JJC Nursing names Citizenship Award recipients

The Joliet Junior College Nursing Department named students Donna Miller and Maria Rueda as its fall 2018 Citizenship Award winners.

The nursing faculty selects two students each semester for the honor, which goes to those that demonstrate outstanding qualities in the categories of attitude, academics, character, community service and school spirit, according to a news release from the school.

Rueda, 34, is a native of Seattle, Washington. She said her decision to seek an associate degree from JJC was aided by the nursing program’s public perception.

“I did research, and it was one of the best nursing schools,” she said in the release. “The community speaks very highly of JJC nursing grads.”

After graduation in May, she wants to work toward her Bachelor of Science in nursing in a military hospital setting near her husband. He is a member of the U.S. Army and is stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

“I was very excited to know that I had won the Citizenship Award,” Rueda said. “I’ve worked very hard to be able to attend nursing school.”

She said her favorite part about the program has been the opportunity to provide care within the community and receive hands-on experience in the process.

“The combination of theory and clinical really does make a difference when it comes to nursing,” she said.

Miller, 46, said she chose JJC both because of its affordability and its reputation.

“I am beyond impressed with this program and the staff,” Miller said in the release. “The staff really go out of their way to help their students succeed.”

After she graduates in the fall of 2019, she plans to begin working in the field while also pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

“Being a mom, wife and nursing student is tough, and to be recognized for your efforts and hard work is just an amazing feeling,” Miller said.

The JJC Nursing Department had its first class of 11 graduates in 1971. It now has more than 100 students graduate from both the practical nursing program and the registered nursing program annually.

The department began honoring its students with the Citizenship Award in the fall of 2016.

For information about nursing at JJC, visit jjc.edu/nursing.