SJR STATE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

OCTOBER 2021

STACIE BRANAM – (2007)
Senior Community Health Nursing Director, Putnam County Health Department

STACIE, WHAT INSPIRED YOUR INTEREST TO WORK IN HEALTHCARE?
I’ve always wanted to be a nurse or work in a healthcare setting in general. I have an instinct to take care of people. I also like problem-solving and critical thinking.

WHAT WAS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF WHILE ENROLLED AT SJR STATE?
I learned that ANYTHING is possible if you work hard and make a commitment to your future!

WHY DID YOU SELECT SJR STATE FOR YOUR TRAINING IN NURSING?
It was my community college, and I had previous interactions with the staff that made an impression on me as an aspiring student. The staff were always so helpful and supportive.

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE NURSING PROGRAM?
I enjoyed the collaboration and experiences that other nurses brought to the program and to our class. I also enjoyed my clinical rotations, because we touched on so many different types of patient populations. That provided me with a well-rounded academic and clinical experience.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE DURING YOUR TIME AT SJR STATE?
I had a difficult time managing college with two small children and a full-time job. Thankfully, I had a great support system.

WHAT WAS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOU LEARNED WHILE IN THE NURSING PROGRAM?
Do the work! Make the commitment to do your very best and it will pay off.

WHAT ARE YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES OF SJR STATE?
My fondest memories were interacting with the teaching staff and how much they invested in us to make sure we performed to our fullest potential.

WHAT ADDITIONAL DEGREES HAVE YOU EARNED?
After graduating from SJR State with my Associate in Science degree in Nursing 2007, I earned my bachelor’s degree in 2016, and am now pursuing my master’s degree, along with a certification for nurse executives.