Seventeen new nursing graduates were recognized at a pinning and commissioning ceremony on Saturday, May 3, at Lehman Auditorium.
The history of nursing pinning ceremonies dates back to the Crusades, when monks caring for the sick and injured were given a Maltese Cross, Dr. Cathy Rittenhouse, associate professor of nursing, shared in her opening remarks. Florence Nightingale awarded medals of excellence to her outstanding nursing students, which led to the tradition of presenting nursing graduates with pins. The nursing pin symbolizes graduates’ completion of their education, their entry into the nursing profession, and their commitment to providing compassionate care, Rittenhouse said.
“It is widely acknowledged that an undergraduate degree in nursing is one of the most difficult and challenging majors,” she said. “These graduates have had not only to learn complex and detailed information, but actually apply it in real time in their clinical experiences where their patients’ lives and safety depended on them.”
The ceremony recognized the following graduates, each of whom earned a bachelor of science in nursing. As they strode up to the stage in white coats to receive their pins—many presented by parents and family members—their future plans and biggest inspirations were shared.
Mary Kate Bomberger will work either on the oncology floor at Sentara RMH Medical Center (Harrisonburg) or in the progressive care unit at Augusta Health (Fishersville).
Mild Butsridoung wants to work in an operating room.
Taylor Chandler is exploring her options, with her main interest being intensive care unit and emergency department nursing. Her goal is to earn a doctor of nursing practice.
Liza Churchill remains undecided because “there are so many endless opportunities to choose in nursing.”
Daniela Espinoza will work in the intensive care unit at the University of Virginia Medical Center (Charlottesville). She would like to earn a doctor of nursing practice and specialize in pediatrics.
Rachel Hermosillo will work in the medical-surgical unit at Sentara RMH Medical Center. She would like to earn a master’s degree so that she can teach.
Jordan Kerr will work in the stroke unit at Meritus Medical Center in Maryland. Her goal is to work in the emergency department.
Lydia Lee will work in the medical-surgical unit at Wamego Health Center in Kansas.
Halie Mast will work in the medical-surgical oncology unit at Sentara RMH Medical Center.
Floribella Mendoza will work on a medical-surgical floor.
Virginia Miller will work in the progressive care unit at Sentara RMH Medical Center.
Yeana Park will work in a medical-surgical telemetry unit at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Trinity Price will work in the progressive care unit at Virginia Commonwealth University Health in Richmond. She plans to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
Ava Shenk will work in the stroke and dialysis unit at Sentara RMH Medical Center.
Aixa Warren will work in the emergency department at Sentara RMH Medical Center.
Jenna Weaver will move to Anchorage, Alaska, and would like to work in a progressive care unit.
Rachel Wheeler will work in the labor and delivery unit at Augusta Health. She would like to become either a women’s health nurse practitioner or a certified nurse midwife.
In a farewell message to the graduates, Hannah Tissue Ferguson ’14, assistant professor of nursing at EMU, reminded them that they will always have a support system at EMU. “As you begin your next steps, wherever that may be, remember the values that have shaped you here,” she said. “Lean into them and let them guide your calling. And when the work is hard, which it will be, know you are not alone. You are a part of a long line of EMU nurses who carry light into dark places and you all, without a doubt, will continue that legacy.”
View the photo album from the event.
My education in the EMC nursing depth served me well during my 44 years of nursing in a variety of settings. My advice to these new grads…be flexible, be a team player, show compassion and respect to all patients and your peers. It takes a team to provide a high standard of care that your patients deserve! Keep learning! There will be hard days but many more rewarding experiences. Loved my years of nursing!
Please know that Hannah’s words are true. Emu will be there for you along with your peers. It is great to see that EMU graduates nurses who still care about helping people. Rita Lehman ’76 worked in many areas of nursing for 43 years and deliberately chose to work with patients one on one rather than move up the “ladder” because patient care was always her calling.