The Practical Nursing curriculum prepares individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide nursing care to children and adults at a level appropriate for the practical nurse (PN) scope of practice. Students will participate in assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care.

The graduate of the Practical Nursing Program at Southeastern Community College is prepared to practice as an entry-level practical nurse.The practice of nursing for PN students is directed toward meeting the healthcare needs of individuals throughout their lifespan. Their role is supported by evidence-based clinical practice with the [provision of care for individuals and families i n structured settings. The Practical Nurse (PN) functions in a dependent role under the supervision of the registered nurse (RN) and other health care providers approved by North Carolina law. In accordance with the North Carolina Board of Nursing Administrative Code 21NCAC 36.0225, Components of Nursing Practice for the Practical Nurse, the PN accepts assignments that can be safely performed and participates in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the clients response to health care interventions. The PN graduate demonstrates the competencies identified by the National League for Nursing (2010), the National Research Council (2003), and the Nursing Practice ACT of North Carolina (August 2009) to provide safe and effective nursing care. The Curriculum is designed to use learning activities to accommodate various learning styles in a student-friendly learning environment. Acknowledging the existence of different levels of nursing, the faculty is committed to to promoting the concept of life-long learning and facilitating the ease of educational access from one level of nursing education to the next higher level.

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN, which is required for practice as a Practical Nurse.