The Certified Surgical Technologist program at Kapi`olani Community College is the only non-credit, accredited program of its kind in the State.

Patricia O’Hagan, Dean of Emergency Medical Services, Health Sciences and Nursing at Kapiʻolani CC, was recently informed by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), that the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) program received the annual merit award for achieving a 100% graduate pass rate on the CST examination cycle. The cycle ran from August 1, 2015 through July 31, 2016.

According to NBSTSA Chief Executive Officer Ben Price, the NBSTSA has a 40-year history in CST examination development. The CST examination is a fully accredited examination by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) for surgical technologists. In a news brief released by the NBSTSA, “Certification as a surgical technologist exhibits professional pride, the desire to be recognized for mastery of surgical competencies, and most importantly an ongoing commitment to quality patient care.”

Dean O’Hagan soundly attributes the success of Kapi`olani CC’s program to Toni Choy of the Nursing Department, “who has worked very hard to deliver a stellar program where the graduates become an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients.”

For more information on the Certified Surgical Technologist program, contact Sally Pestana (pestana@hawaii.edu), or Martin Chong (martincs@hawaii.edu) in Health Education-Non Credit, or Toni Choy in the Nursing Department (tchoy26@hawaii.edu).

Congratulations Toni, on a superb achievement!

Statistically, about 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. But this can change and more women can survive breast cancer if it is found and treated early. For example, a mammogram can detect breast cancer in its early stages when it is easier to treat.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection. Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs from October 1 to October 31.

Here at Kapi`olani Community College, a women’s coalition has planned events and activities to empower women with tools and information so women can take charge of their health. Many activities will provide supportive networks or bonding opportunities as a community.

No one should face breast cancer alone. To show support and encourage awareness, let us wear pink every Tuesday of this month, beginning on October fourth..

Can do? Let’s do!

Ahhhhh. I’m back. This time I want to tell you about the oodles of merchandise we have received to stock our Silent Auction and “Twice as Nice” sales tables for Aloha United Way.

Many donated items are still in their original shrink wrap; and some still have their price tags on! For our “Twice as Nice” sales, we have game boards, art pieces, jewelry, ceramic vases, a collection of brand new rubber stamps, bags, books, and more.

Our Silent Auction items are impressive. We have 2 very special bottles of wine from a generous donor, and we have a brand new and unused afghan made by a 96-year-old grandmother. Other items include unused koa frames, art work, a Christmas Santa dressed as a chef, and 2 reserved parking stalls for a full semester — one for Spring 2017, and one for Fall 2017. If you have a special event this weekend, you may consider bidding on a balloon sculpture, too.

Shop this Friday from 11:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. in the 220 Grille.

Please come, shop, and then enjoy performances by our faculty and staff during the Talent Show in the cafeteria.  Bring your friends, tūtū and popo if you like, and vote for your favorite performer or performers, because the winner of the Talent Show will be determined by the number of dollar-per-vote received. Make this a friendly competition and pack the house with your goodwill by supporting our performers who are on stage for Aloha United Way.

Oh what fun!