Daughter’s Passion for Nursing Leads Her to Mom’s Same Nursing Program

Ever since Storm Johnson was in elementary school, she knew that she wanted to become a nurse. Her childhood plan was out into motion this past month, when she started her education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) by enrolling in the Delaware County Technical School’s (DCTS) Practical Nursing Program. Johnson’s first day of classes was on February 14, 2024, exactly 12 years after her mother, Shorron Walker, entered the very same program.

Walker graduated from the Practical Nursing Program’s on February 13, 2013. Prior to becoming an LPN, Walker spent 10 years at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Yeadon, PA, as an EMT.

“My mom always supported me wanting to become a nurse, even before she became one. Seeing her in the workforce encouraged me to pursue a nursing career and motivated me to enroll in the same program that she graduated from,” said Johnson.

The 12-month long Practical Nursing Program allows students to complete the 1500 clock hour state requirement and obtain their diploma in Practical Nursing, which makes them eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Once graduates pass that test, they are eligible to practice as LPNs.

“The program gave me all the skills that I needed to be a proficient and skillful nurse. This program was the most rewarding decision I have ever made, besides being a mother. It literally changed my life and my livelihood,” said Walker.

Walker is currently employed through a nursing agency, allowing her to work in various healthcare settings ranging from hospitals to clinics to rehabilitation centers to nursing homes.

“My work experience is tremendous. One of the best parts about being an LPN for me is the freedom I have to work in all areas of nursing at any given time,” said Walker.

Johnson is set to graduate from the Practical Nursing Program in February 2025. She plans to continue her nursing education and become a Registered Nurse (RN) and eventually a Nurse Practitioner (NP).

“My end goal is to have my own practice within the next few years. Being part of this program has been very exciting and different. I already feel like I have learned so much and cannot wait to learn more,” said Johnson.

Begin Your LPN Journey at the April 17 Zoom Open House

DCTS will host a virtual open house on Zoom for prospective students to learn about the top-ranked, one-year LPN Practical Nursing Program at 5 p.m. on April 17.

The virtual event will include a panel discussion followed by a Q&A segment on enrolling in the program. The panel will include Stacy Delaney, Supervisor of the Practical Nursing Program, Dr. Briana K. Barry, the Vice President of the Pennsylvania Agency of Nurses, Gilissa Ferguson, recent graduate of the Practical Nursing Program, and Dr. Stephen Butz, Career and Technical Education Program Administrator. The Financial Aid Director Jeanne Cavalieri-Grover will also appear during the open house to provide information about financial aid.

Register for the April 17 Open House at www.Tinyurl.com/DCTSOpenHouse. To learn more about the Practical Nursing Program, visit www.dciu.org/lpn.