Graduate Spotlight: Terrance Jones

Having faced a serious spout of health struggles and frequent hospital stays throughout his childhood, Terrance Jones knows firsthand the impact a compassionate nurse can have on a patient’s life.

“The people who comforted me the most were the nurses,” he recalled. “It was a good feeling and reassuring to not feel judged or bad because you couldn’t take care of yourself while being ill. That’s when I knew I wanted to become a nurse and help others in the same way.”

Jones’ motivation grew even stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he volunteered on hospital floors, assisting nurses however he could. As a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) with experience in multiple specialties, including four years in outpatient surgery working alongside surgeons, Jones had a strong foundation in healthcare before joining the Practical Nursing Program’s Cohort 65 in February 2024.

His time in the Program was both challenging and rewarding. “I made new friends, learned so much as a student nurse and had great experiences with the educating staff and front office team,” he said. Some of his favorite moments included Culture Celebration Day and Clinical Holiday at Fair Acres Nursing Home, which provided a chance to connect with patients in meaningful ways.

Today, Jones works at OneWell and Bayada Home Care, providing skilled nursing care in clients’ homes. His work includes administering medications, performing head-to-toe assessments, managing G-tube and feeding pumps, colostomy care, post-stroke nursing and other critical services. He also completed Bayada’s six-week full-time nursing residency program, gaining additional one-on-one specialized training to bridge the gap between school and independent nursing practice.

“Home care nursing gives you autonomy, you’re responsible for one patient the entire shift, and you get to see the direct impact of your care,” he said.

Jones hopes to become an RN case manager for home care clients, a role that aligns with his passion for patient care. This fall, he will join the Open House as a graduate panelist, sharing how the program shaped his journey and showing prospective students what’s possible through hard work and dedication.

“Stay committed, make school a priority and be hungry for information,” he advises. “If you do that, you will succeed.”

To reserve your spot for the October 7 Open House and hear from Jones and other panelists about the nationally-ranked program, visit www.tinyurl.com/DCTSPracticalNursingProgram.