Sequel - Fall 2007 - (Page 25) AMY KELLY EARNED HER LPN CERTIFICATE IN 1992 AND HAS RECENTLY RETURNED TO THE NURSING WORK FORCE. SHE SAYS THAT THE BEST PART ABOUT THE PROFESSION IS HER INTERACTION WITH THE PEOPLE. t now I do it because I really enjoy it. I like that n keep my skills up while helping patients at the e time. My interaction with them really is the best Palfreyman. he non-traditional nurse t of the job.”He is by trade a contractor and has spent the last several years owning his own business, Palfreyman Construction. “Construction work is physically demanding,” he said. “I knew I couldn’t keep up with it the rest of my life. I was feeling burned out and I knew I needed to find something else.” “As a nurse I can provide a good living for my family, have a flexible schedule and do something new everyday,” Palfreyman said. “I’ve enjoyed the process of learning and the challenge of starting a new career. I like the change of pace.” After he earns an associate degree next isn’t limited to men. Many people are taking advantage of the opportunities nursing has to offer. Amy Kelly ’92, from Springville, Utah, earned her LPN certificate at UVSC and worked in the industry for 10 years before leaving the profession to stay home with her family. Now, five years later, Kelly has returned part-time, working one day a week at a local doctor’s office. “At first I came back just to help cover some shifts while people were sick,” she only increase as UVSC transitions to Utah Valley University July 1, 2008. Nursing is one of the institution’s three proposed master degrees, building an even stronger base for the nursing program and expanded opportunities for its students. “With master’s degree, students will be able to specialize in nursing education,” Measom said. “We are short of nursing educators all over the country – more so than nurses in general.” “One of the reasons now for the nursing shortage is a shortage of faculty,” said Gail McGuill, chief nursing officer for Intermountain Urban South Region at IHC Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. “Clinical nurse specialists are nurses with master degrees who help other nurses with treating patients with complicated illnesses. A master’s is also generally required for leadership positions such as nurse administrators, directors and officers, as well as faculty.” It’s true that the nursing industry has changed. Not only is there more diversity among its professionals, but it’s becoming one of the most sought-after careers across the nation. And although nurses specialize if I want to or even earn a master’s degree. But the best thing about being a nurse is that I get to work with people and I can find a place in the industry that fits my personality.” “I can go on and year, Palfreyman plans to continue his education at UVSC and earn a bachelor’s degree while working as an LPN. “My future holds a lot of options now,” he said. “I can go on and specialize if I want to or even earn a master’s degree. But the best thing about being a nurse is that I get to work with people and I can find a place in the industry that fits my personality.” said. “But now I do it because I really enjoy it. I like that I can keep my skills up while helping patients at the same time. My interaction with them really is the best part of the job.” Each year, approximately 200 potential students apply to UVSC’s nursing program, and only 40 to 60 are accepted. The program’s popularity is projected to are more likely to be found wearing colorful scrubs and tennis shoes than glamorous black-tie attire, they are making a difference in the world – and to them, that’s most important. SEQUEL YOUR WAY FEEDBACK Send comments to the writer at megan.laurie@uvsc.edu 25
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