Grad Profile: Brittany Harper

Northampton Community College (NCC) nursing student, Brittany Harper, was determined to reach her goals.  

“I think my experience at NCC has helped me to appreciate more that everyone is at different points in their life, whether they're just starting or almost finished. And most people I've interacted with here were humble and so kind!” 

As a hybrid student, Harper balanced in-person and online courses with her position as an ED Technician (Nurse Aide) at St. Luke's Monroe Hospital's ER Department, a role she obtained thanks to her clinical experience and a reference from her professor. This role not only helped support her financially through her schooling. It also enriched her with invaluable experience within the healthcare domain. 

Harper's decision to pursue nursing was profoundly influenced by her mother and aunt, both of whom recommended the college to her for her studies. Her aunt entered hospice care on the day of her college orientation. “I was heartbroken and debated starting my career at that time. I realized she would not have wanted me to stop because of what was happening to her. Then, some other members in my family were getting ill or having health issues, and I decided that that was my ‘why’ to become a nurse,” said Harper. Witnessing her family's health struggles further solidified her resolve to advocate for patients during their most vulnerable moments. 

The program's realistic simulations and immersive clinical exposure allowed her to grasp the essence of nursing beyond textbook learning. In a challenging turn of events during the fall of 2022, Brittany faced a setback when she fell short of passing the required maternity course, missing the mark marginally. 

This unforeseen stumble could have been a roadblock, but Brittany's determination was unyielding. With the guidance and support of Dr. Thomas Rush, NCC’s nursing program director, she faced the challenge head-on and secured the opportunity to retake the course during the following semester in the spring of 2023. 

Harper's commitment extended beyond her academic pursuits. She took on roles like the uniform coordinator for the Nursing Student Organization (NSO), ensuring her fellow nursing students had comfortable and appropriate attire and discovered avenues to serve the community, such as contributing to a pantry for those in need. She’s also actively participated in groups like the Hispanic Organization for Latino Awareness (HOLA). 

Through triumphs and tribulations, Brittany's an unwavering commitment to her aspirations, painting a portrait of the future career she strives for, a trauma nurse. Her advice to other nursing students, “Go into nursing because of your heart, not because of a paycheck.”