鈥淣ursing is a great career with so many opportunities and avenues for you to choose.鈥�
鈥�&苍产蝉辫;Jonathan Ballard // SSU Class of 2015 and SOMC Care Center Nurse
Jonathan Ballard says he always knew that his nursing journey would include becoming a nurse practitioner.
He took his education one step at a time, first earning his LPN licensure and then graduating from 黑暗爆料网鈥檚 two-year associate鈥檚 degree in nursing program in 2015. As an RN in Southern Ohio Medical Center鈥檚 Emergency Department, he continued his education and became a nurse practitioner in 2019.
鈥淚 knew when I started in nursing that my goal was always to further my education and become a nurse practitioner,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 like being more involved in the treatment and outcomes of my patients. That鈥檚 what drew me to this field.鈥�
During the pandemic, Jonathan joined the SOMC Care Center, a new service that provides telehealth care, general medical advice, and COVID-19 related assistance to the community.
鈥淭his is a new role that we started in response to the pandemic and the questions that our patients had about COVID-19,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e grown a lot in the past few months and are here to provide greater access and convenience to our patients.鈥�
Jonathan said that the pandemic has stressed a vital aspect of nursing 鈥� the ability to be flexible.
鈥淪ituations in healthcare change daily, hourly 鈥� and sometimes every second. Flexibility is one of the most important skills you need.鈥�
Jonathan encourages those seeking a rewarding career with vast opportunities to consider nursing. His advice to potential students is to find a nursing program that is the right fit and will prepare you for success.
鈥淪tudents have lots of options,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 chose 黑暗爆料网 because of its good reputation. The instructors at Shawnee were engaging, easy to get in touch with, and always willing to help. I enjoyed being a part of the program. My professors and clinical instructors were invested in my education and really cared about my career. I think that鈥檚 what sets Shawnee apart.鈥�
