Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) held its nursing pinning ceremony for December nursing graduates.
Marcia Miller, Ph.D., RN, dean of the Division of Nursing and Sciences, addressed nursing graduates, all of whom were enrolled in the Paramedic to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, as well as their families and friends in the Harvey Auditorium.
“Your unique background as a paramedic has prepared you to be a leader in the field of nursing. You understand what it means to work under pressure, to make decisions with limited information and to find strength in moments of uncertainty,” Miller said. “These qualities will serve you well as a nurse, whether you are working in emergency departments, critical care units, community health, mental health or any other area of this diverse and dynamic profession.”
Awards were also presented during the ceremony. Ann Venable, MSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, was presented with the Outstanding Nursing Instructor award. Outstanding Senior Awards were presented to: Krystal Krull for Scholarship, Leah Kimm for Clinical and Tyler Brice for Leadership. Bailey Thompson served as student speaker.
“We came into this program as paramedics; masters of chaos, fueled by energy drinks, EMS room snacks and the firm belief that sleep is optional. And now we leave as nurses who are ready to use our experience and skills in a new way,” Thompson said. “Tonight’s pinning marks the moment we step fully into the new role before us. As you go forward into your new careers, remember this: you are equipped, you are capable and you are needed in this field.”
Crystal White, DNP, FNP-C, RN, the FNP program director, individually blessed each graduate’s hands before the pinning.
For the pinning, conducted by Jackie Martin, DNP, RN, CEN, AGCNS-BC, each recipient was called to receive their pin from a family member, friend, mentor or nursing faculty member. The pin features a lamp, symbolizing the lit lamp Florence Nightingale used while caring for injured soldiers during the Crimean War. It reinforces the meaning of nursing with care and hope. Both the nursing pin and the ceremonial pinning tradition date back to the late 1800s.
December PM-BSN graduates include:
Levi Anderson
Tyler Brice
Stacey Elmore
Lindsey Fadely
Melinda Fair
Dustin Kelly
Leah Kimm
Krystal Krull
Michael Lowe
Orlando Marquez
Elizabeth (Liz) Moore
Brian Owens
Bailey Robinson
Julian Shaw
Haylie Smith
Adrehana Standsbury
Leah Stout
Bailey Thompson
Casey Clements