Somerset Community College nursing student awarded $1000 scholarship

Somerset Community College nursing student Josette Pitman was awarded a scholarship worth $1000 by the Scholarship Selection Committee of the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association earlier this month.

The Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association has been awarding annual scholarships to deserving undergraduate nursing students since its inception in 1969, with the goal of assisting them in finishing their education.

In an article on Somerset Community College’s website, Marilyn Crabtree, ADN nursing faculty, spoke highly of Josette, saying, "It has been my privilege to work with Josette both in the clinical and classroom setting. She is an excellent student, but more importantly, she is always willing to work with her fellow students to help ensure their success. She provided compassionate care for each of her patients, would complete her tasks, and then help other students in her clinical group complete theirs. I was so impressed with her motivational drive that I did not hesitate to nominate her for the National Student Nurses Association scholarship. I am thrilled that she won!"

Pittman is a current member of Somerset Community College’s Honors Program, the vice president of Leadership of Omicron Zeta, which is the school’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, and an SCC Ambassador.

Once she completes her ADN program at SCC, Pittman plans to begin working as a Registered Nurse locally in a psychiatric setting. She also plans to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at U of L or UK while working. She also spoke of her long-term goals to earn a Master’s of Science in Nursing, saying, "Long term, I hope to complete my educational journey as a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.”

Pittman also spoke highly of her time at Somerset, saying, "My experience at SCC has been encouraging and uplifting. My first-year instructors have never failed to show support and celebrate success for every student in my cohort. I cannot sing them enough praises." 

She also expressed her appreciation of her scholarship award, saying, "I’m excited to have been chosen for this award because financial barriers are the largest factor in my continued education. It is the inability to pay for tuition, lab supplies, and books that elicit the most fear of not reaching my goals. This scholarship is a much needed and appreciated contribution to my search for success as a nursing student."

More information about Somerset Community College can be found at the school’s website.