Registered & Practical Nursing Graduation

“When you are a nurse you know every day you will touch a life, or a life will touch yours.”  This anonymous quote represents the overall feeling of the graduation and pinning ceremony for Black River Technical College’s Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing students held on December 9.

Seventeen students received a technical certificate in Practical Nursing; 38 received their Associate of Applied Science degree in Registered Nursing.  Judy Haney, the Chief Nursing Officer at Harris Hospital, was the guest speaker. Haney graduated from BRTC’s LPN program in 1978.  She told the graduates, “Blessings come in disguise, so make sure you are watching for them.”

Joanne Smith, president of the PN class, challenged classmates to be outspoken.  “Speak for our patients when they can’t speak for themselves,” Smith urged.  Brandi Mays was the 2014 RN class representative.

PN awards were presented: Perfect Attendance—Vanessa Cox, Stephanie Downing, and RoseAnn Thomason; Professionalism Award—Stephanie Downing, Heather Lindsey, Angie Skimahorn, and RoseAnn Thomason; Community Service Award—Stephanie Downing; Best Simulation Nurse—Cabrin Morgan; Best Medical Surgical Nurse—Angie Skimahorn; Highest Overall Average IV Theraphy—Angie Skimahorn; Community Service Award—Joanne Smith; Highest Overall Average (Pharmacology, Nursing I, Nursing II, and Nursing III)—RoseAnn Thomason; Florence Nightingale—RoseAnn Thomason; Best Geriatric Nurse—Leah Weaver.

The following RN awards were presented: Highest Average Nursing Process III—Josh Baker; Leadership Award—Angela Brasfield; Florence Nightingale—Debbie Cline and Cheri Walker; Best Obstetrical Nurse—Kelley Hardin; Faculty Choice award—Kelsey Henderson; Best Medical Surgical Nurse—Kelsey Henderson; Highest Average Nursing Process I and Highest Average Nursing Process II—Brandi Mays; Best Critical Care Nurse—Dustye Swindle; Perfect Attendance—Logan Waddell.

A reception was held following the ceremony courtesy of Harris Hospital, Randolph County Nursing Home, St. Bernard’s Medical Center, and Pinnacle Frames.