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Nursing school graduate explains how the pandemic changed the learning process

Graduating student, Taylor Heppner worked as a CNA while going to school and saw the effects the pandemic both in the classroom and at work.

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The next generation of Healthcare workers graduate from Trinity College of Nursing Wednesday. The pandemic changed the way the students were taught and ultimately how they will carry on in their careers for years to come.

In all about 40 students will graduate Wednesday, with their respective degrees. Either a Bachelors of Science and Nursing, Masters of Science and Nursing or Radiology degrees.

Credit: WQAD
Taylor Heppner graduating from Trinity College of Nursing

Taylor Heppner, a Quad Cities native, is graduating with her Master's degree and said while the first year was relatively normal in terms of how things were handled in the hospital setting, that all changed once the pandemic took its toll. Heppner said that once shutdowns took place she, like many healthcare workers, did what they could to fill in the gaps for people wanting to be at the hospital or long-term care facility to see their family or friends. But she explained that there were limitations.

"As a nurse you can only give people so much of your time because you are taking care of so many other people" Heppner said. But Heppner said they would be with people, singing with them, hold their hands, invite their family to wave through windows, and set up calls for people and their families around the clock.

Trinity College of Nursing will host their graduation in person for graduates but will also be streamed online through their Facebook page (linked below) at 5:45pm CT on May 19th.

Trinity College of Nursing Chancellor, Tracy Poelvoorde says she's proud of the resilience of each of the graduating students, and hopes that next semester will be back to some normalcy.  The school has yet to determine their mask requirements, but social distancing will be required.  

You can learn more about Trinity College of Nursing by clicking here.

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