Deciding to become a nurse is never easy. Some choose the path because a loved one inspired them to do so. Some admired a fellow nurse and wanted to follow in their footsteps. For others, it’s just in their blood. Those who are natural caregivers and selfless people helpers.
Atlantic Cape Community College’s Nursing Program held its Annual Nurses Pinning Ceremony on May 21 in the Walter E. Edge Theater on the Mays Landing campus to celebrate the Program’s 82 graduates for completing their arduous educational and clinical journey. The nurses pinning is a tradition that began nine centuries ago as a way to recognize those who vowed to care for the sick and wounded.
Atlantic Cape President Dr. Barbara Gaba congratulated the members of Nursing’s Class of 2025 and stressed how valued their role as a nurse is in the community.
“Today marks not just the completion of a rigorous academic journey, but the beginning of a lifetime commitment to the passion, resilience and service. You’re not only joining one of the most respected professions in the world, you’re stepping into a role that is essential to the very foundation of healthcare. I cannot overstate how proud I am of each and every one of you for what you have come to achieve today.
“Since arriving at Atlantic Cape, you are more skilled, more knowledgeable and more prepared to meet unexpected challenges. You will enter a workforce that needs you more than ever. Nursing is not just a career, it is a calling. And while it may challenge you, it will also inspire you, stretch you, and shape you into leaders who make a profound world of difference in the lives of their patients and their families. You carry the legacy of nurses who come before you and you have earned every bit of this moment today. I wish you all the best as you move on to the next stages of your journey.”
Before a full theater of cheering, loving and supportive family and friends, each of the 82 graduates on the stage received their nurses pin, along with adoring hugs and handshakes, from Dean of Nursing & Health Sciences Myrna Morales-Keklak, who announced that she will be retiring from the College this summer after 21 years.
After expressing her gratitude to the College’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Gaba, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Josette Katz, the nursing faculty and staff, the entire College family, and everyone in the audience from parents and grandparents to spouses and children, Morales-Keklak thanked the graduates for allowing her to be a part of their lives.
“Thank you for the honor of being with you through the last several years. For coming to my door willingly to share an amazing patient story, to share an accomplishment on an exam, or just to say hello. Thank you for including me in your experiences, even if they involved an issue. It gave me the opportunity to know you and help you on this journey,” said Morales-Keklak, who was presented with a special plaque from Dr. Geralyn Michelfelder as a thank you gift from the entire Nursing Program faculty and staff. “This has been a glorious experience. So, graduates, thank you for your courage. For trusting the faculty, the staff and myself with your education. And, for having the courage to trust yourselves and to not be paralyzed by all of the demands, changes and disappointments that we have caused you. Thank you for caring for us and for caring for each other.”
Keynote speaker Angela Dionisio, a Nursing Program Class of 2008 alumna, senior chief nursing officer for Select Specialty Hospital in Atlantic City, NJ and member of Atlantic Cape’s RN Nursing Advisory Board, spoke of the unforgettable moments, both good and bad, that make nursing so worthwhile a profession to pursue.
“When you do things for others, with the intent to serve there’s an energy that keeps you motivated, that gives you the passion to just want keep doing it. It’s something that service does to you. We are able to create experiences at the most vulnerable of times in people’s lives that you’re never going to forget.
Like the first time you help somebody walk after they were bedbound. Helping somebody take a bite of food after they had a stroke. To see someone breathe again on their own after being liberated from a ventilator. You’re never going to forget that your ability to heal wounds or when you hold your patient’s hand as they take their last breath or when you hand a newborn baby to his/her parents. These experiences didn’t bring you into nursing school, but they’re going keep you going and they are going be the impactful moments that will give you the strength to sustain you.”
The 2nd Annual DAISY Award, which celebrates and honors extraordinary nurses for their compassionate care that goes above and beyond within their clinical setting, was presented to Britney Brown. Brown was selected by a confidential nomination process from a field of finalists that included Atabong Effiong, Skylar Heacock, Cauleen Reyes, Leonor Rodriquez, Emily Sheehan, Dorothy Uche, Fabian Vasquez and Attuiyah Williams.
The patient who nominated Brown had glowing words to describe the care that she displayed for him by making him feel seen, heard and truly cared for.
“During her clinical rotation, Britney consistently demonstrated ethical, empathetic and highly skilled nursing care. Britney’s dedication to her patients and her calm, compassionate demeanor set a remarkable example for her peers. Even in the most challenging situations, Brittany remained composed, serving as a steady and ethical advocate not only for her patients, but also for her fellow team members. The presence of Brittany enhances any clinical environment that she is in.”
The ability to connect with a patient, to provide comfort and emotional care is what makes nurses unique and this will prove beneficial to each of the program’s 82 graduates as they embark upon successful careers in the healthcare industry.
View a photo gallery of this event on Flickr here.
Visit atlanticcape.edu/nursing to learn more about Atlantic Cape’s Nursing Program.
