Nursing Student Has Ambitious Goals

May 8, 2018 Youngwood, Pa.

Elizabeth Brownlee plans to become a pediatric nurse after she graduates from Westmoreland County Community College’s nursing program next May.

That will only be the beginning of her ambitious journey.

The 2016 Derry Area High School graduate wants to eventually become a nurse practitioner, earn a doctorate and teach.

“I was inspired by the professors here,” Brownlee said. “All of the professors in the nursing program are absolutely wonderful.”

She graduated in the top 10 percent of her class and received the President’s Scholarship for full tuition at Westmoreland.

Brownlee is working hard and loving it.

“Our nursing program is very competitive but it’s very rewarding,” she said. “We have simulations that really prepare us for something we will see in the real world.”

The students also receive hands-on training together at local hospitals, which creates close relationships among the students.

“My clinical group has been my family for the past year,” Brownlee said.

She says her professors are also invested in her success.

“They really care about you, your education and what you’re going to do after you leave here.”