New Dad/ New Grad
HARRISBURG, Ill. (May 16, 2019) – Southeastern Illinois College is known for its highly reputed nursing programs. SIC has held the state’s top practical nursing (PN) and registered nursing (RN) programs among public colleges for the past three years. Pass rates for 2018 licensure exams among SIC nursing grads were 100%. Only four out of 42 RN programs in Illinois received 100% pass rates.
One of those students to graduate this year is Daniel Scheffer of Marion. What makes Scheffer unique is that he came back to college seeking a career change and became a new dad less than two months prior to graduating with his Associate Degree of Nursing.
Scheffer said health care has always been of interest to him. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in 2002. But with no prior experience or a master’s degree, it made finding an administrative position in health care challenging.
“I knew I needed to either pursue a nursing degree or an MBA. Nursing seemed like the better choice for me at this point in my life,” said Scheffer. “Also, due to the shortage of nurses, I believed there would be a job waiting for me.”
Scheffer completed the RN program at SIC last week, and has already accepted a preceptorship nursing position working for Southern Illinois Healthcare at Herrin Hospital.
Amy Murphy, Director of Nursing, said, “It has been a pleasure having Daniel in class. His work ethic is admirable and he always conducts himself with integrity and professionalism. I’ve no doubt that he will be a positive addition to his chosen work environment.”
His wife, Jennifer Roehm-Scheffer, who happens to be the Spanish instructor at SIC is proud of his accomplishments and explained the commitment and sacrifice it took.
“I’m so excited to see him graduate and fulfill the degree he has worked so hard to obtain. It definitely wasn’t easy for him or me…” said Roehm-Scheffer. “There were nights where Daniel would stay up all night and study. God is good all the time and without Him none of this would be possible.”
Of course, Scheffer had positive things to say about his wife and the support she provided during the experience.”
“My wife is my rock, and without her support I would not have made it through school. She taught extra classes to help us financially. She understood the importance of me being back in school and needing to focus solely on it. Thus, she carried us, so that I didn’t have to worry with working during these past two years.”
The Scheffer Family
The Scheffers – Jennifer, Kade and Daniel – pose for picture before graduation at SIC May 10
