Prince George, B.C. – On Friday, 25   people will graduate from the College of New Caledonia’s Practical Nurse program. 

 

The 24 women and one man, ranging in age from 18 to 50 years of age, will receive their diplomas at the convocation ceremony that will take place in the CNC atrium. It will be the last such convocation held at the end of August.

 

Changes in the provincial curriculum and requirements in the Canadian Practical Nurse Registration exam have lead to the program being expanded to two years from the 49 weeks of instruction they currently receive.

 

Most of the grads are already in line for job placement. They are wrapping up their practicums at numerous North Health sites across the region and will write their national licensing exams on Sept. 12^th. If they pass those exams, they will be eligible to work.

 

“The majority of our students have already been requested to interview for potential employment at University Hospital of Northern B.C. (UHNBC),” said Jacquie Scobie, CNC’s practical nurse program lead and faculty member.

 

Scobie says many will land jobs as a “casual” and while that may not be the employment goal of every grad, “it does allow them to get their foot in the door and contribute to the quality care being delivery in our health care facilities.  Permanent employment follows experience and opportunity.” 

 

The ceremony is set for 2 p.m. this Friday.