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The Yankee Express

Bay Path nursing students help give COVID vaccines

SOUTHBRIDGE – Health departments and hospitals around the state are continuing to work to vaccinate as many people as possible, and for Harrington Hospital that means the inclusion of help from Bay Path Practical Nursing Academy students.  

Harrington Hospital and Bay Path Practical Nursing Academy  have partnered to help administer more vaccines to the community. The practical nursing students who are on term 2 and on their medical-surgical nursing clinical rotation have been asked to help at the vaccine clinic at the Armory. 

For clinical facilitators like Professor Cheryl Cahill, MSN Ed, RN, this is a wonderful opportunity for her students. “The students are doing a wonderful job providing pre-vaccination teaching, obtaining informed consent for vaccines, administering COVID vaccines, and monitoring patients after the vaccines are given. They really feel part of the team at Harrington. We are so happy to be of service during this pandemic” said Cahill. The sentiment is echoed by Gretheline Bolandrina, MSN Ed, RN, CRRN, Academy Director, “this is an unbelievable opportunity for our practical nursing students to participate in a history making event like this.” Clearly in line with service learning. “The opportunity allows our students to fine tune their skills in something that we don’t always get a lot of opportunity to do, IM injections” said Bolandrina. 

Over the past weeks, students under the supervision of their clinical facilitator worked alongside other healthcare workers at the Armory. 

“We are grateful for the opportunity to assist at the Armory! On top of being able to practice giving vaccines, I enjoy being able to see all of the details to ensure that the clinic is able to run smoothly. It is a very informative learning environment!” stated Carolyn Jenkins of Cherry Valley.  

“I am really grateful for the opportunity to be able to learn, help, and make change. The people’s appreciation makes me feel good too,” shared Tianna Welcome of Oxford.