Find your career at Medical Expo

Check out exciting health career choices at Pensacola Junior College’s Medical Career Expo.The event is 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, in Student Affairs, Building 3600, on the Warrington campus, 5555 W. Highway 98.

PJC’s Medical Career Expo features more than 20 health careers including Surgical Technology, Medical

Assisting, Health Information Management, Dental Hygiene, Health Services Management, Nursing, EMT/Paramedic and Massage Therapy.

Students of all ages are invited to explore the possibilities. Come meet faculty and students and learn first-hand about PJC’s medical programs, financial aid, testing, student job services and student affairs.

For more Expo information, call Brenda Brantley at 484-2250 or Tracy Hunter at 484-2308.

Warrington L.I.F.E. Center helps PJC get fit

-The Corsair

Kyra Wood

In Early January, PJC opened a Lifestyle Improvement Fitness Education Center on the Warrington campus, which is now available to students, faculty and the community.

Although planning began a few years ago, the reality of L.I.F.E. Center took flight about eight months ago. With help from Coordinator of Milton L.I.F.E. Center, Butch Branch, top-notch equipment was purchased according to available space, as well as the needs and wants of students and faculty.

So far, the facility includes durable cardiac touch treadmills, elliptical machines, recumbent bikes, upright bikes, and a seven-station strength training station. Dumbbells, medicine balls, yoga mats, step-aerobics, bands, a rowing machine, and possibly two flat-screen TVs are on their way.

Support for the L.I.F.E Center was “strictly PJC funding,” Branch said. “I’m very pleased that our administration authorized the purchase of new equipment; they saw a need.”

“I’m excited about the center, I’ll probably stay and work out today,” Edith Finley, coordinator of student leadership and activities at Warrington, said. “It’s not crowded; you can walk in and feel comfortable.”

As an orientation, students are encouraged to participate in an introductory class to become familiar with the equipment and their proper uses. The facility is free to students and employees; the community can participate as well, for a small fee.

“So far there’s been good feedback. It makes sense to have a L.I.F.E Center, to be healthy. Warrington is healthy,” Finley said.

“I’m so delighted about the center,” Branch said. “I know it will be an asset to the campus.”

“Cold, rainy, hot summer, it’s easier to work out. [Now] you can’t say ‘nope, not today’,” Finley said. The L.I.F.E. Center also has the convenience of a moderate sized locker room with adjoining showers.

Warrington builds Green, “Thanks to Lowes”

KATIE COSEO
The Corsair

On Tuesday at Warrington Campus, faculty, staff, students and administration gathered together for the ribbon cutting of the Green Education Module.

For the past several months students passing the old fire truck garage on Warrington campus have been hearing the drills and saws of construction. When passing the garage students could see the making of a house….but inside.

The house is actually green made from reusable material and new technologies to save energy. “We’re developing triads for the technology of the future,” said Mr. John O’Connor Chairman of PJC Board of Trustees.

Skills USA and Lowe’s Charitable and education Campus Improvement Grant are what made the six hundred square foot green house possible. Lowe’s has donated 1.5 million dollars and is the largest corporation contributor received by Skills USA.

The Electrical, HVAC/Refrigertaion Instructor Arnold Pearson who has been in the construction industry for forty years said. “This is the cutting edge of today’s services. This is how students are going to learn.”

The module is a 3 bedroom two bathroom six hundred square foot house. It was built by using renewable resources and equipment. Electrical student Thomas Rangel explained that the project of building the house began back in the beginning of the semester and how his class was able to work with greener products such as CFL (compact fluorescent lighting) that gives off the same amount of light using only 13 watts compared to a commercial light bulb using 60 watts.

Jennifer Ponson, the coordinator of student and program outreach as well as region one advisor of skills USA announced that “Thanks to Lowes we were able to build the module classroom.” Lowe’s donation to PJC was over nine thousand dollars. The module will be continued to be used by future students about using new technologies that will help save energy. This is one of the few times that the programs for HVAC, electrical, refrigeration, and construction were able to come together for a project as large scale as this.

