C.:

 Florida Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT)

 SAT, The College Board

 ACT with Writing or ACT, Inc.

Per 2020, FS 1008.30 - Common placement testing for public post

secondary education and Rule 6a-10.040, the

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 3 of 28 Practical Nursing

following common placement tests have no expiration date:

 Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) Forms 11 & 12, 2017;

 Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) GOALS 900 Series, 2019,and,

 2014 GED® Tests: Reasoning through Language Arts and/or Mathematics Reasoning where a

minimum score (145) as required in Rule 6A-6A.6.021, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) has been

attained on each test.

Applicants transferring appropriately leveled TABE,CASAS GOALS, GED® test sections, or other common placement

tests must do so by having an official score report sent directly to the Admissions Office prior to enrollment in the

program. Scores brought by hand will be accepted only if the document provided by the outside testing center is in a

sealed envelope.

Several exemptions to basic skills are accepted. In order to be exempt, a student must submit official documentation to a

career advisor for verification of an exemption:

1. Applicants who possess a documented degree in applied science (AAS) level or higher;

2. Applicants who earned a Florida standard high school diploma, 2007 or later (see withdrawal codes for standard);

3. Applicants who are serving as an active duty member of any branch of the United States Armed Services;

4. Documented passing scores on state-designated industry certification tests may be used;

5. Any student enrolled in an apprenticeship program that is registered with FDOE in accordance with Chapter 446.

6. Mandated basic skills evaluation exit scores may be waived for documented special needs students as per Florida

guidelines.

Remediation of Basic Skills

According to Florida Department of Education rules, students who do not meet basic skills exit scores may only

retest after 60 documented hours of remediation or three months if no documented remediation is available.

Students may not retake the same test version for six months. We, therefore, strongly recommend that students

test early, especially for licensure programs, in order to allow time for remediation and retesting should the need

arise.

Students who do not meet the minimum basic skills exit scores set by the Florida Department of Education for their

program must begin attending remediation classes prior to or at the time of enrollment in a Career and Technical

Education program and make acceptable progress as determined by the AAAE faculty member. It is highly

recommended students meet state mandated basic skills requirements by the time they have completed 50% of their

program. Students who do not meet state mandated basic skills exit scores may not receive a certificate of completion as

per Florida Department of Education rules.

Some basic skills test scores are only good for two years and must be valid during at the time of enrollment. Basic skills

test scores that expire during continuous enrollment remain valid until the end of such enrollment. Under continuous

enrollment, students must be enrolled at least 50% of each semester. Continuous enrollment applies to attendance in a

single program.

The TABE exit scores for this program are: Reading 11; Math 11; and Language 11.

TEST OF ESSENTIAL ACADEMIC SKILLS (TEAS)

Lake Technical College requires that students entering the Practical Nursing program take the Test of Essential Academic

Skills (TEAS). This test assists in determining the student’s readiness for the rigorous challenges of the nursing curriculum.

Lake Technical College offers the opportunity for students to take the TEAS at its Eustis campus Testing Center. Contact

the Admissions Department for more information on this testing schedule. NOTE: If an applicant has taken the TEAS at

Lake Technical College, or elsewhere, Lake Technical College will accept the results for two (2) years after the testing

date. Students are encouraged to retake the exam, if they feel better results can be achieved.

FLORIDA STATE BOARD OF NURSING

In order to sit for the licensure exam, (NCLEX-PN), the student must:

1. Be in good mental and physical health.

2. Have a standard high school diploma or the equivalent.

3. Have comprehension of the English language, written and oral, sufficient to take the State Board Exam written in

English.

4. Have a valid United States social security number.

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 4 of 28 Practical Nursing

By law, applicants must notify the State Board of Nursing (BON) of any previous arrest record in which he/she

was convicted and found guilty regardless of adjudication before being allowed to sit for the State Board exams.

Prior to application for examination, convicted felons must obtain a "restoration of their civil rights" in order to be eligible

to sit for the examination. If an applicant has been convicted of any offense other than a minor traffic violation, the applicant

shall submit arrest and court records stating the nature of the offense and final disposition of the case so that a

determination can be made by the Board whether the offense relates to the practice of nursing or to the ability to practice

nursing. The SBN reserves the right to take disciplinary action before granting permission to sit for the licensure exam in

accordance with Florida State Statutes.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

Health related occupations are demanding, both physically and emotionally. Before entering a program in the health field,

it is important to review the following tasks which have been established. Their performance is essential for success in the

program.

NOTE: The safety and well-being of our students is a primary concern. Students are responsible for self-reporting any

medical conditions, illnesses, or injuries which may affect performance of the required essential tasks to the program

faculty in a timely manner. The reporting of these conditions is for your safety as well as the safety of those we care for

and interact with. A determination can then be made regarding the possible need for medical clearance from a physician,

to determine if the student’s level of participation in the program requires modification.

In the event that a student is deemed to have a medical condition, illness, or injury which may prevent, or hinder the

student from performing the required essential tasks, medical evaluation and clearance from a licensed physician, a nurse

practitioner, or a physician’s assistant will be required to continue participation in the Practical Nursing program. See

faculty or Health Science Education Department Chair for documentation requirements.

