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.