CCC graduate looks to nursing career

When Laci Hand walks across the stage to receive her nursing diploma Friday during Clovis Community College's spring graduation, her journey in nursing is far from over.

Laci Hand

Hand, 20, plans to work toward her bachelor's degree in nursing while working as a registered nurse in the emergency room of a Lubbock hospital. She has applied for several nursing jobs in Lubbock and plans to enroll at Lubbock Christian University this summer.

Hand is one of 195 graduation candidates for the spring semester. The CCC graduation ceremony Friday will be held for associate degree and certificate recipients. Approximately 80 graduates are expected to participate in commencement.

Hand said she became interested in nursing at age 5 when playing nurse and decided to pursue a career in it at age 13.

"I've been around the medical field my whole life; I don't know any different," said Hand, whose mother works as a registered nurse and father works as a paramedic.

Hand said she often became inspired when listening to dinner conversations in which her parents discussed their workday.

"Just hearing the medical standpoint of everything really inspired me. I thought 'hey that's what I want to do,'" said Hand, who made it through school on academic scholarships and loans.

Hand said the most rewarding part of her time at CCC was attending clinicals and getting hands-on patient experience. She said the toughest part for her was adjusting her entire life to her rigorous academic schedule.

"I couldn't hang out; I couldn't go to family functions sometimes," Hand said.

"You have to tell people no because you have to study or you have to be in class or clinicals."

Shawna McGill, nursing program director at Clovis Community College, instructed Hand in her professional development course this semester. The course teaches leadership skills, helps students sharpen these skills and prepares students to take on leadership roles in the professional field.

"I think Lacy has done an excellent job through her nursing education," McGill said. "She will do very good in finding a job and she has lots of opportunities available for her."

McGill said she has witnessed Hand mature significantly since starting at CCC. She said CCC nursing graduates often move to larger cities such as Lubbock, Amarillo, Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, for the chance to work in a larger medical facility.

What: Clovis Community College graduation ceremony

When: 6 p.m. Friday

Where: Clovis Civic Center