Date Posted: May 16, 2023
With family and friends in attendance, Southern Crescent Technical College’s (SCTC) Registered Nursing program held a pinning ceremony for its graduates on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Oak Hill Church.
The 2023 Associate of Science in Nursing (RN) graduates included: Shameka Alsobrook, Ashley Barnard, Cheryl Black, Candrea Bright, Kaitlyn Burdette, Angelyn Captino, Rachel Carpenter, Laura Das Neves, Telecia Embry, Jennifer Ekpo, Devon Fairorth, Jasmine Farmer, Almeter Fluellyn, Danielle Holmes, Kadonna Jacob, Fatou Jatta, Nina Jennings, Jacob Johnston, Jessica McEntyre, Lauren McNiel, Marc Morelli, Jamie Odom, Heather Pickett, LaSara Price, Erin Pybus, Chelsie Richardson, RaMesha Risper, Katelyn Rochester, Savannah Rose, Wadline Saint Paul, Ashley Satchell, Gayla Sizemore, Lauri Stewart, Tonya Stoudt, Brittney Sutton, Leifina Thomas, Teresa Thompson, Maria Tutuwan, Elizabeth Vasquez, Christopher Williamson, and Chelsea Zimmerman.
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 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 Oncology Infusion Clinician at Wellstar Health Systems Shenese Stewart, MSN, 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.
Angie Ballard, Program Director 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.
Southern Crescent Technical College currently offers over 200 different associate degree, diploma, and short-term technical certificate of credit classes. Enroll today and get ahead in your chosen career. For more information about Southern Crescent Technical College and its programs of study, visit the website at: www.sctech.edu.