VGCC Nursing Instructor Retires

Patsy Nelms of Castalia, a Nursing instructor at Vance-Granville Community College, recently retired from the college after 33 years of service. A reception was held in her honor on May 4. Renee Hill, Director of Nursing for VGCC, said it had been an honor to know and work with Nelms, who was already a veteran instructor when Hill arrived at the college in 1991. “From the beginning, Patsy was extremely personable and always there when you needed her,” Hill said. “We’ve had an adventure together, but her new adventures will be even greater.”Nelms, who graduated with a bachelor’s of science in nursing from East Carolina University, first came to the college in 1974. She has taught both in classrooms and in clinical settings for Vance-Granville. Nelms has been an integral part of the Associate Degree Nursing program, one of the college’s most popular and rigorous curriculum programs since its establishment in 1983. The waiting list for new students demonstrates the high demand for quality nursing education in the area.“It has been a privilege to be a part of Vance-Granville for the last 33 years,” Nelms said. “The school has certainly advanced since from its old location on Chestnut Street in Henderson, and being a part of that growth has certainly been rewarding. I will miss my friends and co-workers at VGCC. I wish them all the best for the future. I will miss my students, but I am glad that the nurses that I have helped educate will continue to serve this community. This is the greatest reward, as it should be with all who teach.”Above: From left, VGCC Director of Nursing Renee Hill, instructor Francine Davis, Patsy Nelms, and Health Sciences administrative assistant Audrey Stainback, celebrate at a reception in honor of Nelms on May 4. (VGCC Photo)