A16- The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, January 8, 2003 Hospital snaps up nurses from new college program. MILLS MEMORIAL Hospital has hired one-third of the 25 graduates of Northwest Community College’s first- ever licensed practical nursing program. Two were hired as full time nurses to work on the hospital's acute care ward and the other six as part time/casual to work on the same ward and also at its re- gional psychiatric unit, says Mills nursing director Marg Petrick. The nurses finished their one-year course in Decem- ber and now have temporary licences pending the wri- ting of their permanent licensing exams this month. The hirings are part of a long-awaited nursing em- ployment expansion at Mills. Late last year, Mills created the equivalent of 4.5 full time licensed practical nursing jobs by taking money that would have otherwise been used to pay hard-to-find registered nurses. — Existing casual licensed practical nurses at the hospi- tal had the first crack at those new positions, said Pe- trick. That resulted in filling 2.5 jobs, leaving the remaining 7 two open for new hires. “What that also did was to open up casual positions for new people from the outside,” Petrick said of having «.. existing casual nurses move up to full time positions. Although some of the licensed practical positions are classified as casual, Petrick said current needs give those people as much work as they want. Petrick noted that the 4.5 new licensed practical nurs sing positions works out to having one more nurse on duty for each shift at the hospital. It’s a step toward easing a shortage which has taxed the coping abilities of the nursing staff. Overseas trip pays off - A TRIP in late 2001 to Australia and New Zealand con- tinues to pay off for Mills Memorial Hospital nursing dir- ector Marg Petrick. One registered nurse recruited in Australia from that trip started last August and another one nurse, this time from New Zealand, is due in town mid-February, said Petrick. “And there’s another one from New Zealand who isn’t far behind,” she added. Petrick was. part of a team of B.C. nursing officials who went to Australia and New Zealand in Dec. 2001 to help fill B.C. nursing vacancies. _Off-shore recruiting has been adopted as one method of solving shortages until recent increases in enrolments at universities and colleges begin to pay off. ; Petrick originally had found four registered nurses willing to move to Terrace, but one decided not to pur- sue. the possibility. She did say the experience has taken longer than first planned. All Bedding 20% | FF Includes sheets, pillow slips, mattress pads, duvet covers, Aannelette sheets, bathrobes and throws Towels & Bath Rugs 30% OFF Fleece Jackets, T-Shirts & All Kitchen Linens Open SSE os - Skeena Mall.—: errace © Start the new year with Savings! 30% Off ALL REGULAR PRICED ITEMS Giftware * Jewelery Hair Products | Clothing & Accessories Plus Much More! . 4711D. Keith: Ave ’ 635-3729 “We're gradually getting our spots filled,” said Pe- trick. She noted that over time requirements have been re- duced -- which saves money and stress — and that sick ‘leave has alsa gone down. Petrick paid tribute to the college program, saying it provided a pool of ready northwest graduates. “They took the course because they want to stay here,” she said. That emphasizes one of the college’s positions behind offering the program — training people from the nozth for jobs in the north: “We would have been able to fill the two full time jobs, but would have had trouble with the casual ones,” said Petrick. Filling casual posilions has always been difficult be- cause they usually don’t come with benefits. And that means people from outside the area aren’t _ likely to make a move. “and online options are also available. Courses « and Credentials to Meet Your Needs. Northwest Community College offers courses and programs that fit your educational goals and lifestyle. Now Is the time to consider classes for the upcoming winter semester. Consider these choices: a * University Credit + Career and College Prep * Business Administration «Trades Programs _ + Business Technology - . » Computer Technology.’ * Integrated Human Services * * Wildomess Gulding Skills " SBNORTHWEST Day and evening,. full- and part-time. - classes are offered. 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