SSCC instructor wins state nursing educator award

A nursing instructor with Southern State Community College has been awarded the Excellence in Practical Nursing Education Award from the Ohio Organization of Practical Nurse Educators (OOPNE) at the state conference in March.

Marilyn Jones, who has taught in Southern State’s practical nursing program for the past 21 years, was named this year’s award recipient.

“One practical nurse educator is recognized during the annual conference, and Marilyn is very deserving of this award,” said Dr. Julianne Krebs, SSCC Nursing Program Director. “She is an expert in connecting with her students, and facilitating their learning.”

Jones entered nursing practice following graduation from an associate degree nursing program at Harper College (Chicago) in 1970. Over the next 24 years, she focused her career on caring for medical/surgical and intensive care patients in multiple acute care hospital locations, serving in direct care and leadership roles.

During this time, Jones also voluntarily participated in various committees focused on improving patient care. In 1992, she completed her bachelor of science degree in nursing at Miami University, and in 1994, accepted a nursing faculty position at Southern State Community College.

Over the past 21 years, Jones has taught each of the courses of the college’s practical nursing program. Further, she has developed and revised course content and strategies to reflect evidenced-based and current nursing practice while considering the unique learning needs of each student cohort.

She has participated in various committees and projects to support the goals of the nursing program and Southern State Community College.

“Marilyn offers a unique caring approach to students with very positive results,” said colleague Brenda Tilton in the nomination letter. “The success rate for her student cohorts is high and the students report a very high rate of satisfaction with the courses she teaches. She has not served in roles with high recognition or accolades, however has served her patients, students, and others in a manner that displays the excellence desired and needed. She is an expert nurse, has high integrity, has accomplished the art of teaching, and displays caring to all.”

To learn more about the nursing programs offered at Southern State, please visit www.sscc.edu/academics/index.shtml or call Sue Leach at 1-800-628-7722, ext. 2640.