JWCC Health Sciences Department

Today we honor Mary Eliza Mahoney who was the first African American in the US to earn a professional nursing license in 1879.

She attended nursing school at the New England Hospital for Women and Children. This program was a very intense and only 16 months in length. In fact, only 4 out of 42 students graduated from her class.

She was known for her efficiency, patience, and caring bedside manner. She advocated for the equality of African American nurses. In 1908, she co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN).

She retired from nursing after 40 years,
However, she continued to advocate for women’s rights. In August 1920, she was among the first women who registered to vote in Boston.

The Mary Mahoney Award was established in 1936 in honor of her contributions to the nursing profession and her advocacy for women and African American rights and equality. This award is given to nurses or groups of nurses who promote integration within their field. The award continues to be awarded today by the American Nurses Association.

Happy Juneteenth!

Imagine where you could be one year from now. 💭
New degree. Better job. More confidence. More opportunities. Let JWCC help!!
Admissions After Work is designed to walk adult students wanting to start OR return to school through career exploration and the application process, without all of the stress.

The future you're working toward starts with an appointment ⤵️
🗓️ June 30th
🕒 3-6pm
You future could start here 📲 jwcc.edu/adultvisit

We had a beautiful pinning ceremony last week where we honored 19 ADN graduates and 23 LPN graduates!

We could not be more proud of this group and what they’re going to do to change our community!!

Always remember:
“When your patients are at their lowest, show kindness.
When they're rude, extend patience.
When they're breaking, offer gentleness.
Carry their burdens and lift the weight they can no longer bear.”

We had a Blazers at their Best nomination come in today!

This description of Kimberly Buck was so perfectly written and reflects the unwavering care and dedication she gives to her students!!!

Ms. Mary Hass received professor emeritus distinction this year at graduation.

Mary served John Wood Community College as a nursing faculty member for more than two decades, beginning in 1993 until her retirement in 2019. She earned tenure in 1996 and achieved full professor status in 2004. Professor Hass was known for her innovative, hands-on teaching methods, creating realistic clinical simulations, and detailed case studies that prepared students for real-world patient care. A devoted educator and mentor, she invested deeply in her students' success, fostering both strong clinical skills and a commitment to compassionate, ethical nursing practice. Her impact extended beyond the classroom as she supported colleagues and helped strengthen the nursing program. In recognition of her outstanding service and lasting contributions, she is honored with the title of Professor Emeritus.

Please share any memories or well wishes for Mary below!

To mark the 35th anniversary of John Wood Community College in 2010, a tradition was established to recognize distinguished faculty accomplishments and service. Based on the recommendation of the JWCC President, the Board of Trustees will confer the title of Protessor Emeritus to deserving faculty upon or after retirement. The recognition is selective and intended to honor long-standing superior service to the College, its students, and community. An engraved medallion with the Official College Seal is presented to those receiving emeritus status.

Congratulations Odom on your new position! You’re going to do great things!!!

👶🏻🤱🏻

🎉 Finishing strong looks good on you! We’re thrilled to welcome Mariah Odom, a John Wood Community College student, to the Women & Children unit. 👩‍⚕️💙 Your future at Blessing is just getting started!

JWCC ADN grad Samantha Raleigh was awarded the Daisy Transformational Leader Award.

Here are her nomination stories:
"Sam Raleigh is the kind of leader who makes people want to be better. Across our Quincy and Hannibal Walk-In Clinics and Express, she fosters highly engaged, energized teams and strong relationships with staff, providers, and partners across the health system. She brings a genuine excitement to her work and is always eager to learn, grow, and contribute beyond her immediate role - especially in supporting primary care and broader organizational efforts. Sam consistently reminds us that we are one team, finding common ground and bringing people together in a way that strengthens both culture and performance. She is truly a joy to work with and a transformational leader in every sense."

"I have the chance to work around with Sam and she been so wonderful with me and she deserves this award for everything she does for her team, she always has a smile on her face when I see her and it makes me happy to know she will win this award. She cares about her team and the patient."

Sam we are so proud of all of the hard work you’re doing and the leader you have become! You are making such a difference in the culture of healthcare!

JWCC ADN grads Dayanara Schorr, Lauren Dixon, Lee Austin and Kelli Lehenbauer were awarded the Evidence-Based Practice and Innovation Award for implementing a project called “keep calm and fidget on.”

They put boxes on each unit and received funding to restock them with all types of fidget gadgets for patients!

Good job ladies for recognizing a need that is not always seen and meeting that need for your patients. We’re so proud of you for advocating for your patients unique needs!