Teaching the Region’s Next Nurses: Alumna Tamisha Hardee

Being a CCP Nursing alum gives Tamisha Hardee a unique vantage point with her students.

“They are pleasantly surprised that I am from this program. Students are able to ask for specific advice,” she said.

Tamisha also brings her extensive academic and career experience to the classroom. She received her Bachelor of Nursing from West Chester University and a Master in Science degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. She worked as a nurse at Hahnemann and Temple University hospitals, and as a clinical and lab instructor at Widener University. 

She started at the College as an adjunct instructor in fall 2019 and became a visiting lecturer from 2021 to 2022 as part of the Diversity Fellowship program, which was integral in helping her decide upon a career path. Tamisha saw herself teaching students in the clinical setting, but the fellowship provided the mentoring, support and option of growing her skills. 

“I tested my abilities as a lecturer, and I realized that in a clinical role, I didn’t reach as many students. As a lecturer, I can teach about 120 students a semester,” said Tamisha. 

The fellowship program also prepares participants for interviews at the College. She became a full-time instructor in fall 2022. 

“As a student, I chose the College because it was an affordable and community-based program, and it had a lot of diversity. Faculty really cared about helping students succeed. It’s a very hands-on education, with 12 hours of clinical instruction, three hours lecturer time and a one-hour seminar a week minimum, plus labs,” she said.

Tamisha was a student ambassador, participated in a Study Abroad program to Tanzania, and benefitted from scholarships and the resources provided by the KEYS program. Balancing school, family life, child care and finances was a challenge. 

“When I was at the College, about half of the students worked. Now, most students have to, and some do not succeed. I hold scholarship workshops, and I encourage them to find a study group and get to know someone on a personal level. You will have people rooting for you,” she said.

The Nursing program recently received a three-year Achieving the Dream grant, which will help black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and first-generation students complete their education by providing financial and academic support, as well as mentors. A three-credit summer research course at West Chester University will count toward a four-year degree.

“Students receive tutoring and help with coursework. We are hosting a time management workshop for grant participants and interested Nursing students. Many are the first in their families to go to college, and they need help navigating life and school,” said Tamisha.

The grant is supporting 30 students this fall, and providing a stipend. Students are chosen to participate through an application process.

"I hope the financial assistance will help alleviate some of their workload. One less day of work means one more day to study or decompress,” she said.

All students are highly encouraged to earn their bachelor’s degree, and demand for CCP nurses is outperforming the usual pace. Some graduates are being hired with an agreement to complete a bachelor’s within a given timeframe, and are receiving assistance to pay for their degree. Those looking for positions from the 2023 class were hired before graduation.

“There is still a huge demand for nurses. CCP students have a good reputation for earning their bachelor’s degree, so they are being hired right out of school. Faculty have done a good job at developing relationships with employers. Our students already complete their clinical component for a bachelor’s, so that is already done. With that and online programs, attaining a four-year degree is more accessible for our graduates,” said Tamisha.