LPN to RN Bridge Program for Licensed Practical Nurses

Pursuant to:  USDOE Regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v):  
The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing Program is accredited by the Virginia Board of Nursing, Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, Virginia 23233-1463, 804.367.4515.

The Commonwealth of Virginia participates with 32 other states in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) National Licensing Compact (NLC) to allow nurses licensed in one state to provide nursing care across state lines in other compact states.

The Uniform Licensing Requirements

Prospective and current students are strongly encouraged to evaluate all state requirements in jurisdictions where they intend to practice nursing. 

States currently in the NLC

Piedmont Virginia Community College has not determined if the ADN program meets the requirements of any other states.

Mission Statement

The mission of the PVCC Nursing Program is to provide high quality nursing education to a diverse student population in preparation for entry-level, professional Nursing practice in a variety of settings. This mission is accomplished through innovative programs that reflect the current needs and trends of healthcare and our community. Our programs are developed and implemented by faculty who are committed to education of the highest standards and who promote clinical practice, scholarly activity, and life-long learning to advance the profession of Nursing.
VCCS Nursing faculty subscribe to the core competencies for Nursing and Nursing education. While firmly based in science and the arts, Nursing encompasses compassionate patient-centered care. Ethical standards, respect for individual dignity, and consideration of cultural context are implicit in the practice of patient-centered care. The Nurse advocates for patients and families in ways that promote self-determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings. Nursing care is provided in collaboration with the patient, the family and members of the healthcare team. The Nurse displays a spirit of inquiry by examining evidence to improve quality of care, promote safety and improve patient outcomes. Nursing judgment is integral in competent decision-making related to the provision of safe and effective Nursing care. Confidential information management essential to Nursing care is communicated via a variety of technological and human means.

Philosophy

VCCS Nursing faculty subscribe to the core competencies for Nursing and Nursing education. While firmly based in science and the arts, Nursing encompasses compassionate patient-centered care. Ethical standards, respect for individual dignity, and consideration of cultural context are implicit in the practice of patient-centered care. The Nurse advocates for patients and families in ways that promote self-determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings. Nursing care is provided in collaboration with the patient, the family and members of the healthcare team. The Nurse displays a spirit of inquiry by examining evidence to improve quality of care, promote safety and improve patient outcomes. Nursing judgment is integral in competent decision-making related to the provision of safe and effective Nursing care. Confidential information management essential to Nursing care is communicated via a variety of technological and human means.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Associate Degree of Applied Science with a major in Nursing will be expected to: 1. Provide patient-centered care promoting therapeutic relationships, supportive behaviors, and self-determination across the lifespan for diverse populations. 2. Practice safe Nursing care that minimizes risk of harm across systems and client populations. 3. Demonstrate Nursing judgment using clinical reasoning, the Nursing process, and evidence-based practice in the provision of safe, quality care. 4. Practice professional behaviors that encompass the legal/ethical framework while incorporating self-reflection, leadership, and a commitment to recognize the value of life-long learning. 5. Manage client care through quality improvement processes, information technology, and fiscal responsibility to meet client needs while supporting organizational outcomes. 6. Demonstrate principles of collaborative practice within Nursing and other interdisciplinary teams, fostering mutual respect and shared decision-making to achieve stated outcomes of care.

NCLEX Pass Rates

Completion Rates

The completion rates refer specifically to students who successfully completed the program within 100% of the prescribed program length. 

Occupational Objectives

Employment opportunities for registered nurses include staff positions in hospitals, extended care facilities, physicians’ offices, clinics, and other structured health care settings and is designed to prepare graduates to be contributing members of the health care team.

Nursing Student Handbook Revised October 2024

All students admitted to the LPN to RN Bridge program are required to be familiar with the contents of the student handbook.

All students in this program of study are required to meet clinical compliance requirements as directed by the clinical compliance coordinator.  These requirements may include a criminal background check, immunization documentation, drug use screenings, and other standards for on-site clinical training.

Background and drug screenings are not conducted prior to admission.  Consult the admission information book or contact the head of the program with inquiries regarding barrier crimes and drug usage regulations.

Students who have criminal convictions, but passed the background check for barrier to employment, should be aware that (1) any felony conviction, or (2) any misdemeanor conviction that involves moral turpitude (lying, cheating, stealing), may result in the applicant not being allowed to sit for the licensing exam. However, each applicant is considered on an individual basis. Further information is located in the Guidance Document 90-55 on the Virginia Board of Nursing website. Questions regarding eligibility for licensure should be directed to the Virginia Board of Nursing. The program's barrier crimes are subject to change at any time. Changes to barrier crimes which were made after the date of publication are not reflected in this document.

In accordance with VBON standards of expected 500 clinical hours for practical nursing students per regulation 18VAC90-27-100. Curriculum for direct client care: A nursing education program preparing a student for licensure as a registered nurse shall provide a minimum of 500 hours of direct client care supervised by qualified faculty. Direct client care hours shall include experiences and settings as set forth in 18VAC90-27-90 B 1.  

PVCC ADN Program students shall receive no less than 548 hours of direct client care. 

Required Clinical Hours

Clinical Locations

Clinical locations are within 50 miles of PVCC campus, based on availability of clinical staff and facility availability.

Students are required to provide reliable transportation to the clinical site assigned and are responsible for parking charges.

Based on available clinicals, students may be required to attend clinicals at times outside of their assigned cohort study times.  

Course offerings are a hybrid, meaning they are a combination of web-based online learning and in-person classroom and clinical learning time. Classes and laboratory session are held between the Main Campus in Charlottesville, Virginia and at the Eugene Giuseppe Center, PVCC’s satellite campus located in Stanardsville, in Greene County, Virginia.