Learn
More

Practical Nursing Program Highlight

Students in LabPractical Nursing students complete their first clinical experience.

Making a difference and helping others are common themes among those interested in becoming medical professionals.  As the first clinical rotation draws to a close for our Practical Nursing students here at West Virginia Junior College Bridgeport, those ideals are very real for our students.

PN students received their first clinical experience with the Arbors at Fairmont, a leading provider of long-term skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation services.  This first rotation has allowed these students to get Practical Nursing experience and assist those in need.

Sydni Stover, Practical Nursing student, said “I feel that clinical instruction enhanced my learning experience tremendously.  Making the connection between medical terms and patient physiology within a clinical setting has helped give me a better understanding of the classwork and how it applies in practice.”

Working in a clinical setting also means that you are hands-on with patients.  This experience is invaluable for the student, but important for the patient as well.  PN student Tammy Ketterman said, “The patients truly appreciated us for all we have done for them and I can walk away knowing I did all I could to make a difference in each one of their lives.”

lPN group arborsWVJC Clinical Coordinator Pam Wilson agrees that this type of instruction is important.  “Clinical instruction is a vital part of a nursing student’s experience.  This is where we get to see the students take all the information they have been taught in the classroom, and apply in in the clinical setting.  It increases students’ confidence by allowing human interaction, performing skills successfully, and seeing the different avenues of healthcare within their community.”   She also agrees that the patients are greatly impacted by the student’s presence.  “The impact these students have on their patients is profound. The students learn quickly what a positive difference they make, not only to one individual but the entire community.”

This has been a valuable experience for our students and the patients they care for.  Kim Shaw, Director of Nursing, for Arbors at Fairmont had this to say, “The staff love the students and I think some will cry when they leave tomorrow.”

The end of the first clinical rotation brings about the beginning of the next and they are excited to begin their new experiences next week.

Leave a Comment