FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

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Helen Gage, a Glen Arden resident and Brittany Murroni, a Warwick Valley High School BOCES student, share a laugh.

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Jennifer Jarmillo, a Monroe-Woodbury High School BOCES student gets a quick lesson in the use of a drill from Glen Arden Environmental Services Director, Tim Paffenroth.

Elant and Glen Arden’s Partnership with BOCES Teaches Students about Health Care Careers Students of Orange-Ulster BOCES considering careers

in the health care field get a firsthand look at what awaits them through a unique partnership with Elant and Glen Arden, Elant’s continuing care retirement community.

And many times, this opportunity through BOCES’ “Principles of Health Occupations” class reaffirms an educational path students may be considering as they shadow Elant professionals through their work duties.

“We want to give the students a glimpse into reality,” said Susan Galligan, R.N., the instructor who accompanies students to the campus as part of the class curriculum. “I want them to be prepared for the job ahead. The health care field isn’t for everyone. But the students who are a part of this program will have job experience, and that’s critically important today.”

During a recent visit, students were paired up with Glen Arden staff to “shadow” them as they made their rounds throughout the facility.

“When the BOCES students are on our campuses, they have a chance to put the skill sets they are learning in the classroom to use,” said Maureen Torelli, Glen Arden’s vice president and executive director. “The hands-on experience is vital. Many of our residents were educators prior to retirement and love being able to help students in any way that they can because of their past roles as educators and mentors.”

Dianne Pauselius, Glen Arden’s Director of Nursing, is a staunch advocate of the shadowing program.

“I love the kids and the residents love the kids,” she said, explaining students may observe nurses during the medication administration process, patient assessments, feeding, calling a physician or speaking with family members.

“They see the level of illness, the level of acuity,” she said. “There’s a lot of work that goes into nursing. That’s what they have to understand. I think it’s good for kids to be exposed to the elderly population. They’ll see the rewarding and challenging aspects of a career choice before they commit to that career choice.”

Equally important, she felt, was Glen Arden giving back to the community through the shadowing opportunity.

“We offer our residents the very best of care on many levels,” she said. “We’re honored to be able to partner with educational institutions like BOCES to share our vast knowledge and experience with students who someday may work for us. Through their involvement in this program, we’ve already vetted them.”

But students explore more than just nursing during their shadowing experience. Environmental Services Director Tim Paffenroth shows them all around the facility, including a recent stop at a Glen Arden apartment in the midst of renovation.

“I realize not everyone is interested in maintenance,” he said. “But every once in a while, I’ll find a student who

is drawn to that path.”Glen Arden Senior Housekeeper Lou Ann Spiess is

happy to explain the importance of her work. “I just think it’s wonderful they want to get into

the health care profession,” she said. “It takes a special person to work in this field. Whether it’s dietary, nursing or physical therapy, you have to have a lot of compassion and understanding.”

Students understand this experience will position them well as they continue their education.

“It’s one step closer to what I need to do in the future,” said Abigail Brink, a Minisink Valley High School junior who wants to be an Army nurse. “My family is in the military. I am hoping for a full-time career in the Army.”

For Ta-Kenya Liquet, a Port Jervis High School junior, the shadowing program reinforced the importance of preparation and commitment.

“I’m learning new things,” she said. “At first, I wasn’t taking this seriously, but now I am. This is a career I’m interested in. You have to be prepared, you have to study.”

Galligan, their instructor, raved about Glen Arden’s commitment to student education.

“I love this program,” she added. “It’s a win-win for everyone. We’re training students in a premier facility. Students are given an opportunity to work, under my supervision, in a place that they may eventually have a full time job.”

To learn more about Glen Arden or to schedule a tour call 800-914-4051 or visit us on the web at GlenArdenNY.com.

BOCES students Ta-Kenya Liquet, a Port Jervis High School student and Abagail Brink, a Minisink Valley High School student confer with Instructor Susan Galligan, RN.