Galveston College alum Joan (Sampson) Schmidt, Class of 1981, was an early graduate of nursing school, receiving what is now known as the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Read about her journey to become a professional career nurse, and how it all started at Galveston College.
“My last semester in the ADN program was unbelievable,” said Schmidt, who is a BOI. “Employers were courting the students. I decided to work at UTMB because the pay was somewhat higher at the time that St. Mary's Hospital was still open.”
Schmidt didn’t have to move too far to begin her nursing career.
“I started to work as a graduate nurse, waiting on my state board results that I had taken the previous month in Austin,” said Schmidt.
UTMB was one of the first teaching hospitals to offer a nurse residency program in ICU Nursing. Schmidt participated in the year-long program, rotating through all the ICU Surgical pre/post Pediatrics, Neurosurgery, and Burn Unit known as The Blocker Burn Unit. The program also offered her practical experience, a class setting for theory behind all the new and innovative equipment, to provide patients with the most advanced care.
Upon completion of the program, she received a certificate in ICU care for nurses. In addition, they offered her to take a certification in Medical/Surgical Nursing.
Although she admits the exam was as grueling as the state boards, Schmidt is proud that her nursing credentials include ADN RNC in Medical Surgical NSG.
“UTMB offered me a wealth of knowledge in the field of nursing that went beyond the limits I imposed on myself,” said Schmidt. “Finally, after many years working in the nonstop world of nursing, I took on one more challenge, and it was the proudest of them all. UTMB made me an offer I could not refuse, a Work-School program for RN’s who wanted to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.”
Schmidt worked 12-hour shifts and was given 4 hours a week to attend in-person classes.
“They paid my tuition and books, which was very costly at the university level,” said Schmidt. “I returned to Galveston College to complete my prerequisites to enter The University of Texas School of NSG. I am still reminded to this day that Galveston College offered me this wonderful advancement in my professional career and provided my family a stable income.”
Schmidt’s final professional title upon graduation from UTMB is ADN,BSN, RNCC.
To join the Galveston College Alumni Assocation, visit https://gc.edu/about-gc/administration/foundation-development/alumni-association.php
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Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.