Nursing Student Helps Pave the Way For Healthy Communities

Returning to school as a nontraditional student to become an Emergency Room nurse while also providing for a family and raising three children is a tall order for anyone. But throughout 2021, Patrick Santos successfully overcame logistical hurdles, navigated his way through SPSCC’s rigorous nursing program, and has stayed on track to meet his goal with the help of the SPSCC Foundation and community. After being out of school for 20 years, Patrick had to complete several classes to position himself to qualify for the nursing program application process. Once he got in, the support of caring faculty and staff fostered a sense of belonging, and the SPSCC Foundation provided financial support through grants and scholarships to help him focus on his dream. Throughout 2021, COVID-19 continued to create access challenges for all students. For nursing students like Patrick, it has also presented opportunities. While in the SPSCC program, Patrick was selected as one of twelve nursing students in the new Nurse Technology summer pilot program at Providence St. Peter hospital. He was also the only Nurse technician in the cohort to represent a community college. This experience positioned him to receive an offer from Providence St. Peter Hospital to become an Emergency Room nurse pending graduation and successful completion of the National Nursing exams. Patrick has plans for giving back and enriching the lives of others through providing patient care in his community. ♦

“As the second of six children to attend college, I aim to leave a legacy that motivates, energizes, and supplies hope for my children and their children that life can in fact be better.”