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A nursing student set to graduate from Kankakee Community College this year has been honored with a national peer-recognition award after a patient singled out his bedside manner and clinical care. The distinction, presented at the college’s recent pinning ceremony, underscores growing attention to compassion and communication in frontline healthcare.
Patient nomination highlights bedside care
Jordan Vaughn, a Bourbonnais resident and Practical Nursing graduate in the KCC class of 2026, received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students following a nomination from a former patient. According to the nomination, Vaughn made a point of explaining treatments clearly, helping the patient feel informed and involved in decisions about their care.
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That same account described his demeanor as calm and attentive, saying his presence eased anxiety during a stressful hospital stay. The nominator concluded that Vaughn’s commitment and sincere concern suggest he will be a strong asset to any care team.
Honor presented at pinning ceremony
KCC’s selection committee presented Vaughn with the award on July 23 during the Practical Nursing pinning event. Alongside a formal certificate he received the signature DAISY pin and a hand-carved keepsake called A Healer’s Touch, crafted by artists from the Shona community in Zimbabwe.
Vaughn has accepted a full-time position with Miller Healthcare in Kankakee, moving directly from training into the local workforce.
- Award items: certificate, DAISY pin, A Healer’s Touch sculpture
- Graduate status: Practical Nursing, KCC Class of 2026
- Employment: Full-time role at Miller Healthcare, Kankakee
What the Practical Nursing program offers
The college admits new students to the Practical Nursing program each fall. Coursework blends classroom instruction with clinical rotations and hands-on lab practice to prepare students for immediate roles in patient care.
Graduates are prepared for a range of settings, and many pursue further licensure. Typical employment destinations include:
- Hospitals and acute-care units
- Long-term care and assisted-living facilities
- Home health services
- Outpatient clinics and physician offices
Program completers may also apply for advanced placement into KCC’s registered nursing curriculum, offering a pathway toward RN licensure.
As hospitals nationwide face staffing pressures, recognitions like the DAISY Award reinforce the value of patient-centered skills alongside technical competence. For local patients, the immediate impact is tangible: trained caregivers who communicate clearly and provide reassurance during vulnerable moments.
For information about the Practical Nursing program, contact program director Jennifer Rogers at [email protected] or 815-802-8828.
