LCC Nursing Program Honors Graduates

Lamar Community College Associate of Applied Science in Nursing/Registered Nurse graduates celebrate at a reception after finals. (front row – L-R) Isa Paulsen, Karleen Day, Morgan Bennett, Alyssa Hadley, Jessica Brown, Iliana Zavala; (back row) Mandy Jointer, Peg McDougal, Riki Cordova, LaDonna VanMetre, Sharon Hinz.

(Lamar, Colorado, May 17, 2012)  Lamar Community College Nursing faculty and staff hosted a reception for Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing graduates on Monday, April 30 in lieu of the program’s official nursing pinning originally scheduled for the evening of Saturday, April 28.

“Our Nursing faculty and I heartily believe that our second level nursing students should celebrate their considerable achievements,” explained Sandy Summers, director of LCC’s Nursing program and LCC’s Career & Technical Education dean. “While a few students were unable to attend, we wanted to honor our students’ dedication and hard work.”

All LCC Commencement activities were cancelled on Friday, April 27 due to the power outage to Lamar and surrounding areas.   Graduates received LCC nursing pins at the event. The reception also included recognition of students who achieved awards in Academic Excellence (nursing GPA of 3.5 or higher) and Academic Achievement, noting a nursing GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Students and faculty also honored Mary Lou Myers, Nursing admissions coordinator, who has assisted the nursing program since 1991.  Mary Lou will officially retire on July 1 and will return to LCC on a part-time basis.  Mary Lou’s contributions to the nursing program and to the college have been significant.

“We are also excited that two of our students, Morgan Bennett and Natalia Mayo, will receive their Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees in August through our partnership with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).  This progress will assist with Colorado’s response to a challenge by the Institute of Medicine for 80% of all practicing nurses to hold BSNs by 2020.  Six additional AAS in Nursing graduates are currently completing their BSNs.

AAS in Nursing (Level II) graduates include Morgan Bennett*, Class President; Jessica Brown*; Haley Choat; Riki Cordova*; Abbey Cox**; Karleen Day; Christine Gottschling*; Alyssa Hadley*; Casie Hawkins*; Sharon Hinz*, class secretary; Viet Huynh*; Mandy Joiner*; Michelle Langley*; Duane Leroux*, class vice president; Shone Mathew*; Natalia Mayo; Peg McDougal*; Emily Meyers; Louisa Meyers*; Elisabeth Paulsen*, Class Historian; Carma Smith; LaDonna VanMetre*; and Iliana Zavala.  **Cumulative nursing GPA 3.5 or above;*cumulative nursing GPA 3.0 to 3.49.

Most Level I Nursing students are currently completing a NUR 169 – Transition into Practical Nursing course and will have a practical nursing pinning event on June 1.  Level I graduates include Margaret Ausbun*, Megan Ausbun*, Brian Chavez; Misti Colgin**; Sally Cordova*; Jada Crapo; Jeff Foster*, vice president; Cassie Frey; Travis Frost; Shandra Herrera**; Briana Kent*; Courtney Klotz*; Spencer Nee*; Janee Postma*; Julia Tidswell**, class president; and Mary Tramp.

Three Level I students will begin their BSNs concurrently with UCCS this summer.   AAS graduates are now eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), the national exam that confirms competency for RN licensure.

For three years in a row, LCC graduates have surpassed on national NCLEX pass rates.  In example, LCC graduates exceeded the national average (87.49%) with a pass rate of 92.31% in 2011. The Lamar Community College Nursing Program is accredited through the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) and is a state-approved nursing program. For more information, contact Nursing at 719.336.1594 or nursing@lamarcc.edu.

Photo: Lamar Community College Associate of Applied Science in Nursing/Registered Nurse graduates celebrate at a reception after finals.  (front row – L-R)  Isa Paulsen, Karleen Day, Morgan Bennett, Alyssa Hadley, Jessica Brown, Iliana Zavala; (back row)  Mandy Jointer, Peg McDougal, Riki Cordova, LaDonna VanMetre, Sharon Hinz.