Schools
Delaware County LPN Program Welcomes New Leader
Stacy Delaney is the new Practical Nursing Program Supervisor for Delaware County Technical Schools' LPN program
The Delaware County Technical Schools (DCTS) Practical Nursing Program welcomes Stacy Delaney as the new Practical Nursing Program Supervisor. Stacy has worked as a nurse educator in the Delaware County Intermediate Unit/Delaware County Technical Schools Practical Nursing Program since April 2021, and previously became an LPN through the program in 2009-’10.
We recently sat down with Stacy to find out more about her past experiences with DCIU, why she became a nurse educator and what she’s looking forward to.
Q: What are some fond memories of your time as a student in DCIU’s Practical Nursing Program?
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A: One of my favorite memories was when we went to our clinical rotation at Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) Head Start. The staff members were so kind and willing to teach us about childhood, growth and development. I also enjoyed the fun events we had in school. We would have skill days where we would race to see who was not only fast but accurate in how we put on and take off personal protection equipment. Those skills helped me throughout my career as a nurse, especially during the last few years.
Q: You worked for the DCIU Head Start program and most recently as a nurse educator. What kept bringing you back to DCIU?
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A: The DCIU/DCTS Practical Nursing Program changed my life. I always wanted to be a nurse and I was able to complete that goal in such a short amount of time at an incredibly low cost. I also was able to work with the OPTIONS program as a Job Coach with students with different abilities at their place of employment. Working in two different DCIU positions allowed me to understand the incredible programming the DCIU offers to students, educators and the county.
Q: What inspired you to jump onto the pathway to becoming a nurse educator?
A: I always knew I wanted to be a nurse. Becoming a nurse educator was always a distant dream of mine for later in my career. I am an American Heart Association CPR instructor and I love educating in that capacity. As a nurse, we provide education to our patients every day. I realized during the COVID-19 pandemic that a lot of new nurses were coming to join us on the unit with very little clinical experience. I thought that maybe I could help working at a nursing program to allow the nursing students to have a more complete picture of the profession of nursing.
Q: What is an important lesson you learned about yourself on your nursing journey?
A: The most important lesson I have learned is that I am resilient. Nursing is a difficult profession, but it is also a rewarding one. I hope students currently in the program and future students recognize their own resiliency.
Q: What are you most looking forward to as the LPN program’s supervisor?
A: I am looking forward to making new connections with incoming students, currently enrolled students, partners in the community and other programs within the DCIU and DCTS. I think our program is one of the best kept secrets and I am excited to let the secret out.
Q: Any advice for incoming and current students based on your time as a student in the LPN program?
A: You can do anything for a year. This program is accelerated, and it is difficult to miss fun activities your friends and family have because you need to study, but remember it is one year where you need to focus on you for your future. Also, remember that you get out of the program what you put in. If you stay engaged, it is easy to catch all the great tips that the nurse educators provide.
Q: What do you do for fun during your spare time/when you’re not working?
A: I love taking long walks and getting outside as much as possible. When I have a longer break, I love taking road trips and I am trying to visit every National Park in my lifetime with my husband.
About the DCTS LPN Program: In just one year, students in DCTS' LPN program apply skills learned both inside and outside of the classroom to their clinical experience. In the ever-evolving healthcare industry, our graduates meet and exceed expectations, elevating patient care to the next level.
Interested in becoming an LPN? It's not too late to sign up for the next Class! Deadline to register is Wednesday, Feb. 1. To learn more about the Practical Nursing Program, visit dciu.org/lpn.
