Thirteen graduates of Beaufort County Community College’s practical nursing program received their nursing school pins on July 14 in a pinning ceremony, which is a traditional rite of passage for nursing school graduates across the country. The ceremony was held on the BCCC campus before an audience of college administrators, faculty and staff, as well as family and friends of the graduates.

Andre Browning of Robersonville, Jana Cooper of Belhaven, Danisha Couther of Greenville, Jenny Davenport of Plymouth, Latoya Farrow-Brewington of Pantego, Kristin Griffin of Pollocksville, Valerie James of Plymouth, Taleeda “Taj” Johnson of Havelock, LaTosha Lane of Greenville, and Alexandria Pinkham, Julia Reyes and ShaQuanda Williams of Washington were honored in the ceremony. Linda Buck of Winterville could not attend.

In her address, Aino Jackson, lead practical nursing instructor, praised the graduates for their hard work and wished them well in their new careers. Denise King and Lee Anne Oliver pinned the graduates after each one lit a candle. As they held their candles, they recited the Nurse’s Pledge.

Pinning ceremonies in their currently recognizable form began in 1893. The pin is awarded to the nurse to recognize the achievement of entering the profession and to signify a nursing school graduate’s affiliation with a specific nursing school.

The practical nursing curriculum provides knowledge and skills to integrate safety and quality into nursing care to impact the health, quality of life and achievement of potential of the holistic individual.

Course work includes and builds upon the domains of health care, nursing practice and the holistic individual. It emphasizes safe, individualized nursing care and participation in the interdisciplinary team while employing evidence-based practice, quality improvement and informatics.

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN), which is required for practice as a licensed practical nurse. Employment opportunities include hospitals, rehabilitation/long-term care/home health facilities, clinics and physicians’ offices.

The application period for the next LPN program begins on Sept. 1.

For more information about the LPN program, contact Aino Jackson at 252-940- 6395 or aino.jackson@beaufortccc.edu, or Phylicia Bridgers at 252-940- 6221 or phylicia.bridgers@beaufortccc.edu.