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Jane Foster-Wheeler, of Sidney, receives her pin from Edison State nursing faculty member Olga Boberg. |
The year 2020 has presented unprecedented challenges, making the nursing pinning ceremony held on Friday, December 11, so special for the thirty-four Edison State Community College students who completed the nursing program.
The pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition in which the graduate nurse is presented to family and friends as a professional who is about to practice nursing. The graduate is usually “pinned” by the faculty members who have worked with them throughout their studies. Each school has a unique pin, which serves as a symbol of the successful completion of a rigorous curriculum, which prepares its graduates to administer to the sick and injured and promote health through the practice of nursing.
Edison State President Dr. Doreen Larson commended the graduates for overcoming the challenges they faced. “These graduates should take particular pride in achieving their goal of becoming a nurse within the uniquely difficult environment of 2020. Graduates from the Edison State nursing program have a history of career success and outstanding leadership in the field, and I am confident that this class will meet and exceed those traditional standards.”
“I also extend special thanks as a member of the community for your choice to enter the nursing profession. Successful nurses have a combination of physical energy, scientific intelligence, and personal intuition. I am so grateful that you have decided to use these talents in the service of those facing health issues,” Larson added.
The pinning ceremony was held in-person with appropriate safety precautions to ensure the safety of those participating. Graduates themselves were required to have their temperature taken as they entered the campus, and family members, friends, and supporters took turns watching graduates receive their pins from behind glass doors.
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Jammie Kaeck, of Sidney, smiles for family upon receiving her pin. |
“I have had the honor of seeing these nursing graduates grow from nervous, timid new students to confident nurses. This has been an exciting journey for me to watch, and I am proud of each of them,” said Jill Bobb, Program Administrator of Nursing and Interim Dean of Professional and Technical Programs at Edison State.
“I have seen firsthand the struggles they have overcome to reach their goal, and much of their success is due to their sheer determination to succeed. I wish to offer my sincerest congratulations as we honor each one of the graduates for accomplishing this significant achievement.”
While these students would now typically begin to prepare to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a Registered Nurses (RN), they can now work as RNs with a special temporary Coronavirus Omnibus Legislation (HB 197) Licensing Authorization, as long as they meet the requirement to sit for the NCLEX.
HB 197 is a law that authorizes the Ohio Board of Nursing to issue temporary licenses to practice as an RN or LPN to applicants who meet the remaining legal requirements, including completing a Board-approved nursing education program and criminal records check. The HB 197 temporary licenses issued to those who have not passed the NCLEX will be invalid as of March 2, 2021, and will not be issued beyond February 28, 2021.
Edison State Community College’s nursing program has maintained full accreditation and approval throughout its history. In 2018, the Ohio Board of Nursing granted Edison State’s Associate of Nursing Degree program a full five-year approval. In 2019, the program earned an eight-year continued accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the highest level a program can receive.
Applications for Edison State’s Registered Nursing program are currently being accepted for the Fall 2021 semester. For more information about the program, visit www.edisonohio.edu/programs.
Edison State Community College is proud to recognize the following nursing graduates:
Hanna Boerger, Ft. Loramie Teri Brewster, Piqua Paige Chaney, West Milton Shelbey Dowler, Hollansburg Logan Eichman, West Alexandria Danel Hare, Covington Brooke Harpest, Troy Ashley Heater, Piqua Taylor Hoke, Englewood Maddi Homan, Sidney Myra Iiams, Huber Heights Megan Jess, Piqua Jammie Kaeck, Sidney Bethany Karg, Jackson Center Keith Knutson, Urbana Stephanie Lewis, Sidney Josie Mallery, Troy | | Ashley Morris, Tipp City Cheyenne Paiva, Englewood Abbi Putman, Conover Ty Raterman, Sidney Tonya Ridley, Dayton Rebekah Robbins, Greenville Stephanie Roberts, Dayton Megan Schmehl, St. Marys Mackenzie Schulz, Quincy Katilyn Schwaiger, Englewood Brittany Seals, Lima Victoria Smith, Bradford Natalie Snyder, Ludlow Falls Aubrey Stephens, DeGraff Jane Foster Wheeler, Sidney Carly Whitaker, Lewisburg Chealsy Yeagle, Greenville |