The core purpose of Hays Medical Center is straight forward - help people be healthy. A large part of that plan is education. Deborah McLaren and a small group of dedicated volunteers work year-round to provide quality training to health care professionals and the community.

In-service training demands a large amount of McLaren's attention. Courses must be offered on a schedule that meets the demands of staff and their various working hours, as well as meeting the certification schedule for the Kansas Board of Nursing. Radiation technicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, LPN's and RN's have unique training needs and certification requirements. "Student Manager helps us track certificates" says McLaren " . . . we know whose CPR certification is about to expire and when they need to attend a class."

Kansas nurses are required to earn 30 continuing education credits every two years. Reports must specify not just the time and length of a program, but precisely what material was covered, who lead the training, and the sponsoring provider. Annually the state board of nursing requests information regarding the number of nurses (broken down by credential), hours taught, topics addressed and location. Certificates are issued and kept on file for future reference. "Transcripts help", McLaren says, "but it's the customized reporting that makes it easy for us to meet the state requirements."

Operating in rural Kansas means programs are scattered over 23 locations. "We use the email module to notify employees about upcoming in-service training, as well as spreading the word to the local community."

McLaren's favorite part of Student Manager? "The comment section allows us to list exactly what material was covered on a specific date. It helps me remember what was taught."

ACEware Software

Student Manager

Database

5,800 Names

Programs

Professional training for hospital employees as well as non-clinical community training in the area of health and wellness.

Featured Program

The Research Conference is a one-day, six-hour conference attended by health care professionals and students from Fort Hays State University. Junior and senior students, as well as practicing professionals, are encouraged to share their recent research in topics as diverse as cardiology and the effectiveness of call lights and support phones.