LNA Education Programs: Among the things you didn't learn in school may be that there are 45 Board of Nursing approved Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) education programs in Vermont. The programs can be found throughout the state in a variety of settings--from hospitals, long term care facilities (LTCF), and home health agencies, to career and technical centers.
Both RNs and LPNs may serve as classroom and clinical instructors as long as they possess the following qualifications: two years of experience as a nurse, experience teaching adult learners, at least one year of relevant clinical experience, and an unencumbered Vermont nursing license. LNA courses must be at least 80 hours and include a minimum of 30 hours of supervised clinical experience. Programs must have oversight by an RN. Each program has an on-site review by a Board of Nursing staff representative prior to starting, after one year of operation, and then at 2-year intervals.
For the list of currently approved LNA education programs, go to the Office of Professional Regulation website: www.vtprofessionals.org, open the drop down menu and then click on Nursing.
In addition to programs looking for faculty (LPNs & RNs), another LNA education-related role for RNs is serving as a licensing exam observer for the test vendor. Contact Elizabeth Hansen, RN at 802-828-2819 if you are interested in more information.
Clinical Teaching Excellence Award: Annette 'Annie' Parker, MSN, RN, LNA Program Administrator at Fletcher Allen, was one of five recipients of the Clinical Teaching Excellence Award. The recognition was bestowed on her at the Vermont Organization of Nurse Leaders conference in Killington on April 10th and 11th. She received a well-deserved day at the spa which she reports having thoroughly enjoyed. Congratulations, Annie!!
Gold Star Employers: On May 6th the Gold Star Employer Conference, sponsored by the Vermont Health care Association, was held in Burlington. The Gold Star Program was developed to recognize nursing homes that use Best Practices for the recruitment and retention of caregivers, especially direct care staff. Of the 18 facilities awarded the Gold Star designation, 11 have approved LNA programs. Congratulations to the creative and hardworking staff at:
Bennington Health & Rehabilitation, Burlington Health & Rehabilitation, Centers for Living, Eden Park of Brattleboro, Franklin County Rehab, Green Mountain Nursing Home, Greensboro Nursing Home, Mountain View Center, Mt. Ascutney Hospital & Health Center, Starr Farm Nursing Center, and Vernon Green!
LNA Temporary Permit: The 90-day temporary permits issued when LNA students successfully complete their education programs are no longer printed on Board of Nursing letterhead. They are printed on regular license stock with the notation 'Temporary Permit' and an expiration date.
'Look at Me:' The Northeast Health Care Quality Foundation has a wonderful DVD available called 'Look at Me.' It's just a few minutes long and it's inspirational for helping students (or staff!) see the whole person, not solely the elderly resident. Let me know if you'd like me to send it to you on loan, or contact NHCQF, Louise Fitzpatrick, at 800-772-0151 to see if they still have some available free of charge.
LNA Test Observer Opportunities: If you are an RN with at least one year of long term care experience, how would you like to try something new on a parttime basis? D&S Diversified Technologies is the LNA exam vendor for Vermont and they are looking for more skills test observers. These contracted positions are very flexible and you'll get to learn and apply skills in the LNA education assessment arena. D&S conducts new test observer workshops periodically so if you are interested in exploring the possibilities, please contact Jess or Jenny at their toll-free number: 1-877-851-2355.
Submitted by Elizabeth Hansen, MSN, RN VT Board of Nursing Staff, Program Coordinator National Life Bldg., North FL2 Montpelier, VT 05620-3402
