Basin Life

MOSES LAKE — After 25 years at Big Bend Community College, Nursing Program Director Linda Wrynn will be retiring from the career she has dedicated her life to. Wrynn, who began as a nurse before making the gradual transition to a nursing instructor and finally a program administrator, knew at an early age that she wanted to dedicate herself to the care of those in need.

Wrynn's first experience with nursing came during visits with her aunt in New Hampshire as a young child. Her aunt, a nurse who took Wrynn along on visits to patients' homes, showed her the true rewards of the nursing profession.

"We used to visit people in their homes," Wrynn recalled of her time with her aunt. "She was doing a great service to help those people. (I thought), 'That is what I want to do.'"

After receiving her ADN from California's Solano Community College in 1976, Wrynn began her nursing career in Gillette, Wyo. When Wrynn and her husband moved to Moses Lake in 1981, a shortage of available nursing positions led her to take a part-time position in home health care.

Wrynn began teaching nursing assistant and practical nursing courses in her spare time, an experience which she found most enjoyable.

"It was the best of both worlds," said the longtime nursing instructor of her early days in the classroom. "I could continue working, and I could help students learn how to be a good nurse. That seemed like a bonus."

During that time, she pursued her bachelor's degree through distance learning courses from the State University of New York. As part of the program, Wrynn traveled to Denver, Atlanta and other cities for skills testing required of all nursing degree candidates.

When a position opened up in 1984, Wrynn began as a full-time nursing instructor at BBCC. It was a decision she stands behind to this day.

"I could have made more money in the private sector, but I don't think the rewards are as great," said Wrynn of her teaching career. "I would encourage current students to go into nursing education."

The retiring instructor described the benefits of a career in nursing education, citing the opportunity to see students blossom from tentative beginners to confident and capable nurses as one of the most rewarding aspects of the work.

"It's great watching that growth and progress," remarked Wrynn.

While nursing is a career with many benefits, it takes the right kind of person to make a successful nurse.

"They (nurses) have to care about individuals," noted Wrynn. "The have to move from themselves to giving to other people.

"It is difficult; it demands responsibility and accountability," she added.

When the previous nursing program director retired in 1997, Wrynn stepped into the position and helped the Big Bend program continue its growth and maturation.

Unbeknownst to many in the Columbia Basin, the registered nursing program at BBCC began in 1984 as a satellite program offered through Columbia Basin College in Pasco. Students had to travel to Pasco for course work on occasion, and degrees were issued by CBC.

While the retiring nursing director felt the relationship with CBC was always a good one, she believed the time had come for Big Bend to establish its own program.

"We still have a great collaborative relationship (with CBC), but it is far better to have our own program here," said Wrynn about the change.

Wrynn has seen many other changes during her tenure, from a new nursing building opening this past fall to the vast increase in the use of technology in the classroom and the workplace. One thing that has not changed, however, is the support the program has received from the local medical community.

"The support has been something we have relied on, and they have stepped up to the plate," said Wrynn of the area medical facilities which help nursing students gain valuable experience through on-site clinical rotations. "The medical community has always been supportive of the nursing program."

During her retirement, Wrynn plans to travel, visiting children and grandchildren in western Washington, Colorado, Hawaii and Texas. She will, however, continue to make Moses Lake her home.

"I think it has a lot to offer," said Wrynn of her hometown. "It has been a great place to raise our children."

The retiring nursing director still plans to stay active in the local medical community, but she is unsure what role she will undertake. One thing that is for sure is how much Wrynn will miss being at Big Bend.

"I'll miss everybody here, this is a great place to work," Wrynn remarked. "It's been a great 25 years.

"I'm proud of every single graduate we have," added Wrynn.