Prior to their convocation ceremony on Wednesday, June 19, graduates from NC’s School of Nursing and PSW took part in a Pinning Ceremony. At the ceremony, a pin is presented by faculty in the School to each graduate, a symbolic welcoming of newly graduated nurses and PSW’s into the profession, one which has been practiced for generations.
“The roots of the pinning ceremony are ancient, dating back to badges given to members of the Knights of the Order of the Hospital of St. John the Baptist who cared for ill and wounded Crusaders in the 12th century,” said Angela Butt, associate dean, School of Nursing and PSW.
The ceremony as we know it today originated in the 1860’s when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of St. George for her service to injured and dying Crimean war soldiers. Nightingale extended this same honour to her outstanding graduate nurses by presenting each of them with a medal of excellence.
The tradition at Niagara College continues to this day.
“We present each of our graduates from the Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker Programs with a pin to remind them of their accomplishment but also to inspire them to fulfill their responsibility to the public and aspire to the high standards set by nursing pioneers like Florence Nightingale,” said Butt.
During the ceremony, awards were also given out to students to recognize their special achievements.
The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario’s Award for Student Excellence was presented to
Practical Nursing graduate Katrina Maslink by Sharon Foster, RPNAO Professional Practice Associate.
Practical Nursing graduate Katrina Maslink is presented the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario’s Award for Student Excellence by Sharon Foster, RPNAO Professional Practice Associate.
This award is presented to one Practical Nursing student from each Ontario College of Applied Arts and Technology who best demonstrates criteria determined by the college practical nursing faculty. The criteria include: strong leadership ability, self-directed learning, excellence in theory and clinical nursing practice professional and personal grown, and an understanding of supporting their professional association.
Practical Nursing student Agatha Peach accepting the Betty Ann and Rick Chandler Practical Nursing Award.
The Betty Ann and Rick Chandler Practical Nursing Award is granted to a student who has shown determination to overcome great odds in order to successfully complete the Practical Nursing program. Practical Nursing student Agatha Peach took home this award.
Pictured with her Dorothy Doyle Memorial Nursing Scholarship, Jennifer Beck is a graduate from the Practical Nursing program.
Jennifer Beck, Practical Nursing graduate, was awarded the Dorothy Doyle Memorial Nursing Scholarship. This award goes to a student with a minimum 75% academic average who has demonstrated leadership, empathy, and personal commitment to the nursing profession.
Alex Barker, Practical Nursing graduate, with the Jacqueline P. Robarts Annual Award.
The Jacqueline P. Robarts Annual Award was awarded to Alx Barker of the Practical Nursing program, awarded to a student who provides volunteer service in Niagara College, the local community or the international community. Alx participated in the Be World Ready trip to India in April.
