The grant made it possible for SCC instructors to update course material and offer it in an online format. Nurses can now take the course at home or at work, regardless of their shift schedules, or their proximity to campus.
“SCC saw a need and took an innovative step to allow more nurses access to needed training,” said Seth Peimann, administrator for NHC HealthCare St. Charles and a member of the SCC Foundation Board. “It's a tremendous opportunity for nurses locally and nationally, including those at NHC, to have access to this type of professional development.”
The online course is based on the Furthering Education for Nurses Caring for the Elderly (FENCE) curriculum, and is designed to enhance the nurse's training in assessment and evaluation of geriatric patients or residents. Upon completion of the course, students are eligible to sit for the Missouri FENCE certification exam through the Missouri League for Nursing.
Part of SCC's Health Occupations Program, the online Gerontological Nursing course is 45 contact hours and was developed in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Missouri Center for Career Education. The first section will run March 4-April 12. Tuition is $335. To register, visit SCC's website or contact Kerry Thompson at 636-922-8295 or kthompson@stchas.edu.
The Foundation for Geriatric Education funds the education of health care professionals specializing in geriatrics and is supported by NHC.
St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.