Married couple both earn PN pins

Seth and Britney Hartsell have been together ever since they first met at Hillcrest High School in 2008.

So, it wasn’t much of surprise when the Hartsells received their nursing pins together after graduating last month from the OTC Practical Nursing program, the first married couple to be pinned at the same time.

The two enrolled in the nursing program thanks to a medical incident involved Britney in 2009.

Britney had to undergo an appendectomy in 2009 at Cox South Hospital. The couple was so impressed by the care she received, they decided to join the nursing ranks.

“The care we received by the nursing staff was what drew us to nursing,” Seth said.

 It was a decision the couple is glad they made.

“It was a good fit for us. It was something we really wanted to do,” Seth said.

Seth and Britney said they appreciated being able to attend classes together a lot.

“It was nice to have a study buddy. We got to see each other a lot, “ said Britney said.

While they both work at the Burrell Behavioral Center, they are planning to go their separate ways when it comes to furthering their careers.

“We don’t expect to work together in the future,” Seth said.

In fact, nursing will be a stepping stone in what the Springfield couple eventually wants to do.

Seth is planning to study bioengineering and Britney is currently studying psychology at Missouri State University. She hopes to combine social work with her nursing skills.

Seth also works as a nurse at the Greene County Jail. He would like to resume his studies after Britney graduates from MSU.

The couple said the Practical Nursing program was extremely challenging but at the same time, rewarding.

“It’s an excellent program with really good instructors. We had great access to all the items we needed. It was a great experience,” Britney said.

 Steve Koehler is coordinator of media relations at Ozarks Technical Community College.