Grant provides new nursing equipment

Franklin County Career Technical Center students interested in becoming a patient care technicians or certified nursing assistants will soon be able to practice and learn on new and updated equipment, thanks to the healthcare training program grant recently awarded to the school.

Technical center director Scott Wiginton said the $43,400 grant was dedicated for “purchasing equipment and supplies to expand patient care technician training.”

Andrea Sornberger, healthcare instructor, said some of the items they are wanting to purchase are phlebotomy arms, which will help the students learn venipuncture, and an EKG machine.

“The grant helps them learn the competencies they need to provide patient care and learn the fundamentals of nursing,” Sornberger said.

One of the biggest purchases they are considering is another life-like simulator – like their current one that, according to Sornberger, they call Bob.

“They can practice everything on him, from EKGs to CPR to listening to certain sounds like heart rhythm and intestinal sounds,” Sornberger said.

Wiginton said he and Sornberger are debating whether to purchase a second adult-sized simulator or a pediatric one. He said they will be taking a trip to Mobile County soon to view their simulators to help them determine what would best fit their needs.

“We want to provide them with the same kind of setting and experience that they will see if they go directly into the work field or on to college, so that they’re prepared,” Wiginton said.

Students will also be able to receive their certification to be patient care technicians or certified nurse practitioners through the school’s program, which Sornberger said will qualify them to go straight into the work force if they so choose.