A pack of Practical Nursing graduates stood poised to take flight as licensed practical nurses at a pinning ceremony held yesterday evening.
Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Practical Nursing Dr. Chequitia Dixon gave opening remarks, praising the graduates for their completion and recognizing those retiring in the division, former dean Beverly Overton and former Practical Nursing instructor Emily Gordon.
Dixon said to the class of 16, “Ladies, this is a testament that you can do whatever you put your mind to. You stood the test of time. You put your best foot forward, and we are so proud of you.”
Dr. Priscilla Burks, the director of Practical Nursing Education for the Mississippi Board of Nurses, presented the honorees a guide for journeying through the nursing profession gracefully in a keynote address.
Burks sought to convince the graduates of their capability for excellence by building them up. She then offered advice to the group that sported their survival of the Practical Nursing curriculum during the ceremony while also staying safe despite a growing number of vaccinated individuals with cloth face masks reading ‘I survived Nursing School.’
“You are leaving Coahoma well-prepared in the nursing profession. Coahoma Community College is now part of your family,” she said of the institution. “They have instilled in you the confidence and determination to be the best nurse you can possibly be.”
“No matter where you go in this world, whether you’re in a neighborhood, church, school, hospital, long-term care, or a community group, you will forever be deemed as an asset,” she added.
Burks detailed three concepts when joining the world of nursing: never stop learning, never stop caring and showing compassion, and maintain a loving spirit.
“Take the opportunity to learn all you can about nursing…Read articles to stay current and up-to-date on what’s happening in your profession,” Burks advised.
“When possible, go beyond the role of a nurse. Doing a little something extra like picking up coffee for an exhausted family member or sitting with a patient as they process complex information can make all the difference in a patient.”
Class President Kaneisha Brown followed the keynote address with celebratory expressions on behalf of her classmates, whom she classified as a sisterhood of nurses.
“Nursing school is one of the many things in life that I like to refer to as bittersweet. One moment you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m going to nursing school.’ And the next moment, you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m in nursing school,’” Brown amused. “It is truly a rollercoaster.”
PN instructor Annie Hankins handed the Edie Furniss Scholarship to class secretary Kamelia Hughes, and the Clinical Excellence Award to class treasurer Brittany Brown.
The Edie Furniss Scholarship is an annual $500.00 cash award given to a graduate licensed practical nurse who is over 25 years of age and has overcome many obstacles to receive his/her degree. The scholarship was established in 1993 by State Senator Delma Furniss in honor of his wife, who received her LPN degree at age 31 and her RN degree at age 34.