Each year, the Spring Nurses’ Pinning ceremonies are two of the college’s premier events. Students, faculty and staff of the respective programs attended ceremonies at the college’s Lake of the Ozarks location and Main Campus.
“The Columbia College nursing students have endured not only the pandemic, but effectively balanced their work and life schedules, and sacrificed time with their families while attending the nursing program,” says Dr. Corrine Floyd, director & chair of Nursing.
At the Lake of the Ozarks location, 14 graduates completed Associate of Science in Nursing degrees with everyone accepting a job immediately after graduation. The newly minted alumni are now serving at numerous medical centers, including Mercy Hospital, MU Health Care University Hospital, Boone Health, Capital Region Medical Center and Lake Regional Hospital.
To become a nurse is life-changing. The process to reach that milestone and take the NCLEX-RN is like climbing a mountain.
— Dr. Corrine Floyd, Director & Chair of Nursing
Additionally, more than 50 students graduated from the college’s Day Program in Columbia, with 25 associates degrees and 26 bachelor’s degrees. With a 91-percent pass rate for ASN graduates in December 2020, the program’s alumni continue to test above the national average on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
“Each nursing student has their own story and not only survive their struggles, but share support and promote each other’s progression and success,” Floyd says. “To be a nurse takes competence, grit and perseverance, but it also takes compassion and a nurturing disposition to put our patients first. We are very proud of our nursing students and celebrate their success and drive to become a nurse. It brings us joy to play a part in their journey.”
