Bethel’s first LPN program, the result of a collaboration between Alaska Pacific University (APU) and YUUT Elitnaurviat, started January 10, 2022. Fast forward 12 months, we are happy to extend heartfelt congratulations to the four graduates of the inaugural LPN program.
Sonya Beaver, Kwadwo Adonu, Minnie Carter-Sharp are current YKHC employees. Lawrence Martin is returning to YKHC as an LPN with plans to work in the Long Term Care facility. Prior to enrolling in the LPN program, Lawrence served as a community health aide in Atmautluk and Kasigluk.
A celebratory lunch and a candle lighting ceremony held in honor of these graduates was hosted by YUUT on Wednesday, December 7, from 1 – 2 p.m. A candle-lighting ceremony symbolizes the nighttime care Florence Nightingale gave to wounded soldiers by candlelight and reminds the graduates of the light that they become to their patients in times of illness and suffering. Graduates also recited the International Nursing Pledge.
The students’ graduation ceremony will be held at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium in Anchorage on Saturday, December 10, from 10 a.m. – 12 noon.
These graduates’ journey was not without struggles, as they juggled a myriad of responsibilities with work, family, and school, among other commitments to arrive at this juncture in their education journey. They can now breathe a brief sigh of relief before embarking on intensive NCLEX-PN exam preparation sessions in Anchorage next week, passing which will earn them the LPN designation.
The APU/YUUT program provided these soon-to-be fully fledged LPNs knowledge and skills to fill essential roles in various healthcare settings. The primary job of an LPN is to provide routine care, assist doctors and registered nurses, observe patients’ health, provide home-based care, and encourage preventative lifestyle modifications.
Given the many choices in the nursing field, an LPN certificate is a career pathway option for a certified nursing assistant. LPNs may continue their nursing career to become RNs by enrolling in an Associate’s Degree in Nursing program.
A hearty congratulations to all our LPN graduates and much success as you move forward in your careers!
The next LPN program in Bethel is scheduled to start in Fall 2023.
Click here for more information: Practical Nursing – Alaska Pacific University
For scholarships and education assistance to support your education goals, contact ahec@ykhc.org.