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Featured photo: Blue Ridge’s first Practical Nursing cohort poses at the Health Sciences Center. Photo by Rich Keen.
Marketing & Communications Dept.
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. – On Wednesday, Dec. 11, Blue Ridge Community College’s nine practical nursing graduates gathered on the Henderson County Campus to celebrate their accomplishments at the inaugural Practical Nurse Pinning Ceremony. The special ceremony celebrated the first cohort of Practical Nursing students since the program’s launch nearly one year ago.
“We are incredibly proud of our Practical Nursing graduates and their accomplishments,” said Blue Ridge’s Dean of Health Sciences, Leigh Angel, MSN RN. “This pinning ceremony marks the culmination of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to compassionate care. Blue Ridge’s Practical Nursing program plays a vital role in strengthening the healthcare workforce in our community, ensuring that skilled and caring professionals are ready to meet the growing needs of patients.”
The one-year Practical Nursing program allows students a fast entry into the nursing profession. Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN professional exam, a requirement for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
The year-long Practical Nursing program is also fully compatible with the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, which takes two years to complete and prepares students for work as registered nurses. This allows students to complete the PN program first and begin work while becoming registered nurses.
At the ceremony, graduates participated in the Lantern Tradition, which uses light to symbolize providing help and hope to those in need.
The graduating class also recited the Nurse’s Pledge, which begins: “In full knowledge of the obligation I am undertaking, I promise to care for the sick with all the skills and understanding I possess.”
“These graduates are not only the future of nursing but also a beacon of hope and healing for those they will serve,” explained Angel.
Practical nurses make a tangible difference every day in their communities, and they have never been more needed in our workforce. The Program on Health Workforce Research and Policy at the Cecil G. Sheps Center has forecasted a licensed practical nurse shortage of 50% by the year 2033.
As Western North Carolina rebuilds after the destruction of Hurricane Helene, healthcare workers are among the most important to continue the necessary care for our community. Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood highlighted this point during her remarks from the podium.
“The storm tested us all, yet it highlighted the vital role nurses play in healing not just individuals, but entire communities,” she said.
Information about Blue Ridge Community College’s healthcare programs is available at www.blueridge.edu/healthcare. Practical Nursing program information is provided at www.blueridge.edu/practical-nursing.
The following students received pins at the Dec. 11 pinning ceremony:
Jonathan Causey
Shermonica Darity
Haley Deaton
Erin Gromelski
Savannah (Brooke) Hensley
Angelica Santavicca
Shelby Sprouse
Karen (Khrys) Steele
Baylee Young