The Staff Nursing Department at Skagit Valley College, Whidbey Island Campus recently recognized Naval Hospital Oak Harbor (NHOH) as the “Clinical Site of the Year.”

At the College Advisory Board’s Awards Dinner, Capt. Bonnie Bulach, Director of Nursing and the nursing staff at NHOH were thanked for their devotion and support of the college’s Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) students at the Whidbey Island Campus.

“It is my sincere pleasure to host, train and mentor the Skagit Valley College LPN and RN students,” said Bulach, who accepted the award from Skagit Valley College President, Dr. Gary Tollefson. 

During the 2009-2010 academic year, LPN students worked with NHOH providers, nurses and support staff two days per week shadowing instructors in several clinics including OB/GYN, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Urgent Care, Immunizations, Operating Room/Ambulatory Surgery, Multi-Service Ward, and Labor and Delivery unit. Additionally, RN students completed independent clinical “preceptorships” (supervised practical experience) in the Urgent Care Clinic, Labor and Delivery, worked with RNs in Diabetes Education, Internal Medicine Clinic and traveled with the Navy Relief Visiting Nurse observing home health visits. 

“It is important to me and our hospital staff to provide the absolute best educational experience for the students because they are the future of nursing and health care,” said Bulach.

Under Bulach’s leadership, the nursing staff provided critical nursing education to 28 LPN and 3 RN Skagit Valley College students. The Staff Nursing Department at Skagit Valley College, Whidbey Island Campus, looks forward to continued partnership with the NHOH in the advancement of nursing education and vital clinical opportunities for their students.