PA College Magazine - Fall 2022 - 8

FEATURE
LPN
The Bridge from
LPN to ASN
Caring for residents at Bethany Village, a continuing care
retirement community in Mechanicsburg, is more than a job
for LPN Julie Winters; it's something she finds rewarding.
Even small gestures like installing new batteries in a hearing
aid can make a huge difference in a resident's life. " As an
LPN, I help people during their most vulnerable moments.
Residents depend on me to help them fulfill the tasks they
can no longer do themselves. I've always had a passion
for helping older people. It's my niche, " says Julie, who's
worked at Bethany Village for six years.
Helping her mom to care for her aging grandparents sparked
Julie's passion for nursing. " Patience, caring and compassion
came naturally to me. " Julie says. " I helped care for my
grandparents for many years before their passing. I knew
then that geriatric nursing and working in long-term care
was my ultimate career goal. "
An LPN since 2016, she had worked at UPMC West Shore
Hospital, Mechanicsburg, and then part-time at Bethany
Village. " I did my nursing clinicals at the Oaks Skilled
Nursing at Bethany Village and really liked the community
8
PACOLLEGE.EDU
By Rochelle A. Shenk
and the people. I transitioned to Bethany Village full-time
after I had my first child. I liked having a set schedule, " the
35-year-old explains. She's now the mother of two, with the
youngest a 16-month-old toddler.
Nursing homes are a common landing spot for LPNs, but
many choose to put their skills to use in a hospital setting.
Judi Brendle, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Interim Director of Talent Acquisition, says LG Health
employs approximately 800 LPNs within its system. She
says most LPNs work in their physician practices and urgent
care settings, working to the full extent of their licensure.
LPNs play an important role in patient care as the health care
shortage continues to grow due to retirements, increases in
job openings and other opportunities.
" Being an RN has always been my goal. I started as an
LPN because I wanted to work in health care as quickly as
possible. Now that I have several years of experience, it's time
to broaden my skills and pursue additional education, " Julie
says. She's on track to become an RN through Pennsylvania
College of Health Science's LPN Bridge Program.
http://www.PACOLLEGE.EDU
PA College Magazine - Fall 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of PA College Magazine - Fall 2022
