STC Patient Care Program Presentation Fall 2014

Introduction

• Mrs. Handy: Patient Care Instructor at South Texas College.

• Overview of Patient Care Program: Focus on long-term care in nursing homes and acute care in hospitals.

Program Structure

• Certificates Offered:

  • State Certificate for Nurse Aide.

  • National Certifications: Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, Patient Care Technician.

• Program Requirements:

  • 16 credit hours.

  • Full week commitment with options for 4 or 5 days.

  • Clinical schedules: shorter clinicals on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; longer on Tuesday and Thursday with classes accordingly.

Enrollment Requirements

• Background check and vaccination requirements.

• Registration contact: Cynthia Curtis; information about background check and vaccine requirements: Angie Rees.

• Standard uniform: Purple top and white bottom, clinical ID badge.

• Attendance policy: Mandatory attendance with a maximum of 10% absence allowed.

Career Opportunities

• Graduates work in various facilities: hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, dialysis centers.

• Job offers typically provided in emergency room positions post-rotation.

• Estimated wages:

  • CNA: $9-$11/hour.

  • Patient Care: $9-$12/hour.

  • EKG Technician: up to $15/hour based on experience.

Program Benefits

• Multi-disciplinary training within one semester enhances marketability as a nurse.

• Points towards ADN and LVN programs for pursuing further nursing education.

• Graduates can perform diverse roles: lab drawing, EKGs, and assisting in various settings.

• Provides exposure to different areas of healthcare, helping students decide on career paths.

Clinical Experience

• Students access multiple hospital units, including:

  • Emergency Room

  • Surgery

  • Labor and Delivery

  • Laboratory

  • Telemetry Floors

• Training includes working with monitor technicians.

Program Logistics

• No testing score requirements for admission, first come, first served.

• Reading assignments and quizzes are mandatory before class attendance.

• Clinical day schedule: 6:30 AM start, variably ending times depending on the six-week rotation (1:50 PM or 4:20 PM).

Certifications

• All certificates must be earned sequentially.

• Completion of the CNA course is essential before advancing to Patient Care.

Background Check and Vaccination

• Importance of background checks highlighted, consult with Mrs. Curtis for specifics.

• Vaccinations must be completed within a stipulated timeframe.

Uniform and Appearance Standards

• Minimal makeup, no perfume.

• Jewelry restrictions for safety: no long earrings or chains due to potential safety issues with patients.

• Proper dress code includes white underwear due to transparencies in uniform pants.

Punctuality and ID Policy

• Late arrivals: students wait outside until class is ready.

• Absence of student ID means that the student must leave the classroom until they retrieve it.

Conclusion

• Strong recommendation for the Patient Care Program as a foundational nursing program.

• A stepping stone for building a future career in healthcare or nursing.