“I’m proud to announce we will be keeping our building green and be getting greener thanks to Gulf Power,” announced Jennifer Ponson. The ribbon cutting was performed and those attending were treated to refreshments as well as a tour of the green house.

PJC walks for hearts

KATIE COSEO
The Corsair

Downtown Pensacola hosted its annual American Heart Association; Heart walk teams from all PJC campuses participated. With heart disease and stroke being one of the leading causes of death in the U.S, Pensacola citizens came out with dogs, strollers, and walking shoes to show their support.

PJC had faculty, administration, and students walking the 5k meeting at 7:30 a.m. and the police cars pulled out to lead the way at 8:06 a.m. “It’s all inclusive Milton, Warrington and Pensacola,” explained Butch Branch, coordinator of the Fitness Center at Milton. “Many of our employees have had an experience with heart disease. I teach concepts of life fitness so it’s something I teach to my students about the prevention of heart disease.”

The Vice President of PJC, Dr. Gonzalez is a regular to the heart walk stating that this year’s his fifth time participating at the event.

“I try to support the college in this type of event,” said Gonzalez. “Secondly my father died of a heart attack and my mother had congestive heart failure, so I have a family interest as well as a professional work interest.”

Butch Branch and Sheran Noles, the Senior Administrative Assistant at Pensacola, organized the PJC team. Planning for the event starts back in July and early Aug.

“July kick off we have a big get together all of our teams all over the county come together,” explained Noles.

Noles also has personal reasons for participating in the heart walk, “My dad died of a massive heart attack in 1995.”

Teams from local businesses, organizations and all the area hospitals walked the three miles through Pensacola’s downtown area. PJC licensed practical nursing program also participated in the event with walkers as well as assisting with the Baptist tent set up for taking blood pressures for walkers.

Anyone could participate, either solo or by getting a team together. Dogs and families were welcome, and donations were optional but appreciative. All completed walkers were treated with a Subway sandwich.

Getting in shape and eating healthy is of course the mainstay of being heart healthy. There are risks that increase the chances of having heart disease such as smoking or having a family history.

“We’re all a heartbeat away from leaving this earth you know, and the more we do to help our own health, our personal health, the closer we are to staying around longer,” said Sheran Noles.

Dr. Ephtimios states “H1N1 is not going anywhere”

KATIE COSEO
The Corsair

A full house was at the Warrington campus student center for the Swine Flu Seminar with presenter Dr. I.E. Ephtimios on Oct. 14. Students from various programs attended the seminar.

Edith Finley, coordinator of Student Leadership and Activities, heard about Dr. Ephtimios and contacted him. New events such as “Chat with the President” on Oct. 15 and “All want for Christmas is a passing grade” workshop in Nov. are on the agenda for Warrington campus. “I’m very willing to get out there and find a presenter,” said Finley.

Dr. I.E. Ephtimios, a Greece native and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at FSU, began his lecture with a comical video about how coughing in a sleeve was actually better than your hands, because it will deterrent germs from surviving long and not transmit as easily. The video even suggested disposable sleeve guards, but pointed out that this would not be fashionable at this point in time.

“The basic message is H1N1 is not going anywhere,” said Dr. Ephtimios. As with many flu viruses swine flu has actually been around longer than we thought; it just changed. The circulation of the flu continues every year and Dr. Ephtimios pointed out, “After 10 years you have a totally different virus.”

The Influenza and Spanish flu back in 1918 were also H1N1 viruses and took the lives of millions around the world. Unlike many viruses and diseases that generally affect the very young and the elderly, the viruses affected the young and healthy, ages 20 to 40 years. It is unknown why this age group was more affected, theory is based on that this age group has more social interaction.

This H1N1 was reported back in April 2009 and by June it was declared that the swine flu was now a world wide pandemic. Now with flu season starting up many are worried how to tell the difference between seasonal flu and H1N1.

“Signs and symptoms are the same as seasonal,” explained Dr. Ephtimios, pointing out that if you have flu like symptoms during the summer, it’s most likely swine flu. In fact, Dr. Ephtimios pointed out that, “99 percent of the virus circulating is the H1N1.”

