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Aiken Technical College graduated 67 future nurses on Dec. 9 in a traditional pinning ceremony that emphasized the profession’s demands of compassion, skill and commitment to service. “Graduates, you have reached this moment through your unwavering determination,” said Hannah Williams, dean of the Aiken Technical College School of Nursing.
“As you step into the roles of nurses and patient care technicians you are entering into a profession that is not only noble, but also vital to the well-being of our community,” Williams said. The tradition of presenting a commemorative pin to graduates of nursing school dates back to 1880. Aiken Technical College’s pin features the school’s colors of blue and gold, a Maltese Cross and the Palmetto tree and crescent moon from the South Carolina flag.
“Remember, the pin you wear is a symbol of the trust placed in you by patients, families and the healthcare community. You are now entrusted with responsibility to inspire, lead and make a difference,” said Aiken Technical College president Forest Mahan. The ceremony honored graduates from the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program, the Diploma in Applied Science in Nursing program and the Patient Care Technician Certificate program.
“The health care field is a calling that requires compassion, skill and an unwavering commitment to service. You will be the advocates for your patients, providing care and comfort through some of the most vulnerable moments of your patients’ lives. Your work will have a lasting impact on countless lives, and each action will be an opportunity to make a difference,” Williams told the graduates.
Nursing professor Buffy Halter presented the school’s Tradition of Caring Award to a student from each of the three programs. This honor is given to nursing students who go above and beyond to help their colleagues. Brittanie Bradford received the award for the Patient Care Certificate program.
Mecca Wilson received the award for the Diploma in Applied Science program and Kambria Thompson received the award for the Associate in Applied Science program. “Graduates we are excited to see where your path will lead. Go forward with pride, humility and compassion.
You will make great difference in the world,” Mahan said. Ricky Baldwin was named valedictorian of the Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program. He said his next step will be to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a computerized exam that a nursing graduate must pass to become a licensed nurse.
“We can go ahead and begin applying for jobs now, but you have to pass the NCLEX before you can start,” Baldwin said. “My background’s in mental health. I’ve worked as a mental health tech for about six years.
There’s a lot of options in mental health in the area, but there’s also a lot of hospitals in the area,” Baldwin said. “Pretty soon I’m going to be sending out a lot of applications.” He said managing his time was the most challenging aspect of the two-year program.
“For me, the time management, the self-management and juggling other roles in my life was challenging,” he said. “Every semester it’s a lot of high intensity, just the amount of information you’re taking in.” Erica Jones was named salutatorian of Diploma in Applied Science in Nursing program.
“The most challenging part was the sacrifices,” she said. “You might have to cut your hours back at work because of school, so you’re going to have to sacrifice but you’ve still got to pay bills. That was the hardest part.
” She said she’s resuming school in January to get an Associate Degree in Nursing, intending to work at Doctor’s Hospital. “I’m just thankful that I got through it, and I’m thankful for my family, because we all sacrificed a lot so I can be standing right here today,” Jones said..
