Local students graduate; enter nursing profession

    Six area students were among 43 prospective new registered nurses as Northern Maine Community College held its annual pinning ceremony that signifies the official entrance into the nursing field for members of the graduating class. The graduates are now eligible and prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain licensure as registered nurses.
    More than 400 family members, friends and college personnel gathered for the ceremony held at the Presque Isle Middle School. The event was highlighted by the presentation of a pin to each graduate by relatives or close friends who were selected for their important role as members of the student nurse’s support network.
Contributed photo
NURSING DEGREES — Northern Maine Community College students completing their associate degree nursing program on the Presque Isle campus and recognized during the May 14 pinning ceremony from southern Aroostook were from left, Damon Stone and Clarissa Webber of Houlton, Nancy Kinney of Danforth, Lynn Levesque of Crystal and Heidi Warman of Linneus.
    “The role your faculty and the college community have prepared you to fill is one that will present many challenges. However, with those challenges come many rewards,” said NMCC President Timothy Crowley in his remarks to the graduates. “When I think about nursing care, I reflect on the commitment those in the profession have for the patients they care for. As you go forth to work in the hospitals and other health care settings, remember your important role as advocates for your patients.”
    Crowley’s comments to the student nurses followed remarks by Betty Kent-Conant, chair of NMCC’s nursing and allied health department. Kent-Conant spoke on behalf of the faculty in congratulating and advising the county’s newest associate degree nurses.
    “The pinning ceremony represents the culmination of two rigorous years of nursing education. It has been a long-standing tradition that symbolizes the true entry into the profession of nursing. This year’s pinning celebrates the level of achievement of 43 seniors into the nursing profession and is, indeed, a wonderful recognition of the graduates’ accomplishments as we welcome them as colleagues,” said Kent-Conant.
    Keynote speaker for the event was Daryl Boucher, coordinator of the NMCC’s emergency medical services program and an instructor in both the EMS and nursing programs. As a popular and respected member of the faculty, Boucher was named NMCC Instructor of the Year earlier this year, as determined by student vote.
    “Nursing has changed so much in the last 30 years, and we will continue to see dramatic changes in how nursing care is delivered. My message for the graduates is simple; regardless of what future changes occur, nursing will always be about caring. As long as this attribute is maintained, you will have long and successful careers,” said Boucher.
    Among the senior nursing students recognized during the May 14 ceremony were: Damon L. Stone and Clarissa E. Webber, Houlton; Nancy L. Kinney, Danforth; Lynn T. Levesque, Crystal; and Heidi S. Warman, Linneus. Canadian graduate pinned during the ceremony was: Holly C. Corlett, Woodstock, N.B.