Vickey Allen is a 2002 graduate of the Great Oaks School of Practical Nursing.  Vickey started Queen City's nursing program but did not complete it.  She was working full-time and had two part-time jobs while attending school.  She worked as a unit clerk and personal care assistant.  Vickey said it took "six years to realize her dream of becoming a nurse."  In spite of stops and starts with her training program, working multiple jobs and raising a family, her persistence paid off and she completed the Great Oaks' program.  After graduation, she was hired full-time at Deaconess Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse.  She currently works for the Scarlet Oaks Nursing Home and "loves her job."  She has the pleasure of working with patients on a long-term basis.  Vickey has applied to Christ Hospital's Registered Nurse/Associate's Degree program in order to achieve her next goal.  She wants to work in labor and delivery.  Next, she will pursue her Master's Degree so she can return to Great Oaks and teach some day.  Vickey says that the Great Oaks' nursing program was "intense" but the "instructors were great and very helpful."