Practical Nursing class graduates at BCC

Jack McDuffie

Friday night was a very special occasion for 10 practical nursing students at Bladen Community College.  It was the pinning ceremony that signifies their graduation from the program.

Many family members and friends were on hand for the special occasion that saw the graduates officially accepted into the ranks of a profession that has long been an important part of the healthcare system in this country. 

Class member Polly Britt kicked off the program with a rendition of “Please Remember Me.”  After a welcoming ceremony by Dean of Allied Health Erin Hinson, BCC President Dr. William Findt, and Class President Lakayla Cummings; Cathy Blue, a graduate of the second practical nursing class to graduate at Bladen Community College 15 years ago, gave the graduation address.

Graduates of the Practical Nursing Class of 2010 at Bladen Community College are, from left, Deanna Little, Keisha Godfrey, Andrea Oxendine, Mattie McLaurin, Leslie Long, Lakayla Cummings, Polly Britt, Deborah Locklear, Jessica Johnson and Katera Carter.

Practical nursing instructor Tina Forrester pins new graduate Leslie Long.

Britt was presented the Outstanding Nursing Student Award for the class.

After Dr. Findt presented the students their diplomas, the practical nursing education instructors Tina Forrester, Jennifer Locklear and Wendy Sholar presented each graduate with their pins, roses and the Florence Nightingale lamp.  The ceremony concluded with the lighting of the lamp and the Florence Nightingale Pledge, which symbolizes the new nurse’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to professional nursing. 

The solemn ceremony has its roots in the very earliest nursing schools and was originated by Florence Nightingale more than 130 years ago in England.  It has been used in nursing programs in the United States since early in the 20^th century.

The graduates of the class of 2010 are: Polly Britt, Katerra Carter, Lakayla Cummings, Kisha Godfrey, Jessica Johnson, Deanna Little, Deborah Locklear, Leslie Long, Mattie McLaurin and Andrea Oxendine.

Before the candidates can become licensed, they must qualify on the North Carolina Licensing Examination-Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN)