'They transform into little angels of mercy'

On Board Online • April 2, 2018

By Merri Rosenberg
Special Correspondent

Linda Romano's classroom in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District looks a lot like a nursing home or hospital. Dressed in dark blue scrubs, students were washing life-like dummy figures and practicing their skills at transferring a "patient", i.e., a classmate, from a hospital bed to a wheelchair. A washing machine and dryer stood ready to renew the supply of clean bedding and towels.

"Be the professionals I know that you are," Romano told the students. "Being in uniform counts as part of your 108 clinical hours."

Romano was prepping her students for their May practical exams, which would be administered by Department of Health officials. As each student completed a timed task, Romano listened attentively to a report about the "patient" and told students to "be sure you have the call bell with your patient." She was reminding them to place the call bell within reach of the patient, for the patient's safety, just as they are supposed to be in a hospital or nursing home setting.

Romano was recognized as "Teacher of the Year" by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) last December. That honor came after Romano was recognized as New York State Teacher of the Year in career and technical education in 2016-2017.

"Ms. Romano is very passionate about her role as a teacher and mentor to her students," said Matt Doddo, principal of Newburgh Free Academy North. "She's a role model to her students, who see her as a confidante. She conveys to her students the importance of being prepared."

Romano launched the nurse's aide program in Newburgh 12 years ago, with 12 students. Current enrollment for grades 10-12 is 216, with 78 expected to graduate in 2018. Romano is one of three teachers for the program.

Several students in the nursing aide program who hadn't previously been motivated academically and lacked goals have been changed by their participation, Doddo said. "They see a different path. It rubs off on other students. Being in a program that they respect and enjoy creates a different culture in the building."

Expectations are high. To graduate as state-certified nursing home nurse aides, students have to maintain all necessary requirements for certification including 240 hours of theory and 108 clinical hours, as well as their Regents credits.

As part of their training, students do clinical work at Sapphire Nursing/ Meadow Hill nursing home in Newburgh.

"Students love the clinical piece," said Romano. "There's something so different in taking care of an elderly person . They transform into little angels of mercy."

For her students, the program is more than just another high school course.

Skarleth Montoya, an 18-year-old graduating senior who ultimately hopes to become a neurologist, was so inspired by the program that she currently works as a personal care assistant for a local health care agency when she's not in school.

"I met Mrs. Romano sophomore year," said Montoya. "I love helping other people, and here's where I can start my career."

Julitza Sanchez, a 17-year-old senior, was interested in the health field because of her family's experience with diabetes. And Frank Akoto, a 17-year-old senior, whose father is an oncologist and whose sister is a pediatrician, was eager to "acquire skills" in preparation for a medical career.

Romano's commitment to technical and health education extends beyond the classroom and her work in Newburgh. On Saturday mornings, she volunteers as a teacher for the Newburgh Armory Unity Center's "Scholars in Scrubs," an enrichment program she created for kindergarteners through fifth graders. The district runs the programs in collaboration with St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital and the nursing program at nearby Mount Saint Mary College.

Romano encourages her students to volunteer as well. They teach younger children health care basics, like hand washing and first aid skills.

Romano also serves as the president of the New York State Health Science Educator Association and is a member of the executive board for the New York State Association for Career and Technical Education.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Monroe in Orange County, Romano confessed that she was "not a good student" in high school. Inspired by the BOCES students who were in the licensed practical nurse program, she attended Orange Ulster BOCES in Goshen as a junior and senior.

"My BOCES teacher encouraged me to sit for the state boards and I passed my LPN," said Romano. "I'm a product of career and technical education."

Romano earned her associate's degree in applied science from Orange County Community College, became a registered nurse, and worked in hospitals, home care and nursing homes. Romano started a training program for home health aides at a nursing home and was tapped to be an adjunct with the local BOCES.

Her work, and success rate with training, brought her to the attention of Newburgh's school district, which brought her on board in 2006.

"I fell in love with the kids," said Romano, who commutes from her Pennsylvania home near the New York border (a drive of 60 to 70 minutes). "I want to make a difference in the world, and give to these kids what someone gave to me - feeling confidence and success."

Romano sees her work as a lifetime mission. "I'm always working," she admitted. "I totally love what I'm doing. I am a person with a strong faith and I believe I was put on this earth for this purpose . When I was young I wanted to be a missionary and open a clinic. While that dream is still something I would like to do, I feel my mission is here."

For a video report, see NYSSBA News at goo.gl/G7gT4J .