SCC student Pitman receives FNSNA scholarship to continue nursing education

Published on May 8, 2023

Earlier this month, Somerset Community College (SCC) nursing student Josette Pitman was awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Scholarship Selection Committee of the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association (FNSNA).

Since its founding in 1969, FNSNA has awarded scholarships annually to qualified undergraduate nursing students to assist them in completing their education.

"It has been my privilege to work with Josette both in the clinical and classroom setting. She is an excellent student, but more importantly, she is always willing to work with her fellow students to help ensure their success," said Marilyn Crabtree, ADN nursing faculty at the Somerset campus.

"She provided compassionate care for each of her patients, would complete her tasks, and then help other students in her clinical group complete theirs. I was so impressed with her motivational drive that I did not hesitate to nominate her for the National Student Nurses Association scholarship. I am thrilled that she won!"

Pittman is an active SCC Honor Program member, an SCC Ambassador, and the vice president of Leadership for Omicron Zeta, SCC's Phi Theta Kappa chapter.

Pending successful completion of SCC's ADN program, Pitman's short-term plan is to begin working as a Registered Nurse in a local psychiatric setting. While working, she plans to attend UK or U of L to obtain her BSN and, eventually, her MSN. "Long term, I hope to complete my educational journey as a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner," said Pitman.

"My experience at SCC has been encouraging and uplifting. My first-year instructors have never failed to show support and celebrate success for every student in my cohort. I cannot sing them enough praises," Pitman expressed.

"I’m excited to have been chosen for this award because financial barriers are the largest factor in my continued education. It is the inability to pay for tuition, lab supplies, and books that elicit the most fear of not reaching my goals. This scholarship is a much needed and appreciated contribution to my search for success as a nursing student."

For more information about SCC's nursing program, contact Dr. Ruth Martin.