62 Students Complete SDAP III on January 29, 2010

The Second Degree Accelerated Program (SDAP) completion ceremony will be held on January, 29, 2010. This celebration marks the third and largest SDAP class to complete the rigorous 13-month program.

Awards to be presented at the celebration include the SDAP alumni grant, the classmate- nominated Lamp Award and Inspiration Award, and the faculty-nominated Clinical Excellence Award. Two members of this 2009-10 class will be awarded commissions as officers in active military service: Cassandra Wilkin in the United States Army and Derek Harris in the United States Air Force.

“Working with this group of students has been very rewarding not only to me, but to each of the SDAP faculty,” says Barbara Potts, M.Ed, BSN, RN, CCRN, Program Coordinator, Second Degree Accelerated Program.

Carrie Brady already had a challenging career practicing law for four years, but it wasn’t meaningful or inspiring to her.

“I wanted to have an impact, in a more immediate way, on someone’s life. After researching career options, it became obvious that nursing would be a good fit,” says Brady. “From the day I met my first patient, a sweet 76-year-old man, I knew it was the right decision.”

Brady’s favorite patient population is geriatrics, so after a few years in med-surg, she may enter cardiac or hospice care. Someday, she hopes to find a position that combines nursing and law, such as a leadership role within a hospital.

“The SDAP instructors are fantastic and I feel well-prepared to be a nurse,” Brady says. “After 13 months of so much togetherness, I will miss my classmates the most. It will be strange when we go our separate ways. I guess I’ll have to spend more time on Facebook to keep up with everyone,” adds Brady. “Thanks to my husband for all of his support and encouragement, and best of luck to my fellow SDAP classmates!”

Scott Elder came to nursing following an exciting eight-year career in human resources, which included business travel across the U.S. and to Europe, and a couple years of consulting from home.

“I had the great fortune to be downsized from a job. I took some time to reflect on what I was giving to and getting from the world, and things were certainly out of balance. I had unused skills and abilities, and didn't have a sense of fulfillment in my work. That led me to some soul-searching and career exploration, which (to no one's surprise) led me to nursing. About half my family is in the field, so I guess I couldn't have escaped it anyway,” says Elder.

Elder chose MCCN “because it has a great reputation in the community for turning out superior nurses who are focused on the holistic view of the patient beyond her/his clinical situation.” Elder appreciates the SDAP instructors for helping the students succeed, as well as “the relationships forged with other students that made all the difference in getting through the tougher times.”

After completion, Elder plans to take a relaxing trip somewhere warm, pass the NCLEX, then hopefully land a job either at Nationwide Children's or in a NICU here in Columbus. “Since this is a complete career change, I'm not entirely sure where my path leads, but I'm currently contemplating PNP/FNP, CRNA and academia. For now, I'd like to get a bit of experience in the ‘real’ world and I'm sure I'll be directed where I'm needed.”

Jay King enjoys helping and teaching people and believes nurses have a variety of ways to serve in these capacities. “The schedule also appeals to my outdoor hobbies. My previous degree was B.S. in Education for Recreation and Tourism. I taught Environmental Education and led outdoor adventure trips,” says King.

Long-range career goals include an interest in flight nursing, volunteering abroad and perhaps teaching. “With so many interests, I'll be content with whatever happens,” King says.

“The SDAP is a very intense, but manageable program. Prior to this program, I knew only a couple of teachers on a first name basis, but here at MCCN that was very common. The instructors have a challenging workload and pull it off in style,” says King. “I'm going to miss seeing my classmates as often as I do now. We've spent a lot time learning and growing together.”

Following completion, King plans to “relax, pass the boards and find a job—probably in that order. Best of luck to my fellow classmates with after-SDAP life! Thanks to all the wonderful instructors who helped guide a new group of people into a timeless profession.”

Cassie Wilkin has been accepted as a second lieutenant (2LT) in the United States Army. In May, she will travel to San Antonio, Texas, for a nine-week Officer Training Course, and then will move to Landstuhl, Germany, for three years. Landstuhl is the first treatment center for wounded soldiers coming out of Afghanistan, Iraq, etc.

Prior to enrolling in the SDAP, Wilkin worked as the administrator of a pediatric practice here in Columbus. “I returned to school for nursing so that at the end of the day, I felt that I made a difference; that I did more than earn another dollar. This is the entire reason that I decided to join the U.S. Army RN Corps. I cannot do what these soldiers do, but I can serve and care for them,” says Wilkin.

“At this point, I want to gain as much knowledge and experience as I can in the medical field, but my long-term career goals will always include making a difference and improving the lives of others.”

Wilkin calls the MCCN SDAP “a great program with a dedicated staff.” She will miss most the Cheesy Rounds for breakfast from the MCW cafeteria (“Ya gotta try them!”). Carpenito will be missed the least. “Thanks to everyone in SDAP III for an amazing 13 months, and to the professors who helped us through.”