Nursing school graduates pinned at CCC

CLOVIS — Long nights of studying and intensive clinical work have their reward for Clovis Community College nursing graduates.

CCC pinned 31 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) graduates and 18 Registered Nurse (RN) graduates Friday at the Clovis Civic Center.

"This is a fantastic group (of students)," said CCC President Becky Rowley. "Now that the stressful course work is over, everybody loves everybody again," she said after noting all the students' frustration and angst through the process.

Nursing students receive their pin after their second semester, LPN and fourth semester, RN studies. An RN can make patient assessments while an LPN cannot. In both cases, they endure months of lectures, reading, practical training, and tests to prove their knowledge of the health field in order to either continue course or serve patients in their chosen focus.

Steffi Rossen, a LPN graduate said many of her colleagues did not pass the grueling final exam.

"The test takes three hours," said Rossen, "they gave us a week to study, so that really helped."

Then the grades are sent to the director on Wednesday (two days before the pinning ceremony), said Rossen, the instructors get together to make sure everything was OK. If the students pass their exams, they do not receive a call.

Students chose one practical nurse, Kourtney Anthony, and one registered nurse graduate, Lynette Fish, to speak at the ceremony on behalf of their fellow graduates.

Anthony addressed the audience and sincerely thanked them saying, "you are all celebrated and appreciated here as well."

Fish agreed saying, "you are a part of us, you made this journey a lot more tolerable."

"(As nurses) we're allowed into the most sacred parts of our patients' lives," said Anthony. She reminded her fellow practical nurses, "we are in this together," as many of them are continuing their schooling to become registered nurses or receive their bachelor's degree.

"There are so many options for you (graduates)," said Robin Jones, CCC Executive Vice President.

"Today's a little bittersweet," said Fish as she recounted the ups and downs of the previous four semesters and expressed her gratitude for the companionship between her colleagues.

Besides the student speakers, CCC invited guest speaker Demetrius Chapman, executive director for the New Mexico Board of Nursing, to inspire the new graduates in their upcoming studies and careers.

"I envy you the newness of your career (and) what lies before you," Chapman told the graduates.

"The difference between a good nurse and a bad nurse," he said, "is integrity. Endeavor to develop your authentic self."

As each registered nurse received their pin, their recorded sentiments of gratitude played through the speakers. Many shared scripture verses, exclaimed their relief of completing the process, and thanked faculty, parents, spouses, and friends for "putting up with (them)."