Our Students

Students must become actively involved in learning to be successful in our one year program. As the student develops good learning skills, he/she will think critically with a problem-solving approach rather than merely learning facts.

General Information

The Greenbrier School of Practical Nursing is operated by the Greenbrier County Board of Education as an adult preparatory program sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Education. The course spans a 12-month time period and is fully accredited by the WV Board of Examiners for Practical Nurses. The School is presently associated with GVMC and Greenbrier Manor for clinical experiences.

One class will be admitted annually starting in September. Applications will be mailed upon request. Annual application deadline is May 15.

After successfully completing the course, the graduate will receive a diploma. Each graduate will be eligible for the licensure examination by the WV State Board of Examiners for Practical Nurses.

Philosophy

Nursing is a function performed by skilled professions which includes the practice and instruction of preventative health care, care of those with special needs, care of the ill; rehabilitation, and support of the dying. This care includes the family. The nursing process is the framework providing the nurse with an organized method to alleviate, minimize or prevent real or potential problems. Our primary objective will, therefore, be to prepare our students for a rewarding career as an effective licensed professional practitioner, capable of giving a much needed service to our community. We will endeavor to foster the development of fundamental principles and values to guide the students as they meet the challenges of nursing in a variety of employment opportunities.

Basic to our philosophy is the recognition of the worth and dignity of the individual, who is entitled to receive effective nursing care. Consequently, our curriculum will emphasize the nursing process which incorporates skill in assessment and data interpretation based on nursing rationale, of the plan of care as indicated by progress or change in condition. Nursing interventions will be implemented under the supervision of the registered nurse.

The needs in nursing today are changing along with the total delivery of health care, which necessitates varied educational preparations for nursing personnel. Practical nurses are an integral and essential member of the health care team. Practical nursing education is the means for individuals to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes relative to becoming safe and effective practitioners.

The teaching-learning process of our program requires a cooperative effort between faculty and students. Our curriculum is planned to integrate theory and clinical experiences that progress from simple to complex. The curative and restorative aspects of disease (acute and chronic), the prevention of disease, and the maintenance of health will be stressed throughout our program. This education also prepares the individual for state licensure and to become an ethically and legally responsible member of the health care team, which includes maintaining competencies through continuing education and participation in professional organizations. Completion of this program is not an end point, but an integral part of a lifelong learning experience.

The Greenbrier County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, religion, beliefs, color, or national origin. Students with handicaps may be admitted unless where stringent specific factors would interfere with functioning requirements of practical nursing. If there would be evidence of recent illness, (Examples: injury, surgery, or pregnancy), a physician's statement must be on file indicating the physical ability to perform work assignments related to practical nursing. The student must provide the instructor with the statement after each appointment.

School Objectives

Following completion of the course, the graduate practical nurse will be able to: • Care for the ill regardless of sex, race, creed, national origin, or culture.
• Recognize signs of common illnesses and asses that illness.
• Utilize communication skills to obtain data and perform nursing needs.

• Document data using standard medical terminology.
• Assist RN and health care team.
• Implement the nursing interventions through direct care to accomplish the specified goals of care plan.
• Evaluate and recognize the need for adjustment of nursing interventions.
• Promote health, nutritional, and safety standards within your community.
• Utilize ethical principles and legal considerations to become a safe and conscientious practitioner.
• Convey a professional image.
• Maintain theory and clinical competencies which a practical nurse would be expected to perform, thus qualifying

for application for State Board Examination for licensure as an LPN and subsequent renewal of license.
• Value the need for continued learning for professional development by participating in continuing education and

the requirement of renewal of license.

Curriculum

This academic program is an integrated framework divided into three terms of curriculum which includes:

Fall Term:
a. Fundamental Nursing Skills
b. Anatomy and Physiology
c. Social Studies
d. Basic Nutrition
e. Basic Pharmacology
f. Basic Nursing Clinical
g. Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing

Spring Term:
a. Nursing of Children and Adults
b. Basic Pharmacology
c. Clinical Medical Surgical Nursing I d. Nursing Specialization Clinical
e. Basic Pediatrics
f. Obstetrical Nursing

Summer Term:
a. Integration of all Basic Theories
b. Meeting Patient and Employer Needs c. Nursing of Children and Adults

d. Geriatric Nursing
e. SS (Leadership)
f. Psychiatric Nursing
g. Clinical Medical Surgical Nursing II