National Park College (NPC) Nursing student Shanice Davis was named student of the
month for November. She is pursuing an Associate of Science in Registered Nursing
and is on track to graduate in 2024.
Davis is originally from West Helena, Arkansas, but moved to the Hot Springs area
in 2008. She graduated from Lake Hamilton High School in 2014.
Davis explained why she chose nursing as her field of study. “The health care field
has always been near and dear to my heart. I gained a love of caring for others through
witnessing my mother providing genuine care to those around her, whether at work or
within her community.”
In the spring of 2023, Davis was accepted to the Registered Nursing (RN) program.
The following August she earned a technical certificate in Pre-Nursing and was selected
by the Nursing faculty to serve as a peer Nursing Skills Laboratory tutor. She accepted
the position and is now a resource for her peers.
“I love the atmosphere and community that you get to be a part of here. I attended
and completed Medical Professions at NPC during high school. During that time, I discovered
a more thorough appreciation for the field of nursing. I completed the Licensed Practical
Nursing (LPN) program here at NPC in May 2020 and chose to return to NPC to obtain
an RN license. There is so much to love here at NPC, for me it is the faculty and
the drive for excellence that they instill into their students,” said Davis.
Davis said she feels well prepared to because her coursework gave her a firm foundation
to begin her career. “I plan to grow by further continuing my education. I hope to
one day be an educator and be able to pass on the knowledge I am now learning to others.”
Director of Career Pathways, LaTaschya Harris said, “She is intelligent, very knowledgeable,
and works very hard to be excellent at all of her roles. This nontraditional student
loves everything about nursing and patient care. She is compassionate and passionate,
warm and comforting, and always willing to help others.”
Practical Nursing program director, Angela McJunkins said, “Shanice is such a positive
role model for our current PN students as she is working in the nursing labs as a
lab tutor. She has assisted many of them with remediation to help them achieve their
skill competency. I often tell our PN students to find Shanice if you are in the lab
and have questions, as Shanice went through this program and she knows what will be
expected. Shanice emits a calming, confident presence in the lab for all nursing students.
I am so proud for Shanice to be given this honor as she is so deserving.”
“It feels rewarding and validating to receive this recognition. As nursing students,
we tend to undervalue ourselves and our accomplishments. This helps give me the reassurance
that I’m where I need to be. I am beyond grateful to be a student here at NPC and
take part in such a wonderful program. It is truly an honor to be able to learn from
such great leaders in the nursing profession. I know that I, as well as my cohort,
will go on to be excellent nurses because of what we have learned from all of you.
Thank you so much for this recognition. NPC is a great place to be whether you are
a recent high school graduate, or a nontraditional student like me. There is a place
for you here. You will grow, learn and flourish. The resources offered here are exceptional
and set students up for success,” added Davis.
Davis plans to complete the RN program and become a labor and delivery nurse. She
plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after graduation.