Adults should be suspicious however of having swine flu if they have difficulty breathing, sudden dizziness, confusion, persistent vomiting, and flu symptoms that go away but come back with worse cough and fever. Parents and care givers can be concerned for children who look blue or have grayish color skin, not interacting or waking, don’t eat or drink, persistent vomiting and again a return of symptoms but with worse cough and fever.

Live vaccines are available and taking the regular seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you from H1N1. Getting both vaccines at the same time it’s best to sure to get the inactivated seasonal flu vaccine then getting two live vaccines.

Those who should be getting the vaccine are pregnant women, those who live with or provide care to children less than six months old, health care and emergency personnel, persons six months to 24 years old, and those from 25 to 64 who have medical conditions that can increase the likelihood of influenza complications..

From Dr. Epthimios lecture, as of Oct. 2, Florida has had 2, 915 cases of swine flu and 23 deaths. Pensacola has been documented as having localized outbreaks, while counties next to Escambia have more widespread influenza reporting.

As they say in the commercials, “cover your coughs. Stay at home when you feel sick and most importantly if you can’t use your sleeve wash your hands.”

Surgical Technicians demonstrate their skills

KATIE COSEO
The Corsair

Surgical tech week was held Sept. 21- 25, a national recognition for all surgical techs in and out of the operating room.

“It’s like National Bosses day. It’s sort of a way to show appreciation for surgical techs,” explained Dr. Pat Miller-Coburn, program director at the Warrington Campus.

On Sept. 24 visitors were given a demonstration and experienced the job of surgical technicians. Surgical tech students were also there to demonstrate and explain their skills in the operating room.

The program at PJC is one year and is a vocational study. Those who attend do not need to complete prerequisites, but need a high school diploma or GED, and have to be at least 18 years old. Only 20 students are accepted every August.

“I think it’s very high paced, but very exciting,” said Nicola Rosario, a new surgical tech student who was accepted into the program after a number of years as a marine aviator.

Because many apply for the program, Rosario commented on starting on the program as, “just exciting. Just being accepted to the program is exciting.” So far since 2004, all of the surgical tech students at PJC have passed their national certification exam the first time.

Surgical technicians are trained professionals in the operating room.

“We assist the surgeon,” explained Miller-Coburn. “We are the ones that make sure the instruments and procedure is done in an aseptic manner. It’s a very exciting career,” continued Miller-Coburn, who explained that even some surgeons were once surgical technicians before going to medical school. The experience from the vocation prepared them for the surgical atmosphere.

Surgical tech week opens to public

 

KATIE COSEO
The Corsair

On Thursday Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in bldg. 3700 in suite 3706E the Warrington campus will have their simulation lab open to the public. Visitors will be given demonstrations and may even get to adorn a surgical gown and experience the job of surgical technicians. Surgical tech students will be there to demonstrate and explain their skills in the operating room.

Surgical Tech Week, a national recognition for all surgical techs in and out of the OR. “It’s like National Bosses day, it’s sort of a way to show appreciation for surgical techs,” explained Dr. Pat Miller-Coburn, program director at the Warrington Campus.

This program at PJC is one year and is a vocational study. Those who want to attend do not need to complete prerequisites, but will need a high school diploma or GED, and be at least eighteen years old. Only twenty students are accepted every August.

“I think it’s very high paced, but very exciting,” said Nicola Rosario a new surgical tech student who was accepted into the program after a number of years as a marine aviator.

Because many apply for the program, Rosario commented on starting on the program as, “Just exciting. Just being accepted to the program is exciting.” So far since 2004, all of the surgical tech students at PJC have past their national certification exam the first time.

Surgical Technicians are trained professionals in the operating room. “We assist the surgeon,” explained Miller-Coburn. “We are the ones that make sure the instruments and procedure is done in an aseptic manner.”

“It’s a very exciting career,” continued Miller-Coburn, who explained that even some surgeons were once surgical technicians before going to medical school. The experience from the vocation prepared them for the surgical atmosphere.