MORAL CHARACTER

According to Florida Statutes, nurses must be screened through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

PRIOR to employment and must meet the standards of good moral character. A history of the following offenses

DISQUALIFIES a nurse from employment:

Physical Requirements

Mental and Emotional Requirements

 Ability to perform repetitive tasks

 Ability to perform effective, high quality CPR



Ability to manage a high level of stress utilizing

healthy coping mechanisms

 Ability to walk the equivalent of 5 miles per day

 Ability to walk up several flights of stairs

 Ability to reach above shoulder level

 Ability to interpret audible sounds of distress



Ability to make fast decisions under high

pressure

 Ability to cope with the anger/fear/hostility of

others in a calm manner

 Ability to understand English (writing/verbally).

 Ability to communicate in English (writing/verbally).

 Ability to project comprehensible, audible verbal

communications to a distance of at least 4 feet.

 Ability to demonstrate high degree of manual dexterity

 Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time

 Ability to work with chemicals and detergents



Ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills

 Ability to work in a team or group

 Ability to cope in culturally diverse settings and

with associated behaviors

 Ability to adapt to shift work

 Ability to demonstrate a high degree of patience

 Ability to work alone

 Ability to tolerate exposure to dust and odors

 Ability to grip (hand movement) to complete skills

within the scope of LPN and DOE standards



Ability to concentrate without assistance and

adaptation.

 Ability to cope with confrontation

 Ability to comply with proper body mechanics during

performance of skills and patient care; to include, but

not be limited to bending, pulling, pushing, twisting,

kneeling, etc.

 Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. using proper body

mechanics



Ability to handle multiple priorities in a stressful

situation

 Ability to assist with problem resolution

 Ability to work in areas that are close and crowded

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 5 of 28 Practical Nursing

 Murder



Incest

 Manslaughter



Arson

 Kidnapping



Prostitution

 Obscene literature



Assault to a minor

 Sexual battery



Vehicular homicide

 Lewd and lascivious behavior



Lewd and indecent exposure

 Child abuse/aggravated child abuse



Aggravated Assault

 Abuse/neglect of disabled adult or elderly



Exploitation of disabled adult or elderly

 False Imprisonment



Sexual performance by a child

 Negligent treatment of children



Killing of unborn child by injury to mother

 Fraudulent sale of controlled substance



Theft, robbery and related crimes if the offense is

a felony

 Prohibited acts of a person in familiar or custodial

authority on a child



Relating to drug abuse prevention and control, if

offense was a felony or if other person involved

was a minor

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND HISTORY

Due to contracts with many of the clinical sites that are used for student patient care and the Florida Statutes, Lake

Technical College does not accept any person with a felony conviction into the Practical Nursing Program. This includes

ALL convictions, guilty pleas and/or nolo contendere pleas to any felony violation, regardless of adjudication or

years since the time of conviction, except as outlined below.

In addition, the Florida Legislature outlines applicable laws related to licensure. It is prudent for all students to review this

information as well as critical licensure information. The Florida Board of Nursing outlines information on the website.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Pursuant to Florida Statutes, you may not, based upon background, be eligible for licensure.

This information is outlined in the Florida Statutes accessible on line.

BACKGROUND SCREENING - DRUG TESTING

The Agency for Health Care Administration (ACHA) requires all employees whose responsibilities may require them to

provide personal care or services to patients and/or residents or have access to their living area or personal property to

undergo a background screening. A student whose background screening reveals prior arrest incidents may be counseled

regarding potential employment opportunities.

The healthcare profession recognizes that substance abuse among its members is a serious problem that may

compromise the ability of the abuser and jeopardize the safety of patients entrusted to their care. The College, in its effort

to maintain high standards of education and clinical practice and to comply with requirements mandated by cooperating

clinical facilities, has implemented a drug-testing program. The purpose of the drug testing is to identify students who may

be chemically impaired and unable to perform expected duties causing concern for the health and safety of the student

and/or those under his/her care. If at any time during a pre-clinical screening, random screening or reasonable cause

screening, a student refuses to be tested, the student will be withdrawn from the program. If at any time the student’s drug

test is positive and has not been medically approved, the student will be withdrawn from the program. If at any time the

students drug test is negative dilute, the student will immediately repeat the drug test. NOTE: Students are responsible for

payment of all fees related to drug screening.

INSURANCE

Personal injury/school accident insurance is required for all Career and Technical Education students. This insurance is

provided through Lake Technical College at the rate of $1.50 a month. The accident insurance fee will be charged to

students per payment period.

Health programs with clinical experiences require liability insurance in conjunction with requirements by the healthcare

facilities. The liability insurance fee is charged to students at the time of enrollment.

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 6 of 28 Practical Nursing

ACCOMMODATIONS

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities as identified on the

secondary student’s IEP or 504 plan or postsecondary student’s accommodations plan to meet individual needs to ensure

equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations

if needed, and develop a plan with their postsecondary provider.

Students desiring accommodations or updates to their accommodations are encouraged to self-identify as early in the

program as possible. In order to receive disability accommodations, students must self-disclose the disability to the Special

Populations Coordinator and provide documentation that clearly shows evidence of a disability and applicable

accommodations. The Special Populations Coordinator will schedule a meeting with the student and faculty to discuss the

documented disability and applicable accommodations.

Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education.

Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such

areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments, assessments, time demands, schedules, learning environment,

assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodation requested and provided

is maintained in a confidential file.

Students in need of academic accommodations for a disability may consult with the Special Populations Coordinator to

arrange appropriate accommodations. Students are required to give reasonable notice (typically 5 working days) prior to

requesting an accommodation.

TUITION

Tuition is charged to adult students at a rate established by the State legislature. Current fee information is available in the

Admissions Office. Tuition is waived for eligible high school, career dual enrolled students. Tuition is due prior to the first

day of each payment period based on the Lake Technical College payment calendar. Failure to pay fees at the time class

begins will result in not being able to attend class and/or clinical.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Absences

In an effort to develop appropriate professional skills, students are expected to attend all class sessions. As is expected in

the workplace, when it is necessary to be absent due to illness or emergency situations, the student MUST notify the

faculty directly at least ONE HOUR PRIOR to the start of class/clinical on the date of absence unless extenuating

circumstance occurs. Failure to comply with notification will be reflected in the professional skill grade for the day. The

student attendance policy for each postsecondary program is consistent with industry standards.

Failure of notification and/or no-call, no show will result in:

1. First occurrence-A written counseling and discussion with HSE Coordinator (Clinical or Professional grade will be

affected for the week)

2. Second occurrence- any of the following may occur:

 A Student Intervention Team (SIT) meeting may be scheduled.

 Clinical Probation

 Professional Probation

3. Possible dismissal from the program for the third no-call will result in an automatic (SIT) meeting

Campus attendance is kept via a computerized system. It is the responsibility of the student to log in and out in order to

receive credit for class time. This allows the school to keep accurate attendance records for the actual number of hours and

minutes attended. Faculty are not expected to manually enter student attendance. Only one override is permitted for failure

to log in or out. Therefore, failure of a student to log in and out may result in a documented absence. Logging in or out for

another student or having another student log in or out is unacceptable behavior and may result in dismissal. All scheduled

class and clinical hours will be reported for attendance. Make-up time will not be accepted except as approved by the

Executive Director of Lake Technical College.

Excessive Absences

Excessive absences may result in an unsatisfactory knowledge, skills, and/or professional skills grade and can result in

termination from the program.

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 7 of 28 Practical Nursing

A student who is absent for six (6) consecutive class and/or clinical sessions will be withdrawn from enrollment in his/her

program. A student withdrawn for absenteeism must petition administration to return. A student having medical

documentation or documentation of an extenuating circumstance does not need to petition to return. Students exhibiting a

pattern of consecutive absences less than six days will be subject to dismissal as determined by a Student Intervention

Team. Withdrawn students must re-apply and re-register for the next PN program, when space is available

It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of their absences (LTC is a clock hour institution, therefore attendance is

tracked minute by minute). Students may monitor their attendance using the student web portal located in the LTC website.

A total of 67.5 hours (5% of the program hours) is the maximum hours for students may miss. At the point a student misses

this time, they will be exited from the program. This time is not to be considered vacation or PTO time, but rather used for

emergencies that may arise during the program.

 Absenteeism of 15 hours requires meeting and written counseling with Instructor

 Absenteeism of 30 hours requires meeting and written counseling with Instructor and HSE Coordinator

 Absenteeism of 45 hours requires Student Intervention Team (SIT) meeting to find an intervention that will lead to

success

At the end of the SIT meeting the student may be placed on probation. The purpose of probation is to formally notify and

appropriately document an existing condition that may be jeopardizing the ability of a student to successfully complete the

Practical Nursing program.

Lake Technical College does not want students to attend class or clinical when injured, ill or altered mental state. Doing so

may be a detriment to the student, patients, fellow classmates, faculty, and other staff. The faculty reserve the right to

dismiss a student early from class or clinical if they feel the student is not able to perform the expected tasks due

to his/her injury or illness or behaviors. If any absences during the course of the program are a result of an illness or

injury, the student may not return to class/clinical until they are cleared – in writing – to return to class/clinical with no

restrictions by a licensed independent practitioner (MD, PA or ARNP). The HSE coordinator may use their discretion as

to whether or not an illness will require physician clearance.

ALL injuries will require clearance in writing from a physician.

PROBATION

Consequences of being placed on probation:

1. Placed on Behavior Contract – With scheduled follow up meeting to determine progress

2. May be required to attend remediation sessions.

3. Jeopardize enrollment in the class

4. Become ineligible for the Practical Nursing Assist Loan (PAL)

Probationary status will terminate when terms of the probation have been met.

Students on probation for excessive absences may continue in the program only as long as they are making satisfactory

progress in the theory and clinical areas, and that the excessive absences are due to extenuating circumstances such as

hospitalization, emergency surgery, or extreme personal hardship. Excessive absences will impact the professional skills

grade and/or may result in withdrawal from the program. Any specific requirements attached to the probationary status

will be discussed at that time and will become part of the written contract. Students have the right to appeal by following

the school Grievance Policy.

