Virtual information session encourages nursing students to earn experience as PCAs and support staff

At a recent virtual information session hosted by Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital’s Department of Nursing, local nursing students had the chance to learn about opportunities within the hospital, such as PCA and support staff roles, for which they can apply to today to gain experience in the healthcare setting while they are still in school.

“The pandemic has significantly impacted the time nursing students spend in the clinical setting,” says Executive Director of Nursing Professional Development, Practice and Innovation Colleen West, DNP, MBA, RN, CPHQ, who attended the event. “Even before the pandemic, working as a PCA in the hospital setting provided great experience and made the transition to practice for newly registered nurses much easier. We hope the ability to work here while still in nursing school will give nursing students great experience, support our need for more support staff to cover vacations or other staffing needs and allow us to become the hospital they’d want to work in once they pass their nursing boards.”

The event, also attended by Human Resources Generalist Gaylen Conover, Professional Development Managers Patricia Rabbett, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, Jennifer Capone, MSN, RN, and Susan Belton, MSN, BS, RN, CNL, and Nurse Directors Brenda Miele, MSN, RN, and Mary Anne Barry, MBA, BSN, RN, is the first in a series of events. “Our first information session was very successful,” says West. “The majority of those who participated have already reached out for more information!”