Brittney Overcame Great Challenges

Brittney, a Wayne County resident, was attending Lenoir Community College for her associate degree in nursing when she applied to the WIOA Program. She is a single mother of two and worked part-time while enrolled in the nursing program. After the completion of her first semester, she applied to the WIOA Program and was eligible to receive assistance. As a WIOA Adult Participant, Brittney received financial aid assistance with tuition, fees, books, and Kaplan Testing Fees. Although she worked part-time, she needed supportive service assistance with her clinical sites and school. WIOA was able to provide mileage reimbursement assistance for her monthly until she completed the program. Brittney set goal objectives every semester and enjoyed her counseling sessions with her WIOA Career Advisor Ika Grant. The counseling sessions gave her time to discuss what she was learning in the nursing program, additional assistance needed, and any other factors she felt comfortable talking about. Her Career Advisor would often research topics related to her studies to help her review for upcoming tests or make referrals to other agencies if needed. Brittney rigorously studied about 300 NCLEX questions weekly. During Brittney’s last semester she was hospitalized while on Spring Break. She informed me she was pregnant and had complications. She had to remain in the hospital until she delivered her twins.

Thankfully, Brittney had successfully completed all coursework and clinical assignments. Her instructors permitted her to attend class online for her Kaplan/NCLEX reviews. Brittney delivered her twin babies at the end of April. Her premature son and daughter remained in NICU after birth. Brittney was physically able to return to campus to attend LCC’s Pining Ceremony for Allied Health Students. She was surprised with the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. This award acknowledges and honors nursing students for the above-and-beyond care and compassion shown to patients and their families. Brittney was excited and honored to be recognized. She is the first student at LCC to receive this award.

Brittney remained steadfast on her goal and continued studying and preparing to take the NCLEX-RN exam. She asked and received WIOA assistance with the NCLEX exam, NCBON application fee, background check, and graduation regalia. She was able to participate in LCC 2023 Graduation Ceremony and received her associate degree in nursing on May 9, 2023. On May 31, 2023, Brittney achieved her goal and passed the NCLEX-RN exam. She endured a lot and never gave up hope. Her daughter is now home, but her son is still in the hospital improving. Brittney accepted a job offer as a Public Health Nurse for the Lenoir County Health Department. She will start her new role on July 10, 2023.

Brittney thanks the WIOA Adult Program and her WIOA Career Advisor, Ika Grant. She stated, “Ms. Ika is such a sweet person and so open to helping me with whatever I needed. I know it's her job, but I do feel she works beyond her title and genuinely cares about other's success and well-being. Mrs. Grant’s work ethic proves how we know God has her in the right place!” Congratulations and awesome job Brittney!