ELLISVILLE– After nearly four years since the Covid-19 Pandemic spread around the globe, its impact can still be felt in the nursing profession. Easing the shortage slightly will be the 25 graduates of Jones College’s Practical Nursing program that were recently pinned after completing the year-long rigorous program. Even though nearly 100 or more practical nursing students graduate annually from Jones College’s programs, hospitals and medical facilities are having a hard time keeping nursing staff. JC’s Practical Nursing Program Director, Amy Myers explained when Covid hit, the pandemic caused a lot of experienced nurses to leave the profession which exacerbated the nursing shortage the profession was already experiencing.
“We’re still trying to play catch up even though things have improved,” said Myers. “Being a nurse is a big responsibility and one of the more difficult disciplines because you literally have lives in your hands. I feel like through these students, I have touched more lives than I ever would have at the bedside.”
Becoming a nurse is not an easy journey, according to Jordan Thurman of Laurel who began the nursing program in 2020. While working full time as an E.R. tech, Covid hit, and classes were switched to an online format.
“I am not an online learner so that was a really big struggle and then I ended up failing and it was super discouraging. I didn’t think I was going to go back because I couldn’t get over the fact I didn’t pass,” shared Thurman. “I took time for myself, had a mental break and I’m back and graduating.”
In fact, Thurman earned the Rising Star Award which is one of only three honors given to students at the Pinning and Completion Ceremony. She was recognized for her continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical setting in addition to her positive attitude and perseverance which has enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge. Derayvia Bell of Hattiesburg also endured difficulties completing the nursing program. Her journey started in 2021 in the Associate Degree Nursing program at Jones College.
“I failed twice, and I was devastated. That was the hardest part, but I had a great support system, and I was able to get back up,” shared Bell. “I got accepted into the Practical Nursing program in January and it has not been smooth sailing; the process was difficult to overcome but I did it! God had a plan, and I am happy to be here!”
With her diploma in hand, Bell has a job lined up at the Dialysis Clinic in Hattiesburg after she passes the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. However, she also plans to return to school to become an E.R. nurse after she earns her Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
“I have waited for this day for a very long time and it’s finally here. I am so excited!” said Bell.
Also excited to begin his career in nursing is Connor Foret of Waynesboro. He is following in his parents’ footsteps and will work at Wayne General Hospital. His parents have been working there since they graduated from the nursing program at Jones College.
“My dad is an E.R. nurse and my mother is a home health nurse. She goes around Laurel and helps people and takes care of them,” explained Foret. “I’ve always liked to help people and I just thought this could be the best way that I could do that. It feels really good to know I’m helping the people in my community and just to give something back to the community.”
The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the recipient of the Academic Excellence Award, which was awarded to Kami Moler of Hattiesburg for having the highest overall average and Mercedes Charleston of Hattiesburg was honored with the Florence Nightingale Award because she encompasses all the qualities of Florence Nightingale the founder of the nursing profession by exhibiting compassion, dedication, kindness and she embodies the true spirit of nursing. All 25 students recited the Practical Nurses’ Pledge and participated in the Lighting of the Lamp Ceremony which commemorates the founder of nursing, Florence Nightingale’s use of an oil lamp to assist in caring for the wounded soldiers in the Crimean War. For more information about Jones College’s Practical Nursing Programs, click on the website: https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/
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Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The (ADA/ Section 504) ADA Coordinator, Student Affairs, phone 601-477-2673, and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.