IWV Campus
A time-honored tradition, the Cerro Coso Community College Nursing
Capping and Pinning ceremony signifies the successful completion of a
rigorous and physically demanding program of study. On Saturday, May
15, 2010 Cerro Coso symbolically welcomed 14 Student Vocational Nurses into
a profession of service to others. Friends and family were honored for
their support during the numerous hours of study, classroom instruction, and
work at clinical facilities. "Our students really appreciate the opportunity
to celebrate their achievements with those close to them," stated Cheryl
Gates, Director of Vocation Nursing and Health Career Programs at the
college. Local Family Nurse Practitioner, Betty Pate, gave an
inspiring address to the nurses.
The ceremony commemorated the successful completion of their nursing
coursework and clinical rotations for the following 14 students: Taryn
Foust, Kara Fitzgerald, Billie Jo Prevost, Bonnie Hall, Sumaiyya Ansari,
Michelle Raley, Dawn Spevack, Sherri Sherwood, Julie Meadors, Amber
Mattfeldt, Vanessa Gilbert, Charise Jones, Kelly Greedy, and Trey Galvan.
The highlight of the ceremony was the candle-lighting and recitation of the
Nursing Pledge. "The nursing capping and the Nightingale Ceremony
remain a treasured part of the total student nursing experience," said
Gates. The history of the ceremony and pledge reach back to Florence
Nightingale who distinguished herself during the Crimean War nursing sick
and wounded British soldiers. Because of her selfless duty, Florence
Nightingale became known as the "lady with a lamp". As a tribute to her
dedication, the lamp icon became symbolic of nursing. The lamp will
always shine brightly as a symbol of the care and devotion nurses administer
to the sick and injured.
In honor of their well deserved achievement The Pink Ladies Auxiliary of
Ridgecrest Regional Hospital provided a wonderful reception prior to the
ceremony.
The Cerro Coso Community College Nursing Class of 2010: Top row (l to r)
Charise Jones, Kelly Greedy, Michelle Raley, Billie Jo Prevost, Trey Galvan,
Amber Mattfeldt, Vanessa Gilbert, and Sherri Sherwood. Bottom row (l
tor): Kara Fitzgerald, Bonnie Hall, Taryn Foust, Sumaiyya Ansari, Julie
Meadors, Amy Linck, and Dawn Spevack.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Natalie Dorrell, Public Information (760) 384-6260