A compassionate heart, a love for patient care and a role model since birth were the ingredients needed for Gabby Bowers to embark on a career in nursing. Following in the footsteps of her mom, who worked as a certified nursing assistant, a licensed practical nurse and a registered nurse, Bowers’ path was clear at Southeastern Community College. 

“I love patient care,” Bowers said. “I’ve seen what it’s like for people to have a nurse who was in it for money and not compassionate especially for patients with mental health challenges. I want to give them the best possible care because that could be my family member laying in that bed.”  

Bowers, a Cerro Gordo native who moved to the Beaverdam community when she was 16 years old, is a 2016 West Columbus High School graduate. She works as a licensed practical nurse in the emergency department at Columbus Regional Healthcare System. As a mom of three children ages 7, 4 and 9 months old, Bowers said her life is focused on her family and working to provide a good life for her children.  

After high school, Bowers worked as a waitress while taking classes at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. She was unsure of what she wanted to do and discussed a career in physical therapy with her mom and transferring to Coastal Carolina University.  

“I got pregnant with my son, and that was actually a blessing because I did not want to do physical therapy,” Bowers said. “I took some time off to spend time with my newborn son, and I went back to waiting tables when he was seven weeks old to make ends meet.” 

When Bowers started working again, she also started taking prerequisite nursing classes and general education requirements at SCC. Bowers said it was determination and inspiration from her mom that powered her drive to move forward in nursing. Raised by a single mother working at CRHS, Bowers experienced the same challenges of motherhood and working to become a nurse.  

“Watching my mom come here for nursing school and always hearing that Southeastern is the cream of the crop for nursing school are my top reasons for coming here,” Bowers said. “Most people look for Southeastern nurses when they’re looking to hire people.” 

Bowers completed the practical nursing program in 2021 at SCC, and she returned a year later to complete the associate degree of nursing program. Falling short of a passing grade during her first semester, Bowers exited the program and tried again the following year. 

Bowers said that her unsuccessful attempt at the ADN program was not a deterrent. She promised Jessica Hill, Dean of Nursing and Healthcare Training, that she would see her photo on the wall next to her mom. The hallways of R-building are lined with class photos of past graduates, and Bowers wants to be there too.  

With the end goal of opening an inpatient/outpatient mental health facility, Bowers plans to transfer to UNC Pembroke to earn her bachelor of nursing degree and later earn a masters degree in nursing. Bowers said her true calling is to heal people.  

“I’m really excited about graduating because this semester, in particular, has really opened my eyes,” Bowers said. “In the practical nursing program, I had no clue what type of nurse I wanted to be until I did CPR in the emergency department.” 

One of Bowers biggest accomplishments in the ADN program was winning a $1,000 scholarship from the North Carolina Great 100 Nurses organization. In September, she accepted the award at the 36th annual NC Great 100 Gala held at Hilton Embassy Suites in Concord.  

Bowers commended the SCC nursing faculty for their expertise in teaching, their willingness to work with her in the face of personal tragedies and their steadfast motherly instincts in taking care of and guiding students “like they were their children.”  

“Gabby is one of the most resilient students I have ever had the privilege of teaching,” said Myra Thompson, SCC nursing faculty member. “Despite facing numerous obstacles, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to stay focused, maintain a positive attitude and keep striving for success.” 

Other nursing faculty members Detra Edwards, Penny Horne and Crystal Best spoke highly of Bowers’ determination, work ethic, professionalism and resilience. Bowers will graduate from the ADN program in May. If you’re interested in a career in nursing like Bowers, click here for more information on SCC’s nursing program.