Brittney Graham of Wayne County was enrolled in the associate degree nursing program at Lenoir Community College when she discovered the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program, and she is glad she did.

A single mother of two, she worked part-time while enrolled in the nursing program. After she completed her first semester, she applied to the WIOA Program and was eligible to receive financial assistance with tuition, fees, books, and Kaplan Testing Fees (associated with the nursing program). “Although she worked part-time, she needed supportive service assistance with her clinical sites and school,” said WIOA Career Advisor Ika Grant. “WIOA was able to provide mileage reimbursement assistance for her monthly until she completed the program.”

Graham set goal objectives every semester and she said she enjoyed her counseling sessions with Grant. “The counseling sessions gave me time to discuss what I was learning in the nursing program, what additional assistance I needed, and any other factors I felt comfortable talking about. My career advisor (Grant) would often research topics related to my studies to help me review for upcoming tests or make referrals to other agencies if needed.”

Grant said that Graham studied about 300 NCLEX questions weekly in preparation to take her state boards for nursing. During her last semester, she was hospitalized while on spring break as she was pregnant with twins and had to remain in the hospital until their birth because of complications. “Thankfully, Brittney had successfully completed all coursework and clinical assignments,” Grant said. “Her instructors worked with her so she could attend class online for her Kaplan/NCLEX reviews.”

Graham delivered her twins at the end of April. Born prematurely, her son and daughter remained in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) after birth. Graham was able to return for the Health Sciences and Nursing Pinning Ceremony and was surprised to receive the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. “This award acknowledges and honors nursing students for the above-and-beyond care and compassion shown to patients and their families,” Grant said.

“I was so excited and honored to be recognized,” Graham said. “It is the first time the award has been given at LCC. I was determined to continue toward my goal and prepare to take the NCLEX-RN exam,” she said.

Grant said the WIOA Program helped with the exam, NCBON fees, and graduation regalia. “Graham walked across the stage in May’s graduation and received her associate degree in nursing. At the end of the month, she achieved her goal and passed the state exam. She had endured a lot but never gave up hope. We are so proud of her. Her daughter is now home, and while her son remains in the hospital, he is improving. Brittney accepted a job as a Public Health Nurse for the Lenoir County Health Department and will start her new role in July.”

Graham is thankful for the WIOA Adult Program and her career advisor, Ika Grant. “Ms. Ika is such a sweet person and so open to helping me with whatever I needed. I know it’s her job, but I do feel she works beyond her title and genuinely cares about other’s success and well-being. Her work ethic proves how we know God has her in the right place.”

For more information on the WIOA Program at LCC, contact Grant at (252) 527-6223, ext. 707 or email idgrant63@lenoircc.edu.