Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) recently celebrated the graduation of 33 nursing students from the Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine Nursing Program, who are ready to share their skills, compassion and dedication with the patients they will serve.

The College held a special pinning ceremony on Aug. 29 in the Montco Cultural Center theater on the Blue Bell Campus. The event, organized by student co-chairs Bethany Donovan and Jessica Warren-Gillis with guidance from Dr. Tammi Britt, Assistant Director of Nursing, included special speakers, the presentation of the pins and the recitation of the nursing oath.

Following graduation, MCCC nurses are fully prepared to take the National Council Licensing Examination-Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses. In March 2024, MCCC nursing graduates achieved a first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam, which exceeds the state average of 90.7% and the national average of 86.73%.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Dr. Isabelle Porter, MCCC Dean of Health Sciences and the Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program, welcomed the families and guests and congratulated the new graduates.

During her remarks, Dr. Porter shared an experience she once had when some of the nursing staff were not very caring and spent more time on the computer than treating patients. She reminded students that it’s important to “treat the patient, not the screen.”  

“I want you to continue to be the amazing nurses I know you are going to be, but I also want you to think about being the nurse that your loved ones deserve. Congratulations to all of you,” Dr. Porter said.

Building on Dr. Porter’s remarks, Dr. Chae Sweet, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost acknowledged and thanked the students for taking up this special calling that changes lives.

“Nursing is, indeed, a critical and high-priority occupation. Hospitals, medical offices and clinics are facing a shortage of qualified, well-trained nurses,” Dr. Sweet said. “I am proud that you are poised to step into these roles and make meaningful contributions…Always keep in mind the patient you care for is also cherished by family and friends. The kindness and care you extend in every interaction makes a difference.”

The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Assistant Professor of Nursing Elizabeth Keene, MSN/Ed, RN, CNE, shared some fond memories and words of advice.

“Nursing can have really hard days, and it can have really joyous days. Each person we encounter will have their own stories. Take a moment to let them tell you about it. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, listening ear or the smallest act of caring – all of which have the potential to turn a life around,” Keene said. “Congratulations, graduates! Find the joy in every day moments. The world needs your compassion, your skills and your commitment to be the best version of yourselves.”

Following Keene’s speech, Dr. Britt described the history of the pinning ceremony.  The student then lined up to walk on stage to receive their pins from faculty members Lindsey Doran, MSN, RN-BC; J. Farrell, RN, MSN, VA-BC; Kelly Lyles, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN; and C. Troyer, RN-BSN, BFA, PHRN, CFRN. The graduates recited the International Council of Nurses Pledge together.

After the students returned to their seats, student speaker Jessica Warren-Gillis spoke to her peers about their experience as nursing students, some of the challenges they overcame and the importance of remembering their “why,” the reason they pursued this career.

Nursing Director, Dr. Patricia White, sent the students off with two words: “honor” and “integrity.”

“Whenever you go to meet a new patient or client, you will want to say ‘HI’ to them, and that will remind you what an honor it is to be a nurse and to help individuals with integrity,” White said.

The summer 2024 graduates include Veronica Barrow, Yulia Bezpalko, Casey Boyd, Alexandra Chomicki, Kanisha Custis, Bethany Donovan, Brittani DuBois, Margaret Gorman, Loriann Greger, Emily Guy, Camille Horoho, Ciani Houston-Shockley, Heidi Ishag-Kumar, Terefa Ismahil, Donghyuk Kim, Amy Lee, Joanne Malandra, Syna Mapp, Linette Melendez, Nesma Mohamed, Rashida Mosley, Brooke Murphy, Bridgett Nicolai, Raven Phillips, Bridget Power, Sarah Saleb, TJ Schantz, Heather Smith, Madison Tran, Michael Valentino, Jessica Warren-Gillis, Rashell Williams and Michele Zepka.

Many of MCCC’s nursing graduates are employed at hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics and other health care settings across Montgomery County and the region. Upon completion of the Dr. Stuart H. & Sandra K. Fine Nursing Program, graduates may seamlessly transfer their Associates of Applied Science degree to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Some of MCCC’s top transfer schools include Drexel University, Penn State University and Ohio University.

For more information about MCCC’s Nursing Program, register for one of the upcoming information sessions.