Are you an LPN?

If you’re an LPN, we assume your prior learning and work experience is pertinent to the curriculum, but you need additional learning to earn your RN.

At EMU, LPNs work closely with faculty mentors to navigate the program throughout their four semesters. LPNs initially enroll in two bridge courses that focus on the transition to the RN roles, such as planning care for patients, using research in practice and facilitating patient learning. Later courses build on the nursing role in relation to complexity of care, the number of patients, and the inclusion of families and communities as clients.

Clinical learning experiences and clinical hours

In their first semester, LPNs are required to validate their clinical skills through a minimum of a four day clinical experience.

LPNS are required to complete 350 direct care clinical hours which must “encompass the attainment and maintenance of physical and mental health and the prevention of illness for individuals and groups throughout the life cycle in a variety of clinical settings” [18VAC90-20-120.B.1, Code of Virginia], which shall include registered nursing clinical experiences in Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Mental Health, and Medical/Surgical nursing (Virginia Board of Nursing Guidance Document), all which are central to the Level 2 curriculum.

Because Levels 2 and 3 include more than the 350 required hours across the life span, an LPN may master the direct client care of three adult patients in the Adult Health practicum courses in less time than the traditional student. This is usually based on the LPN having significant medical/surgical experience as an LPN.

Nursing Student Handbook

See our curriculum plans for LPNs

Curriculum and course outline for Level 1

NURS 301 Holistic Health Inquiry: 3 credits

Includes interviewing, documenting, understanding normal findings on physical examination and geriatric considerations, and assessment of psychosocial and spiritual needs.  Introduces beginning professional and therapeutic communication skills with clients and professional teams, including managing conflict.  Laboratory and community settings are used for practice and mastery experiences.

NURS 302 Pathophysiology-Pharmacology for Nursing: 4 credits

Addresses the pathophysiology and pharmacological treatment of the most common diseases encountered in the adult population.  The course begins with basic principles of pharmacology, and then is organized by body system or major disease group classification:  fluid and electrolyte balance, neurological, heart and vascular, endocrine, immune/infection, musculoskeletal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cellular/cancer.

NURS 311 Conceptual Framework Bridge: 3 credits

Provides an overview of the conceptual framework utilized in the EMU nursing department and reviews certain nursing process skills that include the RN role, teaching and learning, research, and application of nursing process in the clinical setting.

Credits for LPN education

Upon successful completion of NURS 301 Holistic Health Inquiry, NURS 302 Pathophysiology-Pharmacology for Nursing, NURS 311 Conceptual Framework Bridge, and presentation of LPN transcript to the Eastern Mennonite University Department of Nursing, LPNs will be awarded 7 credit hours of portfolio credit towards graduation.

Additional course information for LPNs is available in the nursing program course catalog.

The nursing department reserves the right to adjust the current admission criteria when outcome assessment data demonstrates the need for such changes.

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