About Nursing

Important Information:

Admitted students and the top 10 waitlisted applicants are required to attend a mandatory orientation.

The orientation will be held Aug. 8, 2014 at 3 p.m. in SC 137.

Those who fail to attend forfeit their seat to the next applicant on the waitlist.

GRCC Practical Nursing student

Green River Community College’s Practical Nursing program prepares students for careers as licensed practical nurses.

The Practical Nursing program consists of 103 to 108 credits. Upon successful completion of the required credits, students earn certificates in Practical Nursing. Graduates will then be eligible to take the licensing examination, and upon passing, with nursing commission approval, they will be able to practice as LPNs.

Students must achieve a minimum of 2.5 in each course in order to continue in the program.

Notice of Upcoming Change: For students entering this program Fall 2013, a minimum grade of 2.5 will be required for each nursing and supporting course.

Licensed Practical Nurses administer medication; monitor equipment; change dressings; feed, bathe, and dress patients; and maintain patient charts. They also assess and monitor the health and illness of clients or patients.

In routine nursing situations, LPNs provide safe and efficient nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed physicians. In more complex situations, LPNs function as assistants to registered nurses. (WAC 18.79.060)

It is possible to transfer nursing credits earned at Green River to other colleges or Associate Degree Nursing programs. ADN-RN ladder programs require additional coursework and provide students with basic knowledge of the humanities and the social, physical and biological sciences. The nursing courses include related theory and practice. (WAC 18.79.040)

Being a registered nurse means having substantial knowledge, judgment, and skills above the level of the LPN. ADN-RNs function as staff nurses, team leaders or head nurses.

Students must check with transfer institutions to make sure they are meeting the requirements for entrance.

After graduating, students who pass the NCLEX can expect to make $18 to $25 per hour.

Employment opportunities from LPNs include: physician's offices, drop-in medical care centers, hospitals, nursing homes, retirement centers, alcohol detoxification centers, weight loss centers and regional medical centers.

Job placement of graduates of the Practical Nursing program is excellent.

Core classes for the Practical Nursing program begin fall quarter of each school year. Green River begins accepting applications for fall quarter admission to the program on June 15 of the preceding year.

The first step for a new student is to apply for admission to the college. Students can apply:

  • Online
  • In person at the Main Campus (Zgolinski Welcome Center), Enumclaw Campus or Kent Campus
  • By calling (253) 833-9111, ext. 2500 to request an application via mail.

Once you have applied, you will be mailed a Green River Community College acceptance packet within four business days. The packet will include your student identification number and a helpful checklist to guide you through the application process. You will still need to apply to the nursing program. Download program application.

To be licensed, the practical nurse must meet the requirements of the Washington Licensed Practical Nurse Act, Chapter 18.79.060. Green River's Practical Nursing program prepares them to meet these licensing requirements.

Application for LPN licensure asks for information regarding legal convictions and drug and alcohol addiction conditions that may inhibit nursing practice.

You must have the ability to do heavy lifting and possess good manual dexterity. Prior to registering for required community lab situations, you will undergo a complete background check. (RCW 43.43.830 and RCW 43.43.832)

You must have oral and written fluency in English (as it is the only language used in the United States in health care.)

You must be willing to touch others and have them touch you above the waist while you provide nursing care. You must have your own transportation to and from local clinics.