Today we would like to introduce you to Ms. Jennifer Perreault, the Director of Nursing at our Madison Heights, MI campus.
We caught up with her recently for a Q&A style interview to learn a bit more about her background as well as the Practical Nurse program at the Madison Heights campus. Check out what she had to say by reading more below.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
A: “I started my nursing education at Oakland Community College and graduated with my Associate Degree in Nursing in 2007. I then continued my education at the University of Michigan and earned my BSN in 2013. I continued on to earn my Master’s Degree in Nursing Education at Walden University in 2017.
I began my nursing career in 2007 at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland hospital. I worked as a staff nurse and nurse educator until 2016. I achieved my nursing certification in orthopedics in 2011. I started working as a nursing instructor in 2016 at Dorsey Schools and became the DON in April of 2019.”
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in nursing?
A: “I have been interested in nursing since I was in elementary school. One of my favorite cousins that I looked up to was also a nurse. I loved hearing her stories of helping people. I also watched the nurses care for my dad when he was very sick. Watching some of those nursing really made me see that being a nurse was for me.”
Q: What advice would you give to students who want to become an LPN?
A: “My advice would be to go for it! It will be very stressful and it will definitely push you to your limit at times, but the end result will be worth it! You will be a nurse and that will be something to be very proud of.”
Q: Tell us a little bit about your role as the Director of Nursing at the Dorsey Schools Madison Heights campus.
A: “My role as the DON at the Madison Heights campus has been very busy! In my role, I make sure the students are getting the education necessary to become strong, competent nurses. I enjoy watching the students grow over the year and watch their knowledge and confidence increase.”
Q: What are some of the best things about the Practical Nurse program at Dorsey Schools?
A: “Some of the best things about the PN program is the support the students receive from the faculty. Our number one focus is the students and their education. The class sizes allow us to give the students the extra time they deserve.”
Q: What topics will students be exposed to in the Practical Nurse program at Dorsey Schools?
A: “The topics each student will be exposed to begin with anatomy and physiology of the body. They also will be introduced to the fundamentals of nursing such as infection control, vital signs, giving injections, inserting urinary catheters, and nasogastric tubes. The students can also learn about many disease processes and the medications that are used in these situations. Professionalism and integrity are also topics the students will be exposed to.”
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your nursing career?
A: “The most rewarding part of my nursing career truly has been able to help patients during times they are sick and afraid. To be with someone during those times is something you can’t really explain. It is so rewarding to be out in the community and have someone stop me and say, “you took care of my mother at St. Joes and she still talks about you!” or “you were my nurse a few years ago, and you made everything so much easier for me to handle.” Just knowing you have the ability to help someone in need is the most rewarding part of being a nurse.”
The Practical Nurse program at Dorsey Schools
The Dorsey Schools Practical Nurse program couples classroom instruction and practical, hands-on training to help students prepare to pursue their rewarding new career in the nursing field.
Classes in the Practical Nurse program at Dorsey Schools include:
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Practical Nurse Fundamentals
- Pharmacology and Medication Delivery
- Mental Health Concepts
- Medical/Surgical Nursing
- Maternal/Newborn Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Geriatric Nursing
- …and more!
Take the next step in pursuing your nursing career. You can request info online or give us a call at 888-422-1188.
The Madison Heights campus serves as the Main Campus.
