Fourth-Generation Nursing Student Carries On a Family Legacy at FSCC

This is where your next career starts.

For Jada Atkins, becoming a nurse isn’t just a career choice—it’s continuing a family legacy that spans four generations.

A native of Uniontown in Bourbon County, Kansas, Jada is proud to be a fourth-generation Fort Scott Community College nursing student. Her great-grandmother earned both her LPN and RN through the FSCC Nursing Program and dedicated more than 30 years to caring for patients. Her grandmother earned her associate degree at FSCC before completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Pittsburg State University, spending more than 40 years serving rural communities. Her mother-in-law is also a graduate of the FSCC Nursing Program and has been a nurse for more than 20 years.

“Watching the compassion, dedication, and professionalism they brought to their patients inspired me to follow the same path,” Jada said. “Old patients of theirs still stop them and thank them by name.” She adds that her only regret is that her grandmother has already retired, meaning she won’t have the opportunity to work alongside her—a dream she would have cherished.

Growing up in rural southeast Kansas helped shape Jada’s calling. She witnessed firsthand the challenges families face when quality healthcare often requires traveling 45 minutes to an hour for medical appointments.

“My goal is to serve rural communities and help improve access to healthcare for the people who need it most,” she said.

Today, Jada is already making a difference. She works for Girard Medical Center in the Rural Health Clinics Department, serving patients in several small communities—including her hometown of Uniontown.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to give back to the community that has supported me throughout my life,” she said. “I’m excited to continue serving those communities as a registered nurse.”

Jada says choosing Fort Scott Community College was an easy decision because of its reputation and her family’s history with the program, but what has impressed her most has been the people.

“Despite being a small rural college, the instructors and administration work tirelessly to secure resources, invest in modern equipment, and ensure students receive an exceptional education,” she said. “They truly go above and beyond to make sure we have every opportunity to succeed.”

She also credits the close-knit atmosphere of the program for creating an environment where students genuinely support one another.

“Because our cohort is small, we’ve developed a strong sense of teamwork and support,” she said. “We constantly share study guides, notes, helpful videos, and encouragement. It feels less like competing with classmates and more like a community working toward the same goal.”

After earning her RN from FSCC, Jada plans to continue her education by completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and ultimately earning her master’s degree. While she’s still exploring exactly where her career will lead, one thing is certain—she wants to continue serving rural communities and become a dependable healthcare resource for patients who might otherwise have limited access to quality care.

When asked what advice she would give someone considering nursing but hesitant to take the first step, her answer was simple.

“I would recommend becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). It’s one of the best ways to gain hands-on experience, learn whether healthcare is the right fit, build confidence, and earn an income while preparing for nursing school. It’s an invaluable foundation for a future nursing career.”

If she had to describe the FSCC Nursing Program in three words?

Strong. Supportive. Resilient.

“Those qualities define both the program and the people within it,” Jada said. “FSCC prepares students not only to become skilled nurses, but also compassionate professionals who are ready to serve their communities.”

Thinking About a Career in Nursing?

The Fort Scott Community College Nursing Program is accepting applications for the Fall cohort through July 30.

With only two seats remaining, now is the time to take the next step toward your future in healthcare.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the FSCC Nursing Department directly to begin the application process.

Shelly Brennon
620-768-2908, Ext. 8102

Jodi Stewart
620-768-2908, Ext. 8107

Admission Requirements

• Anatomy & Physiology (completed within the past seven years)
• English Composition I (ENG 101)
• College Algebra or Applied Math for Nursing
• General Psychology
• Nutrition
• Active Kansas CNA Certification
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• TEAS Entrance Exam

Students also benefit from:

• State-of-the-art simulation labs with continually updated equipment.
• A new pediatric simulator arriving soon.
• Articulation agreements with the University of Kansas and Pittsburg State University, making it easier to continue toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

This is where your next career starts.