Northwest practical nursing program receives scholarship funds from state board

Senatobia, MS (01/11/2018) — The Mississippi Board of Nursing Office of Nursing Workforce (MSBN /ONW) recently awarded scholarship funds through the Northwest Foundation to the Nursing Division and Practical Nursing program at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Northwest received $22, 920 in total, which was distributed evenly between the two programs. According to MSBN/ONW, the funds need to be disseminated by May 1.

According to Dr. Stephanie Mullins, director of Practical Nursing, during the fall semester, scholarship funds were distributed to 16 students who were in their last semester and were graduating in December.

Mullins said that the students each received $100 scholarships to go toward the cost of the Hurst Review course for the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing. "The review is $200 so this helps reduce some of the student out-of-pocket costs," Mullins said.

According to MSBN/ONW, in addition to student scholarships, the funds can be used for a variety of things including faculty professional development.

"By the MSBN/ONW providing these available funds, it speaks volumes to the students and the faculty of the state's support for the nursing profession. We are so thankful to be considered for this generous allocation of funds," Mullins said.

Students receiving scholarships in the fall were Alana Thomas and Robert Franks, both of Oxford, Shelby Lee of Water Valley, Chellsey Lowery of Oxford, Megan Wilson of Water Valley, Amber Aven of Enid, Seanna Kinkade of Hernando, Mary Beth Barnes of Abbeville, Amanda Bonner of Courtland, James Rogers of Houlka, Michaela Harmon of Holly Springs, Kierra Smith of Water Valley, Charlie Tramel of Batesville, Jennifer Myers of Winona, Carli Myers of Holcomb and Courtney Walsch of Batesville.

The Practical Nursing Program prepares an individual for general nursing care. This care requires basic knowledge of the biological, physical, behavioral, psychological,

and sociological sciences. This nursing care is provided under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, or dentist. Graduates of the program receive a career certificate and meet the requirements for application to the Mississippi Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure.

For more information on Northwest's Practical Nursing program, contact Mullins at smullins@northwestms.edu or visit the college's website at northwestms.edu.

Pictured: These recent graduates of the Northwest Mississippi Community College Practical Nursing program received cash scholarships from the Mississippi Board of Nursing Office of Nursing Workforce (MSBN/ONW). Front row (l-r) are Alana Thomas and Robert Franks, both of Oxford, Shelby Lee of Water Valley, Chellsey Lowery of Oxford and Megan Wilson of Water Valley. Second row (l-r) Amber Aven of Enid, Seanna Kinkade of Hernando, Mary Beth Barnes of Abbeville and Amanda Bonner of Courtland. Third row (l-r) James Rogers of Houlka, Michaela Harmon of Holly Springs, Kierra Smith of Water Valley, Charlie Tramel of Batesville, Jennifer Myers of Winona, Carli Myers of Holcomb and Courtney Walsch of Batesville. (Photo submitted)