News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From GED to RN: SVCC Graduate, Natalie Johnson, Demonstrates the Power of Perseverance
Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) proudly celebrates the success of Natalie Johnson of Nottoway County, a recent nursing graduate whose journey demonstrates the power of perseverance, opportunity, and the life-changing impact of education.
From earning her GED through SVCC to beginning her career as a Registered Nurse, this graduate has pursued her dream of caring for others every step of the way.
“I’ve dreamed of being a nurse for as long as I can remember,” Natalie shared. Her healthcare journey began in 2018 at Hickory Hill Retirement Community, where she advanced through roles as a Personal Care Aide, Registered Medication Aide, Shift Leader, and Healthcare Oversight Nurse Assistant. “I realized through my journey there that caring for others was truly what I was put on this earth to do and decided to finally follow my dreams and applied to SVCC’s nursing program.”
Choosing SVCC was a decision guided by both affordability and opportunity. “Having to pay for my schooling on my own, I wanted an affordable option that wouldn’t put me in debt. With financial aid, the WIOA program, and grants, I was able to graduate with zero debt and my education fully paid for.”
During her time at SVCC, Natalie was distinguished as an outstanding student, earning the K. George Verghese Memorial Academic Merit Award, recognizing her exceptional academic achievements in the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) program.
Now a graduate, Natalie has accepted a New Grad Residency position at VCU Community Memorial Hospital on the Acute Care Unit. She credits SVCC’s rigorous training and meaningful clinical experiences with preparing her for this next step.
“Nursing school is extremely difficult, but it should be. I have patients' lives in my hands and need to be prepared for that. My clinical experiences were so helpful! While no new grad nurse feels 100% prepared, I was very comfortable and felt like I was as prepared as any new grad can be.”
Natalie's story began with SVCC’s GED program, where she quickly advanced and passed the test with high scores thanks to dedicated faculty support. “SVCC even paid for my GED test. Shortly after, I started my career at Hickory Hill and the rest is history.”
Looking ahead, Natalie plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, with financial support from VCU, and eventually become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Her advice to future students is simple but powerful: “Don’t give up! The best things in life don’t come easy. While the program is difficult, it’s completely doable if you truly give it your all. My instructors were amazing and truly cared about me and my success. I couldn’t be happier with my career choice.”
SVCC celebrates her inspiring journey as proof that with determination and the right support, dreams can become reality.
If you are interested in learning about SVCC's nursing opportunities, including a weekend program, visit southside.edu/nursing. If your future career goals include obtaining your GED like Natalie, visit southside.edu/adult-education-grants.
