U of A Hope Practical Nursing Program has Strong Enrollment for 2014

The Practical Nursing Program at the U of A Hope and Texarkana campuses has experienced a strong enrollment for this class which began in July of 2014.  The nursing program recently meet to elect class officers and plan activities for the semester.  Each year these students are not only active in the classroom but are also active in the community helping at events which include the Hempstead County Health H.O.P. E. Coalition/Health Family Expo and serving at the Arkansas Economic Development Commissioners dinner, and checking vital signs on campus for employees and students.

The 2014-2015 Practical Nursing officers are President Ashley Berry, Vice President, Terry Pearson, Secretary Deana Hamrick, Treasurer Traci Rogers, Historians Alyssa and Marissa Jones.

The Practical Nursing President-elect, Ashley Berry is a 2007 Gurdon High School graduate who hopes to someday use her nursing skills on the mission field.  She has been a Certified Nursing Assistant for 5 years.  Ashley currently works at Wadley Hope as a CNA in the behavior unit. Ashley describes herself as a Hope Farm Girl with a life motto of “putting others before yourself.” Ms. Berry wants to be a nurse because she believes that a big smile and positive attitude can make the biggest difference in the world to someone who sick.

Recently, the Practical Nursing Students participated in the first annual White Coat Ceremony. This ceremony is a recognition of all they have accomplished so far and signifies they are ready to begin caring for patients in the health care setting. Students are now active in 5 area nursing homes for their beginning clinical experiences.

This group will assist with a community car wash on September 20^th, UACCH Employee Health Fair, Hempstead County Mass Flu Clinic, and will be preparing for state wide nursing competitions held again this year in Hempstead Hall on April 12 & 13, 2014.

Please help the U of A Hope congratulate these students on a job well done and encourage them as they continue on the journey of completing this level of their higher education.