Nursing challenge

Standing, from left, nursing students Bret Tokash, Jerome Bautista, Kathleen Duncil, David Hummer, Kelly Richard. In front, from left, Matheny students Jameir Warren-Treadwell and Shane Szott.

“We learn how to administer medications and communicate with non-verbal patients. It’s a challenge, but it’s been a really good experience coming here.” That comment by Bret Tokash of Stockton, NJ, was typical of the reaction of his fellow Raritan Valley Community College classmates, all nursing students who visit Matheny regularly as part of our sponsored nursing school program.

Affiliations with nursing schools such as RVCC’s have created a greater nursing community for the special care that Matheny’s population requires. And the nursing students are a source of recruitment for Matheny’s nursing department. Because of the diverse needs of Matheny’s patients, nurses have to be knowledgeable and competent in a broad spectrum of practice applications.

Sussex/Passaic Community College nursing student Mitchell Klein, center, reviews a patient’s chart with Matheny nurse Carrie Fordham, left, and Sussex/Passaic CC nursing instructor Linda Zenkert.

To help ensure that there will be  a steady supply of nurses trained in the care of children and adults with special needs, we sponsor nursing programs at three area schools: Sussex/Passaic Community College in Newton, Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg and Warren County Community College in Washington. These nursing students are also a source of recruitment for Matheny’s nursing department.

Nursing at Matheny is a rewarding experience. Our focus is on maintaining patients’ wellness so they can benefit fully in our therapy, education, recreation, community and fine arts programs. Because Matheny’s patients’ needs are complex, our nurses have to be competent in a broad spectrum of practice applications.