On December 17th, Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) held a pinning ceremony honoring the very first class of Practical Nursing (PN) students from the SRTC Bainbridge Campus. The ceremony commemorates the students’ successful completion of their nursing coursework and clinical rotations.
“Mrs. McLendon, Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Hawkins, and I are excited to have graduated this group of students. There were many hurdles faced throughout their program, including Hurricane Michael. They have proven that they could rise above any adversity, work diligently, and attain their goals. Some are planning to continue directly into the Associate of Science in Nursing-Bridge Program, and most of them are already employed in healthcare. We look forward to seeing them make a lasting contribution to healthcare in our community,” commented SRTC Practical Nursing Instructor Vickie Parker, BSN, RN.
The pinning ceremony is a rite of passage into the nursing profession, during which each student receives a pin and a small lamp. The pin is used to remind students of their purpose to serve the sick and infirmed. The lamp portion of the ceremony serves as a tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern-day nursing. In the 1800s Nightingale was known as the ‘lady with the lamp’ tending to the sick while carrying a lamp to light the way. At the ceremony, students also recited the Nightingale pledge stating their dedication to upholding the standards of nursing.
The students that received pins were Valarie Bennett, Kaylan Brown, Lacrieta Coleman, Jessica George, Latoria Green, Jennifer Hernandez, Francis Hutchins, Kristin Lee, Sarah Maxwell, Kenlandra Pearson, Sara Grace Robinson, Vickie Shivers-Hundley, Tiffany Smith, and Erica Williams.
Several awards were given during the pinning ceremony to acknowledge students for their outstanding achievements. Tiffany Smith received the Most Determined Award, Jennifer Hernandez was honored with the the Clinical Award, Jessica George earned the Highest GPA, and Latoria Green was recognized with the Leadership Award.
During the ceremony, instructor Vickie Parker sang "You Raise Me Up" as a tribute to the gathered family and friends that helped these students RISE UP and be able to finish the race to graduation, commenting later, “it truly takes a village.”
The Practical Nursing program is a five-semester diploma program designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This is done through a selected number of academic and occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care. A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. For more information about SRTC’s Practical Nursing Program call 888-205-3449.