NEKTC Nursing Program Adds High Tech Simulator The nursing program at Highland Community College’s Northeast Kansas Technical Center (NEKTC), is the first in Kansas to acquire a new teaching/learning tool. The new tool is a human simulator known at SimMan 3G. Developed by the Laerdal Corporation, SimMan 3G provides both instructors and students with lifelike medical situations and experiences in a learning environment. NEKTC already has a “hospital” of simulators, which the staff and students have named the Simpson family. SimMan 3G is now Bart. Nursing Director Janean Bowman and her staff are thrilled to have Bart join the family. “Getting this simulator puts our program on the cutting edge of nursing education. And to be the first in Kansas to get this model is really the cherry on top. We can’t wait to learn all of Bart’s capabilities so we can provide our students with very real nursing situations.” The NEKTC nursing students all will have 45 clock hours of nursing simulation in their second semester. Bart and his family allow the students to do patient assessment, medication administration, practice for nursing skills, critical thinking, and the care needed for disorders that students may not have access to otherwise -- all at no risk to a real patient while learning these new skills. Coupled with a camera, the simulations provide an instant review of all student actions for additional learning opportunities. Purchased with funds from the federal Perkins Grant program, SimMan 3G can simulate most human bodily functions and exhibit symptoms of both simple and complex medical disorders. As Bowen noted, “He does everything but get up and make the coffee.” Instructors can create various disorders using a laptop computer to make Bart talk and display all the symptoms nurses will see in real life, including bleeding, coughing, sweating, convulsing, erratic breathing, and yes, throwing up. The addition of SimMan 3G also enhances the NEKTC program as it submits its proposal to create an RN Completion Program. This new program will be unique to the area as it serves as a bridge for current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to complete the requirements and training to be Registered Nurses (RN) in a three semester sequence. Consequently, LPN’s who are currently in the area workforce can remain in the area to complete their RN training. Bowen anticipates using Bart with students in the RN program to clearly delineate the responsibilities of an RN, using IV therapies, complex care (patients with several disorders all causing problems for the patient), the RN role as a care manager who directs and delegates properly, crisis care (sudden death or bleeding or respiratory emergency), and more. Medical Assistants to Celebrate WeekThe Medical Office Assistant program at the Northeast Kansas Technical Center of Highland Community College, along with the Registered Medical Assistants (RMA) of American Medical Technologists (AMT), will be observing National Medical Assistants Week the week of October 19-23. Since 1984, RMAs and others in the health care community have honored the vital role and professional excellence that medical assistants provide in the delivery of healthcare to patients. The 2009 theme, “A Caring Touch That Means So Much”, emphasizes RMA’s commitment as a vital member of the healthcare team.
The following community events, celebrations and recognition events are scheduled:
 • Students will be delivering sweet treats to area clinical sites as a thank you for allowing the students to complete their externships with them
• The Medical Assistant students also have some activities planned on campus
• The Medical Assistants from the Technical Center will be volunteering at Medical Lodge working on crafts, reading, and talking to residents
Medical Assistants certified by AMT as RMAs must pass an exam and have the required education and experience to receive this professional certification. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional who combines clinical and administrative responsibilities to assist in all aspects of medical practice in a physician’s office, hospital, clinic, government agency, or laboratory.
Clinical functions include taking vital signs, charting patient information, recording medical histories, performing routine tests, and applying dressings. Students at the Technical Center also become Registered Phlebotomists (RPTs) which allows them to draw blood and perform CLIA waived lab testing. Administrative duties include: scheduling appointments, billing, and maintaining patient files. Students at the Technical Center are trained in Electronic Medical Records as well.
“Medical assistants provide an invaluable service to both the patient and healthcare providers in the community. We recognize their dedication to the profession and to the industry.” says Christopher A. Damon, JD, Executive Director of AMT.
HCC Technical Center Prepares Students for Careers
Students at the Highland Community College Technical Center in Atchison – previously known as Northeast Kansas Technical College and Northeast Kansas Technical Center – recently commented on how much they are enjoying their classes. Three students – Jake Bove’ in welding, Faye Miller in practical nursing, and Alex Pepper in diesel mechanics – were part of a discussion on the value of getting a technical education.
The three arrived at the Technical Center from different backgrounds. Like many of his peers and countless high school graduates before him, Ottawa resident Bove’ was not sure what he wanted to do after high school. A lifelong Atchison resident in the middle of her career, Miller thought she was set for life. Like many before her, she was about to embark on a life change. Pepper solidified his career goals while still at Leavenworth High School. Taking Tech Center classes in diesel mechanics during his senior year, he knew what he wanted to do.
While the three came from differing experiences, they share common goals: get a quality education in a high demand technical field that provides practical experience for an affordable cost just as quickly as possible. And they are.
“I was looking at the Tulsa Welding School,” noted Bove’. “It has a great reputation, but it is expensive. The Tech Center was highly recommended to me, and I was amazed at the cost difference. Plus, I can drive here, and based on my experience here, I’ll be ready for a good job in a fairly short time.”
Already having a master’s degree, Miller was also looking for an affordable way to enter the nursing field as quickly as possible. She found that way at the Technical Center. “I knew from my business of working with the elderly that I wanted to be nurse. This program is giving me the technical skills I need to get a good paying job in health care. And it is right here in my hometown. It is just what I was looking for.”
