Hi Caroline. Thanks for joining us on the blog. What's it like being a student in the Practical Nursing program at Green River?
Caroline: As a student in the LPN program at Green River, I have been challenged in ways I never anticipated. It is a very comprehensive, rigorous program. The program has produced students who pass the NCLEX licensing exam on the first try for three years in a row, which attests to the qualify of the program. But beyond that, it has given me opportunities and expected me to analyze, reflect, and develop my own personal philosophy of what kind of nurse I want to be with respect to communication and leadership in the every-changing environment that is healthcare. I expected and was prepared for a challenging curriculum, but didn't expect the extent of personal growth and development.
What lead you to pursue training in this field?
Caroline: I was surplussed after 20 years in my telecom job. One significant factor in selecting this field was the fact that I have a mortgage. I was specifically looking for a field that would pay well enough to support my financial situation. In addition, my parents were in the speech and hearing field, so medical environments feel familiar to me. I have always loved caring for and helping people. The LPN program at Green River was a perfect fit.
How has Workforce Education helped you towards completing your goals?
Caroline: Workforce Education helped me begin my journey, and now in my last quarter, they are helping me again! The department was instrumental in helping me navigate my way through the first quarter while figuring out how to apply for financial aid. They also provided step-by-step assistance in filling out the application for the Training Benefits program offered through the Employment Security Department. They guided me through filling out the application, provided advice, and I'm sure were instrumental in making the application process proceed smoothly. Workforce Education is helping me once again with tuition assistance to get me through the last quarter of my program!
You're nearing completion of the Practical Nursing program. Congrats! What are your future plans?
Caroline: My plans for the future are to take the NCLEX licensing exam as soon as I graduate, get licensed, and then start looking for work. I haven't decided on a specific field yet. There are so many different opportunities. A great thing about Green River's LPN program has been the numerous clinical assignments that not only have given me real life nursing experiences with patients, but also an opportunity to see different work environments and associated nursing tasks. I feel like the world is my oyster!
$$$ Tip! All four Workforce Education funding programs—BFET, Opportunity Grant, Worker Retraining, and WorkFirst—support Practical Nursing training at Green River.
