SCC associate-degree nursing class leaves legacy | Business

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The recent graduates of SCC’s Associate Degree Nursing class are very aware of the commitment involved in reaching their career goals, both academically and financially. The stressful journey involves three years of studies and even though SCC makes education affordable, the cost can be a burden for some. Nursing students have costs affiliated with their program above and beyond tuition and fees. The cost of uniforms, equipment and travel required for their clinicals can strain the budget. At the culmination of the program, SCC nursing students sit for the NCLEX, the state board accrediting test for nurses. The fee for this test is $200.

Traditionally, each nursing class takes on a fundraising project to help with a special cause. This year, the nursing class decided to create a fund to help the students who follow in their footsteps.

“It has come to the attention of our class that a number of students struggled to pay the fee to sit for the NCLEX this year. In addition to the $200 fee, there are fees for background checks and fingerprinting. It all adds up, during a very high-stress time for graduates,” stated Class of 2012 President Wes Gray. “Our class would like to help alleviate some of this financial burden by awarding small grants to pay for the NCLEX.”

Gray was the recipient of the Dr. John F. Munroe Medical Scholarship while he was in the program.

“What a relief it was for me to know that I had a benefactor who was invested in my success. I encourage others to fund scholarships through the SCC Foundation,” he said.

Class Treasurer Amber Grainger, who delivered the $1,154.50 to the Foundation, said, “I passed the state board exam and will begin my career as a nurse at Columbus Regional Healthcare System on July 2. I am so excited! Our class wants to ensure that the next class of ADNs will have the testing funds available so that they do not have to postpone their careers,” she stated. Grainger qualified for a Foundation Grant while completing her degree.

A recent campaign honoring nurses featured Gray and other Southeastern alumni. Donors were prompted to send a contribution in honor of a nurse who was special in their lives.

“The campaign continues,” stated Sue Hawks, executive dean of institutional advancement. “If nursing students can find a way to contribute for the benefit of other students, then surely our private donors could meet their challenge,” she stated.

To create a SCC Scholarship or to make a donation to the SCC Foundation, contact the Foundation by calling Sue Hawks at (910) 642-7141, ext. 320, via email at shawks@sccnc.edu or at P.O. Box 151, Whiteville, NC 28472. Visa and Mastercard are accepted by the Foundation. Contributions to the SCC Foundation are tax-deductible as allowed by law.