The graduation and pinning ceremony for BRTC’s Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing students was held on Tuesday, December 15 in the Randolph County Development Center.
Guest speaker Matt Knight of Mid-South Health Systems challenged students to not compromise themselves but be who they are. Knight is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 30 years experience in mental health services, education, and consulting for individuals and business. He also spoke about the courage it takes to fail. “The worst part of fear is fear itself,” Knight stated.
The event included the traditional candle lighting ceremony, culminating with a vocal rendition of “Go Light Your World,” performed by Rhonda Difani, RN graduate.
Dr. Eric Turner, President of BRTC, conferred degrees with awards and pins presented by nursing faculty members. Also assisting in the ceremony in the presenting of diplomas was VP for Technical Education, Angie Caldwell.
Practical Nursing awards included Nursing I Theory Award, Jordan Whitted; Nursing I Pharmacology Award, Jordan Whitted; Nursing I IV Therapy Award, Justin Beck; Nursing I Best Geriatric Nurse, Dawn Cothern; Nursing II Theory Award, Haley Howell; Nursing II Best Medical Surgical Nurse, Justin Beck; Nursing II Theory Award, Haley Howell; Community Service Award, Jenny Remirez; Perfect Attendance Award, Ashley Kappelman; Professionalism Award, Monica Followell, Ashley Kappelman, and Whitley Blue; Florance Nightingale Award, Haley Howell; and Faculty Choice Award, Dawn Cothern.
The following Registered Nursing Awards were presented: Best Medical Surgical Nurse, Crystal Ashton; Best OB Nurse, Ashtin Burgess; Best Mental Health Nurse, Nikki Peek; Best Peds Nurse, Terri Lanston; Best Critical Care Nurse, Tiffany Gugle; Leadership Award, Edie Pursifull; Best Simulation Nurse, Andrea Sneed and Shay Tyler; Florance Nightingale Award, Shay Tyler and Edie Pursiful; and Faculty Choice Award, Shay Tyler.
A reception following the ceremony was underwritten by several facilities where BRTC nursing students complete their clinicals: Arkansas Methodist Medical Center, Pocahontas Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Randolph County Nursing Home, and St. Bernards Medical Center.