From School Clinic Attendants to Licensed Practical Nurses

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

In an effort to help Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) increase licensed staff members in school clinics, and in response to possible new requirements from the Virginia General Assembly, Henrico County-St. Mary’s Hospital School of Practical Nursing established an educational cohort to train current public school clinic attendants to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). In fall 2012, Henrico County Public Schools initiated a discussion with the school of nursing to help the school division improve the education and training of its unlicensed clinic attendant employees. It was agreed that the initiative was beneficial for the school and community at large; therefore, a cohort of 13 clinic attendant students started in fall 2013 with an expected graduation date of spring 2015. This initiative will bring additional licensed personnel to the school system and add to the expertise that each school can provide students. In doing this, the program will improve the health and wellness of children in the county.