Nurses Week is May 6-12
Posted on: May, 7, 2025
“As we celebrate National Nurses Week, I would like to extend sincere gratitude on behalf of Grays Harbor College to the incredible Nursing alumni who serve our community, to the students striving to join their ranks, and to the educators who so skillfully prepare them,” said GHC President Dr. Carli Schiffner. “Together with our local hospitals and healthcare facilities, you form the foundation of compassionate, skilled care that supports the health and well-being of our region."
GHC’s Nursing program is led by Associate Dean of Nursing Carol O’Neal. Throughout her career, O’Neal estimates that she has trained approximately 700 nurses, including three of GHC’s Nursing instructors. In 2024, 100% of GHC’s Nursing graduates were employed as registered nurses within six months, with many choosing to work in facilities throughout Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.
GHC offers two associate degree options in Nursing for individuals who wish to become licensed as a registered nurse. The Associate in Pre-Nursing is designed for students who wish to complete pre-requisites and transfer to a university to earn their bachelor's degree.
The second option, GHC’s Associate in Nursing, can streamline the academic progression for Nursing students seeking a bachelor's degree after licensure. Most students take a year of admission and support courses prior to entry to this two-year program. Upon successful completion of the Associate in Nursing, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for licensure as a registered nurse.
GHC’s Nursing program and its instructors provide a top-tier education with a broad range of experience in the classroom and at local healthcare facilities, including Harbor Regional Health, Summit Pacific Medical Center, Western State Hospital, and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.
In addition to classroom instruction and hands-on experience in the field, GHC’s Nursing students have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art technology in GHC’s Simulation Lab. Last fall, GHC’s Nursing Simulation Lab was one of four Nursing programs in the state of Washington to earn a prestigious endorsement from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). According to O’Neal, GHC Nursing Instructor Monica Todd, RN MN, played an integral role in the designation. Todd is a Certified Nurse Educator and Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator.
GHC’s Nursing students are also able to gain experience by providing services that address critical needs in the community. For example, in 2020, GHC’s Nursing students administered more than 4,000 Covid-19 vaccines at mass vaccination clinics in Grays Harbor. This kind of hands-on experience not only benefits the community, but it also prepares Nursing students with the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to provide high-quality patient care.
Considering a Career in Nursing?
Join us for a Nursing advising session on May 12 at 12:30 pm in room 4146. After the advising session, celebrate Nurses Week from 1:30-3:00 pm with games, food, and prizes in the 4000 building! For more information, contact Karen Carriker at karen.carriker@ghc.edu.