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“Nurses are the most likely to receive a job offer in today’s economy,” shares nursing instructor Joy Jackson at the candlelight pinning service on Friday, March 27, 2009, in Covington. “There are currently over 250,000 full time openings for nurses in the United States, and this figure is only going to grow as the baby boomers age,” This spring’s class of 16 graduating nurses from DeKalb Technical College will help to fill that shortage. DeKalb Technical College graduates 30 to 40 practical nursing students per year, with approximately a 94 % pass rate for their State Boards.
Clinical Resource Nurse from the Abbey Hospice, Ms. Helen Cohenour, RN, served as guest speaker before the newly pinned graduates recited the Florence Nightingale pledge. In closing remarks brought by instructor, Joy Jones RN, her dedication to the program was evident, “It is an honor and privilege to teach and train these students.”
Dr. Robin Hoffman, President of DeKalb Technical College congratulates the nursing students on their accomplishments, “Nurses have a calling from within that makes them special in the medical field. They care about their patients, and that matters in the lives of the patients.”
The purpose of the Practical Nursing program is to develop, direct, and prepare students for entry into the Practical Nursing profession. These individuals are prepared for licensure as set forth by the Georgia Board of Examiners of Licensed Practical Nurses. Program graduates are to be competent in the general areas; communication, math, and interpersonal relations.
Graduates are to be competent in the occupational areas; anatomy and physiology, drug calculations, administration of medications, nutrition and diet therapy, nursing ethics, patient care, prevention of illness and the promotion of the concept of wellness to our population.
A variety of clinical experiences are planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. Program graduates receive a practical nursing diploma and have the qualifications of an entry-level practical nurse. DeKalb Tech's Practical Nursing Program is five quarters in length and takes a student, who is enrolled full-time, 15 months to complete. The program is offered at the Newton Center in Covington beginning a class every Spring Quarter.
The nursing program at DeKalb Tech is over 30 years old and the College and instructors work hard to help fill the nursing shortage. A lack of instructors and clinical training sites make the goal harder to reach each year.
“Many students go on to get there RN,” explains Jackson. “Some remain as LPN’s and seek jobs in the hospital doing Medical-Surgical Nursing while others seek jobs in nursing homes, doctor’s office’s, home health, and dialysis centers or teaching nursing assistance. The practical nursing program like medical assistant, EMT and nursing assistant can be a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse, paramedic, physician’s assistant, nurse practioner, nurse anesthetist, mid wife, or a doctor.”
Students must be a high school graduate, or have a GED and must be a minimum of 17 years of age to make application to the Practical Nursing Program. Please contact Admissions at 404-297-9522 ext. 5000 for the Practical Nursing Policies and Procedure packet of information.
Photo ID (left to right): Instructors Yvonne Durrant, RN, MSN; Kay Henry, RN, BSN; Theresa Snagg, RN, MSN; and Joy Jackson, RN, MSN.
Nursing students in alphabetical order: Esther Arrey; Grace Bangalie; Anna Bell; class treasurer Delicia Benson; Alla Berezoyskaja; Hiwot Bezabih; Shunasia Davis; Antoinette (Junie) Eroh; Mark Francois; Bolanle Hamed; class co-president Mary Jones; Dori Michaels; class chaplain Rebekah Okuma; class co-president Gina Sheppard; Melissa Washington; and Angella Williams
