The graduation and pinning ceremony for BRTC’s Practical Nursing students was held on May 10. The event included the traditional candle lighting ceremony and Nightingale Pledge culminating with the vocal rendition of “Go Light Your World” performed by Emily Weisenbach. Twenty-one students received a technical certificate in Practical Nursing.
Ramonda Housh, Division Chair of Allied Health & RN Program Chair welcomed the graduates and families. She expressed gratitude to the families for their support provided to the students over the past 18-months. The guest speaker was LaTisha Richey, Director of Five River’s Home Health. LaTisha is a PN and RN graduate of BRTC. She spoke to the students of the honor, responsibilities and ethical obligations that they hold as future nurses. The class spokesman was Josh Brooks, class president. He shared a slide presentation honoring family members of classmates who had lost loved ones during the student’s time in the program. He expressed the close bonds he and his classmates have formed and the many laughs they shared together. The opening prayer was given by Kayli Rowe and the final benediction was presented by Cassie Davis.
BRTC Vice President, Angie Caldwell conferred degrees with Ramonda Housh assisting in the presenting of diplomas. Awards were announced by Practical Nursing Director Tonya Hankins. Nursing faculty members Kelsie Cagle, Tahnee Green, Tina Stroud, Nancy Felts, Jennifer Hibbard, Bridgette Kasinger, Sandra Green and Kara Malin presented awards and pinned students.
PN awards included Nursing I Theory, Pharmacology and Best Geriatric Nurse: Katelyn Koons; Best IV Nurse, Best Medical-Surgical Nurse, Florence Nightingale: Meagan Burtman; Nursing II Theory: Rachael Weekley; Best Simulation Nurse: Tara Maag; Nursing III Theory: Jessica Bagwell; Community Service Award: Josh Brook and Andreana Lee; Perfect Attendance: Virginia Chaligoj; Faculty Choice: Kayli Rowe. The award frames were donated by Pinnacle Frames of Pocahontas.
The Spring 2016 PN Nursing class gave back to the community through donations to the Children’s Shelter in Walnut Ridge, the Back Pack program at Pocahontas school, a family in need at Christmas time, the Randolph County Relay for Life, gift certificates for animal services and a donation to the Legacy scholarship. The amount given to the Legacy scholarship will provide 8 graduates in the next semester gift cards to pay for the NCLEX-PN test and Arkansas State Board of Nursing Licensure fees.
A reception following the ceremony was sponsored by the students, St. Bernard’s Medical Center and Pocahontas Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.