SOUTH HOLLAND, IL– As the South Suburban College (SSC) Nursing Class of 2020 began their journey in August full of excitement and anticipation, the most recent graduates proudly achieved a 100% pass rate on the daunting NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) for registered nurses. NCLEX is a standardized exam that each state board of nursing uses to determine whether or not a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice. SSC’s recent graduate success is the culmination of four consecutive years above the annual national average pass rates for an average of 94% since the program reopened in 2013.
South Holland resident Catherine Newport, 31, was one of the 2018 graduates. She is a wife and mom of two boys, and worked a full-time night shift while earning her Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at SSC. “I had a few personal struggles during my nursing education, but every single instructor I had was very supportive and willing to work with me,” said Newport. “Passing the NCLEX was surreal – immediately after finishing I remember thinking it was two years of the toughest program for a 35-minute test, but when I got my pass I was elated!”
Just two weeks after graduation Newport embarked on her nursing career at Community Hospital in Munster, IN, on a cardiovascular outpatient floor. “My clinical experience through SSC along with working as a PCT at Rush in the cardiac intensive care unit prepared me well for the workforce,” added Newport. “SSC’s program also showed me how independent and self-motivated I can be. But honestly, nothing fully prepares you for stepping on that nursing unit for the first time with people’s lives in your hands!”
The SSC Nursing Program has undergone a major transformation over the past five years, from revitalizing curriculum to providing innovative new student support systems and cutting-edge technology.
“New students are realizing the benefits of small class sizes and a student-centered approach,” said Dr. Lynette D. Stokes, SSC President. “While the smaller numbers are beneficial to student development and more one-on-one student-teacher instruction, we are really looking forward to growing the program and continuing to support our Nursing students in every way possible in the years to come.”
Immediate growth includes hiring two new full-time faculty and a lab supervisor, said Dr. Stokes. The faculty also look forward to the arrival of their newest acquisition—Victoria—a high fidelity birthing simulator. Long-term, the college is working to increase awareness to expand the Nursing student population with an eye toward a state-of-the-art Allied Health & Nursing Center, which is in the planning and development stage for the college’s Main Campus in South Holland.
The SSC Nursing Program is approved by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations (IDFPR) and the college is accredited by the North Central Higher Learning Commission (HLC), both critical components to proper credentialing and certification upon graduation. For more information about enrolling in the SSC Nursing Program at SSC, please call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2260. For information about the SSC Nursing job postings, please visit www.ssc.edu.
