Nursing graduates head into field

CLOVIS — Sacrifices and dedication have paid off for Clovis Community College nursing graduates.

CCC hosted a pinning ceremony for registered and practical nurse graduates Friday at the Clovis Civic Center where 12 registered nurse graduates and 34 practical nurse graduates were recognized.

"The students that are gathered here have just completed the most intense, highly regarded nursing program available," said CCC President Becky Rowley. "I know that all of you have sacrificed a great deal to reach this point, but you're going to be faced with even more challenges as you begin your careers as nurses. The profession that you have chosen places high ethical demands on its practitioners and we assume that as graduates of this program, you will always demonstrate the honesty, integrity and caring essential to high quality nursing."

The ceremony was sentimental for practical nurse graduate Kenny Marcellus and registered nurse graduate Samantha Walls, who spoke at the ceremony.

"Welcome to this very memorable moment. All of our hard work is beginning to pay off," said Marcellus. "I can recall many nights of frustration, fatigue and anxiety. I can also recall candid moments of accomplishment after a clinical... and after helping care for a critically ill patient.

"Nursing school has shown me the true meaning of strength and the fine art of perseverance. I'm convinced that if you can make it through nursing school, you can make it through anything."

Walls spoke about the importance of graduates pursuing their passion, especially in the nursing field.

"We started from the bottom, and now we are here," said Walls. "Through all the tears, happiness, anger, complaining and financial frustration, we did do it. In the words of philanthropist Joe Plumeri, 'you can Google for an answer, you can Google for a mate, you can Google for a career, but you can't Google to find what's in your heart, the passion that lifts you skyward."

Graduates were no doubt relieved at seeing the hard work pay off after receiving their pins.

Jordan Cruz, a practical nurse graduate, put it simply when he said he felt "great and relieved" after the persistent late-night studying.

"It's been stressful — a stressful year," said Cruz. "Just all in general. It's a tough situation. A lot of stuff, having that motivation and focus and really being committed."

Cruz, a Clovis resident, said he worked at the Retirement Ranch as a certified nurse assistant as part of his studies.

"It's helped a lot. It gets you really well with communicating with patients and getting along with patients," said Cruz, who now hopes to work towards becoming a registered nurse.

Being a part of the program was a collaborative effort among peers for practical nurse graduate Allyssa Arceneaux.

"It's always been a dream of mine and now I can say I'm a legit nurse," said Arceneaux. "(Most memorable to me are) the relationships with students, the friendships that I know are going to last forever and (the help in) keeping up to date on turning paperwork in."

Arceneaux, originally from Pennsylvania, serves in the Air National Guard.

"Eventually I want to cross terrain in the military and become a nurse for the military as well," said Arceneaux.

Registered nurse graduate Isaac Ramirez also said he was excited to finish the program.

"It's bittersweet for sure, because our classmates are going our separate ways," said Ramirez. "The hard work's paid off."

A lengthy journey has concluded for registered nurse graduate Jackilynn Salinas, who spent five years studying to become a registered nurse.

"It's gonna be amazing. The hardest part is done," said Salinas, who entered the CCC program during her third semester.

Salinas said she hopes to be a flight nurse, while Ramirez said he hopes to focus on emergency room work.

Ramirez worked with Plains Regional Medical Center while Salinas worked with the Lamb County Healthcare Facility in Littlefield during the program.

For both graduates, the next steps are preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination, working at University Medical Center and studying for a bachelors in nursing at Texas Tech.

The program had its fair share of challenges for both Ramirez and Salinas, however.

"I think It's just the time management. A lot of paperwork, clinical and reading," said Ramirez. "It's a huge sacrifice. A lot of reading and a lot of studying."

"I had a baby between third and fourth semester," said Salinas. "I have a 4-month-old now. There are sacrifices everywhere."