Austin Duncan completed his education at NKU and the 'SNAP' program, which motivates nursing students
The St. Elizabeth Hospital SNAP program, or the Student Nurse Achievement Program, is a unique initiative designed specifically for nursing students. This program offers a paid training opportunity, allowing students to enhance their nursing skills, build confidence, and gain hands-on experience in patient care before becoming registered nurses.
The program, which typically lasts between 12 to 18 months, is intended for nursing students actively pursuing their education, often partnered with institutions like Northern Kentucky University. Students who participate in this program are not only paid for their learning experience but are also often guaranteed employment for one to two years post-graduation, depending on the length of their scholarship funding during their degree.
The SNAP program is meticulously designed to equip nurses with the necessary skills and experience to be safe and proficient. Students are given the opportunity to shadow nurses in specialized ICUs, such as the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and the surgical ICU. This hands-on experience allows them to learn about the structure and functions of healthcare organizations and understand nursing responsibilities.
One such student who benefited from the SNAP program is Austin Duncan, a recent graduate from Northern Kentucky University. Duncan was working at St. Elizabeth in the emergency room as an associate and passed his first semester of nursing school before joining the SNAP program. He was even awarded a scholarship from St. Elizabeth in addition to being in the program. Duncan has now accepted a position at St. Elizabeth Hospital to work in the cardiovascular surgical ICU.
The SNAP program is more than just a training ground for future nurses. It aims to produce smart, wise, and well-experienced new graduate nurses. It offers students opportunities to try different ICU options to find their preferred specialization, enhancing their learning by providing hands-on experience and supervision.
For those interested in the SNAP program, more information can be found on the St. Elizabeth Hospital website. The hospital invests in student nurses to ensure they become knowledgeable and skilled nurses, playing crucial roles in various healthcare settings, from doctor's offices to critical care.
- Austin Duncan, a nursing student at Northern Kentucky University, participated in the SNAP program at St. Elizabeth Hospital, which is designed for students pursuing their education in nursing.
- The SNAP program offers learning opportunities in both education-and-self-development and health-and-wellness, providing students with hands-on experience in patient care and a guaranteed employment opportunity after graduation.
- Online-education may not be a direct part of the SNAP program, but the program's structure, lasting between 12 to 18 months, allows students to balance their schoolwork with their practical training.
- By partnering with institutions like Northern Kentucky University, the SNAP program provides students with a comprehensive learning experience in science and practical nursing skills, preparing them to work effectively in Kentuckian hospitals, like St. Elizabeth.