Because this is a licensure program, the student must successfully complete a minimum of 1282.5 (5%) of the 1350 hours

in the program. If the student does not complete the minimum of 1282.5 hours, the student will be required to re-enroll

and pay tuition for those hours needed to meet minimum requirements. Do note that space must be available. A student

may also apply for a waiver which, if granted by the Executive Director of Lake Technical College, may allow make

up time for extenuating circumstances. The faculty must have both the space and availability for the student to complete

all missed hours to meet program requirements. Practical Nursing program completer’s name will be submitted to the

State Board of Nursing only AFTER all requirements of the program are satisfied.

Late/Absent and Leaving Early

In the medical workplace the word tardy has been replaced with late/absent. If the nurse is not present, they are considered

late/absent from their job and preparation for a replacement to assume patient care will begin by managers. As in the

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 8 of 28 Practical Nursing

workplace, students are expected to clock in and be in their seats or at clinical promptly in the morning, after break, and

after lunch. Students are expected to notify the faculty at least one hour before the start of class of any anticipated

late/absence.

The program is preparing students for a professional work setting, therefore, it is important that the student understand

that continuation of chronic late/absence/early departures may result in Lowering the professional skills grade,

Clinical Grade, formal Student Intervention Meeting, or being withdrawn from the program.

Late/Absent Clinical setting- If a student is late to class or clinical setting and has notified the instructor prior to the start of

class or clinical time, they will be allowed to stay and it will be reflected in the student’s Clinical skills grade. Time absent

will be deducted from clinical hours. If there is not appropriate notification it will result in a no call, no show and be graded

accordingly. See below for clarification regarding

 2 late occurrences – requires meeting and written counseling with Instructor

 3 late occurrences – requires meeting and written counseling with Instructor and HSE Coordinator

 4 or greater occurrences – requires Student Intervention Team (SIT) meeting to find intervention for success

Leaving Early

Students must notify the faculty as soon as possible if they have to leave early. Students who need to leave clinical for

emergencies, or other approved reasons, may not return until the next scheduled day unless approved by the HSE

Coordinator or designee.

Leaving Campus during School Hours

For safety reasons, students will notify their faculty when leaving campus early. Students are encouraged to bring

lunch/dinner but may leave campus for lunch provided this is done within the allotted time.

CLASS SCHEDULE

The Practical Nursing program is a rigorous 1350-hour program of education consisting of 675 classroom hours and 675

clinical hours. Remediation, additional skills practice, make up exams are arranged with faculty. Hours of clinical

instruction may begin as early as 6:30 a.m. Based upon the ability of clinical sites to accommodate students, clinical

rotations may also include weekends. Clinical Schedules will be given soon after the faculty have arranged it with clinical

sites. Students are expected to plan accordingly, to include ensuring he/she has reliable transportation to and from all

clinical sites.

CAMPUS SAFETY

Lake Technical College makes every effort to provide a safe environment for all students, visitors, faculty and staff. Basic

safety standards, which will include fire drills, weather drills, equipment usage, and traffic regulations, will be covered in

the program orientation. These basic safety standards will be reinforced throughout the program enrollment. See the

current school catalog for additional campus safety information.

PLAN OF INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

Teaching Methods

At Lake Technical College, we strive to meet the needs of all learners. Pre- and post-testing, lecture, demonstration and

return, group interaction, web-based learning platforms, skills lab testing, required reading and written assignments, oral

reports, role playing, question and answer, unit examinations, skill practice, anatomical models and charts, self-directed

learning activity packages, clinical experience and field trips are among the teaching methods utilized.

Online Access

Technology is an integral part of our daily lives. From smart phones to electronic tablets, these devices are becoming items

that many cannot function without. In addition, the Internet is changing the way education is delivered. Lake Technical

College strives to ensure that our students are able to compete in this technology driven world. With this in mind, it is

recommended that students have an online presence and access to the internet.

It is also important that students have an email address that they check on a regular basis. A lot of information may come

to you through your email, so it is important that you check it regularly. If you do not have an email address, there are

numerous services that provide FREE email addresses. Please make sure your faculty have a current, working email

address for you. See your faculty for more information.

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 9 of 28 Practical Nursing

Canvas is a Learning Management System (LMS) that is used exclusively as a means for faculty and student

communication. It is expected that all students complete the registration process as appropriate and monitor their LMS

account routinely for critical communication.

Social Media

The advent of social media has created a world-wide communication medium for persons of all ages. While extremely

popular, these websites have also created their own set of “not-so-popular” problems such as cyber-stalking, identity theft,

cyber-bullying, cyber-cheating (posting of exam, or other course material), and a host of other nebulous challenges that

users may face. Another reality associated with social media is its far-reaching consequences for those who share posts

that may be seen by others as inappropriate.

Potential employers, current employers, civic, or educational organizations you may be associated with, and many others

are looking at social media sites for information that may tell them things about an individual. Students should also be

cautioned on how private their social media content really is – despite the settings on an account. All social media sites

are potentially vulnerable. A simple search of how to view pages that are set as “private” for a popular social media

website yielded numerous responses for ways to view the content. Everything from blogs to online videos offer to explain

how to accomplish this task.

Students in all programs need to be cognizant of the fact that most professions rely on great moral character. It is

recommended that when using social media, assume that all posts will be seen/read by everyone with access to the

internet.

