Thirteen students from Dutchess BOCES’ Practical Nursing Program are now ready to complete the New York State licensure exam following the program’s Pinning Ceremony on June 22 at the large Conference Center.Following words of encouragement from Career & Technical Institute Principal Jason Lloyd, the audience was treated to a slideshow of previous graduates throughout the program’s 64-year history, set to, rather fittingly, an instrumental version of Kenny Rogers’ “Through the Years.”
A highlight of every pinning ceremony is students reciting the Florence Nightingale Pledge, signifying the journey from first-time student in the program to practical nurse. Each student was given a pin adorned with Nightingale’s oil lamp that she used to guide her way as she cared for soldiers during the Crimean War, as well as a replica of that lamp with a candle that was lit and then blown out after the pledge reading.
“The light of her lamp gave the soldiers she cared for hope, and she became known as ‘The Lady with the Lamp,’” Coordinator of Health Occupations JoAnne Williams said of Nightingale. “Wear your school pin with pride and always shine your light on those that you care for.”
Williams noted that while students worked hard in the program, they concurrently experienced many life-changing circumstances, including becoming naturalized United States citizens, earning their Graduate Practical Nurse (GPD) certificates and getting married.
“Only someone who has walked in your nursing shoes understands what it took to get to this point,” Williams said. “You have been through a lifetime of experiences in only 20 months.”
Florine Hepburn is happy to complete the program and noted how she improved her nursing skills and learned how to better handle conflicts when they arise, which will come in handy as she plans to work in a local nursing home. She gave this straightforward advice to anyone interested in becoming a nurse. “If you’re going in there just for the money, please don’t do it,” Hepburn said. “It’s a career that’s highly respected and for me, patient care is my top priority, not the money.”Class valedictorian Haya Swaqed spoke about how her recognition was more than just a title.
“It represents every early morning, every late night, every challenge, every sacrifice and every moment when giving up would have been easier than moving forward,” Swaqed said. “I stand here knowing that success is not measured only by grades – it is measured by the kindness we show, the lives we touch and the difference we make in our patients’ lives.”
While the program’s teachers taught Swaqed and her classmates the technical skills required for the job, they also learned valuable skills not found in any textbook.
“It has taught us resilience, compassion, patience, humility and the importance of caring for others, even during our own difficult moments,” Swaqed said. “Every person sitting here today has worked hard to get here and I am truly proud to have shared this journey with each of you.”
