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Helping to ease the shortage Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Heather Embury, left, and Laura Pool, are both graduates of RCC's new licensed practical nursing program. Sixteen students graduated from the program and are preparing to take the state test to receive their credentials. By DAMIAN MANN Just because there's a nationwide shortage of nurses, it doesn't mean the Rogue Valley needs to feel the pain. At least that's part of the thinking behind a new program at Rogue Community College, where 16 licensed practical nurses will graduate each year. Rogue Valley hospitals work to fill their ranks Rogue Valley hospitals are working hand in hand with Rogue Community College and Southern Oregon University to increase the number of people in the health care field. Deborah Elliott, spokeswoman for Providence Medford Medical Center, said, "The entire country is experiencing a health care worker crisis." At Providence, 8 percent of the nursing positions are currently unfilled, she said. Half of the graduates from the RCC program are now employees at Providence, and the hospital hopes to keep many if not all of them as licensed practical nurses. Elliott does believe salaries are competitive with other areas. She cited national wage data that shows the average hourly wage for an LPN in Southern Oregon at $14.87. Statewide, it is $15.32; Portland is $15.78 and San Francisco is $22.31. Elliott said Providence hopes to encourage people to stay in the community, and says programs like the one at RCC are a step in the right direction. But, she also thinks the Rogue Valley is a desirable place to live. "In light of what happened in the past week, I kind of like living in this area." Andrea Jablonski, spokeswoman for Rogue Valley Medical Center, said the hospital welcomes programs like the one at RCC. "It'll help the overall picture," she said "We need as many graduates as possible. We're working closely with the nursing schools to encourage enrollment." RCC began the program in January, and the first crop of nurses graduated last week. They will take a state exam in October to qualify for their credentials. Because of demand, most of the graduates already have jobs lined up at area hospitals, where they will receive about $12-14 an hour to start. Practical nursing instructor Linda Mollino said hospitals in Jackson County and Grants Pass desperately need nurses. This area has been especially hard-hit, she said, because the pay is low. "They (nurses) are tired of dealing with low wages when they can make more elsewhere," she said. "The hospital community at large has to say they need to raise these wages in order to retain the nurses." Even so, Mollino said, the program will provide more nurses for local hospitals and give Rogue Valley residents an entry into this profession. Many of the graduates intend to take another year's worth of classes to become registered nurses. With two clinical instructors and limited space, RCC can train only 16 students, although 30 have applied for next year's program, which runs from January to September. An exam will be held this month to select the candidates. Unlike RNs, practical nurses can't infuse blood, but they can administer medications and perform most nursing functions. Although the program lasts only nine months, the students learn the latest nursing techniques and how to use the latest equipment. Students also must take prerequisite classes before entering the program, which means they could be in school for about a year and a half, or 5 quarters. Martina Benitez, 35, of White City, came to the United States 15 years ago from Mexico. She said one of her goals was to become a nurse. "When I came here I didn't know English," she said. "One of my dreams is that one day I will be somebody." Benitez plans to work at Providence Hospital while she continues her education to become an RN. All the while, she will be raising four children. "My family has been really supportive," she said. Jolene Lowe, 45, of Central Point, said she twice attempted to enter the registered nurse program, but when she wasn't accepted, she was relieved that RCC started this new program. "We have all worked hard to get where we are," she said. "We're a very well-trained group. RCC nursing program info Number of graduates: 16 Length of program: 9 months. Training: Both on campus and in hospitals. Starting wage: $12-14 an hour LPN duties: Performs many of the duties of a registered nurse, but can't infuse blood. More information: 245-7608 Lowe will work at the Rogue Valley Medical Center if she passes the state test on Oct. 4. Heather Embury, 24, of Medford, said she has dreamed of being a nurse since she was a child. "When my father passed away suddenly when I was 18, it was his desire that I go to college," she said. Embury believes it takes a certain type of individual to become a nurse. "You have to have a heart." For her training, she decided to go to the Grants Pass Clinic, where she hopes she will find a job after graduation. Laura Pool, 34, of Gold Hill has been a nurse's aide for five years and says she's drawn to it because she likes helping people. Originally from the Netherlands, Pool speaks Dutch, German, French and English. "I'm going to learn Spanish," vows Pool. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.