Nicki Dufour
DuBOIS, Pa. — Penn State DuBois Continuing and Community Education recently announced that Nicki Dufour has been hired as the coordinator of its developing Practical Nursing (LPN) program and will work with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing on the pending approval and development of the program for the campus.
Dufour will also oversee the program for the campus and eventually will be an instructor for the program once approved.
“The application process with the State Board of Nursing is not an easy one,” Dufour said, “and began before I started in the position as the program coordinator for the Practical Nursing Program here at Penn State DuBois. My first and most important priority is to work on finalizing the application and working with the State Board of Nursing to approve our program.”
Dufour brings more than two decades of experience in critical care nursing, nursing education and healthcare leadership. A Penn State alumna with a bachelor of science degree in nursing, she later earned her master's in nursing education from Chamberlain College of Nursing. She has held multiple leadership roles at Penn Highlands Healthcare, including intensive care unit (ICU) and neurotrauma intensive care unit (NTICU) director, clinical nurse educator and critical care supervisor.
“This is an important program for the regional healthcare industry,” Jungwoo Ryoo, chancellor and chief academic officer for Penn State DuBois, said. “Nicki brings the right mix of nursing experience and leadership to our program. We’re also fortunate to have three partner programs on the eastern part of the state to work with and learn how to build a successful program. Penn State Lehigh Valley, Berks and Hazleton have been training nurses for many years and have accepted us as the fourth satellite location.”
“I also appreciate the efforts of our Continuing Education team, John Brennan and Beth Sawyer,” Ryoo added. “Their extended efforts have been crucial for bringing our vision to life and addressing this vital community need.”
The Penn State DuBois program will be modeled off the statewide program and is overseen by Jane Silver-Hoff. Participants complete four modules over an 18-month period and complete both classroom and hands-on clinical experiences to prepare for employment in many aspects of the healthcare industry.
“I am excited to lead the Practical Nursing program at Penn State DuBois and to help train the next generation of healthcare professionals,” Dufour said. “This program will provide a flexible and accessible pathway for students to enter the nursing profession and make a meaningful impact in their communities.”
What is a Practical Nurse?
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a vital member of the healthcare team who provides direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. LPNs play a key role in coordinating patient health by assisting with medical procedures and ensuring patient comfort and well-being.
LPNs are trained to:
- Administer medications and intravenous (IV) therapy
- Monitor patient vital signs and report health changes
- Assist with wound care and dressing changes
- Perform routine procedures such as catheter insertions and immunizations
- Help patients with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing
- Educate patients and families on managing medical conditions
LPNs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, physician offices, and private healthcare environments. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, employment of LPNs is projected to grow by 13% from 2020 to 2030, making it a stable and in-demand career.
Those who are interested in learning more about the Practical Nursing program at Penn State DuBois can sign up online to receive more information as it becomes available. Once the program receives its final state approval, more details will be announced.
For more information about the Practical Nursing program, contact Nicki Dufour, practical nursing program coordinator at Penn State DuBois.
“For those who have already reached out to campus representatives regarding enrollment, we ask for your patience and know that we will continue to communicate with you during our application process,” Dufour said. “I am working in the background to secure clinical sites, set up our Simulation Lab, and recruit instructors. I am very excited at the opportunity to work with local students who will be the future healthcare providers in our region.”
