On Monday, April 6, 2020, a group of second-year nursing students kicked off their final term of nursing school by attending their Integrative Practicum orientation at Clatsop Community College. The students sat spaced more than 6 feet apart in the room, each at their own table equipped with their notes, a bottle of hand sanitizer, and determination to finish their degree and help in the frontline fight of COVID-19 that is hitting their chosen profession hard.
Unlike the majority of college classes that are now only allowed to continue online due to Governor Brown’s executive order, Allied Health programs have been given an exemption and are allowed to offer classes in-person, as needed while observing precautions, so students may continue their education to get them ready to enter the workforce. CCC’s Nursing, Medical Assisting, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programs all fall under this exemption.
Alisha Gregory, a second-year nursing student stated, “I don’t even think I could have imagined the world as it is today. Feels a bit like a movie. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling a little anxious. I’m really excited to start back to school and get back to a “normal” routine. Thank you to the nursing instructors for helping us continue our journeys and graduate so we can join this fight.”
Nursing students who are in their last term of the program will still be completing the clinical portion of their education in local hospitals this spring. Use of Zoom meetings and CCC’s online class platform will be utilized when feasible to ensure as much social distancing as possible, but in-person and clinical training in the hospitals is necessary for the completion of the degree. They will work for 200 hours in partnership with volunteer nurse mentors at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Providence Seaside Hospital and Clatsop Behavioral Health. Specifically, students will be placed in medical-surgical, critical care, emergency and family birthing units as well as in hospice, oncology and mental health environments.
CCC nursing faculty are working tirelessly to make sure these nursing students are ready for what awaits them as they graduate this year. Nursing Instructor Tina Kotson, MSN, MBA, RN, stated, “At this time, more than ever, it is important that we retain the integrity and quality of nursing education even as we are asked to swiftly prepare students for graduation. Our community deserves and has come to expect new graduate nurses who provide high-quality, safe, compassionate care — this has not changed, even in the midst of COVID-19. To that end, all of us at CCC are dedicated to finding creative, meaningful ways to educate students and ready them for the challenges they will face as nurses in the ever-changing healthcare world.”
With so much focus on the spread and risk of COVID-19 in the world, one might think that students would be hesitant to enter the healthcare field, but the desire to help and support our community is stronger. Nursing student Fayth Blackwell stated, “I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting in the past week or so, and I’m feeling like this is our moment to use our skills to help our community.”
Non-Discrimination Declaration: It is the policy of Clatsop Community College that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, gender, marital status, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. Questions or complaints should be directed to Naomi Garbutt, Affirmative Action/Gender Equity (Title IX) Officer, Towler Hall, Suite 110, ngarbutt@clatsopcc.edu 503-338-2450; TDD 503-338-2468. The Title II/Section 504 Coordinator, Mallory Vollner, is located in Towler Hall, Suite 104A, mvollner@clatsopcc.edu 503-338-2474.
Accommodations: Persons having questions about or a request for special needs and accommodation should contact JoAnn Zahn, Vice President of Finance and Operations, at Clatsop Community College, 1651 Lexington Avenue, Astoria, Oregon 97103, Library Suite 110, jzahn@clatsopcc.edu Phone (503) 338-2421 or TDD (503) 338-2468. Please send special needs and accommodations requests here. Contact should be made at least two business days in advance of the event.
Declaración de no-discriminación: Es la política de Clatsop Community College que no habrá ningún tipo de discriminación o acoso por razón de raza, color, sexo, género, estado civil, religión, origen nacional, edad, orientación sexual, identidad de género o expresióno discapacidad en los programas educativos, actividades o en la contratación. Preguntas o quejas deben ser dirigidas al Naomi Garbutt, Oficial de Acción Afirmativa / Título IX localizado en Towler Hall número 110, ngarbutt@clatsopcc.edu(link sends e-mail) número de teléfono 503-338-2450, TDD (discapacidad auditiva) 503-338-2468. El Coordinador de la Titulo II/Sección 504, Mallory Vollner, se encuentra en Towler Hall, numero 104A, mvollner@clatsopcc.edu número de teléfono 503-338-2474. Para ADA y otras peticiones de servicios llame al 503-338-2474 o para TDD (discapacidad auditiva) 503-338-2468.
Ayuda a personas discapacitadas En cuanto a las personas discapacitadas, se les pide que se comuniquen con JoAnn Zahn, la Vice Presidente de Finanzas y Operaciones en Clatsop Community College, 1651 Lexington Avenue, Astoria, Oregon 97103, Library Suite 110, jzahn@clatsopcc.edu número teléfonico (503) 338-2421 o a TDD (503) 338-2468. Haga el favor de notificar a la oficina para que se le pueda proporcionar apoyo. La comunicación debe tomar lugar por lo menos dos días de trabajo antes del evento por el cual se requiera tal ayuda. Para más información, vea la página Web de Clatsop Community College bajo Información en Español.
