Davis Named November Student Of The Month At NPC

Shanice Davis headshotNational 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.