Practical Nursing

What can I do in practical nursing?

We often think of the best nurses as having a passion for helping others. If you have that passion and commitment, Trident Technical College’s highly-respected Nursing program can help you realize your dream of becoming a nurse.

Nurses provide patient care, such as recording medical histories, observing symptoms, administering medicine and treatment, performing diagnostic tests, and consulting with doctors and other health care professionals. Nurses are also responsible for teaching patients how to manage their illnesses or injuries. Often called the heart of health care, nurses also provide emotional support to patients and their families.

What characteristics and skills do I need to work in this field?

As mentioned above, compassion and commitment are required to be successful as a nurse. Nurses also need critical-thinking skills so they can assess patients and be detailed oriented, ensuring patients get the correct medicine and treatments. Because nurses are often on their feet and may be required to lift or move patients, physical stamina is needed. Nurses should also have strong communication skills so they can discuss health concerns with patients and their families.

Where can I work?

Most nurses work in hospitals. Physician offices, nursing and residential care facilities and home health care services also provide job opportunities for nurses as well as schools, clinics, and government and military offices. Nurses are in demand, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mainly because of the aging population and the number of individuals who may have access to health care services as a result of federal health insurance reform.

What does Trident Technical College offer?

Trident Technical College is the largest provider of nursing education in the Lowcountry. Our new 90,000-square-foot Nursing and Science Building features a state-of-the-art nursing simulation center. In addition to gaining clinical experience in local health care settings, students participate in learning activities in the simulation center to develop competencies in a variety of areas. The center uses programmable adult, pediatric and newborn mannequins; maternal mannequins that give birth; and the same equipment and supplies found in the actual clinical environment. TTC’s program offers a curriculum with options for students to earn a diploma or associate degree. The sequential program levels prepare students for progressive roles of nursing practice: the practical nurse and the registered nurse.