BTEC Nursing students shine

Student nurses from BTEC were featured at the school board meeting on Feb. 14. The four seniors were Madeline Smith, Lauren Atkins, Marley Newcomb and Chris Worsley and their instructor, Shannon Griffin. They came in their scrubs after a day in practical experience in a local nursing home.

When they graduate and after they pass the Certified Nursing Assistant, (CNA) exam all four will seek to further their education in pursuit of a Registered Nurse certification in college.

In the meantime, they can work at a hospital or extended care facility as a CNA.

At BTEC they have pursued the two years for the certification. Griffin said “We have between a 94-100% pass rate for our students while the statewide rate is 78%.” While they seek further education, they four will be in a clinical situation if they are working in a healthcare facility. Smith said, “It will be extra training prior to becoming an RN.”

One of the students, Chris Worsley said. “Our clinic experience has been a real asset.”  They have been regulars at The Glebe and Carrington Place. In class they have learned much in practical experience as well as nursing curriculum.

In the long run, BTEC is exposing their curriculum to all fourth graders in the county this semester. School groups are coming to the technical center to see what is offered.

Nursing students talked with them and exhibited the best way to practice handwashing as a deterrent to spreading sickness. Griffin said, “We showed that simply wetting hands and adding soap is not the best way to wash our hands.”

–Cathy Benson, Photo by Cathy Benson