Students enrolled in the Associate Degree Nursing program at Somerset Community College are getting ready to leave the classroom and enter the workforce.

New graduates, now Registered Nurses, include: front (left to right): Tammy Dishman, Monticello; Kayla Felton, Barbourville; Brooke Denney, Nancy; Chris Wagers, London; Tonya Crabtree, Pine Knot; Chelsea Patrick, Whitley City; and Jamie Kennedy, Somerset.

Middle row (left to right): Regina Davis, Lancaster; Nicole Merrill, Hinkle; Leighanne LeQuire, Baxter; Casey Gadberry, Columbia; Melissa Smith, Jamestown; and Maria White, Albany.

Back row (left to right): Tiffany Gross, Livingston; Carrie Perry, Stearns; Stacey Wooldridge, Russell Springs; Janet Koger, Pall Mall, TN; Leanna Mink-Farmer, Eubank; Madison Brooking, Albany; and Danielle Kerekes, Knifley.

The Associate Degree Nursing program at SCC prepares graduates to use their skill and knowledge to fulfill the role of the nurse: enhance human flourishing, demonstrate sound nursing judgment, continually develop professional identity and possess a spirit of inquiry to improve the quality of patient care. Encompassed within these roles are the core components of context and environment, knowledge and science, personal/professional development, quality and safety, relationship-centered care, and teamwork. These core components are introduced, developed and built upon through the curriculum of the program. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).