Cindy Washington
Nursing Technology
Associate Professor Cindy Washington is a teacher, a nurse and an author. She has been a faculty member at COTC since 2007, where she currently teaches the advanced adult health nursing course at the Newark campus. In 2022, Washington was one of the contributing authors in the Columbus Black Nurses Association’s (CBNA) first book: “The Voices of Black Nurses Our Challenges and Triumphs During the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Book sales support scholarships for CBNA nursing students. Washington is in enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at American Sentinel University.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL
Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA
Master of Science in Nursing from Capital University in Columbus, OH
Post-Graduate Nursing Education Certificate from Mount Carmel School of Nursing in Columbus, OH
Certificate in Effective College Instruction from The Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) and The American Council on Education (ACE)
Awards
2021-22 COTC Teaching Excellence Recognition
Publications
What students can do with an associate degree in nursing when they graduate?
Registered nurses (RNs) are in a professional career that manages all areas of a patient’s overall health.
After an associate degree nursing student passes the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), they may practice in many healthcare settings, such as hospitals, community health, universities, correctional healthcare facilities, and many other settings.
How did you become involved in nursing?
Although my mom, Juanita Mitchell, and aunt, Jacqueline Mitchell-Powell, were registered nurses, I chose to be a science teacher. After teaching for a couple of years and emphasizing health education, the school nurse in Erie, PA stated that I should consider being a nurse. After teaching at a technical high school and feeling God’s inspiration to further expand my talents in caring for individuals and their families, I enrolled in nursing school.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at COTC?
There is an extreme joy to see:
- a struggling student understanding topics and passing the course
- graduating nursing students being pinned by a loved one during the ceremony
- emails that a student has passed their NCLEX exam
- RNs working in healthcare settings and in the community- encouraging future nursing students to be successful.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Besides my family, especially my nine-month grandson, Liam, I am grateful that each semester I can make a difference in students’ lives to increase their passion for nursing, and motivate them to be safe and competent nurses.
What advice do you have for students?
After each exam, enjoy a bag of popcorn and a movie with loved ones and continue to study to reach your goal. As an RN, help other students along the way to reach their goal of becoming an RN.
In what way does the college support students in achieving their certificate or degree?
COTC and the nursing department use campus resources to help students work on identified and student self-identified weak areas. Nursing tutors, math tutors, counselors, and nursing faculty advisors have been very instrumental in helping students be successful in the nursing program.
What interests, hobbies or talents do you have outside of the classroom?
Northern Ohio Area Pathfinder Coordinator: Encouraging youth to grow in being good citizens on earth and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through fun activities such as camping, serving others in the community and having daily devotions.
Columbus Black Nurses Association: Secretary and Member- Black nurses helping the community to live healthier lives and mentoring nursing students through Mentoring of Ohio Nurses Institute (MONI) program. While earning my master’s in nursing, I developed this program with the help of CBNA friends. In May 2022, CBNA will be releasing our first book which will help students have funds for nursing school. Excited to share and the community to purchase the book: The Voices of Black Nurses Our Challenges and Triumphs During the COVID-19 Pandemic!