Nursing students reach milestones at Pinning Ceremony
A new class of skilled, young nurses is prepared to lend their helping hands to the medical field.
Alcorn State University’s School of Nursing held its Class of 2016 Pinning Ceremony Thursday, May 5 in the Davey L. Whitney HPER Complex. Executive Director for the Mississippi Nurses Foundation Rosalyn Howard was the keynote speaker for the event.
Howard spoke highly of the nurses and thanked them for committing to the medical field.
“When I look at each of you, I am confident that you have been trained by the best of the best,” said Howard. “Thank you for your sacrifices to become nurses.”
Howard encouraged the graduates to thrive in leadership and prove the doubters wrong.
“In this field of nursing, you’ll have the chance to teach, care and lead. Make a commitment to be a leader in nursing and make it a point to exceed your expectations.”
Howard motivated the graduates to not only care for their patients, but to also care for their fellow nurses.
“Caring extends beyond the bedside. Caring includes caring for each other. Whenever you see another nurse struggling, help them.”
Oquella Gains, a Fayette, Mississippi native who was pinned for earning an associate’s degree in nursing, reflected on the trials and triumphs of matriculating through nursing school.
“What a ride,” said Oquella. “We’ve laughed together, cried together, but through it all, we became friends and formed special bonds.”
Dean for the School of Nursing, Dr. Debra Spring, spoke about the relevance of the Pinning Ceremony and how it is one of the most celebrated traditions associated with nursing.
Alcorn President Alfred Rankins Jr. applauded the School for consistently producing well-rounded nurses while crediting the graduates for reaching their milestone.
“Alcorn has a rich history of preparing good nurses that play critical roles in meeting the healthcare demands here in Mississippi,” said Rankins. “This ceremony is a culmination of your hard work.”
