Shore Medical Center has been providing Cape May County Technical School practical nursing students with enriching clinical rotation experiences for many years, but their current class has had one of the most rewarding experiences at Shore to date, according to a hospital news release.
Not only are students helping to care for Shore patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they were also among the first to administer COVID-19 vaccines to Shore nurses, doctors and other members of the hospital staff.
Under supervision from Shore’s pharmacy team and their Cape May Tech clinical instructors, the students have single-handedly vaccinated nearly all of the Shore Medical Center staff who signed up.
On Jan. 14 they celebrated their 1,000th vaccination.
Ann Zilinek is a practical nursing program instructor at Cape May County Technical School. She says being a part of such an important moment in the nation’s history and in medical history is priceless for the students.
“Giving these first COVID vaccines at Shore is an honor for us and our students. We appreciate that Shore allowed us to take part in this epic event,” Zilinek said in the release.
The students have also built a great relationship with the pharmacy team at Shore, who supported them throughout the process, the release stated. Matthew Piskun, PharmD director of Pharmacy, Oncology and Infusion Services at Shore, educated students on the vaccine, how it works, and what side effects could potentially happen.
He also shared his own experience as a member of the clinical trials while he was going through them back in the fall, which was especially interesting. A pharmacist is always in the room during vaccinations to help, but the students did their homework as well.
“The students were so well prepared that they were able to answer many of the vaccination questions as they administered them. They did a great job explaining possible side effects and comforting them during the process,” said Barbara Juzaitis, another educator with the program.
In addition to administering vaccinations, the students also complete rotations in a number of areas throughout the hospital, with an emphasis on the medical surgical unit 5 Hayes, where Kelly Duma is the nurse manager.
With Shore healthcare providers busier than ever, and in the absence of family members, the students have become true partners in providing patient-centered care, the release said.
“The practical nursing students from Cape May Tech regularly provide tremendous support to Shore patients, but their value is more evident than ever during such unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic,” Duma said. “The students’ support is always appreciated by staff, and the patients love the students.”
The practical nursing program at Cape May County Technical School is 11 months and involves clinical rotations throughout Shore Medical Center and in community settings like schools and assisted living facilities.
Shore is their most frequent acute care site, but they rotate through 26 different sites during the year. Some sites have had to restrict student access in light of the pandemic, but Shore welcomed them with open arms. Shore also welcomed Rowan College and Atlantic County Institute of Technology students who participated in the vaccine clinics for staff.
Zilinek said that although Shore isn’t a big city teaching hospital, to the students, it feels that way.
“I’ve worked in teaching hospitals, and Shore really fulfills that role for our students,” she said. “They are acknowledged, included and staff are always ready and willing to answer their questions. Our students feel very comfortable here.”