Disability support goes to Warrington

Starting September 3^rd, Disability Support Services will have a representative on the Warrington campus every Thursday from 1-4 PM.  It will be in Building 3600, in the registration area. 

Retiring Lieutenant speaks about 36 years of service to PJC

Published: June 4, 2009

Lt. Gordon Melton

The PJC Police Department was formed July 1, 1973. I started work on the midnight shift on July 23, 1973. I worked 10 pm until 6 am. When the College changed from a Security Department to a Police Department, each officer was required to have Florida Police Standards and Training, or as we call it, “Rookie School.”

 

When our Department was formed we had a Chief, Lieutenant, Detective, 3 Sergeants, 2 Dispatchers, and 13 Officers. We covered all 3 shifts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This included all holidays too. At that time the Milton Campus was located in the old Milton High School building in downtown Milton. The Warrington Campus did not exist.

I worked the midnight shift and my days off were Wednesday and Thursday. I did not see daylight for so long I felt like a “night Creature.” Back then I worked alone most nights and we did not have a night dispatcher. I had to use the Pensacola Police Radio that was mounted in the police car. If I needed to call for help, I had to make it back to my patrol car. I backed up the City Police Officers on calls and traffic stops adjacent to the campus and they backed me up on some of my calls.

I found people wandering the campus all hours of the night. I found drunks passed out and had to transport them to the Detox Center. I have found homeless people trying to find a warm place to sleep on a freezing night. I still recall walking around buildings at 2 am checking doors and windows hearing the frozen grass blades making a crunching noise as I walked across the lawn.

I later became the Detective after long time Detective Charlie Miller retired. Mr. Miller was in charge of the Security Department before PJC became a Police Department. He had retired from the Pensacola Police Department before coming to PJC. I worked with him about 6 months before he retired and learned a lot from him about how to conduct investigations.      

While Detective I made a lot of arrests and felt like I lived in court. Most days I was either in a Court Deposition or Court Hearing for someone I arrested.

When the Warrington Campus was built, I was assigned to the 3-11shift and later promoted to Sergeant. Later I was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to Warrington day shift. 

Over the years I have usually been able to avoid fights during arrests by simply talking in a calm voice, listening to the person’s side of the story, and giving them a chance to “vent” a little to calm down. Unfortunately some people are going to resist and fight with you no matter what you do. I have been to the ER on a few occasions to get stitches from fights during arrests.

One of my most vivid memories of a fight during an arrest, that landed me, my fellow officer, and the arrestee in the ER, was the arrest of Wendell.  Wendell was a very large man. He was about 6’4”, weighed 300 pounds and all muscle. I remember his arms were almost as big as my legs. To make matters worse he was “a little crazy.” The day before, Wendell went to the gym and chased some of the basketball team from the court and took the basket ball. One of our officers responded and during the struggle ripped off Wendell’s shirt. He knocked her to the floor and ran out the door. The next day Wendell returned to the gym. Officer Wesley Jones and I responded to the call and when we entered the gym Wendell ran from us. We chased him from the gym to the student center and cornered him there. I grabbed one arm and Wesley grabbed the other. Wendell just lifted his arms and flung us in two different directions. Wesley went 3 feet and hit a concrete pillar. I went over one dining table and under another. As I was getting up from the floor, I saw Wesley hit Wendell with his radio. The radio exploded into pieces. I then hit Wendell with a Kell light flashlight. The flashlight broke where the head screws on and the batteries fell the floor. Wendell just looked at me, smiled, and said, “You should not have done that. I am really mad now.”  He then tried to throw me through a plate glass window, so I hit him as hard as I could. I broke his nose and dislocated a knuckle in my hand. It knocked him to the floor and dazed him long enough for us jump on top of him and hold him until back up officers arrived to help us.

There have been many other types of calls too. From using a ratchet wrench to help a student put together his artificial leg that fell apart to removing snakes from inside and out of the buildings with our handy homemade snake pole to raccoons trapped in trash cans. I could fill a book with all the strange, weird and sometimes funny calls I have answered over the years.

