Joshua Watts.

Joshua Watts of Salisbury became interested in Wor-Wic when he toured the then newly-built Allied Health Building (now Shockley Hall) during a 10th grade field trip. “I loved it!” he said. “Then, when I was a senior in high school, my best friend, Teddy, started the nursing program at Wor-Wic and told me that I should give it a try. I applied to Wor-Wic and when I learned that I received a board of trustees scholarship, my decision was made.”

With the board scholarship being awarded to the most academically-talented senior who applies to Wor-Wic from each public high school, it’s not surprising that after becoming a student at Wor-Wic, Watts was accepted into the nursing program, was named to the dean’s list and joined the Alpha Nu Omicron chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society.

Watts said he liked the resources that Wor-Wic offers and the helpfulness of the instructors. “The program really helped with real-world experience during my clinical time. I had so many clinicals at different locations, and that really expanded my awareness of the different types of jobs in nursing.”

Watts works part time as a registered nurse at Peninsula Regional Medical Center while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in nursing. “Attending Wor-Wic for my first two years of college was a great advantage,” Watts said. “I wish I had taken more classes besides the prerequisites before I started the nursing program. That way, I would have more credits under my belt, saving me time and money on finishing my bachelor’s degree.”

When asked how Wor-Wic has impacted his life, he said that “Wor-Wic taught me how to do my job, for starters. Personally, my experiences at Wor-Wic made it easier for me to talk to and communicate with other people. Education-wise, it improved my skills that I use at the hospital every shift. Some of the instructors taught me things that I still remember from class that are useful in my everyday work.”

After finishing his bachelor’s degree, Watts plans to work on his master’s degree while continuing to work and advance in the nursing profession.

When asked what advice he would give current nursing students, he said, “Take the time to study – a lot. Don’t work full time while you are in school, if that’s possible. The nursing program is difficult – with good reason, and you will need to make school your primary focus.”