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| As part of the first pinning ceremony for NETC’s Associate Degree in Nursing program, graduates recited the Nightingale Pledge while holding lamps symbolic to the nursing profession. |
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May 20, 2009
First Class of NETC ADN Students Graduate
Northeastern Technical College has graduated its first class from the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) program. Amidst tears of joy, sighs of relief and flutters of eager anticipation, nineteen students received their degrees and nursing pins in honor of completing the course. The pinning ceremony, held May 15 at NETC in Cheraw, continued a long industry tradition in which nursing faculty confer pins and symbolic lamps upon newly graduated nursing students, after which graduates recite the Nightingale Pledge in honor of noted nurse and writer Florence Nightingale.
Northeastern Technical College President Ron Bartley characterized the ceremony as a significant event for both NETC and the students.
“This is a proud moment for this group and the College,” said Bartley. “Not everybody who begins this journey makes it. You can always say, ‘We were the first class.’”
In her response speech, class President Loretta Harpestad, of Cheraw, reflected on the last 21 months of instruction and marveled at the accomplishments she and her classmates achieved. Characterizing significant life changes and challenges, she spoke of how close the classmates became while in the ADN program.
“Some of the friendships we’ve formed in this ADN class of 2009 will last a lifetime,” said Harpestad.
The pinning ceremony speaker was Anita Crawford, Chief Nursing Officer at Marlboro Park Hospital in Bennettsville. Crawford played an integral role in the creation of the ADN program while employed at NETC as the nursing program coordinator. The nursing program graduates choose to honor her efforts by asking her to return to the college to address the first graduating class. She applauded the graduates for their commitment to caring for others and easing pain in times of need.
“Impacting lives at such a profound level, both physically and emotionally, can be exhausting beyond words,” said Crawford. “As nurses, it’s important to remember why we do this.”
Two students were recognized with special awards at the ceremony, honoring achievement in the classroom and with patients. Summer Owen, of Chesterfield, was recipient of the award for Outstanding Clinical Performance, and was praised by instructors for her impeccable bedside manner and excellence in practical nursing. The award for Registered Nursing Academic Excellence was presented Harpsetad, the student with the highest academic average. Both honors drew standing ovations from more than 250 people in attendance and cheers of support from classmates.
Graduates must now prepare to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX) in order to be full licensed registered nurses (RN).
“I’m excited, but I’m also really nervous,” said graduate Jeffrey Jacobs, of Cheraw, who was one of two males in the class receiving the nursing pin. “I feel prepared for the exam, but once you get on the job the experience you gain is a whole other stage of learning.”
The two-year program has prepared the graduates for their future careers and has also been an exhausting and emotional journey for many.
“I am excited and I am tired,” said Laqueshia Jordan, of Lancaster. “I am looking forward to what comes next.”
Dr. Forest Mahan, vice president of academic affairs, is thrilled with the success of the ADN program so far and sees its impact as far-reaching.
“This is the first of many classes,” said Mahan. “The ADN program is a significant asset to our community and we are pleased to send so many capable and qualified nurses into the region.”
Gary Day, of Bennettsville, is the other male graduate and has already secured a position as an emergency room nurse in Marlboro County. He expressed being extremely satisfied with the ADN course, the pinning ceremony and his prospects for the future.
“It’s been a long two years, but it’s all worth it,” said Day.
Bartley reiterated the fact that despite the difficult economy, the ADN program is a great example of how the college is working diligently to provide programs that lead to gainful and fulfilling employment for its students and the community.
“Given the demand for qualified nurses and healthcare workers, it’s a wonderful thing for these students to be a part of our first graduation class of ADN students,” he said. “And it’s a big deal for the community because it will have an economic impact.”
First row (Left to Right): Sherry Leviner (Instructor), Komesha Taylor, of Bennettsville; Misty Hood, of Bennettsville; Brandy Rushing, of Cheraw; Summer Owen, of Chesterfield; Brandi Wallace, of Cheraw; Nancy White (Instructor) and Theresa Wright (Instructor).
Second Row (Left to Right): Tracey Boan, of Cheraw; Jennifer O’Harra, of Florence; Laqueshia Jordan; of Lancaster; Amy Holley, of McBee; LaToni Bethea, of Dillon; Nicole Reid-McRae, of Florence; Christine Ludlow, of Cheraw.
Third Row (Left to Right): James Gary Day, of Bennettsville; Jennifer Rivers, of Chesterfield; Kimberly Bridges, of Chesterfield; Loretta Harpestad, of Cheraw; Stephanie Bryant, of Chesterfield; Joni Rivers, of Ruby; and Jeffrey Jacobs, of Cheraw.
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