Psychiatric Technician Advisory
Atlantic Technical CenterApril 26, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.
Business & Industry Members Present
Name / Title / CompanyDonna Linette / Chief Nursing Officer / South Florida State Hospital Geo Care
Nicole Laing / Mang., Nursing Ed. / South Florida State Hospital Geo Care
Joanne Hendee / Nurse Manager / Imperial Point Medical Center
Barbara Levy / Director of Nursing / Memorial Regional Hospital
Suzanne Luongo / Dir.,Clinical Workforce / Memorial Healthcare System
District and School-Based Support Staff
Name / Title / Work LocationAmy Abreu / Instructor / Atlantic Technical Center
Barbara Lefkowitz-Zygowsky / Health Science Dept. Head / Atlantic Technical Center
Heather Gibson / Former student / ATC Psych. Tech. Program/Highpoint TC
Pamela Otto / Former student / ATC Psych. Tech. Program/Highpoint TC
Meeting Notes/Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am by Donna Linette. All members were welcomed and they introduced themselves.
Old Business
The group reviewed the minutes from the October 19, 2010. After some minor changes were made, the minutes were approved with those changes.
New Business
The group was asked to complete the Employer Verification Form. These forms were completed and were collected at the end of the meeting.
The last class statistics were reviewed. Eighteen students started the program and 15 students completed. Two students dropped for financial reasons and the third student dropped due to child care issues. All students have obtained employment in the field at Ft. Lauderdale Hospital and Highpoint Treatment Center. The former student discussed their current status with Heather Gibson stating that she is starting the Practical Nursing program at ATC next week and Pam Otto is working while deciding what her next step will be. She is considering nursing school.
There was a discussion of the CNA test and the skills needed to complete this test. It was agreed upon that more time would be spent working on these skills at the classroom level and during clinical. Barbara Lefkowitz-Zygowsky will be meeting with the Florida Department of Health regarding the CNA testing company and she will have further information on the CNA test within the next couple of weeks. Three students from this past class took the CNA exam and two of them passed all sections.
The possibility of setting up a type of scholarship program to pay for the CNA test was discussed. Nicole Laing and Donna Linette agreed that they would contribute to this fund. It was agreed that CNA skills will be stressed in the program and that students would be encouraged to take the test as many students go on to the PN program.
The next Psychiatric Technician class is to start in August 2011.
Clinical Rotations
The students began their clinical rotation at South Florida State Hospital beginning in January. They were there two days per week.
Approximately 4-5 weeks later, the students added 2 additional clinical days at Ft. Lauderdale Hospital. These two facilities provided different experiences and the students benefited from their experiences.
There was a discussion about adding more outpatient clinical experience to the program as this may be the future of healthcare.
Florida Certification Board Letter
Barbara Lefkowitz-Zygowsky reviewed the certification letter from the Florida Certification Board and the requirements for certification. To become eligible for certification, individuals must have 795 hours of work experience outside of the course clinical rotation. In addition to the required work experience, individuals must complete the application, pay a fee of $100.00 and pass the Certified Behavioral Health Technician Exam.
Suggestions for Recruitment
There was a discussion regarding the school’s ability to attract individuals into the program. Barbara Lefkowitz-Zygowsky attends an orientation program twice a week at ATC where prospective students are recruited. In addition, the Broward Technical schools are currently advertising on billboards along the expressways in Broward County. Also, Barbara Lefkowitz-Zygowsky attends career days at some area facilities. Overall, enrollment has been good for the medical programs.
Pamela Otto suggested the possibility of advertising on the School Board Beacon station. Broadcasting students from McFatter could make the advertising as part of their coursework. In addition, it was mentioned that the High School Practical Nursing Instructor has experience with Beacon.
Employment Outlook
Our graduates should be able to find employment in the various hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes that hire Mental Health technicians and CNA’s. The students who complete the program will be able to sit for the CNA exam as well as the Florida Certification Board exam for Certified Behavioral Health Technician. Having this opportunity makes them more marketable.
ATC Education Foundation
There was an event in March 2011, held at the Signature Grand, that was a fundraiser for the scholarship fund. Approximately $50,000.00 was collected and divided between the three technical schools. This money is to help students with financial hardship complete their program. The event occurs annually.
Review of Course Syllabus
After a review of the course syllabus several additions were recommended. These include the professional boundaries, medication side effects and co-occurring disorders.
There was a brief discussion about extending class time but it was decided that was not needed. There will be an increase in hands on activity by students instead of observing.
Guest speakers will continue to be utilized as sources to supplement the textbook. It was decided that there should be a greater emphasis on professional boundaries at the beginning of the course to teach the students proper clinical interactions.
Currently, Barbara Lefkowitz-Zygowsky and Amy Abreu are looking for a new textbook. Several options are currently on order.
Curriculum Frameworks 2010
Barbara stated that there have been a few revisions to the Curriculum Framework. A team from the Department of Education made the revisions for the 2011-2012 year.
Adjournment and Date/Time of Next Scheduled Meeting
The meeting was adjourned and the next meeting will be held at Atlantic Technical Center
On either October 18, or 20, 2011.