Wayne Community College recognized the members of its Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) class of 2015 in a formal pinning ceremony held May 11 at the college.
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 Jessica D. Jones of Farmville; Samantha J. Ballard, Rebecca L. Bartik, Christian G. Brogneaux, Kelsey N. Burton, Stephanie N. Campbell, Stephanie L. Cox, Crystal B. Dale, Lauren P. Garrett, Jennifer L. Gibson, Leila R. Gillette, Erin E. Mendez, Jamie G. Miller, Lauren P. Speight, Faith E. Thomas, and Bristina N. Williams of Goldsboro; Kristin B. Mewborn and Brittany L. Oliver of La Grange; Rebecca R. Price of Lucama; Heather B. Strickland and Katherine A. Sherrer of Mount Olive; Melanie A. Bird, Joyce W. Epps, Laura A. Thigpen, Anna K. Sullivan, and Brandi N. Walston of Pikeville; Skyler C. Parks of Seven Springs; Dearce D. Ampley of Wilson; and Kirsten K. Russell of Altus, OK.
Three outstanding graduates were announced.
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, and “managed to maintain the highest overall GPA in a difficult and demanding 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. Another staff nurse stated, ‘That graduate is going to be awesome!’” 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. She has a high grade point average and “demonstrates outstanding professionalism,” Mrs. Beaman said.
The winners received plaques and monetary awards provided by the Foundation of Wayne Community College.
Wayne Community College’s Associate Degree Nursing 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.
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, it serves 14,500 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 90 college credit programs.
Wayne Community College’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.