509th MDG supports local LPN students

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nick Wilson
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  While working under the direction of registered nurses and doctors, Licensed Practical Nurses provide basic health care, according to Capt. Kenneth Person, 509th Medical Group officer in charge of education and training. When it comes to assisting in the training of nurses, the 509th MDG has answered that call.

Each week, LPN students from the Warrensburg Area Career Center take a seven-hour class with members from the 509th MDG that gives hands-on experience on different aspects of their job.

"We're supporting our local community in being able to provide the clinical training experience necessary for LPNs to achieve their nursing and educational goals," Person said.

During the class, the students work at the different medical agencies in the 509th MDG. This helps provide students with the skills and flexibility to handle almost any kind of clinical environment and atmosphere they might have to work in.

"We have rotations that give students an opportunity to work with patients and play the role as a nurse before they graduate to give them as much real-life experience as possible," said Alicia Hayden, Warrensburg Area Career Center practical nursing instructor.

The students participated in rotations between the Whiteman AFB Immunizations Clinic, the Blood Laboratory, Family Health and Pediatrics. One of the main reasons students visit clinics on base and other clinics in the area, is to see the differences in medical facilities as far as what is expected of them and to learn different techniques and procedures for their job.