Page 161 - 2020-2021 Catalog June

SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL NURSING

History
In response to a shortage of Practical Nurses, the Board of Trustees of Arkansas Baptist Hospital
approved the operation of the School of Practical Nursing in July 1964. In September 1964, the
curriculum was approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the first class began. Since that
time, more than 2000 students have graduated. These graduates practice nursing throughout the
continental United States and several foreign countries. In January 1990 the Baptist Health College Little
Rock – School of Practical Nursing became the first Practical Nursing program in Arkansas to be granted
initial accreditation by the Council of Practical Nursing Programs, Accreditation Commission for
Education in Nursing (ACEN). In addition to ACEN accreditation the school is fully approved by the
Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN).

Mission Statement
The BHCLR-School of Practical Nursing exists to prepare the graduate to participate on the healthcare
team by contributing to the nursing process within established standards of practice for the Licensed
Practical Nurse.

The school provides a learning environment to the student through classroom theory, distance education,
nursing skills laboratory and clinical experiences which are inclusive of the Baptist Health Values of
Service, Honesty, Respect, Stewardship and Performance with a commitment to providing quality patient
care.

Philosophy
The BHCLR – School of Practical Nursing is an integral part of Baptist Health, recognizing and
supporting the Belief, Mission and Values statements of the sponsoring institution.

We, the faculty, believe that the individual is a physiological, psychological, and sociological being who
is worthy of consideration, respect and dignity. Physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs exist in
health and illness, and changes in any of these basic needs will influence the total individual. Meeting the
individual’s basic needs promotes health and wellness, maintains human dignity and enhances the sense
of well-being.

We believe society is composed of individuals who share mutual interdependence for survival and well-
being. All societies have complex cultures made up of various lifestyles, traditions and values which must
be acknowledged in healthcare. Each member of society is a unique being and has personalized needs.

We believe nursing is the implementation of specific knowledge and skills to promote and maintain
health or to meet individual needs during periods of illness or injury. Each practitioner is accountable for
a systematic approach to problem-solving without regard to age, color, creed, physical challenges, gender,
marital status, national origin, race, or religion.

We believe practical nursing is the provision of direct patient care under the supervision of the licensed
physician and/or registered nurse. Specific knowledge and skills are acquired through a period of formal
education. The Licensed Practical Nurse is accountable for performing only those acts of nursing for
which she/he has been educated. A competent Practical Nurse is an important part of the healthcare team.

We believe the teaching-learning process is accomplished through the cooperative effort of the faculty
and student. Simple to complex learning opportunities are provided through guided studies developed to
meet individual and specific needs. Teaching is a form of interactive communication which offers

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