Pinning ceremony held for Northeast Community College nursing students, English & Spanish Version
NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ENGLISH VERSION
Angelica Rocha, Norfolk, practical nursing student at Northeast Community College, receives her nursing pin from her son, Christopher, while other family members look on during the college’s annual Nurse Pinning Ceremony recently. Forty-six associate degree nursing and thirty-seven practical nursing students received their nursing pins during the special ceremony. (Courtesy Northeast Community College)
SPANISH VERSION
Angelica Rocha, Norfolk, estudiante de enfermería práctica en Northeast Community College, recibe su broche de enfermería de su hijo, Christopher, mientras que otros miembros de la familia observan durante la Ceremonia anual de enfermería de la universidad recientemente. Cuarenta y seis grados asociados de enfermería y treinta y siete estudiantes de enfermería práctica recibieron sus broches de enfermería durante la ceremonia especial. (Cortesía Northeast Community College)
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NORFOLK, NE – Associate degree nursing and practical nursing students received their nursing pins during a special ceremony recently at Northeast Community College in Norfolk. During the ceremony, the graduating nursing students received their pins from family members or a close friend who has helped them along their journey.
“Today, we celebrate the educational success and journey that 37 Practical Nurses and 46 Associate Degree nurses have completed,” said Dr. Karen Weidner, director of nursing programs. “There have been many quizzes, tests, lab experiences, clinicals and study sessions in your pursuit of this academic achievement thus far, and we are so very proud of you all.”
Weidner said the observance is the culmination of the students’ initial journey to professional nursing education.
“The annual ceremony is a bridge from nursing’s past to nursing’s future and is a time-honored nursing school tradition. It signifies the official initiation into the brotherhood and sisterhood of nurses.”
The history of the pinning ceremony goes back to the Crusades of the 12th century. The modern ceremony dates back to the mid-19th century when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of St. George for her tireless service to the injured during the Crimean War. To share the honor, she in turn presented a medal of excellence to her brightest graduates.
In addition to the pinning ceremony, one associate degree nursing (ADN) and two practical nursing students were presented the Essence of Nursing Award for their consistent academic effort, caring actions, positive motivation toward classroom learning and clinical experience, and professional behaviors.
Michaela Nitz, Dixon, ADN student, Samantha Brester, Howells, and Aaron Peterson, Norfolk, practical nursing students, were honored with the award.
Laura Ruge, Elgin, president of the Student Nurses Association, gave the student address at the ceremony.
New to the ceremony this year was the singing of the national anthem, which was performed by ADN student Jason Seger, Atkinson.
Upon completion of the first two semesters of nursing studies at Northeast, students are eligible to take the National Council of Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed practical nurses.
Students who hold a 3.0 grade point average in their nursing courses are eligible to complete the last two semesters of the Northeast program and take the National Council of Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) to practice as licensed registered nurses.
Students who graduate with an associate degree in nursing are eligible to continue their studies for a bachelor of science degree in nursing. The general education courses for a bachelor of science in nursing can be taken at Northeast Community College.
