Nursing faculty and staff praised by HCTC successful graduate

The nursing faculty at Hazard Community and Technical College gets high marks for their ability to teach; Christie Wooton is one who sings their praises. My experience at HCTC was a rewarding one and made my transition from a high school to college student easier. Unlike many students, I didn't have to deal with the stresses of relocating and becoming adjusted to a new area. I was able to obtain a degree of my interest and still remain close to home, she said.

Ms. Wooton said HCTC adequately prepared her at the beginning of her nursing profession. Once I graduated and started my first nursing job, I felt I had been given a broad foundation of knowledge and skills to build upon, she said.

The faculty at HCTC were great. I encountered so many great individuals who were very supportive and helpful. The nursing staff invested a lot in the students and were always willing to offer an extended hand of help, she said.

Ms. Wooton graduated from HCTC in 2006 with an associate in applied science degree in Nursing and an associate in science degree. She works as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Kentucky Primary Medical Services in Hazard, a fairly new family-centered clinic located on Roy Campbell Drive. She also occasionally works for Quantum Healthcare as a hospitalist in acute care at Hazard ARH.

Following completion of her Registered Nursing (RN) degree, she worked at Hazard ARH on the telemetry unit and ICU/CCU. She later worked as an acute dialysis nurse.

She was able to obtain her bachelor s degree through EKU at the University Center of the Mountains in Hazard in 2008. It was great to be able to pursue and complete my four-year degree and still reside in my hometown while I worked as a RN. Following my bachelor s degree, she later applied for the master s program at Lincoln Memorial University. She graduated with this degree in December of 2011. She has considered continuing for a doctorate in nursing.

Ms. Wooton encourages others to work on their education, reminding them it isn t always easy. It was sometimes difficult to manage class, clinicals, a job, and everyday stresses of life. Completing my master s degree was probably the most difficult because by this time in my life I had my son, Dathan Tate. I also was required to drive to Harrogate, TN once a week, sometimes Knoxville, TN, for class. Luckily I was able to complete my clinicals within the area which I reside. Without great family support and the grace of God, I'm still not really sure it all would have been possible, she said.

Christie Wooton lives in Hazard. I have always resided in the surrounding area. While I admit it may be nice to see and experience the world, this is home for me. I'm proud to be able to serve in an area with people I know, she said.

Interested in becoming the next HCTC success story? Visit Hazard.KCTCS.edu and learn about enrolling at the website.