It was not an easy road for many students in the LPN-to-RN program at Pueblo Community College, but when they walked across the stage Friday evening for their pinning ceremony, it was with heads high and confidence brimming – and plenty of tears to go around.
The program trains students to move from licensed practical nurses to registered nurses. It almost didn’t happen because of “complications,” the students said, but eventually came together through combined efforts of staff members and students.
“We’re very, very grateful for all their hard work,” said student Courtney Taber. “We all had a great time, we became a family together, and we have learned so much.”
Family, friends and PCC faculty members gathered at the Arriola Bible Church to listen to instructors and students speak about the crew’s journey and the path ahead.
This was the first LPN-to-RN class at the college, and it began in January. Most of the students were also part of the first LPN cohort at PCC, graduating from the program in May 2018, according to Shannon Livick, special assistant to the executive dean at PCC.
All graduates worked during their studies, a few gave birth in the middle of the program, and others had to commute a great distance to attend class.
“I work full time 40 hours a week, and I’m a single mom,” said student Kassidy Milligan. “So trying to fit school into all of that was extremely difficult. I was very grateful for them making it a part-time program so that I could attend and still provide for me and my daughter.”
Taber was one of the student speakers, and she gave her classmates rules to live by as they go forward in their career.
“Listen to your heart, your head, and your intuition,” she said. “And speak up if something doesn’t feel right.”
ealvero@the-journal.com