Since Pepper already knew what he was looking for and was already taking Tech Center classes while in high school, it was natural for him to continue his studies at the Technical Center. What he didn’t know is that those studies would open up a new avenue for his plans. After recognizing the value of shop managers who have practical experience, he is now preparing for a career in technical management. “Working in diesel mechanics for an entire career can be hard on the body. But I also don’t want to be a manager who has never scuffed an knuckle on a locked bolt. After I finish my degree here, I’ll complete a bachelor’s degree at Pittsburg State to prepare me for management.”
Bove’ Finds Career Path at HCC Technical Center
Like many of his peers and countless high school graduates before him, Ottawa resident Jake Bove’ was not sure what he wanted to do after high school. His parents convinced him to try college, but he knew he wouldn’t be successful there, especially because of the math requirements. Sure enough, college didn’t work out, so Bove’ was still faced with what to do after high school.
A trip with his father to the elder Bove’s workplace, Wolf Creek Nuclear Plant, fanned a spark Jake experienced while in high school – welding. Bove’ had taken welding classes in high school for fun and application around his home, but when he saw the multiple applications welding had at the Plant and visited with the welding director, he began to see possibilities for his future.
The Plant’s welding director is on the Board of Directors of the well-known Tulsa School of Welding, and recommended that Bove check it out. He also suggested Bove look at the Highland Community College Technical Center in Atchison. In fact, the Plant director recommended the HCC Technical Center, so Bove’ opted for that recommendation, even though he had no previous knowledge of the school.
Now in his second year at the Tech Center, Bove’ is excited about the opportunities his future holds. “I know that what I have learned here is going to serve me well in my career. I have an excellent teacher in Robert Atkison and my skills are going to get me a good job right away. Plus, I really like it here. Math has always been a problem for me because I could never see why I needed to know it. Now I do. I understand its value to the welding work I’m doing and it is no longer a problem for me.”
According to Mike Rogg, HCC’s Vice President for Trade and Technical Education, Bove’ has a bright future ahead of him. “Jake and his fellow welding students will be entering the work force at a time of great need for specific kinds of welding. Many of those currently working in the highly specialized welding jobs are getting ready to retire. There has been a shortage of welding graduates in the past, so there are only a few younger welders ready to assume those specialized jobs. Jake will be one who is ready to have a great career.”
Miller Poised to Make Career Change
A lifelong Atchison resident in the middle of her career, Faye Miller thought she was set for life. Like many before her, she was about to embark on a life change. Thanks to the Practical Nursing program at the Highland Community College Technical Center – formerly Northeast Kansas Technical College – Miller is about ready to begin a new phase in her life – as a nurse.
Miller completed both a bachelor’s and master’s degree and was working in education when she had the opportunity to go into business for herself working with the elderly. That opportunity showed her she really wanted to go into nursing. Even though she knew about the Technical Center, she did not know about the Practical Nursing program or the outstanding facility.
“My business showed me that I would really enjoy nursing, but since I already had a master’s degree, I really didn’t want to go back to school for a long time and wasn’t sure about programs designed for students just out of high school. I wanted to get into the field right away. I knew the Vo-Tech was here, but I really didn’t know anything about it. Now I’m part of a program of students aged 18 to 58 that has a 93 percent pass rate on the national exam. After getting started last year, I am going to be ready for a job this year. And that is just what I was looking for. When the Technical Center gets their bridge program to Registered Nursing, I’ll want to take advantage of that as well.”
Practical Nursing program director and Director of Nursing Janean Bowen noted that Miller epitomizes the students she sees in the program. “Students come to us from a variety of backgrounds and experience, but they all have a similar goal – get the education needed to enter the workforce right away. Faye has a wealth of work experience and now she has a focus on what she wants to do with the remainder of her career. She is going to be an excellent nurse who will keep on learning and contributing to the health of her community. We are fortunate that her community is here in Atchison.”
Pepper Prepares for Technical CareerAlex Pepper solidified his career goals while still at Leavenworth High School. Taking classes in diesel mechanics from the Highland Community College Technical Center in Atchison during his senior year, Pepper found his focus and is now preparing for a career in technical management.
Pepper knew he was interested in mechanics and was able to develop that interest in the HCC Tech Center classes. He did so well that he competed in the Skills USA – a state and national competition in technical education – and earned an eighth place finish on the national level while still at LHS. Last year, he finished thirteenth out of 40 college contestants. This year, he plans to finish first.
After graduating from LHS, Pepper decided to continue his studies at the Tech Center in Atchison because it was affordable, it would prepare him for what he wanted to do, and he would be doing the work he was really interested in. His first year of class revealed a new career direction – technical management. “I knew I was interested in mechanics. Now I know that I want to use my work in mechanics as the basis for a career in management in a technical area. I want to be a manager who has actually done the work.”
To prepare for his career in management, Pepper will complete an associate of applied science degree at the Tech Center and then transfer to Pittsburg State University where HCC officials recently completed a 2+2 agreement. Pepper’s two years at the HCC Tech Center will be accepted at Pittsburg State, where he will complete another two years in Technical Management and be ready to enter the workforce.
. |
