Page 65 - Harnett Life Fall 2020

CCCC graduate Maria Milam making

a difference in nursing world

Maria Milam’s journey has
carried her from her birth in
Iceland to her current duties
as a nurse in the labor and
delivery department at Betsy
Johnson Hospital – Harnett
Health in Dunn.

It’s been an interesting jour-
ney for the Lillington resi-
dent, who graduated from the
Central Carolina Community
College Practical Nursing
Program in 2016 and the As-
sociate Degree Nursing Pro-
gram in 2019.

“It’s challenging to be a nurse
and maintain a family, along Maria Milan, a nurse in the
labor and delivery
with my educational endeav- department at Betsy
ors,” said Milam, who is cur- Johnson Hospital – Harnett
rent working on her Bach- Health in Dunn, is a
elor’s degree with plans to Central Carolina
follow in her grandmother’s Community College
footsteps as a Midwife. graduate.

“I have gained so much
knowledge and life experience and I truly think it helps me CCCC Nursing Instructor Jamie Ferguson said Milam was a
understand what it is like to be in everyone’s shoes. This makes focused and dedicated student. “She was focused on her goals
me more compassionate toward my co-workers,” said Milam to finish nursing school, pass her boards, and become a Labor
. and Delivery Nurse,” said Ferguson. “She achieved all of her
Milam said she enjoys teaching her patients. “I work in labor goals and started as a new graduate nurse in L&D and contin-
and delivery and it is such a big part of the experience,” said ues to pursue her dreams.”
Milam. “The next best thing is the ability to do so many differ-
ent kinds of nursing.” Milam talked about her CCCC educational journey. “I really
Milam notes that nurses have a stressful job – especially dur- got to know my instructors really well. They really held me
ing this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Aside from feel- accountable and it motivated me to prove to them that I could
ing oxygen deprived from continuously wearing a mask, it do this. The relationships I have with them today are invaluable
is challenging to constantly be on guard and extra particular and I know they are always cheering me on as I keep mak-
about PPE (personal protective equipment) and other standard ing accomplishments,” said Milam. “I also like that I can now
precautions,” said Milam, noting her gratitude for the ges- mentor and tutor other people who are struggling -- that is su-
tures of support and concern. “When you put good stuff out in per rewarding.”
the world, it always comes back to you. Right now, so many
healthcare workers are spending countless hours in the hospi- To learn more about Central Carolina Community College,
tal, and just one simple gesture makes it all worth it.” visit www.cccc.edu.

Harnett Life ~ Fall 2020 Page 65