Public Relations

‘Great students, staff add up to great results,’
says Director of Nursing Education

           BENTONVILLE (Friday, Dec. 7, 2007) – Nursing is one of the most rigorous programs offered at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, Director of Nursing Education Elaine Holloway said this week.

            “Students know coming in that they will be expected to work hard; harder than anything they’ve ever done,” she said. “They become expert at prioritizing and time management. From the onset, our goal, as a faculty, is to prepare the nursing graduates to pass the NCLEX.”

            Commenting on the success of the program, Holloway said the selection process is extremely competitive.

            “Last year, we had 238 applicants for 70 slots – 30 in the Access Nursing accelerated track which begins each summer and 40 in the Traditional Track which begins each fall,” she said. “Once a student is selected, the competition is over and his or her focus is working to become the best nurse.”

            “We want our graduates to be able to give the best care possible to patients and families for the rest of his or her nursing career,” she said.

            NWACC students exceed state and national averages because they are dedicated and determined, she said.

            “In many cases, the students in our program have known for years that nursing is what they want to do,” Holloway said. “They’ve planned and organized their lives around attending nursing school. They’ve been counseled as to the demands of the program and how they may have to make changes in their personal lives in order to achieve their dream.”

            She said NWACC is also fortunate to have a dedicated, enthusiastic nursing faculty with many years of varied experiences in nursing.

            “Our faculty have ‘been there and done that’ in the real world of nursing,” she said. “We’re conscientious about staying up to date on innovations, new drugs, and the latest in technology.”

            NWACC students go through the two-year program as a cohort and she said that contributes to their success.

            “We get to know our students and let them know that we genuinely want them to succeed,” Holloway said. “We encourage them and hear them out, whether they’re struggling with the demands of school or when they share their patient-care experiences. We constantly strive to facilitate learning.”

            For questions/comments on this content, please contact jhall@nwacc.edu