OHIO Chillicothe’s part-time nursing track helps nursing students find balance while pursuing their dreams

OHIO Chillicothe's part-time nursing students

Chianne Burgin (4th from right) and Zach Staley (3rd from right) gather with classmates in OHIO Chilliothe's part-time nursing cohort

�� Chillicothe students Chianne Burgin and Zach Staley have encountered a few twists and turns in the path to nursing careers, but they both plan to graduate in spring 2026 thanks to a part-time track that provides students the flexibility to pursue a nursing degree that fits with their busy schedules.

Both have faced unique challenges—Burgin as a mother of five small children juggling school, work and family obligations, Staley as a father balancing his own work and household responsibilities—yet they have adapted and persevered in their pursuit of the education that will prepare them for the careers they have chosen to pursue.

Finding balance

Staley began his education at �� Chillicothe as a full-time student pursuing the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree, but was forced to reevaluate when his father, who was providing childcare for Staley’s two-year-old daughter, experienced a health crisis and required a caretaker.

Struggling to manage his responsibilities, Staley found himself overwhelmed. Lindsey Shotts, assistant clinical professor of nursing at OHIO Chillicothe, recommended the part-time track, a shift that has made all the difference for Staley. He said switching to the part-time track has allowed him to better manage his schedule with school and work while still having time to spend with his family.

“It’s been a blessing,” Staley said. “I can balance my work schedule. I'm very grateful that �� Chillicothe gave me the opportunity to pursue the nursing degree in a different kind of way.”

Staley exemplifies perseverance in pursuit of his nursing degree according to Shotts.

“He remains determined and continues to prioritize his studies despite obstacles and challenges,” Shotts said. “His resilience, dedication, and passion for nursing are inspiring.”

A medical assistant at Adena Sports Medicine, Staley is gaining valuable practical experience on the job while completing his nursing coursework.

“I was able to sharpen my skills and get more experience while I’m in school,” Staley said.

Overcoming obstacles to pursue a dream

Burgin set her sights on a nursing career while still in high school. She researched career options and saw nursing as a stable, in-demand career that would also allow her to help others.

“I've always been a caretaker,” Burgin said. “I'm the oldest of eight, so I’ve always been taking care of somebody, and I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world.”

Burgin first enrolled at OHIO Chillicothe, pursing the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree more than five years ago, but withdrew at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, returning several years later. Her progress toward a nursing degree has been slower than she initially intended as she balances school and part-time work with the obligations of mothering five young children, ranging in age from nine to one.

Though her path has been anything but easy, Burgin’s determination and support system have propelled her forward. The part-time nursing track at �� Chillicothe has allowed her to progress toward her goal while still being present and able to support her family.

With the help of her mother and the encouragement of her professors, Burgin has navigated the demands of her busy life.

“The professors here are very good with encouragement,” she said. “They're also active nurses, they're professors, and they are also mothers. They're doing all these things, and I love to look up to that as motivation.”

Shotts admires Burgin’s positive attitude as she continues striving to improve herself and excel in the face of challenges that arise.

“Chianne's commitment to learning, empathy for others, and dedication to her goals reflect the qualities of an exceptional future nurse,” Shotts said.

Planning for the future

Despite their different circumstances, both Burgin and Staley have relied on perseverance and resilience to keep moving forward.

“There have been so many times when I've wanted to quit and just stop,” Burgin said. “But I just kept going, and it's been paying off.”

Staley echoes a similar sentiment, crediting the support of faculty and peers for helping him push through.

As they look toward graduation in 2026, both students are already planning their next steps. Staley is taking prerequisite course for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and Burgin has set her sights on a career in neonatal nursing, with plans to pursue both a bachelor's and master's degree in nursing.

“When I walk across that stage, and my kids are cheering me on, that’s going to feel so, so good,” Burgin said.

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