Simmons achieves nursing dream at Durham Tech, will impact lives of local prisoners

Harold Simmons walked across the stage on July 12 with 41 of his classmates at the Durham Tech Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony.

“I feel like I’m joining an elite club of male nurses,” Simmons said. “It was a long road to get here, but so worth it.”

After working as a Correctional Officer just out of high school, Simmons worked at a tech company for two years before getting laid off in 2003.

“I was newly married and had responsibilities. I knew I didn’t want to be in a situation where I could get laid off again, so I put a lot of deep thought into my next steps,” Simmons said. “After talking to a close family friend who was a phlebotomist, I felt encouraged to look into healthcare. She said I’d never be without a job once I learned a skill, and that’s exactly what I was looking for.”

Less than a year later, Simmons earned his phlebotomy certification, and was immediately offered a job as a lab technician at an urgent care facility.

“I was cross trained in doing labs, x-rays, and triage. It was such a great opportunity to learn more skills, and it helped me realize there were other things I could do,” Simmons said.

After gaining a few years of experience, Simmons saw an ad for a program at Fresenius Medical Care that would train phlebotomists to become hemodialysis technicians.

He jumped at the chance.

That new skill led to an opportunity to work for Naphcare Inc., a private company that provides hemodialysis services for Central Prison in Raleigh, where he still works today.

“You’re in a prison environment, so you have to pay attention to your surroundings, but the needs are the same for the patients you’re treating,” Simmons said. “I address the inmates as patients when they enter the room because it’s not about what they’re in prison for, it’s about making sure I give them the best care possible.”

Prior to enrolling at Durham Tech, Simmons said he was happy with where he was in his career, but wanted more – a desire he credits to his children.

“I preach heavily to my children about education and started to feel like I needed to set an example,” Simmons said. “I worked closely with RN’s, LPN’s, and doctors every day and I realized if I could do hemodialysis, then what would it take for me to climb the next step? I knew education was the route I needed to take.”

He wanted to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN, and it didn’t take long to decide on Durham Tech.

“There were nurses I worked with that would tell me Durham Tech had one of the best programs in the area, and if I need to go to school, then I want to go to the best school possible,” he said.

According to Simmons, the program and its instructors lived up to its reputation.

“My experience has been great and all of the instructors have been great mentors,” Simmons said. “They all have different strengths and different ways of teaching. I really appreciate the energy and encouragement they pour into us, and always pushing us to try harder.”

Cindy Hardin, Director of Practical Nursing at Durham Tech, took notice of Simmons early on.

“After his first semester, when everyone is struggling to learn how the program works and what priorities to set, Harold became the ‘go-to’ person,” Hardin said. “He is always willing to step in and provide help in any way to his fellow students and the faculty. I think Harold will be a very knowledgeable and compassionate nurse.”

Last month, Simmons was notified that he was recipient of the Ralph "Butch" Holman Practical Nursing Scholarship through the Durham Tech Foundation.

“I was surprised and so grateful,” Simmons said. “College is expensive, so it means a lot to have a scholarship to further my education.”

Now in the healthcare field for more than 10 years, Simmons said he’s thankful to have a solid career path and hasn’t been without a job since he started.

“It feels great to not have to worry about where I’m going to be working from day to day,” he said.

Simmons said he looks forward to getting promoted within Naphcare from a hemodialysis technician to a Licensed Practical Nurse at Central Prison of Raleigh after he completes the National Council Licensure Exam this summer.

“I feel so blessed and accomplished. To know that I’ve been able to make a step up in life and in my career, it really gives me a boost of confidence,” Simmons said. “The greatest feeling in the world is knowing I’ll be able to provide more for my family now.”

Simmons wants to continue climbing the ladder by completing the LPN to ADN program at Durham Tech to become a Registered Nurse.

If you’re interested in becoming an LPN, visit the program page to find out about an upcoming information session.

For program questions, contact Cindy Hardin at 919-536-7200 ext. 8114 or hardinc@durhamtech.edu.