I have seen a lot of people come and go from PJC over the years and have made many life- long friends. I have attended many retirement ceremonies for other people and have often heard them say, “PJC is like a family” and that they will miss seeing their friends on a regular basis. I have to say I feel the same way.

I think that in this type of job it’s very important to develop good listening skills and to show compassion when you can. There are times when you have to be tough too. Sometimes people just need someone to take time to listen to them. Sometimes I can help them or refer them to someone that can and sometimes not.

Before working at PJC, I was a student at PJC in 1970 enrolled in Business and Accounting classes. One day while working on spread sheets, I realized that was not what I wanted to do in life.  I changed to Law Enforcement classes and everything I read in the books and everything the instructors said seemed to stick like glue, I could remember it all. I knew then that was what I wanted to do. After graduation from PJC, I enrolled in the Police Academy (Rookie School). I graduated from the Police Academy one day and started to work for PJC the next night.

I met my wife at PJC while she worked at the Library. One of my duties was to make regular checks of the LRC and escort the librarians to their vehicles after the LRC closed at 9 pm. We would talk often and soon began dating. We have been married 33 years and will celebrate our 34^th wedding anniversary in August. Our son and daughter attended PJC and my wife attended Nursing School at PJC shortly after we were married. She is still working as a nurse.

My intent was to work at PJC another 4 years in the Drop Program but budget cuts have forced me to retire earlier. I am 10 years away from being able to get Social Security so I am sure I will need to do something at least part time. I am not sure what kind of job I will be doing. No matter what the situation, I try to be optimistic. The retirement may be a blessing in disguise. My daughter and her husband are expecting their first child (a boy) the first week in July. I am sure I will be doing my fair share of baby- sitting. I was a Cub-master and a Scoutmaster when my son was growing up, so I may get involved in Scouting again with my grandson. My son was an Eagle Scout. I may even have time to get back into my Radio hobby and get my Ham Radio License.

In the last years at PJC I have had the privilege of working with Chief Nancy Newland. She has always been there to support, help, and guide. She has always gone the extra mile looking out for her officers. I will never forget how she and other members of the department, on their off time, volunteered to help me clear fallen trees on my mother’s property after a hurricane. That is just one of numerous examples of how she goes above and beyond. I know the department will always be in good shape as long as she is there to guide. 

To all my friends and acquaintances at PJC, I want to say thank you for many great memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.   I wish everyone the very best.

Job Fair for health programs

Student Nursing Association hosted its annual fundraiser Job Fair at Warrington Campus on March 12. Hospitals and Agencies set booths for many allied health programs such as nursing, radiography, sonography, and surgical tech to check out what these facilities were offering in jobs school.

 

“Our purpose is to get the students out into the community, to land jobs, it’s also to help employees,” said SNA President Debbie Fickling, relating to the economy. “This is a way for these companies to look at our students and hire our students.” PJC allied health program graduates are in competition with many other schools for jobs after graduation such as UWF, Pensacola Christian College, and schools just across the Alabama line.

 

“Students have found this to be a great day to talk to prospective employers and to a get feel of what type of jobs are available and working conditions,” explained SNA adviser and nursing instructor Judith Evans.

 

Twelve vendors participated at the job fair including UWF who gave valuable information for nursing students wanting to continue their education for a bachelor degree. Uniformly yours, West Florida Hospital, North Okaloosa Medical Center, VA Gulf Coast, Lakeview Center, Infirmary Health System, PJC financial aid, and Sylvia Rayfield the author of many nursing books “made incredibly easy” attended and gave out raffles and free trinkets to students.

 

Referring to the SNA members, “The students are really the ones that do the work of developing the mailing list, sending out invitations, setting up the tables and chairs, running a hospitality room for the vendors and, usually have a food sale going on at the same time,” said Ms. Evans. SNA members sold hotdogs, nachos and t-shirts as a part of the clubs fundraiser.

 

Varying on how many students attend the job fair as well as vendors, the job fair has had a past history of success for students getting information for future jobs or becoming care techs at the local hospitals. Getting PJC students more notice was the main goal for yesterdays fair and it was an overall success with many students getting to talk to the vendors of future opportunities.

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