A Mother’s Transition to Nursing Inspires Her Husband and Daughter

The old saying, “Find a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life,” was running through Kameshia Smith’s mind in 2019 when she decided to pivot from her role as a mental health technician to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

After learning about Delaware County Technical School’s (DCTS) one-year Practical Nursing Program, she put her plan into motion and graduated in 2020, securing a job as a school nurse at Hilltop Elementary School in Chichester. Little did she realize her career pivot into nursing was about to become a family tradition.

As Kameshia reaped the rewards of her decision to enroll in the program, she also served as the catalyst for husband, Eli, and daughter, Naiya, to do the same.

Learning from His Better Half

“I pretty much followed in my wife’s footsteps. I just woke up one morning and said that I was going to nursing school and she's been my biggest supporter,” said Eli, who graduated from the program in July 2024. “This was one of the best experiences that I've had in my 47 years of life.”

When he decided to enroll in the program in the fall of 2023, Eli was working as an administrator for a dialysis unit in Philadelphia. Coming in contact with patients on a daily basis, Eli knew that he was capable of making a much more profound impact in their lives.

“It felt like it was an impossible thing to do– going back to school at 47 and staying focused. It was a challenge, but it was a challenge that I was up for. And it was the best experience that I could have had,” said Eli, adding, “Seeing all three of us in the program, it is like a legacy.”

Like Mother Like Daughter

Naiya begins her pathway toward becoming a LPN in September 2024. Observing both her parents succeed in the program has given her the assurance that she can chase her dreams.

“When I graduated high school in 2018, I had enrolled in Delaware County Community College for nursing and it wasn’t like what I expected. I got really discouraged and ended up leaving,” said Naiya.

“After seeing both my parents go through the program, I thought, ‘Why not do it now?’ I know that this is definitely something that I want to do, and I know that I could go very far with this career. If I need some help, I know that I can turn to my parents,” she added.

Just like her mother and father, Naiya also comes from a healthcare background, previously employed as a dietary aide at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby and a caretaker at Merill Gardens in Glen Mills.

“I genuinely like helping people and know that this is what I want to do. I am coming into the program with some prior knowledge from my parents and my work experience, and I am just really excited to start learning new things,” said Naiya.

Once Naiya graduates and passes the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), the Smith family has dreams of potentially starting their own healthcare company down the line.

For other individuals who are established in their careers and looking to make a change to follow their passions in the LPN field, Kameshia and Eli assure them that they won’t regret it.

“Graduating from the program was the greatest feeling ever. Sometimes I still have to pinch myself because I can’t believe that I really did that,” said Kameshia. “I love my job. Once I figured out that nurses can work in all different types of settings, it was even more exciting for me.”

“I believe that success depends upon yourself, and if you want to succeed, you will. All the instructors are so kind and so helpful. They will support you and provide you with the resources you need to succeed,” added Eli.

About DCTS’ Practical Nursing Program

Recognized by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce as one of the top higher education programs in Pennsylvania, DCTS’ Practical Nurse Program has a 90 percent job placement rate for its graduates. In just 12 months, students learn skills inside the classroom and in clinical rounds that prepare them to sit for the NCLEX-PN and transition into the workforce as LPNs.

“Our program caters to individuals looking to change careers, professionals interested in pursuing additional certifications and high school graduates seeking in-demand skills. We provide high-quality education in an intimate, collaborative setting, preparing students to enter the workforce exceeding industry standards and elevating patient care,” said Stacy Delaney, Supervisor of DCTS’ Practical Nursing Program.

Begin Your LPN Journey at the November 12 Open House

DCTS will host a virtual Open House on Zoom for prospective students to learn about the top-ranked, one-year LPN Program at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12. The virtual session will include a panel discussion followed by a Q&A segment. Reserve your spot for the Open House today at tinyurl.com/PNPOpenHouse.