SOMERS POINT — Shore Medical Center has been providing Cape May County Technical School practical nursing students with enriching clinical rotation experiences for many years, but the current class has had one of the most rewarding experiences to date, according to educators.
Why? Because not only are students helping to care for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were among the first to administer COVID-19 vaccines to nurses, doctors and other members of the hospital staff.
Under the supervision of the pharmacy team and their clinical instructors, the students have vaccinated nearly all of the hospital staff who signed up. On Jan. 14, they celebrated their 1,000th vaccination.
Ann Zilinek, a practical nursing program instructor at Cape May County Technical School, said being a part of such an important moment in history is priceless for the students.
“Giving these first COVID vaccines at Shore is an honor for us and our students. We appreciate that Shore allowed us to take part in this epic event,” Zilinek said.
The students have also built a great relationship with the pharmacy team, who supported them throughout the process.
Director of Pharmacy, Oncology and Infusion Services Matthew Piskun educated students on the vaccine, how it works and what side effects could potentially happen.
A pharmacist is always in the room during vaccinations to help, but the students did their homework as well.
“The students were so well prepared that they were able to answer many of the vaccination questions as they administered them. They did a great job explaining possible side effects and comforting them during the process,” said Barbara Juzaitis, another educator with the program. “It’s an unbelievable opportunity.”
In addition to administering vaccinations, the students also complete rotations in a number of areas throughout the hospital, with an emphasis on the medical surgical unit 5 Hayes, where Kelly Duma is the nurse manager. With health care providers busier than ever, and in the absence of family members, the students have become true partners in providing patient-centered care, officials said.
“The practical nursing students from Cape May Tech regularly provide tremendous support to Shore patients, but their value is more evident than ever during such unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic,” Duma said. “The students’ support is always appreciated by staff, and the patients love the students.”
Juzaitis said one patient pulled her aside recently to share his gratitude for the students’ care.
The practical nursing program at Cape May County Technical School is 11 months long and involves clinical rotations throughout Shore Medical Center and in community settings such as schools and assisted living facilities. Shore Medical Center is their most frequent acute care site, but they rotate through 26 different sites during the year.
Shore also welcomed Rowan University and Atlantic County Institute of Technology students, who participated in the vaccine clinics for staff.
Zilinek said that while Shore is not a big-city teaching hospital, it feels that way to the students.
“I’ve worked in teaching hospitals, and Shore really fulfills that role for our students. They are acknowledged, included and staff are always ready and willing to answer their questions. Our students feel very comfortable here,” she said. “They really treat them as part of their team.”
Cape May County Technical School practical nursing students celebrated administering their 1,000th COVID-19 vaccine to Shore Medical Center staff on Jan. 14.