PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Thirty prospective new registered nurses celebrated a milestone as Northern Maine Community College held its annual pinning ceremony on Friday, May 12, 2017 at Presque Isle Middle School.
NEW NURSES — Northern Maine Community College Nursing graduates from southern Aroostook include, from left, Jessica White, Olivia Lord, Dominique Williams, Keri Bennett, Sydney Bradshaw, Elizabeth Knowles, Laura Beal and Jessica Porter. (Contributed photo)
This important event signifies the official entrance into the nursing field for members of the graduating class.
About 350 family members, friends and college personnel gathered for the ceremony. The highlight of the event was the presentation of a pin to each graduate by relatives or close friends chosen for their important role as members of the student nurse’s support network.
Mary Cornelio, RN, MSN, chair of the college’s Nursing and Allied Health Department, offered some advice to the new graduates.
“Connect with your patients, listen to them, and support your fellow nurses,” said Cornelio. “Knowing how to work as a team will be important to your success. The faculty and the College are happy to recognize your transition from nursing student to graduate nurse. Congratulations.”
In addition, Cornelio recognized Janet Durgin, RN, MSN, for her expertise in areas that have enriched NMCC’s nursing program. In the fall semester, Durgin will be changing from full-time faculty to part-time.
NEW NURSES — Northern Maine Community College Nursing graduates from the St. John Valley include Carol Dube of Fort Kent, left, and Amy Gagnon of Van Buren. (Contributed photo)
NMCC President Timothy Crowley also acknowledged the graduates for their accomplishment.
“You will have a tremendous impact on people. It has been a pleasure having you at Northern Maine Community College,” said Crowley.
The guest speaker for the ceremony was Michael Chasse, deputy chair of the Presque Isle City Council. He recounted a moment in 2007 when a skiing accident nearly ended his life, and he found himself entirely dependent on the care of medical staff. One nurse in particular stood out in his memory.
“Because of the work she did, I made it through a very critical night. She got me through that night, the next night, and several nights after that.” He added, “Nurses are the very reason why I am here today, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
“Think about the incredible responsibility you have. You have an opportunity to make a huge difference in people’s lives. Thank you for what you are doing,” Chasse said.
Student speaker, Amanda Eivers of Presque Isle, addressed her classmates: “As we transition from classmates to coworkers, I am excited to know that some of us will still be able to work together.”
NEW NURSES — Northern Maine Community College Nursing graduates from New Brunswick include Howard Paddock of Perth-Andover and Sarah Kenneson of Florenceville.
(Contributed photo)
The ceremony ended with the graduates reciting the Florence Nightingale Pledge when they promise to practice the nursing profession faithfully and be devoted to those in their care.
Southern Aroostook nursing graduates are Jessica Porter of Smyrna Mills, Laura Beal of Linneus, Elizabeth Knowles of Sherman, Sydney Bradshaw of Littleton, Josie Watson of New Limerick, Keri Bennett of Hodgdon, Dominique Williams of Island Falls, Olivia Lord of Littleton, and Jessica White of Houlton.
Central Aroostook nursing graduates are Kelly Bynion-Cullins of Fort Fairfield, Amanda Eivers, Ashley Robinson, Rodney Bubar, Adam Murchinson, Lynn Wabwire, Michelle Postell, Jaimee Amero, Courtney Ruest, Paige Gagnon, and Carmen Tilley – all of Presque Isle, Shyanna Lea Smith of Fort Fairfield, Brandi Saucier of Washburn, Danielle Dudley and Barrett Jewel of Easton, Kathleen Decker of Mars Hill, and Tammy Dube of New Sweden.
From Northern Aroostook, the graduates are Carol Dube of Fort Kent and Amy Gagnon of Van Buren.
Graduates from New Brunswick are Howard Paddock of Perth-Andover and Sarah Kenneson of Florenceville.
The graduates are now eligible and prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain licensure as registered nurses.
For more information on the Nursing program at Northern Maine Community College, visit the college online at nmcc.edu.