Program Safety

The Practical Nursing Program provides real-world experiences that prepare students to become licensed nurses. Faculty

will discuss and enforce safety practices for the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings. Continuous implementation

of safety principles will occur throughout the length of the program. Each student will demonstrate skills in the lab

environment and must meet competency standards, to include proficient safety practices associated with all skills, prior to

performance in the clinical setting. A student who is not deemed safe in the classroom, laboratory, or clinical setting by

any program faculty will be removed from that environment and remediated on the identified practice(s). Repeated

observance of unsafe practice(s) could lead to a formal Student Intervention Team meeting and may result in a behavioral

plan and/or dismissal from the program.

IMPORTANT: An overnight shift may not be worked prior to any classroom time or on campus lab activity.

Overnight constitutes any shift beginning/occurring on or after 8 pm through 6 am

Evaluation

Class performance, skills performance, pre- and post-testing, unit examinations, practical test evaluation (laboratory and

clinical), required written and workbook assignments, on-line postings, , Exam testing, clinical observation of performance

objectives during clinical experiences, decision making, attendance, professional skills, Elsevier content and achievement

of entry-level competencies and other methods are used for evaluation.

Work Based Activities

Work-based learning activities play an integral part of the curriculum of Lake Technical College’s programs. These

activities are planned with two objectives in mind. First, the activity provides students with the opportunity to develop and

apply a “real world” experience using the knowledge and skills attained in the program. Second, the activity provides the

faculty with objective input from potential employers or customers of program graduates. Each work-based activity has a

written instructional plan outlining objectives, experiences, competencies and evaluation required during the activity.

Clinical Experience/Practicum

Students will receive clinical experience under the direct supervision of their faculty and/or preceptor. Instructors will

evaluate clinical competency for eligibility of observational experience

Clinical Rotations and Skill Performance

Students must demonstrate the performance of all advanced skills in the simulated setting prior to utilizing these skills in

the clinical practice setting.

Advanced skills are skills that are specific to the PN role and not associated with activities of daily living. Once the student

has successfully mastered a practical nursing skill and is checked off by an instructor the student may perform the skill in

the practice setting under the supervision of their instructor.

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 10 of 28 Practical Nursing

Once deemed competent to perform a practical nursing skill in both the simulated and practice setting the student may

perform the skill under the direct supervision of the responsible nurse or instructor.

NOTE: Any student performing advanced skills or administering medication(s) independently is subject to immediate

dismissal. Should this occur, the student will be sent home and may not return to the clinical area or to the classroom

pending a SIT (Student Intervention Team) meeting. Dismissal may occur at the time of the meeting.

Experience Opportunities

Opportunities to participate in clinical experiences alongside professional nurses may be assigned as part of the Practical

Nursing program. Volunteer experiences may be available to students as part of their program training. These

opportunities are designed to give the student actual hands-on experience performing a variety of nursing-related tasks.

Length and type of experiences may vary. This assignment is per instructor’s discretion.

GRADING PROCEDURE

Lake Technical College is a postsecondary institution designed to provide trained individuals to industry. The grading scale

for the Practical Nursing program reflects industry standards, as recommended by the Licensed Practical Nursing Advisory

Committee. The Licensed Practical Nursing Advisory Committee is comprised of industry professionals with current

industry knowledge, and approved by the administration of Lake Technical College.

Program grades are based on three criteria: Knowledge, Skills and Professional Skills (Work Habits). Each area counts

as one-third of the final grade for the grading period. Classroom, laboratory, and clinical performance will be included in

grades. A student must maintain a 77% average for each unit within the PN course and in each overall PN course (PN

Foundations 1, PN Foundations 2, Medical Surgical Nursing 1, Medical Surgical Nursing 2, Comprehensive Nursing and

Transitional Skills) within each area of knowledge, skills and professional skills to remain in the program,

KNOWLEDGE (33 1/3% of the grade)

The Knowledge grade is based on written exams, assignments and projects.

 All unit exams account for 60% of the PN Foundations 1, PN Foundations 2, Medical Surgical Nursing 1,

Medical Surgical Nursing 2, and Comprehensive Nursing and Transitional Skills course knowledge grade.

 The HESI exam (as applicable) and/or the final exam will account for 30% of the PN Foundations 1, PN

Foundations 2, Medical Surgical Nursing 1, Medical Surgical Nursing 2, Comprehensive Nursing and

Transitional Skills course knowledge grade.

Grading Scale for the Practical Nursing Program:

93-100 Outstanding Progress

85-92 Average Progress

77-84 Passing

< 77 Failing

HESI Grading for 2022-2023

1000 and greater 100

950 95

900-949 90

850 85

800-849 80

700-750 77

650-699 70

600-649 65

550-599 60

500-549 55

450-499 50

400-450 45

Below 400 40

 Homework assignments, quizzes, presentations and projects account for the remaining 10% of the knowledge

grade.

1. If the homework, presentations or project is not submitted by the deadline date and time, 20 points will be

deducted from the grade.

2. Extra credit projects are not permissible.

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 11 of 28 Practical Nursing

3. Projects, case studies, presentations, and oral reports, if assigned, are homework assignments unless

otherwise specifically designated by the course syllabus. Homework assignments are graded and account for

10% of the knowledge grade.

