Date Posted: May 21, 2024
With family and friends in attendance, Southern Crescent Technical College’s (SCTC) Registered Nursing program held a pinning ceremony for its graduates on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Oak Hill Church.
The 2024 Associate of Science in Nursing (RN) graduates included: Rita (Cherita) Baker, Tori (Victoria) Beach, Chiamaka Bright, Jessie Campbell, Taffy Chanthaviseth, Jerusha Chung, Somoan Clarke, AnnaLee Clinton, Carrie Dobbs, Dequantae Ellis, Kelli Fore, Abigail Forrester, Isaiah Givens, Olivia Glotfelty, David Griffin, Amanda Harper, Richard Harris, Kedrial Jackson, Yawnsha Jackson, Krista Kelly, Gina Khasa, Hannah Kulp, Haley LeDoux, Erin Lewis (Curry), Frida Sofia, Martinez Trejo, Nicki (Laura) Moore, Janice Nicholson-Spillers, Kris Norfleet, Janessa Parker, Savannah Payton, Lillian Quach, Maxine Reid, Tecia Reid, Shurmaine Ridley, April Seip, Andrew Staples, Alexis Woodall, Hannah Yenni-White, and Carrie Zook.
Attendees were welcomed by SCTC President Dr. Irvin Clark, who stated “You are entering into a profession of unimaginable opportunities, and you are well-prepared for this next step. You have worked hard, and you have gained a strong foundation thanks to your time spent at Southern Crescent Technical College. Don’t ever lose sight of the immeasurable impact you are making on the lives of others.”
Former SCTC Nursing graduate and ER Nurse at Upson Regional Medical Center Rosanna Fetters, RN served as the guest speaker for the ceremony. She addressed the graduates, encouraging them to believe in their skills, training, intuition, and abilities and reminded them of the importance of their role and new profession stating, “As you transition into this new chapter, remember that you will be changing and advancing our profession on a daily basis. Never stop learning. Your role is vital to the success of tomorrow’s health care system.”
During the ceremony, each student was recognized individually as they received their pins from SCTC Nursing instructors. The pinning is a time-honored nursing school tradition that signifies the entrance of a nurse into their new brotherhood or sisterhood of the career. The ceremony is often accompanied by the lighting of candles and the recitation of the Nurse’s Pledge.
Amy Adams, Department Chair and Program Coordinator for the SCTC Associate of Science in Nursing Program said, “We are so very proud of all of our nurse graduates, and we welcome them to this exciting and rewarding new challenge. Southern Crescent Technical College nurses have always been standard bearers for quality and for independence. We expect the very best from you for the field of nursing, and for your patients. A long road of accomplishments has led to this day, and you will reap the benefits of your hard work for the rest of your professional and personal life. Don’t be overwhelmed by what is expected of you in the emerging health care system and don’t underestimate what you can accomplish.”
Upon completion of the program, the graduates are now eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN state board exams to become official Registered Nurses. The NCLEX exam, also known as the National Council Licensure Examination, consists of questions and tests all areas in the nursing profession to assure nurses have obtained the knowledge to practice safely in clinical settings.