2000

g students re nation

~ md ude clinics, home health a z;nc1es, nursing homes and sCtiOOls. To make the adjustment as smooth as possible for both patient and nursing student, a new cur– n culum was designed for the nursing program about four years ago. It is currently in place at MCC, Griffin said. "Nurses are always going to be at the bedside, it's just that the bedside has now moved out into the conul:!.unity," Foley said. The revised curriculum includes placing a stronger emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking. "There again, the hospital com– munity was asking for students who can think on their feet," Grif– fin said. Pam Tvarkunas is director of nursing at Riley Memorial Hospi– tal. "Local nursing graduates are an extremely valuable asset to the hospital system in Meridian ," Tvarkunas said. "It's difficult for those hospital communities outside our area to find the high volume of qualified graduates we see being turned out by MCC and other community col– leges near Meridian." In fact, Tvarkunas said Riley administrators sometimes find it difficult to wait for graduation day. ''We even hire a lot of students

before graduation because of MCC's reputation for turning out such a high percentage of board– certified nurses," she said. "That helps the hospital supplement its pool of qualified personnel, as well as provides the student a chance to move that much closer toward his or her goals in nursing." Because of the high demand for nurses, as well as the high volume of students seeking nursing degrees, MCC began graduating two associate degree nursing pro– gram classes each year beginning ill 1965 with its first graduation ceremony for 15 nurses in 1967. Since then, more than 2,283 stu– dents have earned the title of reg– istered nurse to date. MCC's practical nursing pro– gram has also helped keep t he demand for licensed nurses filled by turning out some 1,484 gradu– ates since its beginning in 1963. Following the one-year program, students are eligible for board cer– tification. MCC also offers a third nursing program for those wishing to become nurse assistants. This 14- week prqgram began as a job training program funded by the state, and continues today to pro– duce dozens of assistants each year. Potential nursing students also have other options for fulfilling their career goals at two other community colleges in the area.

.,....,....nment.

shortage of funds, ----==::s,. came an increased need of the non-traditional area community colleges, ae MCC. where ready. e don't have a crystal ball, try to listen to what the cal community is asking for ready when they need it," Kathy Foley, associate degree ursing and health care is still needed and is being provided in a vanety of other community set- !!S." said Shirley Griffin, assis– um t dean ofHealth Programs and program director for MCC's associ– a~ degree nursing program. She ,air these new health care set- ;m;mg instructor.

Student Nursing Certification ... 1996 1997 r May95% Dec. 91% May91% Dec. 93% f Aug. 95.6% Dec. 100% Aug. 88.8% Dec. 95% 90% 73.10% 100% 100% 71% 72% May89% Dec. 85% May86% Dec. 86% Aug. 90.3% Dec. 90.1% Aug. 87.3% Dec. 87.4%

A L. s u V\ s N

Pass Rate

Program

ADN

MCC MCC

PN

ADN

ECCC ECCC EMCC

PN PN

National National

ADN

PN