PRESQUE ISLE – The health care profession welcomed 43 prospective new registered nurses May 15 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.
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.
“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 which 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 college’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,” said Boucher. “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.”
Among the senior nursing students recognized during the May 15 ceremony were: Chelsae R. Cambridge, Janna R. Johnson, Jennifer R. Knowles, Shannon R. Marquis, Megan McHatten, Kelley L. McLaughlin, Wendy L. Samaroo, Joshua W. Tompkins and Heather J. Trainer, all of Presque Isle; Nikki R. Dailey, Amanda M. LeTourneau and Jaymie F. St. Peter, of Ashland; Laurie G. Hartley, Julie A. Ellis and Charles C. Zappone, of Caribou; Charles R. Ouellette and Vicky L. Ouellette, of Van Buren; Damon L. Stone and Clarissa E. Webber, of Houlton; Malissa M. Boynton, Mars Hill; Stephanie M. Burtt, Washburn; Nancy L. Kinney, Danforth; Lynn T. Levesque, Crystal; Lisa M. Savage, Limestone; Christina A. Stadig, Oxbow; Jennifer N. Voisine, Fort Kent; and Heidi S. Warman, Linneus. Also receiving her nursing pin was Kirsten E. Dobson of Rockland.
Several nursing graduates from the Washington County area were also recognized including Katelyn H. Chadwick and Melanie D. Howard, of Calais; Elizabeth L. Gaug and Tarrah M. Hall, of Perry; Jennifer L. Hill and Brittany J.F. Seeley, of Baileyville; Beth A. Curtis, Edmunds Township; Nicole E. Daye, Lubec; Stacey D. Doten, Baring; Bethany E. Johnson, Machiasport; and Tracy L. Parker, Jonesboro.
Canadian graduates pinned during the ceremony were Amber M. Broome, Summerside, PEI; Joyce A. Burgoyne, Perth-Andover, NB; Holly C. Corlett, Woodstock, NB; and Pamela S. Shoemaker, Plaster Rock, NB.
Contributed photo
NORTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE students completing their associate degree nursing program on the Presque Isle campus and recognized during the May 15 pinning ceremony were, front row, from left: Chelsae R. Cambridge, Janna R. Johnson, Jennifer R. Knowles, Shannon R. Marquis, Megan McHatten, Kelley L. McLaughlin, Wendy L. Samaroo, Joshua W. Tompkins and Heather J. Trainer, all of Presque Isle. Second row: Nikki R. Dailey, Amanda M. LeTourneau and Jaymie F. St. Peter, of Ashland; Laurie G. Hartley, Julie A. Ellis and Charles C. Zappone, of Caribou; and Charles R. Ouellette and Vicky L. Ouellette, of Van Buren. Third row: Damon L. Stone and Clarissa E. Webber, Houlton; Malissa M. Boynton, Mars Hill; Stephanie M. Burtt, Washburn; Nancy L. Kinney, Danforth; Lynn T. Levesque, Crystal; Lisa M. Savage, Limestone; Christina A. Stadig, Oxbow; Jennifer N. Voisine, Fort Kent; and Heidi S. Warman, Linneus. Back row: Kirsten E. Dobson, Rockland; Amber M. Broome, Summerside, PEI; Joyce A. Burgoyne, Perth-Andover, NB; Holly C. Corlett, Woodstock, NB; and Pamela S. Shoemaker, Plaster Rock, NB.
