COMMUNITY COLLEGE MONTH SPOTLIGHT: Wallace State Nursing Program prepares alumna for real-world experience, successful career
HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Josie Jones, of Oneonta, began her nursing journey at Wallace State in 2008. She now serves as regional director of nursing over eight nursing homes. When it came to selecting the right school for her, the 2011 graduate of WSCC said it was easy because Wallace State was well-known for its nursing program and it was close to her home.
“I wanted to gain a good education that would provide me with a good and rewarding career,” said Jones, a 2008 graduate of J.B. Pennington High School. “My expectations were met and I find nursing to be very rewarding because I get to help people on a daily basis.”
Jones stated that she felt attending Wallace State helped prepare her when it came to looking for work.
“I believe having a degree from Wallace State helped me because it is such a well-known school,” Jones said.
While attending Wallace State she worked as a work-study and said that her mentors were supportive and full of encouragement. Jones also received The Florence Nightingale Award while attending Wallace State. The Florence Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing recognizes outstanding nurses who go above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care.
“By receiving this award I felt that all my hard work and dedication had paid off,” Jones said.
Since graduation Jones has worked in a variety of nursing settings such as a nursing home, a hospital, and in assisted living. She’s been promoted from director of nursing of an assisted living facility to her current position as regional director of nursing over eight assisted living communities with Cleveland Senior Living. She is currently on maternity leave after giving birth to her first son on March 31.
“I feel like Wallace State helped me to be prepared for each of these settings and how to be professional,” Jones said.
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
Wallace State is celebrating Community College Month during April. Please visit www.wsccalumni.org/ccmonth20 for more information.