FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC 2007 PRACTICAL NURSES ALL PASS STATE BOARD EXAMS

DANVILLE, VA., April 23, 2008 -- There’s good reason to celebrate at Danville Community College -- the 2007 Practical Nursing Class had

a 100-percent pass rate on their state board exams. What’s more -- all of the new graduates have been offered jobs and are working in the nursing field.  

Tammy McKinney, Associate Professor of Practical Nursing, said the graduates concluded studies this past December, and that they recently took the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), administered by the Virginia Board of Nursing.  All are working in the DCC service region of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County. Of the 21 students, nine received associate in applied science degrees with a practical nursing specialization. The others received certificates in practical nursing. All are now licensed practical nurses. 

“(This) was a unique group of individuals. The class was diverse in many ways, and it included the first mother and daughter to complete the program at the same time,” McKinney says. “While all nursing classes seem to have a strong camaraderie, this class, in particular, was even stronger. They also took advantage of study groups to help each other.

McKinney added that despite their demanding school schedules, class members were extremely active in the community. 

“They participated in numerous health fairs, with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree, and many assisted in an event that raised more than $5,000 for the Danville Cancer Association,” McKinney explains. “The Class of 2007 has felt a sense of responsibility to give to their communities. I am proud of them.”

DCC offers two options for practical nursing studies – an Associate of Applied Science Degree (two-year) in Health Science with a practical nursing specialization, and a certificate (one year) in practical nursing. They are both rigorous programs designed to prepare graduates with the skills and knowledge to care for clients of all age groups. Graduates of these curricula have employment opportunities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, childcare centers, Civil Service, doctors’ offices, industries and private duty nursing. 

In addition to McKinney, other program instructors include: Bonnie Cooley, Cathy Barrett, Luci Satterfield and Pam Cornell. For more information about the Practical Nursing program, contact 434.797.8512, or click here.