 The Medication Math Examination, during PN Foundations 2, requires a minimum passing grade of 85%. If the

student does not pass the Medication Math Examination, remediation is required followed by a second attempt,

which will be scheduled by the faculty in a timely manner. A student who is unsuccessful on the second attempt

will have a Student Intervention Meeting (SIT) which may result in dismissal.

EXAMS

Testing procedures:

 No drinks or food in computer lab

 No cell phones or apple watches on person during testing in computer lab or classroom ( this could lead to

dismissal)

 Paper will be given to student for scratch paper. No books or papers may be near student during testing.

 Instructor may ask for jackets to be removed for testing.

According to testing design best practices, the following rules apply for tests given on content/subject material.

1. Extra credit questions are not permissible.

2. Grades cannot exceed 100%.

3. Exam questions:

 Questions that are not answered correctly by the majority of the class will be reviewed by the instructor. This does

NOT constitute automatic exclusion of the question(s) from the exam. This determination is made at the

instructor’s discretion.

 If after review it is determined that question(s) needs to be excluded, then all student grades will be

recalculated.

 Students who answered excluded question(s) correctly will not be penalized for providing correct answer(s) and

will be given the intended points for the excluded question.

 A student who earned a 100% prior to exclusion of any question(s) cannot carry-over or “bank” points for other

exam, or assignment. Points awarded to student(s) will only apply to exam associated with exclusion(s).

4. Missed Tests

 If a test is not taken at the same time or day of the scheduled test, 10 points are deducted. Based on

documentation of extenuating circumstances, after review, the department coordinator may waive this penalty.

 Missed test requires mandatory discussion with faculty on first day of return to classroom regarding date to take

test. Appointments to take missed tests must be scheduled through the faculty.

 Missed tests must be taken within 5 scheduled school days (classroom and clinical). Failure to show to take the

missed test will result in a zero grade. Any exceptions must be approved by the Department Coordinator

 Missed tests are not generally scheduled during class/clinical time. It may require time from the student, outside

scheduled class time

5. Remediation and Retesting (Pathways to Success)

 Score of 77% or higher-student is not allowed to retest to earn a better score.

 If a student scores 76% or lower, the student is highly encouraged to immediately confer with the Student

Success Counselor to analyze the test materials, study tools available and the student’s study situation.

 Score 71%-76%-student will have the understanding this is a below criteria grade and the student may request

remediation with instructor.

 Score of 70 or lower requires remediation.

 Remediation and retesting must be completed within approximate

ly one week of the exam Student may not

retake after the next exam in the course has been given. Instructor has the ability to review reason for not

completing exam within expected time frame with HSE coordinator for any re-evaluation of retesting.

 Process for remediation and retesting:

o Student will meet with HSE instructor to review the questions that the student missed. The remediation will

focus on the content missed to help ensure student knowledge of content and may include various teaching

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 12 of 28 Practical Nursing

methods from instructor. When remediation is completed, students who have a score of 70% or lower must

complete the retake exam.

o If successful, the student earns a 77% score instead of the failing grade. If the student scores below a 77%,

the higher of the two grades will be earned.

 A maximum of 2 remediation tests are allowed per each PN course (PN Foundations 1, PN Foundations 2,

Medical Surgical Nursing 1, Medical Surgical Nursing 2,) (1 remediation tests are allowed for Comprehensive

Nursing and Transitional Skills). Students who continue to have tests with scores below 77% will be strongly

encouraged to work with the Student Success Counselor to bring their grade up above the failing mark. At the

end of any PN course, students with academic grade below 77% will be dismissed from the program.

 HESI scores for Final Exit HESI during Comprehensive course:

o Retesting is mandatory for all students with a HESI score <850 on the final exit exam. Grades and name

submission to the Board of Nursing will be held until complete.

o Student Self-Remediation should begin as soon as possible using HESI student access, Saunders NCLEX

review, or adaptive quizzing

Remediation (Pathway to Success)

Your faculty are committed to your success in this program. To that end, opportunities for extra practice of skills,

assistance with academics and remediation are available. Remediation sessions are initiated by the student and

scheduled by the instructor. Students who want extra help are expected to arrive on time and ready to learn at the time of

the appointment with the instructor. One missed appointment is allowed. More than one will result in a meeting with the

Health Science Coordinator.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS (Work Habits) (33 1/3% of the grade)

Effective professional skills are the cornerstone to successful employment. Students are expected to demonstrate

productive professional skills during all phases of enrollment. Faculty will work with students who need assistance in this

area to improve the overall possibility for successful employment.

The Professional Skills grade is based on the following 10 categories. On a daily basis in the classroom, each category

will be evaluated based on established criteria and the student will earn up to 10 points in each category. A minimum

Professional Skills grade of 77% per each PN course (PN Foundations 1, PN Foundations 2, Medical Surgical Nursing

1, Medical Surgical Nursing 2, Comprehensive Nursing and Transitional Skills) is required to remain in and successfully

complete the PN program. Professional skills will also be evaluated as part of the clinical skills grade (see next section).

