Peasley: MCC set to graduate first nursing students
The importance of a community college comes to the forefront during my discussion with Joan Flanagan, dean of health career programs and nursing administrator at McHenry County College.
Joan and Brian Sager, acting president, filled me in on the success of MCC’s determination to meet the growing need for nurses in McHenry County. MCC officials started plans for a nursing program more than three years ago. As a result, 26 students are scheduled to graduate in 2010 with an associate of applied science degree in nursing.
Flanagan was hired to establish the nursing program in April 2007. Area community colleges at the time did have some training for students wishing to undertake this health care career. With the ADN training begun last fall, the program now is headquartered at MCC.
Strong financial support for a registered nurse program was provided by an anonymous donor through the McHenry County Community Foundation in 2005 and presented to the Friends of McHenry County College Foundation. Sager noted that the nursing program is in keeping with the role of a community college to respond to a community’s needs observing, “Through the years, MCC has developed many programs in direct response to employment needs.”
Flanagan explained that MCC nursing programs are designed to build on each other. The nurse assistant education is seven credit hours, preparing nursing assistants to work under the direction of a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse. The ADN is a two-year program leading to a degree preparing the students to work as an RN. A bachelor of science degree is the third level in this career.
Sager emphasized that Centegra’s two hospitals and Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington are key participants in training. Students quickly receive practical experience based on curriculum they are studying.
With the success of the advanced program, Flanagan anticipates a larger number of applicants for the 2009-10 school year.
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Bill Baruth, with experience in the food industry since he was 16, will open Odd Fellows at the Waverly restaurant and bar in mid-April featuring an American pub geared toward families. The restaurant is at the Waverly House on Main Street and features a 1900s bar.
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Tom Burns, chef and owner, is opening his restaurant, Herban Fare, at 125 E. Calhoun St. this week. Burns, a 1995 Woodstock High School graduate, has experience at several restaurants including three in Chicago and two well-known local establishments, Joey T’s and Harvest Moon.
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The deadline to make nominations for Woodstock Professional & Business Women’s “Woman of the Year” is Friday. Entry forms are available at local banks and the Woodstock Public Library.
• Don Peasley has been editor, columnist and historian in McHenry County since October 1947. He began his association with Shaw Publications in 1950. He is a frequent contributor. He can be reached at 815-338-1533.