Darby Pinkard is lucky to start her nursing career in the field she hoped to specialize in—hematology/oncology pediatrics with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) at Scottish Rite. She begins her new position in early January.  Pinkard not only studied nursing at Georgia College, she played outfield in softball, as well. Participating in sports taught her time management, when she juggled that and maintaining good grades through the nursing program. Although this wasn’t an easy...

  Aly Griffin What’s your major?  My major is nursing. Where are you from? Atlanta, GA Why did you want to pursue nursing? Since I was young, I have had a passion for helping people who are in need. When my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer five years ago, I saw the impact the nurses had on her care. They made her feel comfortable and supported her throughout this difficult journey. This truly inspired me to want to be there for people during some of their most challenging times...

Georgia ranks near the bottom of all 50 states for the number of primary care providers. Recent data from America’s Health Rankings, 2018 Annual Report, places Georgia at 42nd for the number of primary care doctors per capita, 43rd in its supply of registered nurses and 48th in advanced practice nursing care.  A total of 129 of Georgia’s 159 counties are designated primary care health professional shortage areas (HSPA) by the Georgia Department of Community Health. “That means over...