Submitted by South Puget Sound Community College
The 37 students graduating from the South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) nursing program are group of students who proved their flexibility and desire to persevere. Graduating during a pandemic is stressful for all students, but for those enrolled in hands-on programs—like nursing—restrictions on public gatherings meant requirements for in-person learning had to be approached in a new way.
In Winter Quarter, associate dean of nursing Marriya Wright and nursing faculty adapted curriculum for the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order while making sure students met program outcomes. Theory curriculum moved online and SPSCC received approval from the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission to use a simulation program in place of clinical hours so students could still graduate on time.
These 37 students have proven they’re able to adapt to challenges quickly and embrace new methods of learning, two things that will serve them well as they prepare to enter the healthcare field.
“There will be challenges ahead for these students as the CDC and Department of Health guidelines continue to shift, but our students have been well prepared on how to be life-long learners who practice from an evidence based framework,” said Wright.
SPSCC is celebrating the 2020 nursing graduates in a drive-up pinning ceremony and in-car parade on Friday, June 19, at 11 a.m. Graduates of the program will drive through the loop outside the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center and will receive their pins through their car windows. Guests are welcome to attend, but should wear a face covering while on campus, stay in designated areas with members of their household, and park in a lot along the parade route (parking lots M, upper K, H, E, or D), leaving one parking space between themselves and other guests.
