Lisa Saucier, who works at Fulton County (Pa.) Medical Center, received financial support from her employer when studying to become a registered nurse. (By Jennifer Fitch/Staff Writer / February 13, 2012) |
McCONNELLSBURG, Pa. —
Health systems in Franklin and Fulton counties are helping licensed practical nurses further their education.Summit Health, which operates Waynesboro and Chambersburg hospitals, developed a Fastrack program in 2007. It provides experienced LPNs an opportunity to become RNs much faster than most traditional programs.
“This is important because one-third of the nation’s registered nurse work force is 50 or older,” said Gina Long, program coordinator.
Long said the current college graduation rate for medical professionals is insufficient to replace the projected number planning to leave the profession as they reach retirement in the next 10 to 15 years.
In neighboring Fulton County, the hospital offers tuition assistance of up to $6,000 to full- and part-time employees. The Fulton County Medical Center works with the College Network and Excelsior College to help LPNs fulfill general education requirements before starting nursing education and clinicals.
Summit Health’s Fastrack program also partners with Excelsior College to provide an independent study model. Fifty-seven students from Summit Health have completed the program, which varies in cost for students.
To become an RN, a candidate must graduate from an accredited college, university or hospital-based diploma nursing program. That person will then take the registered nurse licensing exam.
Last year, Fulton County Medical Center recognized its first graduate. Lisa Saucier qualified to sit for the State Board of Nursing in October 2011.
Saucier described the process as challenging, but worthwhile.
Teresa Napier is Chambersburg Hospital’s progressive care unit’s nurse manager. She is a registered nurse who graduated from the Fastrack program.
“I have experienced multiple rewards from the Fastrack program. I have achieved advancement in my profession, as well as more choices in my nursing career,” Napier wrote in an email.
“As an LPN, you are taught what interventions are needed to care for a patient. As an RN, you go deeper into the nursing process by knowing why you need those interventions and how the disease process affects the patient,” Fastrack student Trina J. Schuchman wrote in an email.