Attendance: Attends class for all scheduled hours assigned, arrives/leaves on time, contributes to class

discussion and is actively involved in all activities.

Character: Displays academic integrity (inclusive of not committing plagiarism), trustworthiness,

dependability, reliability, self-discipline, and self-responsibility.

Teamwork: Respects the rights of others; is a team worker; is cooperative; ensures confidentiality in all

classroom, clinical and other matters; demonstrates professional behavior in interactions with peers,

preceptors, and faculty.

Appearance: Displays appropriate dress, grooming, hygiene, and wears full regulation uniform of the

day.

Attitude: Displays a willingness to cooperate and accept constructive criticism; sets realistic

expectations; approaches assignments with interest and initiative.

Productivity: Follows safety practices; conserves materials and supplies; maintains equipment; stays on

task and utilizes time constructively; demonstrates proactive learning through involvement in activities

and contributions to class discussions.

Organization: Manifests skill in prioritizing and management of time and stress; demonstrates flexibility in

handling change; completes assignments on time; uses work time appropriately.

Communication: Contacts faculty to report concerns; notifies faculty of tardy/absence before start of

class; seeks clarification and understanding through appropriat

e, pertinent questions, appropriate tone of

voice

Leadership: Displays leadership skills; appropriately handles conflict and concerns; demonstrates

problem-solving capability; maintains appropriate relationships with supervisors/faculty and peers; follows

the chain of command.

Respect: (Professionalism) Deals appropriately with cultural/racial diversity; does not engage in

harassment of any kind to include but not limited to verbal, nonverbal, and written; addresses faculty and

peers in appropriate tone and with appropriate language to include but not limited to electronic (email,

text, etc.) communications.

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 13 of 28 Practical Nursing

SKILLS (Clinical) (33 1/3% of the grade)

The Skills grade is based on performance in the lab and clinical settings, with evaluation. Skills rubric will be given at the

beginning of each course with the expectation of nursing and employment skills that are required to be completed with

competency by the end of the course. Instructors with meet with students half way through each course to notify students

of their competency standing. If instructor observes and evaluates skills are not competent to continue in Clinical rotation

a Student Intervention Team meeting will occur with behavior contract or possible dismissal from program.

A minimum Skills grade of 77% per each PN course (PN Foundations 1, PN Foundations 2, Medical Surgical Nursing 1,

Medical Surgical Nursing 2, Comprehensive Nursing and Transitional Skills) is required to remain in and successfully

complete the PN program.

 All Clinical Skills and the Safe Medication Administration Check Off must be passed by the third attempt. If a

third attempt is necessary, the student will be evaluated by two faculty members. A Clinical Skills failure,

including failure of the Safe Medication Administration Check Off, is considered a clinical failure.

 Medication Errors may result in dismissal from the program. In the event the student is permitted to remain in the

program, the following are required:

o Student will receive immediate counseling and will be exited from the clinical site.

o The student must pass a repeats Lab based skill check off before returning to the clinical setting.

o The instructor will directly monitor the student for completion of the first medication passing the clinical

setting after occurrence.

Program Progress

Students are required to complete the program of training within the hours allotted by the State of Florida for completion.

Progress must be at a rate that will allow completion of the program within the number of hours stated in the Curriculum

Framework (http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/dwdframe/).

Failure to progress at this rate may impact financial aid and will require the student to meet with the program faculty,

Health Science Education chairperson, a College advisor and an administrator by way of a SIT meeting in order to

identify an appropriate completion point or to assist the student in selecting a more appropriate training program.

Final accumulative grade for course can be found on Canvas gradebook. (The academic testing, homework and project

grade may have to be calculated to obtain the correct 331/3%) Any student having minimal passing scores in clinical or

academic will have a one on one conference with instructor outlining a path for success in the next course Once the

instructor posts the grades the student can find written final grades for course using the student web portal. If at any time

during the grading period a student’s academic and/or clinical progress falls below the expected standard or the student

does not show satisfactory academic progress, the student will be counseled as to the steps required to bring the grade

to a satisfactory level before the end of the PN course. The student will be referred to counseling and, if necessary, to a

Student Intervention Team (SIT) meeting to review the appropriateness of program placement.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRAM COMPLETION - CERTIFICATION

Students must meet the following program requirements for certification:

 Achieve required TABE scores or allowable exemption

 Successfully complete all competencies specified in the program State of Florida curriculum framework for the

year in which the student began program, unless the student is rejoining a program at a later date, where the

current class year DOE standards must be met.

 Maintain at least a 77% average in each area of Knowledge, Skills and Professional Skills

 Demonstrate proficiency in all program competencies listed in the DOE standards and stated in the Master Plan

of Instruction

 Attend at least 1281.5 of the 1350 program hours.

Reasons for Withdrawal

 Unsatisfactory academic, simulation/skills lab or clinical work.

 Lack of aptitude for nursing as demonstrated by unsafe performance and poor professional judgment in the clinical

area such as, but not limited to, endangering a patient's safety by:

o Violating standard safety practices in the care of patients.

o Delaying care that is within the student’s realm of ability and/or knowledge.

o Performing skills or procedures beyond the realm of the student's ability and/or knowledge.

o Any student performing advanced skills or administering medication(s) independently is subject to immediate

dismissal. Should this occur, then student will be sent home and may not return to the clinical area or to the

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 14 of 28 Practical Nursing

classroom pending a SIT (Student Intervention Team) meeting. Dismissal may occur at the time of the

meeting.

o Failure to perform patient identification using two identifiers PRIOR to administering any medication.

