VN Program Presentation Spring 2016

Summary

The speaker, addressing nursing students, emphasizes the value of the college success course for time management. They discuss the importance and future demand for vocational nursing, dispelling myths about its decline. The talk covers various pathways to become an RN, including LVN to RN transition and the benefits of the patient care tech program. The speaker outlines the rigorous schedule and coursework in the vocational nursing program, highlighting the need for effective study strategies and time management. They also stress the importance of planning ahead for the program's demands on time, including the impact on work and family life.

Takeaways

• 📚 College Success courses are highly valued for enhancing readiness and learning capabilities among students.
• 🕒 Time management is crucial for students, especially given the rigor of nursing programs.
• 👨‍⚕️ Vocational Nursing is a stable and growing field, contrary to misconceptions, with the National League for Nursing and Bureau of Labor Statistics affirming its importance and future demand.
• 👴 The aging population and retirement of baby boomers are driving the increased need for healthcare professionals, including vocational nurses.
• 💉 LVNs work under the supervision of RNs, physicians, or other licensed healthcare providers, focusing on predictable patient outcomes.
• 🏥 While hospitals are not the primary workplace for LVNs, they are increasingly being hired there, and other settings like home health, long-term care, and hospice care are common.
• 💼 LVNs in the valley can expect to earn an average of around $40,000 a year, with potential for career advancement to RN and beyond.
• 🔄 There are multiple pathways to become an RN, including traditional, LVN to RN, EMT to RN, and a direct VN to RN program, offering flexibility in educational and career planning.
• 🏫 South Texas College offers a comprehensive vocational nursing program with a strong emphasis on clinical hours and didactic learning.
• 📈 The program is designed to produce well-rounded nurses, with an expectation that many will pursue further education to become supervisors and leaders in the nursing field.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'College Success' course mentioned in the script?

The 'College Success' course is deemed valuable as it equips students with time management skills, which are crucial for the rigor of the nursing program they are about to undertake.

Why is there a misconception about vocational nursing being a fading profession?

There is a misconception that vocational nursing is not a sustainable career due to misinformation and rumors, despite the National League of Nursing and Bureau of Labor Statistics affirming its importance and predicting a 20% annual increase in demand.

What does the National League of Nursing say about the role of vocational nurses in the healthcare system?

The National League of Nursing, the largest accreditation body of nursing programs in the United States, asserts that vocational nurses are an integral part of healthcare and will continue to be needed for the foreseeable future.

What is the definition of a vocational nurse according to the script?

A vocational nurse is defined as a professional who cares for individuals with predictable outcomes under the supervision of an RN, physician, nurse practitioner, physician's assistant, or dentist.

In which areas do vocational nurses typically work, as mentioned in the script?

Vocational nurses typically work in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, with the largest portion being employed in this sector. They also work in home health, hospice, and other areas, with a few in hospitals and outpatient surgery units.

What is the average annual income for a vocational nurse in the valley, as stated in the script?

The average annual income for a vocational nurse in the valley is about forty thousand dollars.

What are the different pathways to becoming an RN mentioned in the script?

The script mentions four pathways to becoming an RN: traditional, LVN to RN, EMT to RN, and VN to RN progressive. Each pathway has its own set of prerequisites and conditions.

Why is the 'Patient Care Tech' program recommended for students in the script?

The 'Patient Care Tech' program is recommended because it provides foundational skills in patient care, such as personal care and basic medical procedures, which are beneficial for future nurses to understand and perform a wide range of healthcare tasks.

What is the significance of the clinical hours offered in the vocational nursing program?

The vocational nursing program offers 598 hours of clinical, hands-on experience, which is crucial for students to gain practical skills and be well-prepared for their roles as nurses.

What is the importance of time management skills for students in the nursing program, as highlighted in the script?

Time management skills are essential for students in the nursing program due to the demanding curriculum, which includes a significant number of hours for classes, studying, and clinical practice.