Grays Harbor College’s Nursing program and its instructors provide a top-tier education with a broad range of experience in the classroom and at local healthcare facilities, including Harbor Regional Health, Summit Pacific Medical Center, Western State Hospital and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.
“As we celebrate National Nurses Week, I would like to extend sincere gratitude on behalf of Grays Harbor College to the incredible nursing alumni who serve our community, to the students striving to join their ranks, and to the educators who so skillfully prepare them,” said Grays Harbor College President Dr. Carli Schiffner. “Together with our local hospitals and healthcare facilities, you form the foundation of compassionate, skilled care that supports the health and well-being of our region.”
Grays Harbor College’s Nursing program is led by Associate Dean of Nursing Carol O’Neal. Throughout her career, O’Neal estimates that she has trained approximately 700 nurses, including three of Grays Harbor College’s nursing instructors. In 2024, 100% of Grays Harbor College’s nursing graduates were employed as registered nurses within six months, with many choosing to work in facilities throughout Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.
Grays Harbor College offers two associate degree options in nursing for individuals who wish to become licensed as a registered nurse. The Associate in Pre-Nursing is designed for students who wish to complete prerequisites and transfer to a university to earn their bachelor’s degree.
The second option, Grays Harbor College’s Associate in Nursing, can streamline the academic progression for nursing students seeking a bachelor’s degree after licensure. Most students take a year of admission and support courses prior to entry to this two-year program. Upon successful completion of the Associate in Nursing, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for licensure as a registered nurse.
In addition to classroom instruction and hands-on experience in the field, Grays Harbor College’s nursing students have the opportunity to use state-of-the-art technology in Grays Harbor College’s Simulation Lab. Last fall, Grays Harbor College’s Nursing Simulation Lab was one of four nursing programs in the state of Washington to earn a prestigious endorsement from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. According to O’Neal, Grays Harbor College Nursing Instructor Monica Todd, RN MN, played an integral role in the designation. Todd is a Certified Nurse Educator and Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator.
Grays Harbor College’s nursing students are also able to gain experience by providing services that address critical needs in the community. For example, in 2020, Grays Harbor College’s nursing students administered more than 4,000 Covid-19 vaccines at mass vaccination clinics in Grays Harbor.
This kind of hands-on experience not only benefits the community, but it also prepares nursing students with the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to provide high-quality patient care.
Interested in pursuing a career in nursing? Grays Harbor College’s Nursing program offers quarterly information and advising sessions. For more information, contact Karen Carriker at karen.carriker@ghc.edu.
Ocosta eighth grade students tour the simulation lab with Nursing Instructor Monica Todd.
