The basic task of any Health Services facility is to improve and maintain at optimum level, the health of the country. It is necessary; therefore to consider the type of personnel that will be responsible for rendering these services. Nursing is one of the essential components for providing society with comprehensive health care. Based on scientific principles, it is the art of ministering health care to individuals and families.

It is therefore necessary to establish an educational programme, which provides an opportunity for training practical nurses, who as members of the health team, will be capable of contributing to the improvements of the Health Services.

Based on the belief that students learn best where theory and practice are combined, the students will be prepared with suitable knowledge, attitudes, skills and clinical experience to reinforce the theoretical concepts.

A person trained for a minimum of 18 months, to care for the sub-acute, convalescent and chronically ill patients requiring nursing service in a variety of health care settings. They are required to work under the direction of a Licensed Physician or Registered Professional Nurse. The Licensed Practical Nurse is prepared to give assistance when necessary; may be employed by Physicians, hospitals, custodial homes, Public Health agencies or the lay public.

Attendance and Leave:

Attendance is compulsory at all classes and nursing procedures. Punctuality must be observed.

(a) The weekly schedule will be from 8am to 4pm in some instances and 7am - 4pm in others. There will be a midmorning break at the discretion of the tutor and lunch at 12n or 1pm.

(b) During the entire programme an attendance record will be kept and is to be utilized for signing in and out daily.

(c) Illnesses or any other leave: must be reported to the Program Director within the same day. All absences to clinical areas practiced MUST BE REPAID by the trainee before graduation. No more than 5 days of unscheduled leave during the entire period is allowed, sick leave must not exceed ten [10] days and must be medically certified after the second day. Classroom absenteeism of five [5] percent, 24 days will disqualify students from final examinations. Failure to comply the above rules may disqualify the student from completing the course.

Students will be expected to wear uniforms designated for students, which should be given to each at the time they received their letter of acceptance. As a distinctive mark, a nametag bearing the persons name and STUDENT NURSE are to be worn at all times.

(a) Partial written tests will be given weekly and final tests for each unit of study. There will be a written examination at approximately 9 weeks into the program, which all students are required to pass. Any student failing to reach a passing grade at this time will be offered personalized tutoring.

If at the 18 weeks grading period, the student is again unsuccessful, that student will be withdrawn from the program.

(b) Students are required to maintain a "C" average [minimum] throughout the programme. Final evaluations will be assessed through written, oral and practical exams. Students are allowed to resit [one time only] any examination if unsuccessful.

(c) The FINAL PRACTICAL examination MUST be passed at a minimum grade of "C" [76% - 84%]. Students must pass the final written examinations in order to be eligible to progress to the 10-month clinical internship. On the successful completion of the ten months of internship, the student will then be eligible for registration with the Cayman Islands Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

(d) Practical Performance will be evaluated by using the nursing performance evaluation process tool. During the internship period, the instructor in collaboration will evaluate the trainee with the Nurse Manager, Charge Nurse or Nurse Mentor with whom the student has been working. The evaluation forms will be completed at the end of each clinical rotation. If the student fails to achieve a successful evaluation they must repeat that clinical rotation and achieve a passing grade before they are allowed to graduate.

(e) Each student, using the appropriate form, will do self-evaluations of students within the clinical setting as is deemed necessary for the growth of that student.

(f) The grading system will be set up as follows:

A=91-100%

B=85-90%

C=76-84%

D=70-75%

F=69%

A course evaluation form is to be completed by each student at the end of the training program. This may be done anonymously.

A graduate of this practical program must be able to:

(a) Demonstrate interpersonal relationships acceptable to nursing

(b) Recognize and apply practices to maintain optimum health

(c) Recognize education as a continuing process, necessary to maintain competencies throughout the individual's nursing career

(d) Demonstrate knowledge of factors that determine the planning and care designed to meet each patient's specific needs

(e) Demonstrate the nursing skills needed to function efficiently within the limits of preparation and experience

(f) Recognize the Practical Nurse's need for active participation within the Community Health Organizations

(g) Demonstrate an understanding of patient and family education

(h) Display an understanding and utilization of appropriate reports and documentation tools including, but not limited to incident reports, injury on duty reports, census reports, etc.

(i) Demonstrate knowledge of all documentation required in the nursing process to produce effective problem oriented medical records

(j) Display an understanding and utilization of appropriate reports including, but not limited to incident reports, injury on duty reports, census reports, etc.

(k) Demonstrate the nursing skills to safely administer drugs under the supervision of a registered nurse

(l) Demonstrate knowledge of all documentation required in the nursing process to produce effective problem oriented medical records