Bristol Delivers Quality Care to the Community

Sabrina Russell, LPN ’18 Pursues New Career Direction with Bristol’s MassReconnect Program

Having spent the past five years working full-time as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at a local rehabilitation center, Sabrina Russell knew that a nursing degree would expand her career opportunities. Worried about managing college costs, she put off moving forward until the availability of free community college through the MassReconnect program offered at Bristol Community College changed her mind. Launched statewide in 2023, MassReconnect allows Massachusetts residents 25 and older to attend community college tuition-free if they have not yet earned an associate or bachelor’s degree. The program has since expanded through MassEducate, extending eligibility to Massachusetts students 18 years or older who meet the program’s criteria.

– Sabrina Russell

Russell first attended Bristol right after high school, enrolling in the college’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program in the Fall of 2018. Toward the end of the program, she was assigned to a local rehabilitation center for her clinical training – a placement that had a major impact on her career track. “I did my clinicals at this rehab center and felt like it was a good fit,” said Russell. “They let me apply right then and there, and they hired me. I’ve been there ever since.” After receiving her CNA certification, Russell completed a year-long Practical Nurse Program at Bristol- Plymouth Regional Technical School and became an LPN in 2020. With support from MassReconnect and the Bristol Community College Foundation’s tuition aid resources such as the Virginia and Harold Lash Scholarship, Russell re-enrolled at the college’s Fall River Campus last spring to pursue an associate degree in nursing.

Bristol’s mix of in-person and online course formats has allowed Russell the flexibility to maintain her full-time nursing schedule, while its student support services have eased her adjustment to college as an adult learner. Bristol’s academic advising services have helped Russell stay on track with course registration and deadlines, and she relies on its writing center to assist with proofreading assignments. A Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member, she is looking forward to earning her license as a registered nurse upon graduation in May 2027. Pursuing her Bristol nursing degree is propelling Russell’s career in new directions, and she encourages others to see where Bristol – and Free Community College – can take them as well. “I would definitely say don’t wait,” said Russell. “Not many things in life are free. Schooling is very expensive, so if you can get it done with no loans, that’s amazing.” For more details, visit BristolCC.edu/FreeCollege.

Shellise Jackson, BSN, RN ’16 ’18 Keeps Reaching Higher to Build Her Dream Nursing Career

Shellise Jackson was juggling a lot in her thirties. A single parent, she was raising five children and working full-time in a medical office to provide for her family. Still, she knew that getting a college degree could lead to her dream career and a more secure future for all of them. “I just felt like it was time for me to be able to pursue my goals, what I really wanted in my heart of hearts – and that was nursing,” said Jackson.

Bristol Community College proved to be the perfect choice for Jackson – close to home and work, with hybrid course offerings that enabled her to complete her academic program without reducing her work schedule. “The flexibility of online classes, as well as hybrid classes, really was the game changer for me to be able to fit everything into my lifestyle,” said Jackson. While at Bristol, Jackson completed an associate degree in health and life sciences in 2016, followed by her associate degree in nursing in 2018. Whenever she faced challenging coursework or test anxiety, Jackson said Bristol’s professors and student support services helped ensure that she achieved her academic goals.

– Shellise Jackson

Jackson excelled at Bristol, becoming a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member and forming a parenting club to offer support for fellow adult learners balancing school and family life. For her contributions to the college community, Jackson was recognized with a Bristol Alumni Service Award in 2023.

After finishing her Bristol studies, Jackson transferred to University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMassD), earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing before being accepted into their five-year Doctor of Nursing Practice program. She has worked as an RN case manager at Bristol Hospice for the past six years and plans to advance her career as a nurse practitioner upon graduating from UMassD next spring.

For prospective students considering Bristol, Jackson’s advice mirrors her personal journey. “Don’t be afraid,” she said. “If this is what you want, just do it. Looking back at Bristol, it will always have my heart because it was able to help me provide a different life for me and for my children.”