Students in Professor of Nursing Peggy Jenkins' class "Nursing and Illness III" recently gave up most of a "free" Saturday to get invaluable nursing experience and an advanced certification to boot.
At right, Martha Twitchell, CCRN, MS of Bassett Healthcare, oversees students responding to a clinical scenario.
As part of a collaborative effort with Bassett Healthcare, 21 senior nursing students had the opportunity to acquire Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification. This certification, which is available to health care providers only, is offered through a course designed by the American Heart Association that enhances skills in the treatment of an adult victim of a cardiac arrest of other cardiopulmonary emergency. On hand to teach the course were volunteers from Bassett Healthcare: Mathew Johnson, CCRN, Patricia Jacob, FMP, and Martha Twitchell, CCRN, MS (to whom a very special thank you is extended!).
ACLS is based on simulated clinical scenarios that encourage active, hands-on participation through learning stations where students practice essential skills individually, as part of a team, and as a team leader. Student take a pre- and post-test and must respond to a Mega Code to become certified.
Above, Patricia Jacob, FMP, of Bassett Healthcare, runs a Mega Code, to which students had to respond as part of the certification course.
"This opportunity was the result of student initiative," said Jenkins. "Very few colleges offer this certification; Hartwick's proximity to and relationship with Bassett made this unique opportunity possible. We travel to Cooperstown for clinicals, and it was great to have Bassett come to our facility as well."
Jenkins added, "The ACLS certification is a great addition to our students' resumes as they embark on their post-college careers. The ACLS course relies on the development of crucial skills, especially critical thinking and the ability to respond quickly. As part of their training in the Nursing Department, our students learn EKG interpretation, respiratory airway management, IV access, and emergency pharmacology, and this certification really brings it all together. It's truly a demonstration of life-long learning."
Above, Mathew Johnson, CCRN, of Bassett Healthcare, instructs students in proper use of equipment.
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Hartwick College is a private liberal arts and sciences college of 1,480 students, located in Oneonta, NY in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Hartwick's expansive curriculum emphasizes connecting the classroom to the world. Through personalized teaching, collaborative research, a unique January Term, a wide range of internships, and limitless study-abroad opportunities, Hartwick ensures that students are prepared for the world ahead. Strong financial aid and scholarship programs keep a Hartwick education affordable.
