The OCCC Nursing Program recently hosted the 2026 Nursing Transition Summit, a one-day event dedicated to preparing nursing students for the transition from school to professional practice. Held in multiple classrooms within the Division of Health Professions, the summit centered on career readiness, resume development and mock interviews.
The event began with registration at 8 a.m., followed by a welcome session featuring student support specialists, Dean of Health Professions Kathy Wheat, Director of Nursing Janine Kelly and Vice President for Information Technology and Workforce Michael Widell. From there, students rotated through structured breakout sessions designed to build confidence and professional skills.
Ericka Williams, a student success specialist for the nursing department, helped organize the summit alongside Tanya Farrow and Sherry Davis. Williams explained that the idea developed after recognizing that many soon-to-graduate nursing students felt academically prepared but were unsure about navigating the hiring process.
“We want our students to be successful,” Williams said. “We believe we produce the best nurses, and we want them to have the best jobs.”
The summit was intentionally designed to provide equitable opportunities. Williams emphasized that not every student comes from a healthcare background or has professional connections in nursing. By offering resume workshops, mock interviews and recruiter access, the event aimed to create equal opportunity for all students, especially first-generation nurses.
Four breakout sessions structured the day. “Becoming the Noticed Nurse” focused on resume writing, where students brought drafts and received immediate feedback from TRIO representatives and human resources professionals. “Becoming the Hired Nurse” allowed students to participate in mock panel interviews that mirrored real hospital hiring processes. Students completed two interviews and received instant constructive feedback from professionals.
“Becoming the Professional Nurse” addressed professionalism in practice, workplace expectations and communication skills. The final session, “Becoming the Licensed Nurse,” focused on preparation for the licensing exam.
One of the most impactful components of the summit was the recruiter roundtable luncheon. Eight recruiters from major metro healthcare facilities participated in a working lunch, giving students rare direct access to hiring representatives. Organizations represented included INTEGRIS Health, the J.D. McCarty Center, the Norman Regional Health System, Oklahoma Heart Hospital, SSM Health and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
During the roundtable, recruiters discussed internship and externship opportunities, hiring expectations and workplace culture. Students were encouraged to ask direct questions and engage in meaningful conversations at vendor tables throughout the day.
Williams recalled one memorable moment when a student who was visibly shaking before her mock interview walked out feeling empowered.
“She realized it was not as scary as she thought,” Williams said. “That was our goal, to give them practice so they can walk into real interviews prepared.”
The event concluded with closing remarks and a raffle drawing supported by campus and community donors, including the OCCC Bookstore and local businesses. The Division of Health Professions also provided lunch for attendees.
Overall, feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive. While scheduling conflicts prevented some from attending, organizers view the summit as a growing initiative that will continue to evolve based on student input.
Williams offered final advice to nursing students entering the workforce.
“Know your value,” she said. “You are part of an elite group of OCCC nurses. Walk into those interviews prepared and confident.”
Through collaboration, mentorship and professional engagement, the 2026 Nursing Transition Summit reinforced OCCC’s commitment to student success, not only in the classroom but also in their careers beyond graduation.
