LPN to RN Philosophy Statement

The nursing profession is an artform blended with scientific knowledge and patient advocacy. The role of the nurse reflects accountability, responsibility, integrity, and ethical principles while using evidence-based practice to provide and promote patient-centered care. The systematic approach involving the nursing process, critical thinking, and clinical judgement allow the nurse to provide care to diverse populations across the lifespan. The profession is ever changing, which necessitates commitment to lifelong learning and development. This in turn, allows the nurse to be an integral part of the interprofessional team in the improvement of quality and safety of patient care.

Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be prepared to work with a diverse patient group while focusing on patient-centered care through evidence-based practice. Upon completion, the candidate will be prepared to apply for licensure and take the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Completion of program does not guarantee licensure.

• Demonstration of accountability and responsibility for the delivery of evidence-based nursing care consistent ethically and legally with regulatory practice standards.
• Collaboration with patient and interprofessional teams with effective communication skills to achieve quality patient outcomes.
• Utilize clinical judgement to provide patient-centered care across the lifespan with considerations of cultural background, values, and needs of the patient.
• Incorporation of information and technology that is supportive to current best practices for the provision of evidence-based patient-centered care.
• Improvement of patient outcomes via participation in quality and safety measures.

 Admission

Applications for the LPN to RN transition program are accepted from June 1 – August 31.

Nursing lectures will be scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00p.m. Clinical time will take place on weekends; special circumstances may require weekdays to be utilized.

In addition to Ozarka College’s admission requirements, students are required to complete the application process for the LPN to RN transition program. Prospective students should be aware that declaration of nursing on the application does not guarantee admission to the nursing program.

In relation to the uniqueness of each Nursing Program, nursing course transfers will not be accepted from other institutions.

According to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) Nurse Practice Act (Subchapter 3 Section 17-87-312), if an applicant has pleaded guilty, nolo contendere to, or been found guilty of any offense listed in ACA §17-3-102, he/she is not eligible for Arkansas licensure. ACA §17-3-102 provides an opportunity to request a waiver of eligibility criteria related to a criminal background in certain circumstances. Despite the completion of this nursing program, there is no guarantee that a waiver will be granted to an individual with any offense(s) listed in the above statute. See the Director of Nursing for further information.

All students should be aware that graduating from a nursing program in Arkansas does not assure the Arkansas State Board of Nursing’s approval to take the licensure examination. There is a possibility that you could complete the nursing program, but be barred from taking boards for licensure. Completion of the program does not guarantee that you will be granted licensure to practice as a nurse.

The LPN to RN Program has received initial approval from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and is currently seeking full approval.