Practical Nursing
The Practical Nursing Program at Illinois Central College is designed to prepare the nursing graduate to give nursing care to patients at the bedside under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or dentist. The program consists of two semesters and one summer session. The graduate will be eligible to write the NCLEX for licensed practical nurses and apply for licensure as a practical nurse.
Practical nurses provide basic bedside care for the sick, injured, convalescing, and those with disabilities, under direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist. As a practical nurse, you monitor vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. Additional duties include change dressings, preparing and giving injections, assisting patients with personal hygiene, and meeting their emotional needs. In some instances, such as in nursing homes, licensed practical nurses evaluate residents' needs, develop care plans, and supervise nursing aides. The nursing profession, at all levels, is rigorous, stressful work, which may require long, irregular hours, and great responsibility, yet overall, is extremely rewarding.
To pursue a career as a practical nurse, you need to be a caring, compassionate person respectful of the rights and needs of people of all ages, races, social status, and religious beliefs. You must be able to follow orders and work under close supervision.
The need for practical nurses is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. This increase is in response to the long-term care needs of the rapidly growing elderly population and general health care growth rate.
Career Opportunities
Practical nurses are employed in:
- Clinics
- Health Maintenance Organizations
- Home Health Care Agencies
- Hospitals
- Long-term Health Care Facilities
- Physician Offices
- Private Duty Care
For more information, please contact
| Health Careers Department | (309) 999-4600 | [email] |