Sean’s Journey as a Full-Time Clinical Associate, Nursing Student and Father

Between full-time shifts as a clinical associate, long nights studying and raising Riley, his five-year-old daughter, Sean’s days are full, but so is his sense of purpose. This Father’s Day, the Delaware County Technical Schools’ (DCTS) Practical Nursing Program is proud to spotlight Cohort 67 student Sean, whose path into nursing reflects the resilience, dedication and heart that define so many of our students.

Sean has spent the last two-and-a-half years working at Melmark, a long-term care facility in Berwyn, where his interest in nursing first took root.

“I worked alongside a lot of nurses and I always thought it was amazing what they did. I thought becoming an LPN would be a great way to advance my knowledge and the ways in which I can care for others,” said Sean.

Now enrolled in the Practical Nursing Program, Sean continues to work full-time while balancing a demanding course schedule. “Time management is humongous. This is an accelerated program, so there’s a lot of studying that needs to get done in a short period of time,” he shared.

Fortunately, Riley has been an excellent support system and motivator for Sean. Despite the long hours and limited downtime, they always find time to do what they enjoy most, whether it's playing with Riley’s Barbies or going to the park.

“My daughter is just a wonderful girl and I feel blessed having her in my life. She’s the daughter I always wanted,” he added. “She just loves being around her dad. She’s so observant, smart and has such a sense of humor for a five-year-old.”

After graduating and becoming an LPN, Sean hopes to remain at Melmark while keeping his long-term goal in sight. “I want to take some time off once I’m done with school just to gather my bearings and give myself the time I need,” he said. “In a couple of years, I’d love to go back to school to become an RN.”

For other fathers thinking about going back to school or changing careers, Sean offers some advice: “Everything’s not easy and there definitely are stressful times, but you just have to take it day by day.”

Sean’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when commitment and care come together. This Father’s Day, we celebrate him and all the parents in our program, who are working hard, chasing their goals and setting meaningful examples for the next generation.

To learn more about the Practical Nursing Program, visit www.DCIU.org/LPN. Contact LPN@DCIU.org or 484-423-7003 with any questions.