GCC nursing graduates receive pins on National Nurses Day

By CHARITY SMITH

csmith@yourdailyglobe.com

Ironwood - Twenty-eight nurse graduates celebrated National Nurses Day on Friday by receiving pins and their degrees from Gogebic Community College. The college's Associate Degree in nursing program's pinning ceremony took place prior to graduation in a classroom on campus.

The event marks the student's successful completion of educational nurse training and transition into the nursing profession.

During the ceremony, GCC president George McNulty and vice president of academic services David Darrow congratulated the students on their success and stressed the important role nurses play in society.

Darrow spoke of watching his mother, a nurse, go through her rotations at the hospital and thinking "Man, that's tough." He said that two good qualifications for being a nurse are being tough and stubborn. Darrow said a nurse is the person who puts everything together and keeps everything going.

"I really thank you for what you're going out to do," said Darrow. "You're going out into a world that is fundamentally different than it was in 2019. So, I applaud you for that. I really respect you for that. You are going into the most noble profession I know."

Nursing instructor Robert Dionne then recited his favorite poem, "Desiderata," by Max Ehrmann, to the students. He said the poem has helped him though a lot of life's stress and some very high moments in his life.

"Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time," the poem states.

Three nursing graduates were recognized for their outstanding achievements and received awards. The leadership award was given to Esther Borth for her initiative, motivation, dedication and commitment to life-long learning. The integrity award was given to Abby Simonson for her dependability, accountability and the positive example she set for her fellow students. The Florence Nightingale Award was given to Corrine Hanahoe, honoring her compassion, strong work ethic, kindness, professionalism, and dedication - characteristics of a nurse.

Director of Allied Heath Nicole Rowe said it was hard to choose the award winners, as all of the graduates were very special.

The graduates each chose the person to place the pin on their lapel. Some selected family members, while others chose to be pinned by a member of the nursing instructional staff.

"Placing the pin on the nursing graduate can be a very emotional experience for students and family," said Rowe.

Rowe said the pinning ceremony has traditions that date back to the Crusades. She said that in the 12th century monks in the Knights of the Order were given a Maltese cross for tending to the ill and wounded. The modern pinning ceremony began when Queen Victoria presented the Red Cross of St. George to Florence Nightingale. Rowe said that Nightingale is considered the founder of modern nursing, as she promoted the training for nurses. By the early 20th century, pinning ceremonies had become a tradition in nursing schools across the United States and England.

"It's really very special," said Rowe. "It's a moment most of us will never forget."

The gradates will now have to take the RN licensure exam before they can enter the workforce as Registered Nurses, Rowe said.