Vel Westbrook, Nursing Simulation Skills Lab Coordinator, has been selected as North Central Missouri College’s Outstanding Employee for May. Vel, from Trenton, MO (hometown Unionville, MO), has worked at NCMC for twelve years. Vel holds a master’s in nursing and a master’s in healthcare administration.
Vel describes her job as “the best job in the world!” Vel said, “I can’t do it in three. I get to be a part of many nurses’ journeys on the way to becoming a competent, safe nurse. No greater joy!” During her time at NCMC, Vel has helped increase the amount of simulation the nursing students complete. When asked her favorite thing about NCMC, Vel said, “We do big things with small town vibe.” In the future, Vel would like to see at least 15 years of service and be able to pin two generations of nurses in her family. Vel said, “I had the blessing of pinning my youngest daughter as a nurse, and she now teaches at our Savannah campus. My granddaughter is entering our nursing program in the fall, so I hope to pin her and make two generations.” She also hopes to see the Main campus nursing lab get a facelift to better serve the large population of PN to ADN students utilizing it.
When not at work, you can find Vel working as a nurse in other PRN positions, attending grandkids’ ballgames, and spending time with her husband and church. Vel also enjoys hunting, fishing, canoeing, camping, gardening, spending time with family, and cooking for large gatherings.
Each month, nominations are submitted by faculty/staff members for an outstanding employee they feel is hardworking and dedicated, and has made NCMC overall a great place. To learn more about North Central Missouri College’s employment opportunities, visit www.ncmissouri.edu/jobs.
Photo: Vel Westbrook