CareerTech Champion Francine Schmidt

CareerTech Champion graphic

Image of Francine Schmidt at her desk. In 1977, Francine Schmidt, Okemah, was as far away from being a nursing home director as she was from her native Brooklyn, N.Y. Back then, she was a nursing home housekeeper. Now, thanks to a Wes Watkins Technology Center training program, she is a nursing home administrator.

Schmidt completed the Wes Watkins Technology Center's practical nursing program in 1993 and went on to complete an associate's degree in nursing from Seminole State College in 1995, testing out in one year, because of her experience. By 1997, she was named director of nursing at the Colonial Park Nursing Home in Okemah, and was recently named administrator.

That's why Schmidt is one of Oklahoma's CareerTech Champions.

CareerTech Champions are alumni of the system's programs or student organizations who have found success in a career and attribute much of that success to their CareerTech experience.

"I started my life's work with nursing homes as a housekeeper, moving on to activities director and advanced to social services, then medication aide," said Schmidt. "Five years later, I was an administrator's assistant."

She attended administrator's school in Norman in 1984 and by 1986, was named administrator of the Pioneer Nursing Home in Okemah.

"After working in the business end of the nursing home for nearly 11 years, I really wanted to get back to my true calling - working with patients," said Schmidt.

That's when she enrolled in WWTC 18-month practical nursing program.

"I continued to work during the day as administrator for the Pioneer Nursing Home in Okemah, and in the evening, attended class."

Schmidt was an excellent student, her instructor recalls.

Image of Francine Schmidt with nursing staff. "Francine was a leader in our program," said Ann McFarland, Schmidt's practical nursing instructor. "She was an active member of our student organization, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and represented our program at state and national skills competitions."

As a student, Schmidt received several awards including 1993 Outstanding Student of the Year, which is the highest honor given to a WWTC program completer.

Whether she is working directly with patients or serving as administrator, Schmidt likes helping elderly people - and making sure they get the best care possible.

"Working with the elderly is where my heart is," Schmidt said. "My experience from WWTC's practical nursing program gave me a new perspective on patients. It helped me realize that when caring for patients, the focus must be on more than just the physical aspect of care. We provide support for their emotional and spiritual needs as well."

posted 1/8/2001 Story & Photos by:Sandy Fields
Wes Watkins Technology Center
Email: sfields@wwtech.org

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	In 1977, Francine Schmidt, Okemah, was as far away from being a nursing home director as she was from her native Brooklyn, N.Y. Back then, she was a nursing home housekeeper. Now, thanks to a Wes Watkins Technology Center training program, she is a nursing home administrator. Schmidt completed the Wes Watkins Technology Center's practical nursing program in 1993 and went on to complete an associate's degree in nursing from Seminole State College in 1995, testing out in one year, because of her experience. By 1997, she was named director of nursing at the Colonial Park Nursing Home in Okemah, and was recently named administrator. That's why Schmidt is one of Oklahoma's CareerTech Champions. CareerTech Champions are alumni of the system's programs or student organizations who have found success in a career and attribute much of that success to their CareerTech experience. "I started my life's work with nursing homes as a housekeeper, moving on to activities director and advanced to social services, then medication aide," said Schmidt. "Five years later, I was an administrator's assistant." She attended administrator's school in Norman in 1984 and by 1986, was named administrator of the Pioneer Nursing Home in Okemah. "After working in the business end of the nursing home for nearly 11 years, I really wanted to get back to my true calling - working with patients," said Schmidt. That's when she enrolled in WWTC 18-month practical nursing program. "I continued to work during the day as administrator for the Pioneer Nursing Home in Okemah, and in the evening, attended class." Schmidt was an excellent student, her instructor recalls. "Francine was a leader in our program," said Ann McFarland, Schmidt's practical nursing instructor. "She was an active member of our student organization, Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and represented our program at state and national skills competitions." As a student, Schmidt received several awards including 1993 Outstanding Student of the Year, which is the highest honor given to a WWTC program completer. Whether she is working directly with patients or serving as administrator, Schmidt likes helping elderly people - and making sure they get the best care possible. "Working with the elderly is where my heart is," Schmidt said. "My experience from WWTC's practical nursing program gave me a new perspective on patients. It helped me realize that when caring for patients, the focus must be on more than just the physical aspect of care. We provide support for their emotional and spiritual needs as well."
	posted 1/8/2001	Story & Photos by:Sandy Fields Wes Watkins Technology Center Email: sfields@wwtech.org