 NOTE: Standard procedure is to ask the patient their name and date of birth, check their patient

identification bracelet and compare to the medical record. When speaking to the patient you say, “Tell me

your name and DOB”, not “Are you Susie Smith born 9-9-1999?”

 Being found in any restricted or unauthorized area.

 Unethical conduct such as fraud, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, breach of confidentiality (HIPPA violation);

inappropriate nurse/patient interaction or interpersonal relation; or aggressive, disrespectful, or dishonest behavior

to any school or hospital staff member, physician, patient, or other student, defined as follows:

 Aggressive behavior is defined as a forceful, self-assertive action or attitude that is expressed physically, verbally,

non-verbally, or symbolically and is manifested by physical, verbal, or emotionally abusive or destructive acts

towards oneself or others. No bullying will be tolerated.

 Dishonest behavior is defined as an untruthful, untrustworthy, or unreliable action.

 Disrespectful behavior.

 Cheating in any manner.

o Sharing, posting, photographing, or copying test material/graded content, in any way, will not be tolerated.

o Plagiarism will not be tolerated.

o Cell phone or Apple watch on person while test is being given in testing lab or classroom

 Withdrawal from a hospital or participating agency as the result of due process proceedings based upon a written

request from the agency that the student be withdrawn.

 Violations of the attendance policy.

 Failure to satisfy identified probationary requirements within the stated time.

 Failure to comply with requirements as stated in the Master Plan of Instruction.

Re-Admission

At the direction of the Practical Nursing faculty and administration, students who withdraw from the Practical Nursing

program, in good standing, may be considered for re-admission at a later date. Students will be allowed to repeat only one

time unless authorized by administration. Students exited for clinical failure or behavior will be considered for readmission

upon submission of an appeal. NOTE: ALL re-entry requests will also depend on space availability within the

program the student is requesting to return to and the program curriculum must be the identical state provided

curriculum prescribed.

Readmission is contingent upon the following:

 Students re-applying may be admitted on a space available basis.

o Applicants must reenter the program at the beginning of Practical Nursing Foundation 1, Practical Nursing

Foundation 2, Medical Surgical Nursing 1, Medical Surgical Nursing 2 and Comprehensive Nursing or

Transitional Skills dependent upon the time of course exit. Under Extenuating circumstances administration

may allow reentry at point of exit.

o Upon reentry, the student will be responsible for the balance of requirements concurrent with the program

schedule. If applicable updated versions of text, workbook, online access are required.

o The curriculum framework for the year of re-entry must align with the framework for the year of exit.

Transfer Students

The individual must satisfy all admission criteria required by the school and the PN program. From the previous nursing

school, an official transcript of grades and a letter of recommendation from the program director and one faculty are

required. Credit for courses taken at public institutions will be awarded based upon the state common course-numbering

guidelines (see catalog for details). Courses from private or out-of-state institutions will be evaluated based upon curricula

and transferred grades (77% minimum) by the chairperson and guidance counselor.

Applicants from Other Health Care Disciplines

Previous experience and education will be evaluated on an individual basis and credit will be given for courses deemed

appropriate based on curriculum content.

2022-2023 Master Plan of Instruction 15 of 28 Practical Nursing

STUDENT DRESS CODE

Students who attend Lake Tech shall dress in a manner appropriate for the job in which they are receiving training,

including any special protective gear and professional uniforms. All clothing, makeup, and jewelry must be clean, neat,

modest, in good repair, appropriately sized, and be neither distracting nor offensive. Students are expected to display

their valid student ID, or have on their person when unable to display due to safety in the program, at all times.

Practical Nursing Uniform Guidelines

Appropriate dress for the program shall consist of what is generally acceptable dress in health care facilities in the Lake

County area. This is evaluated annually by healthcare industry leaders at the HSE advisory council. The uniform is to be

worn with pride and dignity, and good grooming must be carefully observed. Appropriate dress will constitute a portion of

each student’s professional skills grade. The Program Coordinator will make final decision regarding any appearance

related concerns. Specifically, this means all Practical Nursing students will wear the following in the clinical and

classroom setting:

Practical Nursing Dress Guidelines

Appropriate dress for the program shall consist of what is generally acceptable dress in health care facilities in the Lake

County area. The uniform is to be worn with pride and dignity, and good grooming must be carefully observed. Appropriate

dress will constitute a portion of each student’s professional skill or clinical grade. The Program Coordinator will make final

decision regarding any appearance related concerns. Specifically, this means all Practical Nursing students will wear the

following in the clinical and classroom setting:

 Scrubs – approved LTC monogramed red scrub top and black scrub pants. All uniforms must be clean and free

from wrinkles and stains.

 Jacket or undershirt – approved black scrub jackets with LTC Monogram may be worn over uniforms, no sweat-

shirts or hoodies.

Students may wear a solid black Under Armor style t-shirt or long sleeve shirt under thei