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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) The Board of Commissioners, at
its meeting on July 10-11, 2014, granted the Practical Nursing Program continuing accreditation.
The next evaluation is scheduled for Spring 2020. 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.

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