NEW ALBANY, IN (March 15, 2013) – Ten years ago, the School of Nursing Class of 2003 set the bar exceptionally high in multiple ways for future nursing classes at Indiana University Southeast.
This close-knit class of individuals will come together again this weekend for their 10 year reunion.
The Class of 2003 was the last class to get a 100 percent pass rate, on their first attempt, on the National Council Licensure Examination. If a student passes this exam, he or she is given their nursing license. There have been classes before the Class of 2003 to accomplish this task as well, but none within the last 20 years.
Mimi McKay, associate professor of nursing at IU Southeast, said she remembers the Class of 2003 as being a very supportive, cohesive class with outstanding class officers. She said these group leaders were very unique in the fact that they truly had respect for the entire nursing class.
During the Class of 2003’s senior year, a study group was set up with a local doctor in the community. Students used this study group to study together for their senior classes and for the NCLEX.
McKay said three additional things that made this class special was nearly every member of the class joined the Student Nurses’ Association, the class possessed strong leadership qualities, and every individual in the class had secured employment before graduation.
McKay said one of the strongest memories she has with the Class of 2003 is being with them when Sept. 11 happened.
“We were in our Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing class,” McKay said. “Everyone cried together, supported one another, and discussed how you go on from that point ever feeling safe again. The class had relatives and friends that were affected. One student in particular was worried about her husband, who was a Blackhawk helicopter pilot.”
McKay also said the Class of 2003 set the bar so high that the School of Nursing strives for subsequent classes to follow in their footsteps.
The reunion reception will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday, March 16, at the Culbertson West in New Albany. A dinner will follow the reception and a cash bar will be available.