COMPTON — Compton College celebrated its newest nursing graduate students with a pinning ceremony June 11 for 30 graduating students.
“Nursing is a profession that impacts so many people’s lives,” said Compton College interim Associate Dean of Nursing Wanda Coleman-Morris to the graduates. “As a nurse, I encourage you to look beyond the illness or injury and embrace the humanity of everyone who crosses your path.
“Every patient is unique; their stories, fears, hopes and dreams are distinctive, as well. It is your duty to listen attentively, offer solace and provide care that goes beyond physical, embracing the emotional and spiritual aspects of healing.”
Compton College’s Nursing Program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Compton College student nurses are supported by counseling, opportunities to further their education and referrals to jobs in the community. Upon completion of the program, graduates earn an associate degree and are ready to take the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nursing.
According to Compton College President Keith Curry there is a growing need for nurses throughout the state.
“Compton College offers comprehensive nursing and biomedical science programs and a state-of-the-art Allied Health Building complete with a simulation lab,” Curry said. “We hope to continue to inspire and educate a new generation of leaders in nursing and other medical professions.”
According to the Community College League of California, California currently ranks 40th in the nation in registered nurses per capita, with an urgent need in Los Angeles County. And as detailed by Lightcast research, 6,454 job openings for registered nurses in Los Angeles County are projected to be available each year through 2035.
The most recent completion data indicates that 5,363 related awards were issued in 2023. If this trend continues, Los Angeles County will continue to face a supply gap of nearly 1,100 unfilled registered nursing positions annually.
After passing the exam, graduates are eligible to seek employment as a registered nurse and work in health care fields such as intensive care, pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, rehabilitation, oncology, cardiology, and occupational health.
Compton College partners with area hospitals and medical centers for clinical rotations and mentoring. Many program graduates go on to obtain their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, in addition to obtaining a job as a registered nurse in the area.
For information about the Compton College Nursing Program, call 310-900-1600, ext. 2700.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
