Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 5, Number 10, 1 ʻOkakopa 1988 — Maui Nurses Seek New Careers as LPNs [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Maui Nurses Seek New Careers as LPNs

By Gertrude Ueoka and Nancy Johnson, Faculty, Maui Community College A new career awaits 10 Maui women who this month will take the exam that will certify them as licensed practical nurses (LPN). For them, entering a new profession is the climax of a two and a half year training program under an Alu Like Grant. The grant, whieh was titled, "Native Hawaiian Nurse Aide to Licensed Practical Nurse," allowed the women to obtain their Practical Nursing certificate from the Practical Nursing/Associate Degree Nursing Career Ladder Program at Maui Community College.

Most of the July graduates had been nurse aides for up to 10 years. The following practical nurses will be working at Maui Memonal Hospital: Jackie Honokaupu Burns, Geri Kanoa Ching, Annette Nakagawa Delima, Miehele Meyer Galam, Bernardine Kahakauwila, and Joanne Lee. Continuing their education in the Associate Degree Program will be Laurie Thomas and Henrietta Lehuanani Javier. Leimomi Golis, who eompleted nurse aide training, will be seeking hospital employment. Funds for the Nurse Aide to LPN project were obtained through a federal grant administered through the Alu Like Native Hawaiian Vocational Education Program. One objective of the grant was to provide educational opportunities for Native Hawaiian students. The second objective was to increase the number of Hawaiian health care providers, who are underrepresented in that field.

The nursing students were recruited through flyers, newspaper advertisements and employing agencies on Maui. The involvement of health agencies made this endeavor a success. The grant covered the students' full tuition, books and educational expenses for the two and a half year course, including the LPN exam applieahon fee. All students completed six credits of English, including a college-level reading course, and math courses. They also enrolled in required support courses, such as psychology, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology. Since many of the students had not been in school for many years, a selfdevelopment course assisted them in making the

transition back to the academic setting. The students were able to express their concerns and fears, and to develop problem-solving skills, resulting in an increased self-awareness and a sense of 'ohana.

After meeting initial course requirements, the students were accepted into the Practical Nursing Program in August 1987. They then became an integral part of a 30-member class that consisted of students representing the many ethnic groups of Hawaii. Eaeh one participated in group discussions, gave oral presentations, attended tutoring

sessions, and were tested atfrequent intervals. Initially many found the discussion settings to be threatening and were reluctant to share their ideas. However, over the year, their confidence grew and their self-esteem increased. They began to enjoy class, to share their ideas and to take leadership roles in the group. The class president was Miehele Galam and the co-treasurers were Henrietta Javier and Joanne Lee.

The trainees also gave care to patients in the hospital, under supervision of the nursing faculty. The Hawaiian students were especially warm and

nurturing, and conveyed a soft touch that often earned compliments from their patients. Learning skills, such as medication administration and therapeutic communications, took guidance and reneated exneriences.

Balancing class, hospital responsibilities and a rigorous study program with their personal lives was a challenge for the students, who were between 21 and 37 years old. Seven were parents, nine worked part-time. The students' greatest stress was their fear of failure or falling short of their own expectations. Through many hours of

personal counseling, the MCC instructors and counselors helped the individuals to increase selfesteem, explore stress factors, review options and develop problem-solving skills.

Positive factors promoting success were the encouragement of family and friends, peer tutoring sessions, a strong sense of 'ohana within the class, and a supportive faculty. The financial support from Alu Like was only the start of this success story. Students commented, "The grant gave me an opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse." and "I felt privileged to be part of this grant and also to be Hawaiian."

Nursing graduates (left to right): Mary Frances Bulawan, Bernardine Kahakauwila, Henrietta Javier, Leimomi Golis, Annette Nakagawa DeLima, Jackie Honokaupu Burns, Geri Kanoa Ching, Miehele Meyer Galam, Joanne Lee and Laurie Thomas.