The nursing program at Tompkins Cortland Community College is demanding, with faculty challenging students to prepare them for a career as an essential part of the health care system. The program (and the career) isn’t for everyone, but those that make the commitment find themselves a part of a learning environment like no other. 

Autumn Garrison entered the nursing program as a teenager, younger than the majority of her classmates. She came to the College for the same reasons as so many others: it was close to home and affordable. But it turned out to be more than that. “I was supported by my classmates and instructors,” she said when reflecting on her time at TC3. The TC3 Nursing program was challenging, but there was more than that. It was a community that wanted to see her succeed. 

“Someone was always there to help me. Whenever I had questions, I had help.”

 

How did your college experience at Tompkins Cortland prepare you for your career?  TC3 introduced me to a lot of my future coworkers. While in nursing school I decided to start working as a nursing assistant at Cayuga Medical Center (4 North Medical Unit), to help both with school and the transition. I graduated at 20 years old and started as a new graduate nurse. One year in I became a charge nurse at 21 years old and recently transitioned to the Team Lead position.

Who at TC3 had the greatest positive impact on your experience or your future? Clinical Instructor Jacki Thompson. She picked up full-time working as a nurse on 4 North to train me as a new graduate. Additionally, Melissa Schmidt supported me and helped cheer on my successes when I was struggling in school.  Really, all the instructors were available when I needed, even if it was outside their normal office hours.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to yourself (or anyone) when you started at TC3? Find others who have similar goals and help each other study; you cannot get through nursing school alone. If I could go back in time, I would set up study groups with others earlier on in the program. My favorite memories are having study sessions with classmates and sitting outside the classroom to congratulate each other when we passed our exams.