Staff report

Graduates of the practical nursing school co-sponsored by Obici Hospital and Suffolk Public Schools

are now official.

All 12 students who finished the one-year program in February recently received notice that they are now licensed practical nurses, said Gwen Sweat, the school’s director.

&uot;Once again, we have 100 percent passing the first time they took the boards,&uot; Sweat said. Ten of the past 12 classes share the same achievement.

The rate of passing of the state licensing exam, called the NCLEX-PN, is an important criteria when potential students are choosing a school, Sweat said.

&uot;It’s an indicator that they’re going to be extremely well prepared for their careers. In fact, every one of this year’s graduates is employed, six at Obici, and most plan to continue their educations.&uot;

Sweat said the school’s accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission also attracts applicants. Only eight of the 50 practical nursing schools in the state are accredited, she said.

Graduates include are Shelia Bryant of Portsmouth, Dawn Chappell of Suffolk, Mary Cocco of Suffolk, Monica Davis-Cannon of Virginia Beach, Barbara Kay-Hiesel of Chesapeake, Tracy Manning of Chesapeake, Wanda McBride of Norfolk, Gretchen Morris of Newport News, Tina Natoli of Virginia Beach, June Neuschwander of Chesapeake, Jaunessia Porter of Chesapeake, and Sonia Winborne-Britt of Murfreesboro, N.C.

Although the Louise Obici School of Nursing recently graduated its last class of registered nurses, the LPN school will continue to operate.

Enrollment is currently underway for the LPN program that begins in February 2004. Prospective students must have a high school diploma or a General Education Development certificate. Applications are available at the school, which is located at Pruden Center for Industry and Technology, 4169 Pruden Blvd.