Aspiring nursing assistants getting trained at new Pittsburg school

Paul Burgarino

Jun. 5, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- After checking for any moles or birthmarks, Lynn Dickson grabbed a yellow Bic razor and with a steady hand removed the "whiskers" from "Mr. Smith's" face.

At least, theoretically.

Dickson was learning the skills necessary to be a certified nursing assistant during a class this week at Advanced Medical School of Nursing, a new school in Pittsburg. "Mr. Smith" was actually classmate Jacqueline Linares.

"How does it look, Mr. Smith?" she said, offering the mirror to Linares. "Would you like some after-shave?"

Among the lessons learned Wednesday were how to check vital signs and blood pressure, turn over a patient who is unable to move, and help with patient hygiene. Additionally, students spent the morning gaining real-life experience at a Concord assisted-living center.

Class instructor Algie Dale, who has worked in nursing and directed nursing assistants, said it's important to treat patients with dignity and independence while minding safety, privacy and infection control.

"You don't call them 'sweetie' or 'honey.' You call them by their first name and treat them with respect," she said.

Nursing assistants are the "eyes and ears" at hospitals because they see when patients have problems and can get them help, Dale said.

The important thing for students is to grasp what they are doing and why, Dale said, as she walked the handful of students through the exercise.

"No, no, no "... see if you can get

two fingers there; it's too loose," she said to Michelle Peters, of Oakley, while Peters was attempting to check blood pressure. Later, Dale assisted Peters in using a stethoscope.

The fast-paced, three-week course at Advanced Medical School, which opened April 27, is aimed at relieving overcrowded nursing classes and increasing the number of nursing assistants in East County. Students must pass the state board test to become certified.

The school also offers a licensed vocational nursing program, and tries to help with job placement. On-site child care is another important aspect of the program, students said. The yearlong vocational nursing program starts July 1.

Statistics from the California Health Care Association show the state ranks 49th in registered nurses per capita.

California currently graduates about 5,000 nursing students annually but demand calls for nearly 10,000 new nurses each year.

While the average age of a nurse in California is 47, students in the Pittsburg class range in age from 21 to 37.

The Pittsburg programs can "bridge the gap" in Contra Costa County and fill local hospitals and nursing homes with capable nurses and nursing assistants, said Ike Muonekwu, administrator for the nursing school.

Further, he said, nursing programs at Los Medanos College, Pittsburg Adult Education Center and other institutions have student waiting lists.

Several factors drew students to the class. Undrea Van of Pittsburg said she had already been taking care of her grandmother and decided to pursue a nursing career. Tametha Hawkins of Antioch hopes to become a registered nurse.

Dickson had been a teacher for 12 years before unemployment forced her to look for a second career.

"It's like a cat in the hat, a little career to have as a backdrop," she said.

Reach Paul Burgarino at 925-779-7164.

Newstex ID: 35537893