Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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 11, 2013 Cerro Coso symbolically welcomed 12 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 at the college. Royce Cornett, RN, MSN, gave an inspiring address to the graduates.
The ceremony commemorated the successful completion of their nursing coursework and clinical rotations for the following 12 students: Mai Xao Lee Antes, Ma Jobelle M. Dedace, Sabrina Elliott, Monica Fierro, Tambria Olivia Kalenowski, Netty Fabriany Miller, Rebecca Norris, Hiral A. Panchal, Nickie Rae Rothwell, Barbara Kutscher Sanchez, Chris L. Wall, and Richard Eric Wicker.
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.
For further information, please contact Natalie Dorrell, Public Information (760) 384-6260