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Barton Nursing adds IV skills to curriculum
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Courtesy photo
Published: Feb 20, 2021, 9:00 PM

Nurses who graduate from Barton Community College’s Licensed Practical Nurse program will now have an extra skillset to make them more valuable in the workforce; they have the option to be IV certified. 

Barton Nursing Instructor Kristin Steele said the Kansas State Board of Nursing just approved IV certification at the LPN level in the Fall of 2020. In the past, students were not able to get certified unless they went to an outside agency that was usually far away and added hundreds of dollars in cost. In addition, most students were not able to get this done between years of nursing school, and since hospitals require LPNs to be IV certified they were being limited on where they could work. 

“We were quick to get approved and have this added to our current curriculum,” she said. “We added the skills portion to our Medical-Surgical II class which begins in the Spring semester. This allows LPN students to practice in the field for the entire spring semester. It makes it easier for our nurses to find work and makes them more valuable to our community. Overall, it strengthens our healthcare system and helps our healthcare institutions meet diverse community workforce needs.”

Steele said students are able to practice in the field alongside nurses at the University of Kansas Health Systems Great Bend Campus in the pre-op unit and Clara Barton Hospital pre-op unit as part of a four-hour clinical rotation, which each student must complete to become certified. They are still able to practice IV skills outside of these four hours with assigned RN preceptors or at acute care clinical experiences with Barton’s community partners to make sure they get all the hands-on experience they need.

Steele said she is very excited about the program enhancement and her students.

“We are so proud of our first group’s confidence, focus, and skills,” she said. “They have been so impressive both in the classroom and the field. We’ve received many compliments from the field on their abilities and it’s very exciting. Way to go!”

For more information, contact Instructor of Nursing Kristin Steele at 620-792-9220 or steelek@bartonccc.edu. The deadline to apply for the 2021-2022 Barton Nursing Program is March 1. To apply, visit nursing.bartonccc.edu. 
Dirks fills new safety/security coordinator position at The Center
Jerry Dirks - The Center 2025
Jerry Dirks, originally from Albert, is the new safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation. He brings 34 years of public service to the job.
Published: Apr 1, 2025, 10:00 PM

The first full-time safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway Ave., is relying on his 34 years of public service to “ensure the safety of our clients and staff.”

Jerry Dirks has served as a safety officer, special investigator, deputy sheriff, police officer, assistant chief and correctional officer at many entities throughout central Kansas. He also has experience with fire safety and Emergency Medical Services.

“This type of background is a good fit for this new position and I am glad to be of service to The Center,” Dirks said. “I have known for years about its solid reputation as a great community resource because of their many services for those who face behavioral-health issues.”

Responsibilities in the position include analyzing electronic cameras and updating when necessary; risk management; staff safety training; oversight of transportation safety; fire drills and inspections; and guidance for clients and staff during inclement weather.

Dirks noted that he eagerly accepts these responsibilities and also is “glad to again be working with a team face to face.”

His most recent position was special investigator for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, which entailed working out of a home office most of the time.

“I think of myself as a people person and enjoy teaming up with my new colleagues,” Dirks commented. “My experience working with all types of personalities will help me in this new job.

“Also, I still have contacts with local law enforcement and fire officials. I look forward to collaborating with them about all types of safety issues.”

Dirks earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Barton Community College and a bachelor’s in business administration at National College in Kansas City, Mo.

He is certified in first aid and CPR.

Wendy Lockwood, executive director at The Center, noted the safety/security position is especially important now that The Center “is growing in the number of clients and number of services we offer. Since we are a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we provide not only various therapies and medication, but have also expanded community-based services such as housing, employment and veterans’ support services.

“It is gratifying to have Jerry here to coordinate all our safety efforts as we strive to meet the community’s needs in collaboration with our many partners. Jerry’s extensive background at the local and state levels will be invaluable to us every day.”

The Center for Counseling & Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.