Most of the Graduate Practical Nurses (GPNs) now will begin jobs in local long-term care facilities, doctor's offices and some acute care facilities, and a few will continue their studies to become registered nurses. Each of the GPNs has up to one year in which to complete the licensing exam. Once they pass the exam, they become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
"We are very proud that our practical nursing program has enjoyed outstanding success since its inception at HACC in 1988, as evidenced by the fact that our state board pass rate has consistently been above the Pennsylvania state pass rate," explained Sue Leib, associate professor of nursing. "Our graduates are well prepared and feedback from the facilities where they are employed is extremely positive."
Leib also pointed out that the program continues to grow with HACC's Lancaster Campus graduating its first practical nursing class in 2004 and the Gettysburg Campus preparing to admit its first class in 2006.
Earning special recognition during the event were Jennifer Grimm, Maribeth Lucente and Maricella Zavala. Grimm took home the Clinical Excellence Award, which is presented to the graduate who demonstrates exemplary professionalism, critical thinking skills, excellent communication skills and the ability to care for patients. The award for Academic Excellence went to Lucente, who achieved the highest grade for the year-long program. Zavala earned the Personal Merit Award by demonstrating a tenacious pursuit of a life goal.
Students completing the Practical Nursing program included:
Annville - Kimberly Brickley.
Aspers - Maricela Zavala.
Camp Hill - Scott Frye, Teresa SengRa, Sherry Swartz.
Carlisle - Tammy Hyser, Autumn Peterson, Monica Rocha, Ken Shultz, Estelle Wellman.
Dauphin - Lorre Sproat, Dennis Williams.
Dillsburg - Stacy Wolfe.
Duncannon - Carol Ressler.
Enola - Jodi Bonham.
East Berlin - Angeline Dupert.
Fairfield - Jaime Kelly.
Hanover - Jodi Hawkins.
Harrisburg - Dereje Abebe, Lisa Cole, Marisa Fortney, Beth Pontius, Sherry Yaskovitch.
Hershey - Tara Lechleitner.
Hummelstown - Adenike Ayannusi, Jennifer Grimm.
Lebanon - Tanya Haag.
Lemoyne - Emily Helbus.
Marysville - Joan Riggs.
Mechanicsburg - Maribeth Lucente, Warren Lucente, Donni Partridge, Lauren Triplett.
Mifflintown - Becky Arnold.
New Bloomfield - Felicia White.
Palmyra - Norah Kisekka, Christy Nobile.
Pine Grove - Karolynn Currey.
Plainfield - Holly Reeder.
Shippensburg - Dorothy Idan-Opare.
Thomasville - Rebecca Reed.