WCC recognizes nursing class
By From staff reports
Published in News on June 25, 2015 1:46 PM
Wayne Community College recognized the members of its Associate Degree Nursing Class of 2015 recently in a formal pinning ceremony.
The annual service, which includes presentation of nursing pins and nurse's creed scrolls by the faculty of the program, lighting of lamps (symbolic of Florence Nightingale going into the battlefield with a lantern) and recitation of the "Florence Nightingale Pledge," denotes the end of the graduates' academic journey and entry into professional life.
The pin used in the ceremony was designed and used by the first graduates of the program in 1973 and uniquely represents WCC's nursing school. It symbolically welcomes the graduates into the nursing profession.
The graduates can begin work as registered nurses after they take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
This year's graduates are Dearce Ampley, Samantha Ballard, Rebecca Bartik, Melanie Bird, Christian Brogneaux, Kelsey Burton, Stephanie Campbell, Stephanie Cox, Crystal Dale, Joyce Epps, Lauren Garrett, Jennifer Gibson, Leila Gillette, Jessica Jones, Erin Mendez, Kristin Mewborn, Jamie Miller, Brittany Oliver, Skyler Parks, Rebecca Price, Kirsten Russell, Katherine Sherrer, Lauren Speight, Heather Strickland, Anna Sullivan, Laura Thigpen, Faith Thomas, Brandi Walston and Bristina Williams.
Three outstanding graduates were also recognized.
Mrs. Russell was presented the theoretical excellence award for high academic standards.
"(She)goes above and beyond to understand the disease process of patients and how it impacts on the patient as a whole," said Sue Beaman, chair of the nursing department, all while managing the maintain the highest GPA in the challenging curriculum.
Ms. Shearer earned the clinical excellence award for achieving high standards in the clinical component of the curriculum. Faculty and nursing staff noted her "enthusiasm related to nursing, dedication, integrity, and always eager to learn," Mrs. Beaman said.
Ms. Burton received the outstanding student award for the individual who has achieved high standards in both the academic and clinical components of the program and participated in class and professional activities. Mrs. Beaman credited her with not only have a high grade point average but also demonstrating "outstanding professionalism."
The winners received plaques and monetary awards provided by the WCC Foundation.
The ADN program is a limited-admission, five-semester program that prepares students to practice as registered nurses.
It is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.