Tell The World: My day with first year LPN students By: Kayla Wallace, RN

Where? Page County Technical Center Where my nursing career started way back in 2006! (This was from my graduation in 2008)

Why I chose this For me, going back to my roots was an easy decision! I wanted to talk to the LPN class about why I chose my academic career. I let them know that I’ve been in their shoes. I was a graduate of PCTC in 2008 with my LPN. I mainly wanted to go back here because I come from a small county where there isn’t a lot to chose from job wise. I wanted to possibly spark something in them to get out there and be all that they can be! I wanted them to see my success and know that they can do it too! There were 10 students in the class that I spoke with. The class consisted of 2 males and 8 females. The ages ranged from seniors in high school to middle aged. I came with a speech that I had prepared, but I really didn’t use it because I felt more connected with them just talking freely and it gave them the opportunity to ask questions.

Members of the class There were 10 students in the class that I spoke with, they had started with 16. The class consisted of 2 males and 8 females. The ages ranged from seniors in high school to middle aged. I explained to them that my class graduated with 7 students

Future LPN class of 2018 (one student didn’t want to take a picture)

My speech I informed the students about my academic career. I explained to them about the struggles that I encountered, including getting pregnant, starting an LPN to BSN program that I later found out was not accredited and the state of VA would not accept, to just getting burnt out. I explained to them that I’ve been in their shoes and this sparked an interest Many of the females asked questions, but the two males in the class didn’t ask anything (they were a tough crowd). They mainly asked me why I chose the schools that I did and were eager to hear about the application process to the RN transition program. I also had them write down what their plans were for after graduation. Out of all of the people in the class, only one stated that they were planning to just work and not go get their RN/BSN. I came with a speech that I had prepared, but I really didn’t use it because I felt more connected with them just talking freely and it gave them the opportunity to ask questions.

Future plans I was very happy to find that out of all of the students that were going to go back for their RN were planning to go to LFCC, which I did as well and they had all wrote down that they were either planning to go to JMU, UVA or Shenandoah University for their BSN. There was one that was planning on going back to be an NP. Before I left, I did get to speak to a few of the second year LPN students, if I could have I would have spoke with this class instead, but half of the students were in clinical. Many of the students were very happy with just the little bit of help that I was able to provide them! I gave my email to the teacher and a few of the students who asked for it personally

Pictures of the responses I received This really made me happy to see all of the students who were planning on going back to school for their RN!!

What did I learn from this? Teenage boys don’t like to be bothered before 10am! Women are more open to discussion, especially when it comes to the future Having a speech prepared doesn’t mean that that’s the best way of communication Speaking from experience can be very reassuring and helpful. You just have to put it out there! Next time, bring goodies!