Practical Nursing Program at the Wilkes-Barre Area CTC

05/22/2026

Yesterday afternoon, we gathered for a special luncheon honoring the seniors of Class 133 as they celebrated this important milestone in their nursing journey. During the event, students received their hats, certificates, and cords in recognition of their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments.

It was a beautiful and emotional afternoon filled with pride, excitement, and reflection as we celebrated together in anticipation of graduation. The celebration will continue this evening, Friday the 22nd, as Class 133 takes the stage for this unforgettable moment.
We were also pleased to have the class officers from Class 134 in attendance to show their support and encouragement for the graduating class.

To Class 133 — we wish you continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in all your future endeavors and new adventures. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you and look forward to seeing the amazing impact you will make in healthcare.
With best wishes from the Administration, Faculty, and Staff of the Practical Nursing Program.

Please enjoy the photos from this special event below…

05/20/2026

Congratulations are in order!

During our Career Fair, we had two winners of Amazon gift cards, generously provided by our friends at Nurses As Needed, Inc.

The winners are Elizabeth Becker and Kelsey Gallagher, both members of our graduating class. Congratulations to them on their winnings!

05/15/2026

05/14/2026

Our administration and faculty had a wonderful opportunity to attend the PAPNA Conference, where they gained valuable insight, inspiration, and professional development alongside fellow nursing educators.

One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to listen to Keith RN speak and share his experiences, knowledge, and passion for nursing. Events like these continue to strengthen our commitment to excellence in nursing education and student success.

We are grateful for opportunities to learn, grow, and bring new ideas back to our program!

Thank you to our program director, Gail Holby, MSN, BSRN, the assistant director, Annie Barsh, MSN-Ed., RN, and full-time faculty: Donna Richmond, DNP, MSN, RN-BC, Amanda Murphy, MSN-Ed., RN, Carl Pekol, BSN, and Nikita Kraynak, BSN, RN.

05/13/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

This year’s theme — More Good Days, Together —

05/11/2026

When a headache isn’t “just a headache”: A family’s journey through pediatric reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome
By: Amanda Murphy, MSN-Ed., BSN, RN – Practical Nursing Program at the Wilkes-Barre Area CTC faculty

https://www.myamericannurse.com/when-a-headache-isnt-just-a-headache-a-familys-journey-through-pediatric-reversible-cerebral-vasoconstriction-syndrome/

Congratulations, Amanda, on the publication of your heartfelt and beautifully written article. Sharing such a personal experience involving your son’s traumatic health scare took tremendous courage, strength, and vulnerability.

Your words not only reflect your compassion and resilience as a mother, but also the empathy and dedication you bring as a nurse faculty member. The article was deeply moving and will undoubtedly provide comfort, inspiration, and understanding to many others facing difficult circumstances.

Thank you for using your voice and experience to educate and connect with others in such a meaningful way. This accomplishment is truly something to be proud of.

Wishing you and your family ongoing strength and healing in the days to come.

American Nurse Journal, the official, clinically and career-focused journal of the American Nurses Association (ANA).

05/07/2026

Happy National Nurses Week!

This week, we celebrate the heart, strength, and compassion that nurses bring to every patient, every day. Your dedication does not go unnoticed; you make a difference in ways both big and small, providing comfort, care, and hope when it is needed most.

We want to give special recognition to our nurses at the Practical Nursing Program at Wilkes-Barre Area CTC. You do a fantastic job every day, all year long. You are the heart and strength behind this program, and we couldn't do it without you. We want to give a big shout-out for your incredible dedication to supporting the next generation of nursing professionals! Your influence is invaluable, and we truly appreciate everything you do. This week, let’s come together to celebrate the amazing strength and courage that nurses embody!

Thank you to our program director, Gail Holby, MSN, BSRN, the assistant director, Annie Barsh, MSN-Ed., RN, and all our full-time and part-time instructors:

Donna Richmond, DNP, MSN, RN-BC
Amanda Murphy, MSN-Ed., RN
Carl Pekol, BSN
Nikita Kraynak, BSN, RN
Ruth Weiscarger, MSN, BSN
Charlotte Thomas, MS, RN
Kristin Eggert, BSN, RN
Courtney Dolan, BSN, RN
Emily Parks, BSN, RN
Mary Beth Yakobitis, BSN, RN
Shaina Habrack, BSN
Shannon Talarico, BSN, RN
Amanda Sikora, BSN

Thank you for your commitment, resilience, and the kindness you show in every interaction. You are truly appreciated today and always.
Wishing you a wonderful Nurses Week filled with recognition, gratitude, and some time to recharge—you deserve it!

05/05/2026

Job opportunities courtesy of our trusted healthcare organizations.

05/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BsqpVgtXL/