From left are Keyondra Spencer, Tahesha Hopkins, Janeshia Williams, Michelle Smart, Amanda Mitchell, Sha'Kayvia Roberts, Scarlet Lawrence, Bobby Gantt, Summer Hurst, Katoya Scott, Cierra Stanley, Jasmine Barron, Brittany Murphy, Katelynn Patterson, Jacalin Humphrey. (Submitted photo)

THOMASVILLE —  On Nov. 25, Southern Regional Technical College held a pinning ceremony honoring the most recent class of Practical Nursing (PN) students representing the SRTC-Bainbridge cohort. The ceremony commemorates the students’ successful completion of their nursing coursework and clinical rotations. These graduates are also eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony at SRTC-Bainbridge on Dec. 4.

Graduates representing the Bainbridge cohort include Jasmine Barron of Tifton.

“This class has demonstrated resilience, dedication, and compassion – the cornerstone qualities of exceptional nurses.” said Practical Nursing Faculty Sonya Showers. “Their hard work has prepared them for this moment, and I am confident they will excel in all that lies ahead.”

The pinning ceremony is a rite of passage into the nursing profession, during which each student received a pin and a small lamp. The pin is used to remind students of their purpose to serve the sick and infirmed. The lamp portion of the ceremony serves as a tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern-day nursing. In the 1800s Nightingale was known as the ‘lady with the lamp’ tending to the sick while carrying a lamp to light the way.

The Practical Nursing program is a five-semester diploma program designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This is done through a selected number of academic and occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care. A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. For more information about SRTC’s Practical Nursing Program call 888-205-3449.