Six months into his nursing career, Jack Ward was recognized as one of Pikeville Medical Center’s Shining Stars, an honor bestowed on employees who exhibit excellence in patient care — a skill set his instructors at Big Sandy Community and Technical College emphasized when he was a nursing student.
“Our mission is to ensure every graduate leaves not only with a degree, but with the confidence and hands-on experience needed to care for patients from day one,” said Charlene Carroll, Dean of Dean of Health Education Programs. “Through clinical training and close mentorship from faculty, our students are prepared to step into the workforce ready to serve their communities.”
The BSCTC alumnus completed his associate degree in nursing in May 2025, trading his 17-year career in emergency medical services for the surgical floor at PMC, caring for the people of Eastern Kentucky in a new way.
“I love my job,” he said. “I started in EMS, and I always felt there was something more I could do. Being a nurse is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.”
He spends his shifts preparing patients for surgery and caring for them while they recover. Each time he enters a room, patients are greeted by a friendly face as he pulls up a chair to get to know their story.
“I’ve met people I would have never known. I want to get to know my patients and take their mind off what is going on,” he said. “Even if it’s just another day on the surgical floor for me, it might be the worst day of their life.”
Ward noted one skill set his instructors emphasized as most important: bedside manner.
“Bedside manner was a big thing for them and that stuck with me,” said Ward. “So now I take care of my patients the best I can so they can have the best experience possible with what they are going through.”
Nominations for the Shining Star Award must be made by patients after discharge. Patients can complete a form to nominate employees who made an impact on their care.
“I couldn’t believe I’d been nominated,” said Ward. “It took me off guard. I wasn’t expecting something like that. I treat my patients the way I would want my own family member treated.”
Ward said some of his patients even become extended family to him.
His career as a registered nurse may have begun at PMC, but his journey started when he took the first step by applying at BSCTC. He joined the nursing program after encouragement from his wife.
“She’s the one who was there pushing me,” he said. “Always encouraging me to keep going even when things were hard.”
At BSCTC, his instructors helped him develop a vast skill set in nursing that complemented his strong work ethic and passion for caring for the people of Eastern Kentucky.
“Big Sandy has a wonderful nursing program,” he said. “It teaches you what you need to know when you get out into the workforce. My instructors always encouraged us and explained things when we didn’t understand. If it wasn’t for them and my wife, I wouldn’t be the nurse I am today.”
This isn’t the first time Ward has been recognized for his nursing skills. While a student at BSCTC, his classmates agreed he was the nurse they would want to treat their own family members, earning him the Nightingale Award.
Ward completed his nursing degree in two years while working full time in EMS and credits the support of his wife and instructors with helping shape him into the nurse he is today.
“The success of graduates like (Jack) Ward is a testament to the dedication, passion, and expertise of our nursing instructors,” said Dr. Samuel Todd Brand, president of BSCTC. “They not only teach the skills our students need but inspire them to care deeply for their patients. Our instructors are the heart of our program, and stories like Jack’s remind us why we do this work every day.”