Course of Study

Academic

The Practical Nursing program is divided into three levels. Each level must be satisfactorily completed in order to progress to the next level of study. The entire program consists of 1,350 clock hours and may be taken on a full-time or a part-time basis. Graduates meet the qualifications for admission to the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing. Provisions are made in all sections for legal holidays and summer vacation.



Day Program

Next class starts September 2024.

Takes 13 months to complete.

Classes meet Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

 


Evening Program

Next class starts July 2024.


Course of Study

Level I

Introduction to Nursing I

  • Nursing Readiness
  • Microbes and Man
  • Communication Skills

Introduction to Nursing II

  • Personal & Vocational Relationships
  • Nutrition
  • Growth & Development through the Life Cycle

Human Behavior
The Human Body in Health & Disease
Fundamentals of Nursing
Pharmacology
Concepts & Challenges in Client Care
Clinical Practice in Nursing Level I

Level II

Care of the Individual Through the Life Cycle, Part I
Maternal Child Health
Clinical Practice in Nursing Level II

Level III

Care of the Individual through the Life Cycle, Part II
Personal and Vocational Relationships II
Nursing in the Community
Clinical Practice in Nursing Level III


Clinical Affiliates

Students gain practical experience in all aspects of nursing as they rotate through a variety of settings. During the program students may be assigned to any of the following:

Brunswick Psychiatric Center
Carillon Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Consolation Nursing Residence
Gurwin Jewish Geriatric Center
Huntington Hills Center for Health and Rehabilitation
Northwell South Shore University Hospital
St. Johnland Nursing Center
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center
St. Catherine of Siena Nursing Home
Stony Brook Ambulatory Services
Veterans Administration Medical Center
Visiting Nurse Service and Hospice of Suffolk


Satisfactory Academic Performance

Western Suffolk BOCES wants all students to succeed in the School of Practical Nursing. To earn a certificate of completion, BOCES has established the following criteria for both attendance and academic progress that students must meet in the School of Practical Nursing.


Completion Policy

Students must meet all of the below before being certified for the licensing examination. Criteria for successful completion of the program are:

  • Attainment of a transcript grade of C or better for each area of study, 85% or better in Pharmacology and a “Pass” grade in each level of clinical instruction (the transcript grade is a computation of all grades achieved in each area of study and is part of the student’s permanent record).
  • A student will be placed on probation if course/unit grades/clinical performance fall below 75% or for unprofessional conduct or insubordination. The student will be notified in writing stating the reason for and the duration of the probationary period. During the probationary period the student’s financial aid status may be in jeopardy; however he/she may be eligible for Federal Stafford Loan proceeds.
  • Satisfaction of all financial obligations
  • Four hours of community service
  • Fulfillment of attendance requirements
  • The maximum time frame for course completion cannot exceed one and a half times the length of the course.
Leave of Absence

Student with verifiable medical and/or personal problems may apply in writing for a “withdrawal with advanced standing.” The student must re-enter the program at the next available class offering and/or within 6 months of the last date of attendance to be considered for advanced standing. Students must submit a letter to the Health Careers Principal requesting readmission to the program. The student’s request will be considered by the Admission Committee and student will be notified in writing of the decision of the committee.

Withdrawal Policy

Students withdrawing from the program must submit a letter to the Administrator. Upon receipt of a letter, a change of status will be instituted. A refund will be awarded according to the established refund policies.

Transfer Hours

Transfer of credit from other educational institutions is not acceptable as Western Suffolk BOCES is not a credit bearing institution. All programs must be completed in entirety to obtain a certificate of completion.

Student may elect to transfer to another program by submitting a written request to the Principal. A transfer will be granted only if the following criteria are met:

  1. Student can only transfer to a program currently in progress.
  2. Principal reserves the right to approve/deny transfer based on student enrollment and sound education practice. Students may only request an inter-program transfer one time.
Attendance

A maximum of 50 hours absence is permitted for the entire program. If a student reaches 20 hours of absence, a warning letter will be issued. If a student reaches 30 hours of absence, the student will be placed on probation. If a student exceeds 50 hours of absence, he/she will be immediately dismissed from the program.


Nursing faculty

Florence Cavalcante BS, MSNed, RN  Coordinator Practical Nursing Program

Dorreen Amick BSN, RN
Veronica Banek BSN, RN
Patricia Chery-Cornwall MSN, RN
Andrea Frasca, MSNed, RN
Karla Imonti BSN, MBA, RN
Zippora James BS, RN
Veronica Jones, MSNed, RN
Annie Kazandijian, MSN, RN
Madalyn Lewand BSN, RN
Kim Marino-Krummencker
Regine Nelson MSN, RN
Melissa Santana BSN, RN


Other BOCES Services

Student counseling through the Career Center.
Classes are available to help students prepare for the .