Pinning Ceremony Recognizes RCC Nursing Graduates
LUMBERTON, NC (May 13, 2008) — On May 13, 24 RCC nursing students crossed the stage in the A.D. Lewis Auditorium to receive their nursing pin and congratulations from the RCC nursing faculty, marking the end of their education in the Associates of Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at RCC and their beginning as registered nurses.
Heather Jacobs, MSN, BSN, RN, ADN Interim Director, welcomed a large crowd of family members, friends and RCC faculty and staff.
“These 24 students have made a lasting impression in my heart. I will always view them as my first graduating nursing class”, said Jacobs. “Their dedication and determination to accomplish their achievement is beyond admirable”, added Jacobs. Jacobs has served an Interim Director of the nursing program since November 2007.
Other RCC nursing faculty members; Renee Taylor, Sheila Smith, and Barbara Brown joined Jacobs in congratulating the students on their momentous achievement.
The pinning recipients were; Renee Auten, Elizabeth Cain, Howard Chavis, Irene Dial, Amber Ferell, Lynn Gallo, Wanda Hammonds, Ronald Harris, Stacey Hayes, Dorothy Johnson, Angel Kinlaw, Tammy Koonce, Charity Lowry, Kristy Oxendine, Kali Rose, Kaleena Sampson, Tina Smith, Shelley Smith, Lee-Ann Stephenson, Summer Stone, Angela Taylor, Victoria Watson, Lawenda Williamson, and Samantha Youngblood.
“Nursing school was a huge adjustment for me”, said graduate Ronnie Harris. ”Being out of the classroom for almost 20 years was a challenge, but the encouragement of fellow students and the formation of teamwork among my classmates was a tremendous help to me”, added Harris. Prior to entering nursing school, Harris worked with Robeson County Emergency Medical Services. “My future plans are to return to school and obtain my BSN and MSN. I may consider teaching in the nursing profession or seeking my nurse practitioner license”, said Harris.
The guest speaker for the ceremony was Natalie Russ, RN, BSN Nursing Recruiter with Southeastern Regional Medical Center (SRMC). Russ expressed her appreciation to the students and RCC administration for the honor of being chosen to speak at the event. “I am delighted to be part of your celebration tonight. You have chosen an admirable profession and I hope that many of you will consider joining the SRMC family and helping us continue the tradition of providing excellent healthcare to our surrounding communities”, said Russ.
“Our nation is facing a critical shortage of healthcare provides, especially nursing professionals. According to the latest projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published in the November 2007 Monthly Labor Review, more than one million new and replacement nurses will be needed by 2016. Encourage other students to consider nursing as their profession by sharing with them your gratifying experiences in the classroom and in clinical rotations”, added Russ.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says employment of registered nurses is expected to grow 23 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the average for all occupations. The bureau's 2008-09 Occupational Outlook Handbook says growth will be driven by technological advances, increasing emphasis on preventive care and an aging population.
During the ceremony, four students were recognized with special awards. The “Best All Around Nursing Student” award was presented to Charity Lowry. Ronald Harris was given the “Perseverance Award” and Elizabeth Cain was presented the “Academic Achievement Award” for holding the highest GPA.
Other awards included a “Nursing Scholastic Ability and Caring Award” given by Scotland County Memorial Hospital and presented to Charity Lowry by Greg Stanly, Director Education/Staff Development.
Marshalls for the pinning ceremony were Level I Nursing students; Mary Stallings, Karen Blanks, Amanda Martin, Lisa Ramsey, Heather Johnson, Christina Meares, Megan Vinson and Steven Walters.
RCC has an extensive history of producing competent nursing students. When the school opened its doors in the fall of 1966, the licensed practical nursing program became available and in 1981the College was approved by the North Carolina Board of Nursing to offer a two-year associate degree nursing program to interested students.
The next step for the 2008 ADN graduating class is to successfully pass the NCLEX-RN examination which is developed and owned by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN). NCSBN administers these examinations on behalf of its member boards which consist of the boards of nursing in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories.
