Knute Nelson gets $49,700 grant for health care training

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Knute Nelson, a long-term care facility in Alexandria, will receive a $49,700 grant through the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP).

The grant will support development of simulation scenarios for Knute Nelson employees. The two-year training collaboration includes MJSP, Knute Nelson and Alexandria Technical College (ATC).

“This grant will enable Knute Nelson’s staff to improve its treatment and interaction with

residents in extended and assisted-care environments,” said DEED Commissioner and MJSP board chair Dan McElroy. “Also, Alexandria Technical College will expand its capacity to deliver simulation-based health care training, particularly for our most senior residents.”

ATC will collaborate with Knute Nelson, Hennepin Technical College and Ridgewater College to use “SimMan,” a training mannequin, to create healthcare scenarios relevant to their elderly residents’ needs.

Thirty registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, aides and administrators will learn critical-care skills or upgrade existing skills.

Training topics will include general assessment and observation skills in cardiac, critical thinking, respiratory-lungs and specific geriatric needs; and advanced assessment which covers critical care, cardiac conditions and specific behavioral conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

In addition, selected staff will learn how to apply continuous improvement concepts and techniques for extended care environments; other staff will participate in train-the-trainer sessions.

The MJSP offers technical, financial and job training assistance to businesses, communities, educational institutions and workers. The board brings businesses with specific education needs together with educational institutions to design customized training programs.

For more information on the grant, contact Sandy Larson, ATC customized training coordinator, at (320) 762-4406 or sandyl@alextech.edu.

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