ALBEMARLE -- Stanly Community College recently celebrated the inaugural graduating class from its Practical Nursing (PN) program as 10 students were honored at a pinning ceremony last month.
After three semesters of studying, testing and clinical training, the students became the first to complete SCC's new offering that launched last fall.
Chassity Washburn, former director of nursing at SCC, led the development of the fast-track, three-semester program, which now complements the college's Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program.
Ruth Silsby, the college's PN instructor, said the new course of study is an important addition to the college's nursing education curriculum because it prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN, the exam that licenses them as practical nurses.
Licensed practical nurses (LPN) provide bedside care under supervision in settings such as nursing homes, clinics, long-term care facilities and acute care units.
"SCC offers students a rather unique opportunity to start as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), move forward as an LPN within a year, and then -- after working for six to nine months -- apply to the LPN-to-RN (Registered Nurse) bridge program," Silsby said. "This affords students the opportunity to build on knowledge while still being able to work, and to provide for their families while gaining real-world experience."
Silsby said the COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for LPNs nationwide.
"It became clear that it was fiscally responsible to have licensed bedside nurses in both acute and long-term care. The role of the LPN, which is under the supervision of registered nurses, fills that gap. Where LPNs were once being phased out, the doors of opportunity are wide open."
As part of the same cohort during their three practical nursing classes, the students have reflected on the friendships and partnerships they formed over the past year.
"It definitely became a sisterhood for us, being that we're the pilot program," Jahia Cole said. "It's something that you form a bond over, and that's exactly what we did."
"I have come to think of these people like they're my family," added Ericka Hayhurst. "I regularly reach out to them and talk to them, not just about school, but about my own life and what's going on with them."
Kimberly Hopkins said she has cherished the time spent with her fellow classmates.
"We have been close all along, but this last semester we've really grown close. I'm glad to be done, but I'm also going to miss seeing them like every day here, fighting the same battles like clinicals and tests."
Other students noted that successfully completing the PN program gave them a boost of self-assurance -- both in their career paths and overall lives.
"I feel like I've gained a lot more confidence," Samantha Martin said. "It can be scary when someone's life is in your hands, but my teacher and my classmates have given me great support. I feel that I've come out of this as a stronger person."
Additional information about the college's PN program is available at stanly.edu.