On Thursday, July 7, the Coahoma Community College (CCC) Practical Nursing (PN) program
held its 2022 pinning ceremony. The event, which took place in the CCC Pinnacle, honored
13 graduates of the program.
The PN program is a twelve-month certificate program that prepares students to assist in providing general nursing care under the direction of a registered nurse, physician, or dentist. The program prepares graduates for successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN®) and practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Aletha Wells, president of the Practical Nursing Class of 2022, shared that "nursing school is one of the best decisions you can make in your life, but it is also one of the most challenging things you can achieve."
"We all have grown in ways that we would have never imagined, and now we are prepared for the extraordinary blessings that lie ahead of us. We were told that if you did not document it, you didn't do it. Now we are documenting it, and guess what that means? We did it," Wells exclaimed!
The ceremony came after the summation of many hours of rigorous study by the graduates. Program completers are awarded the Certificate of Practical Nursing and may apply for licensure to the Mississippi Board of Nursing. Graduates will also be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN®.
Dr. Shemika Washington, director of Practical Nursing of the Mississippi Board of Nursing, served as the keynote speaker for this year's pinning ceremony.
Washington is a native of Cleveland, Mississippi, and has been a nurse for 13 years. She received an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Mississippi Delta Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women, and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Union University. She also earned a Ph.D. in Nursing Education and Administration from William Carey University.
Washington shared that she has had the great privilege of working with these students for a short time but definitely an impactful period.
"We all have heard the common phrase, don't forget where you come from but grow from that place. Never ever stop growing from where you came from," said Dr. Washington. "I want to encourage you to fight a good fight. The best fight that you can ever fight is the fight against you and the previous version of you."
She also advised graduates not to work for money because money and financial security will come in time. She shared that money is not what will make a difference in life.
"What makes a difference in the world that we all need is not money. What we all need is to feel a sense of safety, security, and support and to know that we are valued. I hope that every patient that you encounter will know they are valued by you," said Dr. Washington.
She ended her speech by encouraging graduates to honor and value people.
"Nursing and health care are the most spiritual professions that you will ever encounter because you will be with people in the highest and lowest points of their life. You will make an impact, you will be remembered, and you will be valued," Dr. Washington exclaimed!
Dr. Valmadge Towner, President of Coahoma Community College, also encouraged the newly-pinned graduates.
"Health care providers are always needed. There are a lot of jobs that humans are doing now, but within ten years, a lot of those jobs will go away. Your goal will never go away or the human intervention that you do," said Dr. Towner. "I hope that you will continue to have a clear passion and push on, and I look forward to hearing and seeing great things from each of you," Towner added.
To learn more about the Practical Nursing Program, visit http://www.coahomacc.edu/programs/health-sciences/lpn/index.html