Most of the 28 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).
Rhonda Maneval RN, DEd, director of Nursing Programs at HACC's Lancaster Campus, is proud of the graduates and is confident they will provide outstanding nursing care to the community.
"There is a huge need for practical nurses in our area and, as a result, our graduates report receiving many job offers," she said, adding that the program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission because it meets the highest standards in nursing education quality. "Because HACC provides an outstanding career ladder in nursing education, our graduates now have the opportunity to return to HACC Nursing to pursue further education to become registered nurses."
Four students were recognized with awards during the graduation ceremony. Adam Updegraff received the ManorCare Lancaster Award for Leadership for his leadership qualities in clinical practice. Amanda Wilson was awarded the Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community Award for Clinical Excellence for her skills in interpersonal communication, assessment, documentation and technical skills. Amy Rivers was awarded the Landis Homes Retirement Community Award for Compassionate Nursing Care for demonstrating outstanding care to patients and families. Yelena Belousov received the Willow Valley Retirement Community Award for Excellence in Gerontological Nursing for excellent care of elderly patients and their families.
Graduating at the December ceremony were:
Brownstown - Heidi Theis.
Columbia - Alix Keyser, Danette Ochoa.
Denver - Yelena Belousov.
Elizabethtown - Nadia Drobina.
Fawn Grove - Paige Carbaugh.
Gordonville - Rebecca Stoltzfus.
Lancaster - Sena Ayana, Candi Gerhart, Valerie Jones.
Landisville - Jessica Cross.
Lebanon - Stacie Allen, Kelly Livering.
Leola - Carol Mock.
Lititz - Amanda Zimmerman.
Marietta - Pamela Aument, Debbie Raffensperger.
Mount Joy - Cathy Keener, Angie Richards, Amy Rivers.
Neffsville - Erica Gwinn.
New Holland - Ronelyam Rodai.
New Providence - Amanda Wilson.
York - Kelly Fissel, Jennifer Roberts, Adam Updegraf, Julie Wilson, Tania Zech.