The Spirit of Florence Nightingale Lives on in Practical Nursing Grads

On July 1, it was the end of a journey and the beginning of another for 59 Practical Nursing graduates who received their pins during a pinning ceremony, held at QCC’s Hebert Auditorium. A tradition that has been a part of nursing since the days of Florence Nightingale, known as the “lady with the lamp" (known for her nightly sojourns taking care of injured soldiers),  the 59 graduates were honored by staff, faculty, family and friends.

During the ceremony each graduate received a pin, which conveys the bond of the school they graduated from and is distinctive of that school. Dean of the School of Healthcare, Pat Schmohl, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to share their unique journeys with others.

“You need to tell your story when you get out there. Be proud of who you are and what you’ve accomplished,” Mr. Schmohl said.

Class Valedictorian Tori Landry told her fellow graduates to use the fear many of them felt when they began the program as motivation going forward.

“Fear can be an amazing asset. Those fears are what make us work a little harder and dream a little bigger,” she said. “Let fear push you into that uncomfortable place and be your motivation.”

During the pinning ceremony special awards were given to graduates that included:

• Academic Excellence - Valedictorian Tori Landry
• Academic Excellence - Salutatorian Diana Mwangi
• Clinical and Academic Excellence - Regina Chaakum
• Clinical and Academic Excellence - Abena Adjei
• Clinical Excellence - Jordana Panarelli
• Clinical Excellence - Prince Gopea
• Spirit of Nursing - Ashlyn Woodcock
• Spirit of Nursing - Jill Ann Godbout
• Marie Heffernan Award - Mavis Antwi Asante