DANVILLE, Va. (May 27, 2010) - Danville Regional Medical Center’s School of Health Professions Nursing Program will graduate 27 students on Friday, June 4th at 7 p.m. Various achievement awards will be given, and Dr. Frank Campbell, chair of the Danville Regional Advisory Board, will offer the keynote address for the ceremony. The ceremony will be held at Faith Memorial Baptist Church.
Danville Regional’s Nursing Program is one of the oldest (opened in 1898) in the state of Virginia and is unique in that it is operated by the hospital. Students benefit from excellence in the classroom and in a wide variety of clinical settings.
“We are extremely proud of this graduating class,” said Kamela Deel, Director of the Nursing Program. “These 27 students have worked very hard individually and as a team. They have put in long hours studying, practicing in our simulation lab for real-world scenarios and working with patients during clinical experiences. They have put forth the effort and determination to make a difference in the provision of patient care.”
Nikki Parrish is a graduating student who will join the DRMC nursing staff June 21st. Nikki chose Danville Regional’s Nursing Program because she wanted to attend a school in her community, and the 97% pass rate on state boards was also very convincing in helping make her decision. The mom of four children lived in England and also worked as a travel agent before deciding to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a registered nurse.
“I gained a wealth of knowledge, experience and lifelong friendships during nursing school,” said Nikki. “The discipline and attention to detail that was required during school has helped me to acquire the high standards necessary for patient care, and I will carry that knowledge with me for life.”
Many of the students pursued nursing school soon after graduating from high school, but many others attended after having other careers. Many students overcame challenges such as balancing family and work life to attend, with one student even commuting more than 50 miles to school from Durham.
“We are so proud of these dedicated students,” said Eric Deaton, CEO of Danville Regional. “I am confident that these new nurses have received top-notch training here at Danville Regional. They are now prepared to serve the community with the solid foundation of skills obtained at Danville Regional’s School of Nursing.”
Danville Regional is the leading medical center in the Dan River Region of Virginia and North Carolina, providing open heart surgery and advanced cancer treatment. Approximately 140 physicians are on the medical staff. The medical center employs approximately 1,200 people.
