HOULTON, Maine — Sixteen students enrolled in a new nursing program based at Houlton Regional Hospital will be part of a groundbreaking effort to fill a gap in the healthcare field in Aroostook County and the rest of the state.
This spring, Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle launched a program to train practical nurses, or PNs, in Houlton. There are 16 students enrolled in the 45-week program based out of Houlton Regional Hospital.
The program, which began in March, is the only one of its kind offered by a public institution in the state, according to officials at Northern Maine Community College. PNs often provide basic nursing and patient care at a more complex level than a nursing assistant, but with fewer responsibilities than a registered nurse. The possibility of a new program first came to light when Rob Moran, the executive director at Community Living Association, also in Houlton, notified NMCC about a shortage of nurses in southern Aroostook.
“The nursing shortage in the state has many health care facilities concerned about how they will staff facilities,” said NMCC President Timothy Crowley. “The new PN program has been developed with two goals: to help bring additional qualified people into the nursing profession and to allow RNs to work at the top of their license.”
On Friday, students in the program at HRH were continuing their studies as they prepared to increase their number of class hours per week.
The program is being co-instructed by Angela Davis RN BSN and Angela Bickford RN BSN.
Davis said that a number of the students in the class have worked as certified nursing assistants, phlebotomists or in other nursing programs for years, but jumped at the chance to advance their licenses.
“Not only is it a great opportunity for employers, but for staff as well,” she noted. “It’s that mid-level step; it’s not as large of a commitment as a two-year RN. Some of our students are cutting back on work hours to participate in the program; this offers a nine-month program and will get them back into the workforce at a different level.”
Amy Doughty of Haynesville said Friday that she has “always wanted to be a nurse” and was thrilled when news of the class was first reported.
“I have been a CNA for 22 years,” she said. “This gives me a chance to accomplish a goal without having to commit to two years of nursing school. It is a good next step.”
She said that continuing to work while attending school has been more difficult for her, but that her employer, Madigan Healthcare in Houlton, has been flexible while she has coordinated the two.
She said that she is eager to begin the more advanced training next week, when the students move to NMCC’s allied health simulation center to practice their skills. They will then scatter out to various healthcare facilities across The County to begin clinical training.
Ellen Lincoln of Hodgdon said she is excited for that part of her education. Lincoln said that she was working in an eye care center when she heard about the PN program and decided to try it.
“It is nice because it is directed more toward the nursing aspect, and not as much toward other courses that have you questioning when you will ever use them in your job,” she said.
Davis said Friday that a large percentage of the people in the group will be sponsored by their current employers.
“It is nice to see how quickly this has taken off,” she said.
After graduation, PNs have to undergo licensing through the Maine State Board of Nursing.
