Anjolina Bussing’s pathway to a career in medicine has been made easier by multiple programs at Capital Region BOCES.
The Mechanicville resident is a graduate of the BOCES Two-Year Sequence of Health Careers program, which she took while a student in Cohoes High School. She is currently enrolled in the part-time adult Practical Nursing program while also working at St. Peter’s Hospital.
“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, and I have a strong passion for caring for people,” said Bussing. “I currently work as a CNA [certified nursing assistant], and becoming an LPN [licensed practical nurse] will provide the opportunity to gain more hands-on experience and critical skills.”
“The LPN program in a sense is a stepping stone to the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric registered nurse [RN],” she added.
Bussing said she aspires to be a registered nurse because it will “allow for more in-depth critical thinking and because the scope of practice is wider.”
“Growing up as the oldest of six I’ve always had a nurturing spirit, and I think that is what steered me towards wanting to help care for children. I also figured why stop at LPN when I have the potential to do more?” she said.
Bussing started the adult Practical Nursing classes in January and will continue in the program until June.
The state-approved program at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School encompasses 1,100 hours of classroom and clinical study and practice. Students earn their clinical experience in various local health care facilities, including Ellis Hospital, Teresian House, the Albany County Nursing Home and Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, as well as the Our Lady of Mercy and more.
As a high school student attending Capital Region BOCES, Bussing was able to earn home health aide, patient care assistant and nurse assistant certifications.
“That gave me a head start and the ability to have a job in my career field,” she said.
Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator – Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle recently encountered Bussing while at St. Peter’s with a relative.
“She was compassionate and very positive about her experiences with BOCES. It was a great feeling to meet one of our students learning and doing well in the field,” Liddle said.
Current teacher Adam Mainville praised the young scholar.
“She is an excellent student who always provides great comfort to her patients,” he said.