GRANTS, NEW MEXICO – “Be Bold, Shape the Future” is the motto for New Mexico State University students. They might add, follow your heart, add hard work, and you could achieve your dreams. Thursday evening was a special time for the NMSU School of Nursing. After five semesters of study and work they were able to share their Recognition Ceremony with their families and friends.
The graduates are ready for their future, having passed all their required tests while training for five semesters. The only exams remaining are the Nursing Board Exam and a licensed registered nurse test within the next 30 days.
Cap and pin; light candles Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton Opening speaker; Dr. Teresa Leon; Director
The graduates entered the theater to “Pomp and Circumstance Graduation Walking March”. Following opening ceremonies by the Knights of Columbus Color Guard, Rholinda James, and Pastor Danny Almanza, Dr. Teresa León, Ph.D., RN, Associate Director for the Undergraduate Program welcomed the audience.
NMSU nursing students took their training through Zoom from the Las Cruces main campus along with cohorts at Alamogordo. Dr. Marlene Chavez-Toivanen Ph.D., Assoc. Director for Academic Affairs and Assoc. Campus Director recognized the students for their “achievement in a rural college community, and for their grit and creativity which will be helpful in the ever-changing healthcare field.” The nurses will be able to serve here or in another area. Most stated that they would be serving their community at Cibola General Hospital in their chosen field.
The new Professor of Practice, Nikki May DNP, MSN, RN will be focusing on travel throughout New Mexico’s rural communities to find out what is needed by local medical professionals. The program will be supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Community leader guest speaker, Cindy Torres, MSN, RN, former faculty member, stated, “Nursing has to be in your heart because you will be caring fot patients with lots of needs, … also their families.”
Torres also commended the students’ families for their support during the difficult curriculum. In addition, Torres thanked the Cibola General directors and nurses who taught and supported the NMSU students.
The graduating nurses chose fellow nurse, Nicola Casamero, to represent them as Student Speaker during their 2 ½ year experience.
College Assistant Professor, Terrel Pearson MSN, RN led the graduates in reciting the Professional Nursing Pledge. The pledge is a version of the Hippocratic Oath.
At the close of the ceremony, proud and happy family members gifted the grads with flowers and hugs.
Two other nurses were given posthumous recognition, Florence Nightingale, and Clara Barton. Nightingale is credited with being “the founder of modern nursing.” (https://www.bing.com) One of her significant contributions, in the midnineteenth century, to the medical field was the improvement of hospital sanitation. While working at a hospital for ailing governesses, Nightingale dealt with a cholera outbreak and unsanitary conditions.
A few decades earlier, in the Civil War, Clara Barton tended to wounded soldiers, helping to identify missing and deceased soldiers when the war had ended. (https://www.history. com) Barton is most known for founding the American Red Cross.
Professional Nursing Pledge:
In the full knowledge of the responsibilities I am undertaking, I promise to care for my clients with all the knowledge, skills, and understanding I possess without regard to race, color, creed, politics, social status, sparing no effort to conserve meaningful life, to alleviate suffering, and promote health.
I will respect, at all times, the dignity and religious beliefs of the patients under my care and hold in professional confidence all personal information entrusted to me. I will refrain from any action which might endanger the quality of life or health.
I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level and to give my support and cooperation to all members of the health team.
With full awareness of my qualifications and limitations, I will do my utmost to maximize the potential of the nursing profession and to uphold and advance its standards.