CFCC nurse aide student wins statewide SkillsUSA competition
While attending Pender County High School, McKenlea Horrell embarked on the education fast-track by also enrolling at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC). She wanted to take advantage of the free college courses and expand her knowledge and skills beyond the standard high school curriculum.
BROADENING HORIZONS: DUAL ENROLLMENT AT CFCC
Dual enrollment allowed McKenlea to explore career options while earning college credits. Her interest in a healthcare career prompted her to take nurse aide courses at CFCC’s Burgaw Center.
“I loved my nurse aide classes,” McKenlea commented. “My instructor was amazing. I did well in the class because I learned so much from my instructor, Michelle Hill.”
McKenlea’s commitment and hard work paid off, as she earned her Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification before her high school graduation. Her achievements showcase her proactive approach to shaping her future in the healthcare industry.
FROM NURSE AIDE CERTIFICATION TO SKILLSUSA CHAMPION
Recognizing her talent and potential, McKenlea’s high school health science teacher recommended that she participate in the SkillsUSA North Carolina Championship . SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers, and industry, working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce by providing students with the opportunities to gain personal skills, workplace skills, and technical skills grounded in academics.
McKenlea’s passion and expertise shone through as she competed in four challenging categories, including infant CPR, dressing/undressing a patient with an IV, proper application of personal protective equipment (PPE), and radio pulses. Her unwavering focus and extensive training paid off, as she secured the first-place position among her peers.
TRIUMPH AND OPPORTUNITY
While the first-place winners of the SkillsUSA competition are typically eligible to participate in the National SkillsUSA Championships, McKenlea has chosen to take a different path. Instead of pursuing the national competition, she achieved a personal victory by securing a coveted job offer from Novant Health’s neurology department.
This remarkable accomplishment not only marks a significant milestone in McKenlea’s career but also serves as a powerful source of inspiration for aspiring nurse aides. Her dedication, skill, and success showcases that with passion and hard work, one can achieve their goals and positively impact the lives of others in the healthcare industry.
“If you want to help people and have an interest in healthcare, I recommend taking the nurse aide course at CFCC,” shares McKenlea. “It’s a great way to get an inside look at the healthcare industry and discover if it’s the right career choice for you.”
PATH TO IMPACTFUL PATIENT CARE
McKenlea is not finished with her career plans. Her sights are set on the next step in her educational journey — applying to Cape Fear Community College’s (CFCC) Associate Degree Nursing program . With the valuable experiences and knowledge she has gained through her dual enrollment and nurse aide courses, McKenlea is eager to further her education and expand her nursing skills. With her sights set on making a difference in the lives of patients, McKenlea is ready to begin her journey toward becoming a skilled and compassionate registered nurse.
“CFCC trained me to earn my CNA certification and prepare me for the workforce,” McKenlea said. “My success in the Nurse Aide program definitely put me on the nursing path. I am excited to start the next step.”
If you would like to learn how you can make a difference in patient care, explore CFCC’s Health Sciences Programs.
Her achievements and accolades serve as a testament to her commitment and aptitude, making her a strong candidate for CFCC’s esteemed nursing program.
