This event brought four health care systems – Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Cone Health, Duke Health and Novant Health – to the Francis Center to connect with the 29 students enrolled in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program with the first class graduating in December 2022.

Representatives from the health care systems were welcomed by Anthony Lester, program assistant for the Department of Nursing, through a personalized tour of the School of Health Sciences with special highlights of the virtual reality space, high-fidelity mannequins and additional classroom and lab space throughout the building.

Then, over lunch, an overall welcome to the hospitals was provided by Tiffany Morris, inaugural chair of the Department of Nursing. Morris gave highlights of the ABSN program and how excited the first cohort of graduates are feeling about entering the workforce. The Nursing Career Day continued with each health care system providing 15-minute overviews to the students including information about the roles available, and the culture, values, and standards of each system.

Travis Wright, a talent acquisition campus recruiter with Novant Health said, “The nursing career day allowed Novant Health to give a face-to-face overview of our accredited with distinction nurse residency program, answer questions, and socialize with the students. This is a huge win for 51±¬ÁÏÍø, the nursing students and all of the acute care hospitals that were able to attend.â€�

Katelyn Perez, a current ABSN student, said, “Nursing goes beyond just a job title. A nurse understands the power of patience and compassion as they embark on a journey alongside their patients during the most challenging or joyous times of their life. I know that my learning does not stop here but will continue throughout my career to allow me to better serve my community.”

The event concluded with students networking directly with the health care system representatives which allowed for a personalized touch where the students could get their questions directly answered.

Kristin Walker, associate director of employer experience and technology in the Student Professional Development Center, said, “It was great to see both health care system representatives and students eager to connect about future opportunities. We are excited for Elon nursing graduates to join the workforce at these and other health care systems.�

In the 10 years Brinkley spent at Elon, he’s done exactly what the university asked him to do. He transformed the career services office into today’s Student Professional Development Center. Elon is now nationally recognized for its innovative and comprehensive approach to career services.

With his recent retirement, Brinkley was also honored with a Lifetime Membership Award through the North Carolina Association of Colleges and Employers. This professional association works to bring together career services professionals and employers with the goal of economic growth, employment and professional development across the state of North Carolina.

The association states that “Honorary Life Membership is awarded to individuals who have made notable and significant contributions to the Association over the course of their active membership in NCACE.” Candidates for the recognition must have been active in the association for at least seven years and must no longer be eligible for active membership because of retirement, job transition, or other similar reasons, according to the association’s guidelines.

“I’m honored to have been recognized by my peers at the North Carolina Association of College & Employers Annual Conference with the Lifetime Membership Award,” Brinkley says. “I want to thank the staff of the Student Professional Development Center at Elon for their support and outstanding work over the last 10 years, helping the SPDC become a nationally ranked career center. This award is as much for SPDC team as it is an individual achievement award.â€�

The SPDC thanks Tom Brinkley for his leadership, and for making Elon’s vision come to life in the Student Professional Development Center.

Danielle Golinski, career advisor for the Love School of Business, began the night with an interactive presentation on personal branding, table etiquette and networking. Participants had the opportunity to implement their learning while networking with employers who represented a variety of industries. Employers in attendance included the Greensboro Swarm, UPS Capital, Gartner, FactSet, Coleman Research, Cardio Blessings and the Charlotte Police Department. 

Students walked away from the Phoenix Night of Networking & Etiquette with meaningful connections and tips on how to impress while networking.