17 LPN Students at McAlester Kiamichi Technology Center Visit Narconon Arrowhead
Narconon Arrowhead hosted seventeen Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) students from the McAlester Kiamichi Technology (KTC) on Wednesday, March 11, 2015. Two of their instructors were also in attendance. The seventeen LPN students will be graduating from KTC in June of 2015 as Licensed Practical Nurses, and went to Narconon Arrowhead as a practical exercise to gain experience on how the nursing department at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center functions.
Kiamichi Technology Center
Preparing People for Success is KTC’s stated mission. Some of its core values include excellence in education and instruction, personal and professional respect, involvement in and support of the community, and quality standards and services.
The 10 campuses of the Kiamichi Technology Centers are located in southeastern Oklahoma. The KTC locations in more than 12 Oklahoma counties provide educational opportunities for every person, regardless of what the stage of the education process the student is in.
Kiamichi Tech is a part of Oklahoma’s network of 29 technology centers located on 57 campuses. The network serves both high school and adult learners, providing specialized career training in more than 90 areas of instruction.
Kiamichi Tech trains more than 2500 students in their full-time programs; and more than 20,000 students in their short-term classes. KTC offers programs for High School students, adults and industry; helping individuals to advance their education and to acquire important job skills enabling them to compete in the workforce and economy of today.
KTC offers both day evening classes for adults, providing needed training to launch or advance a career.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
An LPN is a member of the medical profession whose duties are performed under the supervision/management of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a physician.
The duties of the LPN are regarded as essential care duties, meaning they help patients with personal and hygiene needs such as eating, dressing, walking, bathing, and personal grooming. LPNs also give patients their medicines, take patient temperatures or other vital signs, and execute similar needed duties.
While LPNs do not assist in surgery or assist with anesthesia, they are a vital member of the medical team. Nurses and doctors rely on them for assistance in meeting the common medical and personal needs of patients.
LPNs commonly work in hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, and assisted living facilities.
Visiting Narconon Arrowhead
Narconon Arrowhead, a long-term drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education center is located in Arrowhead State Park, about 20 miles from McAlester, Oklahoma. The center is accredited by CARF [Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities] and is listed on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website as both a treatment and recovery facility.
The McAlester Kiamichi LPN students visiting the rehab center were given a tour of the facility. They met with the Narconon Arrowhead Director of Nursing, Roger Wadley, who was able to answer any questions the students may have had about how a rehabilitation center nursing department functions.
The LPN students and instructors enjoyed a presentation by Robert “Bobby” Newman, Director of Narconon Arrowhead. DannaSue Pruett, Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CDAC), provided the tour and helped answer any questions. Photographer Nellabeth Alexander was on hand for photos.
Each visitor received an information package of Narconon materials, including The Life Cycle and Mechanics of Addiction authored by Narconon Arrowhead Executive Director, Gary W. Smith. Also included in the information package were a full-color Narconon Arrowhead brochure, and a copy of Solutions Magazine from the Los Angeles-based Association for Better Living and Education (ABLE).
The visiting LPNs participated in a communication drill which is part of the Narconon drug rehabilitation program. Many questions were answered, and with a look to their post-graduation future, two LPN students requested employment applications.
The visitors left Narconon Arrowhead knowing they were free to contact Mr. Newman or Ms. Pruett for assistance with any person in need of a drug or alcohol treatment program.
