Williamsburg Technical College director of the nursing program Sheila Forester (left) pins practical nursing graduate Jamie Webb of Kingstree. Webb was one of nine graduates to receive their pins and other awards during a special ceremony in early August. Webb was also recognized as having the highest grade point average of the class and the highest pre-NCLEX score.

Graduates of the Williamsburg Technical College practical nursing program include (from left): Thomas E. Lee of Barrineau; Jamie Webb of Kingstree; James Fulton of Florence; Holli Powell of Kingstree; Eric McDaniel of Hemingway; Crystal Kingcade of Florence, Frances Moore of Lake City; and Amie Teal of Scranton. Not pictured: Dee Godwin of Lake City.

Williamsburg Technical College Practical Nursing Students Complete Program

Nine students have successfully completed the inaugural practical nursing program requirements at Williamsburg Technical College. A special pinning ceremony was held recently to commemorate the occasion and honor the students who have passed the courses necessary to qualify them to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Once they have passed the exam, they will be licensed and ready for employment at any of the area health care facilities.

Students completing the program included: James Fulton of Florence; Dee Godwin of Lake City; Crystal Kingcade of Florence; Thomas E. Lee of Barrineau; Eric McDaniel of Hemingway; Frances Moore of Lake City; Holli Powell of Kingstree; Amie Teal of Scranton; and Jamie Webb of Kingstree. Webb was recognized as having the highest grade point average of the class and the highest pre-NCLEX score. Kingcade was recognized for her participation in the teaching/learning resource committee. Lee was recognized for his participation in the admissions committee.

“We are very proud of our program and our graduates,” says Sheila Forester, director of the nursing program. “It is rewarding to see students who want to be in the health care field successfully complete the requirements and make themselves available to fill the critical nursing needs of our area.”

Forester and nursing instructor Michelle Jones also thank the clinical sites and advisory committee members. Clinical sites for the WTC nursing students include: Williamsburg Regional Hospital, Lake City Community Hospital, Kingstree Nursing Facility, Kingstree Family Medicine and Dr. Raymond Allen, and Georgetown Hospital Systems. Serving on the advisory committee for the Williamsburg Technical College nursing program are: Pat Lowder and Pam Ziegenhorn with Williamsburg Regional Hospital; Candy Slavinski with the Kingstree Nursing Facility; Carol Hanna with Kingstree Family Medicine; and Melba Bowen with Lake City Community Hospital.

The practical nursing program is designed primarily for recent high school graduates and adults looking for advanced job training to fill nursing vacancies in area hospitals, health departments, home health agencies, and private residential and related health care facilities. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with laboratory practice and clinical experience to prepare students to care for acutely and chronically ill patients, to help rehabilitate patients, and to share in the prevention of illness in hospitals, extended care facilities, doctors' offices, clinics, schools, and private industry.

For program acceptance, students must pass the pre-admission exam (PAX) and, upon successful completion of the year-long program, must pass the NCLEX to become licensed practical nurses. Eighteen students were recently admitted to the year-long program for the 2007-2008 academic year.

GROUP PHOTO CUTLINE:

INDIVIDUAL PHOTO CUTLINE: