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.