Nurses celebrate entry into profession

    PRESQUE ISLE — The health care profession welcomed 24 prospective new registered nurses in May as Northern Maine Community College held its annual pinning ceremony, which 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.
    Nearly 400 family members, friends and college personnel gathered for the ceremony held at the Presque Isle Middle School.
    “This day of recognition is for us, but we dedicate it to you,” said student speaker Lindsey Mason, of Presque Isle, as she addressed those gathered.
    The highlight of the event was 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.
    Dr. Kimberly Esquibel, chair of the college’s nursing and allied health department, shared words of wisdom from the faculty as she addressed the class. She used the acronym “SASH” when describing the nursing profession: nursing is based on Science, caring for people is an Art, using good Sense benefits both the nurse and patient, and being compassionate and having Heart is critical, according to Esquibel.
    “You have learned the art and science of nursing through the curriculum, and the faculty hope they have instilled in you sense and heart,” she said. “Bring it with you as you become a practicing nurse.”
    This sentiment was reinforced by NMCC President Timothy Crowley, who spoke of a serious accident within his family a few years ago which provided him with personal experience, from a family member’s perspective, with patient care. “You need to be compassionate, be professional, be a team player,” advised Crowley.
    Since this year’s graduates include the first group of nursing students to complete the program at the college’s distance site in the St. John Valley, Peter Caron, director of adult education and community education for SAD 27 and a key player in bringing NMCC’s nursing program to the Valley, was the guest speaker.
    “Your profession will be difficult and challenging, but I know that you are ready because you have been thoroughly prepared by the high caliber of faculty at Northern Maine Community College and clinical skills which are second-to-none,” said Caron. He also advised the future nurses to commit to lifelong learning. “It will make a difference in your profession and to your patients.”
    Nursing graduates from the southern Aroostook region were Desiree Dow and Leisha Murray, both of Houlton; Krystal Estabrook and Jodi Tash, both of Hodgdon; Jessica E. Gal of Bridgewater, and Christina Schmidt of Island Falls.