Laura McElroy knows what it takes to succeed in the medical field. She’s done it.
The current nursing instructor and director witnessed her students graduate with a 100 percent pass rate.
“Our 100 percent pass rate was in December. Those who graduated had a 100 percent pass rate,” said McElroy. “This was after I put in all these things that I wanted to do … supporting them and making sure they had employment and health care and a better support process.”
With recent curriculum changes, the students thrived.
“We changed up the way we taught a little bit with our big curricular changes. And that first cohort passed with a 100 percent pass rate. And our May graduates, we are still waiting on one person, but we are at 100 percent. So, if that one person passes, we will be at 100 percent,” said McElroy. “That is an entire academic year with a 100 percent pass rate.”
The nursing program at Three Rivers College offers two paths to become a registered nurse. Current LPNs and paramedics can advance their career with the RN Bridge program.
Students with minimal or no nursing experience can take the full nursing program. Both paths lead to an Associate of Applied Science degree and the education needed to apply for licensing by examination as a registered nurse, according to the department website.
The department is a two-year program, and it is difficult in today’s economic and corporate climate to find better job security than the medical field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2020 and 2030, there will be a nine percent growth in demand for nurses.
The students’ dedication continues to impress McElroy and her colleagues.
“It is huge for us. I am so proud of how much they have worked, and how much we see great results — not only in our pass rate but we have had an even better retention rate,” said McElroy. “Those who enter the program stay in the program.”
Retaining current students speaks volumes on where the department is headed.
Added McElroy: “They are passionate about what they have chosen to do. Because they chose nursing, I want to stand up and applaud them and support them throughout the entire process.”
Current student enrollment in the program is approximately 140 (“with plans to expand”), including the Sikeston campus.
“All of the instructors in our community facilities, Poplar Bluff Regional and the surrounding hospitals, all support them. It almost takes a village to raise a nurse,” said McElroy. “We all have pitched in to make it better, and I know the students are getting better outcomes. I am so proud of how hard they work. I just want them to know that I see them, I have been there, I have been the struggling nurse, getting through nursing school. We have to be compassionate to the nurses. Health care shouldn’t be punitive anymore; we are teaching nurses to be compassionate to patients.”