BRTC’s practical nursing students brought home several awards from the annual ALPNA (Arkansas Licensed Practical Nurses’ Association) conference held April 5-6 in Batesville, according to Ramonda Housh, Director of Nursing at BRTC. “The group of BRTC students earned six first place wins, four second place wins, and four third place wins during competitions held to showcase their skills,” said Housh. “The competitions are held each year at the annual conference, with LPN schools from around the state participating.”
BRTC took first and second place team awards for Quiz Bowl and swept all three places in CPR team awards. Nursing III students comprising the 1st place Quiz Bowl team were: Crystal Ashton, Jolly Ruminer, Angela Ragsdell, and Roxanne Burkheart. Nursing II students on the 2nd place Quiz Bow team were: Sharon Peek, Aaron Franklin, Elisabeth Woodard and Matt Phillips. CPR teams were: Jessica Crocker and Camie Godwin, Nursing III, 1st place; Jessica Carroll and Layla Byrd, Nursing I, 2nd place; and Abbey Loggins and Alyssa Davis, Nursing II, 3rd place. The nursing students received 2nd place in T-shirt Design. Shelley Mitchell and Jake Cooper, Nursing III students, received 1st place in Duet Talent.
Individual awards included: Bryan Tyner, Nursing I, 1st place – Job Interview; Tiffany Gugle, Nursing II, 1st place – Nursing Skills; Megan Owens, Nursing III, 2nd place – Nursing Skills; Kathy Jones, Nursing I, 3rd place – Nutrition; Samantha Brown, Nursing II, 3rd place – Prepared Speaking; Janea Lyons, Nursing II, 3rd place – Pharmacology; and Sharon Peek, Nursing II, 1st place – Solo Talent.
BRTC Nursing faculty attending with the students were Ramonda Housh, Lisa Hill, Tonya Hankins, Robin Banks, Kara Malin, Tina Stroud, Bridgette Kasinger, Jennifer Hibbard, and Kelsie Jones. Faculty members assist with the competitions, helping with the medical spelling bee and proctoring written exams. “We are very proud of the students’ performances and their professionalism,” Housh said, speaking on behalf of the BRTC nursing instructors.
Retired Nursing faculty member, Judy Forrester, returned to assist with the judging of the Job Interview category. She was recognized and awarded the “Georgia Lee Tucker” award. This award is given for outstanding and dedicated service to ALPNA. “We are so proud of Judy’s involvement in ALPNA and her receipt of this award,” Housh stated.