Melissa Piton.
Melissa Piton, an honors student at South College Orlando and native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, has been selected to participate in clinical rotations at the Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center’s (ORMC) Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) during the 2024 Spring and Summer terms. Piton, whose areas of interest include trauma, burn care, and the cardiac progressive care unit, is among ten nursing students from South College Orlando who have earned this prestigious opportunity.
Piton's inclusion in the DEU program highlights her academic excellence and dedication to the nursing profession. The selection marks a significant achievement for both the students and the institution, emphasizing the strong partnership between South College and Orlando Health.
Orlando Health’s DEU is based on the hospital campus and offers an exceptional learning environment where students engage in a 1:1 or 1:2 staff-to-student mentorship experience. This setting enhances educational outcomes and fosters significant professional growth. During their time at ORMC’s DEU, South College students will be the exclusive participants, allowing for a focused and personalized experience.
"We are immensely proud of our students for earning this opportunity to learn and grow at Orlando Health’s esteemed DEU," said South College Orlando President Jim McCoy. "This experience is more than just clinical practice; it’s a cornerstone for developing future nursing leaders. Our students will gain invaluable skills and lasting relationships, preparing them for successful futures in nursing."
“Orlando Health is committed to fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said Annette Carter, director of academic partnerships at Orlando Health. “Our DEU is designed to provide an intensive, immersive learning experience. We are excited to welcome South College Orlando students and look forward to seeing their growth as they work alongside our experienced providers.”
The other selected students include:
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Mohamed Alkhayet: From Hama, Syria, Alkhayet is a President’s List student at South College Orlando and the co-publisher of an article in the International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries. Alkhayet also organized and volunteered at King Khalid University Hospital amid the initial stages of the COVID-19 vaccination. He is interested in gaining experience in the critical care unit, intensive care unit, and cardiology.
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Brahlee Bebey: Bebey is a Los Angeles, California, native and member of the National Student Nurses’ Association. She previously completed nursing internships at The Lakes of Clermont Health and Rehabilitation Center and STEPS Inc. Bebey plans to specialize in caring for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients.
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Angella Carnegie-Ramos: Carnegie-Ramos, from Spanish Town, Jamaica, is a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success and has served as a Certified Nursing Assistant and house supervisor for Alpha Care Group Home, LLC. Carnegie-Ramos’ area of interest is the cardiac progressive care unit.
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Shakela Hester: From Titusville, Florida, Hester currently holds a Certified Nursing Assistant license and works as a home health aide and nurse technician at her local hospital. She is seeking psychiatric care as her specialty.
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Viennetta Leath: Leath, an Orlando native, has made South College Orlando’s President’s and Dean’s Lists and is a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success. Leath aims to become an operating room nurse and looks forward to the experience and knowledge she’ll gain at Orlando Health’s DEU.
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Jasmine Pena: Pena, from Orlando, works full time as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) at AdventHealth. Through her education at South College Orlando and Orlando Health’s DEU, she hopes to work as an operating room nurse in the future.
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Amanda Pigeon: From Saint Cloud, Florida, Pigeon has achieved placement on South College Orlando’s President’s List. She is seeking pediatrics as her specialty and has goals to earn a Master of Science and practitioner license in pediatrics.
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Krystal Rosado: Brooklyn, New York-native Rosado is eager to complete clinicals at Orlando Health, where she hopes to continue working post-graduation. She aims to care for mothers and their children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
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Alyssa Urquhart: Urquhart, from Valley Springs, California, is working as a nurse technician while in school. She is also an active member of the National Student Nurses’ Association. Urquhart plans to specialize in neonatal and pediatrics care.
