The Licensed Practical Nursing Association of New Jersey hosted their annual Student Day at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center in Cherry Hill, NJ on May 9th, 2006.  The guest speakers included Mr. George Hebert, Executive Director of the New Jersey Board of Nursing and our own Mr. Mahan, NAPNES Executive Director.

In attendance were more than 120 students plus the faculty from four practical nursing schools in New Jersey.  The LPNANJ hosts the event every year which also includes a served lunch.  Students also received a packet from NAPNES that included a complimentary edition of the Journal of Practical Nursing, information about membership, insurance, our membership drive and a two color rope pen.

J. Riggs School of Practical Nursing

Mr. Hebert gave the students an outstanding presentation.  His remarks covered everything from applying for their NCLEX-PN exam through and inclusive of important dates, procedures and policies of the NJ Board of Nursing.  Mr. Hebert also stressed to the students the importance of membership in their professional association. His remarks helped students understand the difference between the way they can interact with the board and the way professional associations interact with the board.  As the opening speaker, Mr. Mahan welcomed the students and commended the LPNANJ for holding "this wonderful annual event"

George Hebert, Executive Director New Jersey Board of Nursing Addresses LPNANJ Student Day

Mr. Mahan did ask the students if any of them knew what a professional association does.  Not one hand in the group went up.  Mr. Mahan commented afterwards that "It is apparent that our association and its members have lots of work to do.  We cannot allow generations of new graduates to enter the workforce with appreciating the history of their profession and how their association both created the profession and continues to promote and protect their practice."

Students settle in for their special day with the Licensed Practical Nurses Association of New Jersey

Mr. Mahan's comments did include a brief history of practical nursing and NAPNES role in creating the profession as a licensed nurse.  He went on to explain to the students the important work that NAPNES conducts such as creation of national educational standards, national certifications for LPNs and more.

In all, the students had a great day of learning and of course, a much needed break from the daily routine of their normal training.