Danville, VA — Stephanie Totten was first pinned as the 1,000th Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) graduate of DCC in 2003 and now, 21 years later, she has graduated as a Registered Nurse (RN), showcasing the transformative power of education and the strength of the DCC community.
Reflecting on her journey, Stephanie shared her thoughts about DCC: “DCC has been a great place for me to receive my education as an LPN and also as an RN transition student. Even though the two programs were 21 years apart, I have constantly been encouraged and felt as though the nursing instructors were very supportive. The small class sizes were also very beneficial.”
Stephanie’s path to success began when she first chose DCC as the place to pursue her LPN credential. As a young mother with a two-year-old son, Stephanie needed a program that would allow her to balance her aspirations for a better life with her family responsibilities.
“At the time that I completed my LPN, I had been a CNA for about three years. I knew that nursing was definitely the field I wanted to pursue. I could do the program locally, be with my son, have the support of family nearby, and it was very cost-effective. I finished the LPN program with no student loan debt.”
Throughout her time at DCC, Stephanie experienced unwavering support from the nursing faculty and staff.
“The staff and instructors at DCC have always been very helpful. They have encouraged, supported, and ensured that my classmates and I would be the best nurses possible. There were several times I thought I would never make it through the RN program. However, with the support and ‘push’ from a very special staff instructor, I was able to complete it.”
For Stephanie, DCC has been more than a college; it has been a cornerstone of her success.
“DCC to me is not just a community college. It’s a place close to home that has provided me the education and training I needed to be successful in my nursing career and to provide a better life for my family.”
Dr. Jim Emerson, DCC’s Nursing Program Director, highlighted the significance of Stephanie’s story: “Stephanie’s journey reflects the heart of what we strive for at DCC—to offer accessible, high-quality education that transforms lives and supports our community. Her achievement as both our 1,000th LPN graduate and now a Registered Nurse is a testament to her resilience and the strength of our nursing program.”
DCC congratulates Stephanie Totten and all the graduates who continue to make a difference in the healthcare field. Her story serves as an inspiration for current and future students, reaffirming the vital role that DCC plays in shaping successful careers and building brighter futures.
For more information about the DCC Nursing Program, visit www.danville.edu/nursing.
Contacts
