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GRADUATING U.VA. NURSES HELPED CLASSMATE CARE FOR SON

Linda Williamson will receive her Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree this week when the University of Virginia School of Nursing graduates its first class of the new millenium. When she bids farewell to her fellow graduates, so will her six-year-old son, Nicholas.

As a single mom, I was really grateful when the other students in my class really reached out to help me take care of Nicholas as my schedule got busier, Williamson said. Not many people would offer to take care of a sick child and not many sick children would accept someone besides Mom to take care of them. But my son grew to love the other women in my class who helped me take care of him. I wouldn't be graduating if not for their help.

Williamson didn't ask for help until her fourth-year schedule became more intense. In April and May alone, she was required to complete 168 clinical hours in addition to class work. While taking three or four classes per semester, Williamson's rigorous U.Va. work-study practicums took place at the hospital's general surgery and cardiology units, a women's correctional facility, and Western State Hospital in Staunton. Her typical day went from 6:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., with an added time required to complete administrative paperwork, then class homework.

All my learning experience at the School of Nursing was excellent. Sometimes it was pretty draining. My friends helped make sure Nicholas got to and from school safely, and his school's network of parents also helped me a great deal.

Williamson will move back to her home in Northern Virginia, where her parents live. She plans to continue school to become a nurse-midwife.

Linda is one of the best nurses I have ever seen, said Elizabeth Ann Zesinger, a classmate. Nursing school added to the challenges of raising a young child on her own. But she never wanted to inconvenience others and she was self-reliant in caring for her son for most of her time at the School of Nursing. Her kind and gentle manner always came across to us, her fellow students, as well as with patients.

The School of Nursing graduation ceremony will take place on the Rotunda North Steps (or in case of rain, McLeod Hall) at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 21.

May 16, 2000