Mike Johnson
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The medical field never stops growing. More and more people in the world are contracting illnesses, getting injured and having accidents, but the number of medical staff won't stop decreasing. By 2025, the Florida Center for Nursing expects the state to see half the amount of nurses actively employed. There are several factors contributing to the nursing shortage. In Florida specifically, population growth and retirements add to the growing demand. With the numbers of nurses steadily decreasing, the community is in need of new bright minds to fill the vacant “shoes” of the departing nurses.
A Monticello local, Meredith Campbell, has decide to step up and become that healthcare hero everyone needs. Campbell has lived in Monticello all of her life and attended Florida High, in Tallahassee. There, she participated in various activities including competing on the swim team during her sophomore and senior year.
Growing up the medical field had always sparked her interest but she was never sure on the route she should follow. Campbell took her first steps in the medical field working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare (TMH) Rehabilitation Center and was able to observe all the roles in healthcare. The Rehabilitation Center creates unique plans specifically designed for the type of rehabilitation needed for each patient. With their affiliation to TMH, they have access to a wide array of technology, cutting edge treatments and clinical expertise. Campbell used this variety of experience and knowledge while working there as a CNA to figure out what would be her next destination in the medical field. Watching the other professionals behind the scenes she decided nursing was the best fit for her. As a nurse Campbell would be able to connect with her patients on a more personal level and with this connection she will help give a better understanding of treatments needed.
Campbell is currently in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at North Florida College (NFC) in Madison and will be graduating in November. After graduation she plans on starting the Registered Nurse (RN) Bridge Program the next year. The LPN to RN Bridge Program at NFC is a one year/three term accelerated bridge program leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.) for individuals holding a current degree and licensure as a LPN. Successful completion of the LPN to RN Accelerated Bridge Track would allow her to continue to follow her dreams of helping those in need.
Her future goals are to become a RN and to get experience in all the different specialties that nursing has to offer. Campbell hopes to start her new RN career at Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville, GA., after she graduates. She is excited to start her career and looking forward to making a positive impact on the world.
You must be logged in to post a comment.