Windward Graduates First LPN Students
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Del.icio.usThe first class of licensed practical nurses graduated from Windward Community College in December, ready to go straight to work or enter the RN program.
“It’s a one-year program,” explained Kapiolani Community College nursing department chairwoman May Kealoha. “That’s the nice thing - it’s fast,and then they can become a licensed practical nurse and get a job.”
The WCC class, which is a satellite of KCC’s nursing program, accommodates up to 20 students, and classes are conducted in a newly renovated classroom equipped with five beds and mannequins.
“Licensed practical nurses work in home care and in long-term care facilities,“said Kealoha.“We’re trying to fulfill a need in the community of home care for people who are elderly. Maybe they had a stroke and are home, but they need care.
“(LPNs) also work for the DOE for children who need special medical care but they go to school. Let’s say a child is disabled and cannot eat and needs suctioning. The (nurse) would feed them through the tube. They’re in special classes,so there’s a teacher and also a practical nurse there.
“Also, clinics like Kaiser or Waimanalo Health Center will hire.”
First, LPN grads must pass an exam to become licensed. Kealoha cited the nursing program as having an excellent track record with 100 percent of KCC’s last graduating class passing the exam.
Kealoha noted that most students from past LPN classes chose to enter the RN program. To pursue a degree as a registered nurse, a student must take certain prerequisite classes in addition to having an LPN.
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