GETTYSBURG - Sixteen students in HACC’s Practical Nursing program at the Gettysburg Campus received their nursing pins during a December ceremony at the campus. The graduates successfully completed their clinical nursing education, which qualifies them to take licensure exams to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).
The program included welcome and opening remarks by Gettysburg Campus Executive Dean Shannon Harvey. Gettysburg Campus Director of Nursing Programs Marilyn Teeter introduced nursing faculty, thanking them along with HACC administrators and staff for their contributions to the success of the nursing program. Teeter also acknowledged the generous support that family and friends had given to the students. Her advice to the graduates: “Each day, touch someone’s life and make it better -- that’s what good nurses do.” She described a variety of situations in which the nursing graduates had already demonstrated that theme.
Offering words of encouragement, student speaker Amanda Yingst noted that “the amount of knowledge, organization, maturity, kindness and compassion we learned could not have been possibly learned anywhere else.” She read a poem that spoke to honor, dedication and love that “summarizes how all of us feel toward our instructors.”
Several graduating students were recognized with awards:
Michelle Ryon received the Gettysburg Campus Practical Nursing Leadership Award, presented to the student who demonstrates strong leadership qualities which include patient advocacy, professionalism and effective communication skills.
The Gettysburg Campus Nursing Student Organization Art of Nursing Award for Practical Nursing, presented to the student who demonstrates outstanding compassionate care to patients and families, went to Nicole Utz.
Rachael Gureckis was the recipient of the Gettysburg Nursing Faculty Excellence in Nursing Award, presented to the student who demonstrates excellence in interpersonal communication, assessment, documentation, and technical skills; who consistently exhibits exemplary behavior both in the classroom and clinical areas; and best exemplifies HACC nursing.
Kathleen Fisher was recognized for perfect attendance throughout the entire practical nursing program, from January through December 2009.
The ceremony included a “thank you” and acknowledgment of the cooperation and affiliation shown by area health care agencies which make their sites available to provide clinical experience for nursing students: Adams County Head Start, Adams-Hanover Counseling Services, Brethren Home at Cross Keys Village, Carlisle Regional Medical Center, Chambersburg Hospital/Summit Health, Gettysburg Hospital WellSpan, Gettysburg Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Golden Living Center, Green Acres Adams County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Hanover Hospital, Homewood at Plum Creek, Lutheran Home Care Services, Mountain View OB/GYN, South Mountain Restoration Center, St. James Lutheran Church Day Care Center, Village of Laurel Run, VNA WellSpan, Waynesboro Hospital, and York Hospital WellSpan.
Information about HACC’s nursing programs and qualifications is available at www.hacc.edu under Quick Links, Health Careers.
