Class of 2023 Nursing Students Celebrate with Pinning Ceremony at Civic Center

Beaufort County Community College congratulates the 27 students who graduated from the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. In a tradition that expends back to the beginning of the program at the college, nursing students hold a separate pinning ceremony on the day of graduation. This was the first year that students held the pinning ceremony at the Washington Civic Center, and as part of a tradition started in 2022, they were pinned by family members.

The ADN graduates finished a five-semester program, including clinical experience in nursing homes, hospitals and other healthcare agencies. Clinical rotations can involve 12-hour shifts, on top of studying for exams and taking classes. Students are trained in general nursing, long-term care, home health, medical surgical nursing, and intermediate and intensive care.

Of the graduating class, 23 were part of the Beaufort County Association of Nursing Students (BCANS), a professional organization that also gives back to the community through service projects. These commitments, in addition to the long hours of study and clinical rotations, show the dedication of this class to their community and profession.

Dr. Kent Dickerson, Dean of Nursing & Allied Health announced the winner of the Academic Excellence Award to Kristie Dunn, who not only earned the highest grade point average (GPA) of the class, but also earned the most As in the recent history of the nursing program.

Lead nursing professor Molly Wells presented the DAISY Award for Exceptional Nursing Students to graduates for their delivery of clinical care in an extraordinary and compassionate way to patients and their families as they are learning. Presented through the DAISY Foundation, and in collaboration with ECU Health, these students get hand-carved stone sculptures and have their name placed on a national list of recipients. Wells presented Ceyanna Harrison and Rebecca Hodges with the awards.

As part of a new tradition started in 2022, each graduate invited a person of their choice on stage to pin them, with graduates joining spouses, parents, and friends on stage.

ADN students graduating from the program must pass the nursing board exam (NCLEX) before being employed. Nearly every student in the graduating class has accepted a position with a hospital or healthcare provider across the state, with 15 students committed to working with ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.

These graduates will fill high-demand positions regionally with hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. BCCC congratulates them and thanks them for their commitment to the health of our community. The application period for the ADN program will open on September 1 for students starting in the program in the Fall 2024 semester.