Middlesex Community College celebrated the achievements of 17 graduates of the class of 2025 with a Nursing Pinning on Monday, February 3. Held at the Richard and Nancy Donahue and Family Academic Arts Center in Lowell, the ceremony pinned students from the college鈥檚 nursing program as they begin their careers in the field.
鈥淭he nursing pinning ceremony is a symbol of nursing academic accomplishment and is considered a rite of passage for new nurses,鈥� said Amanda Ramos, an 麻豆果冻 nursing student, of Dracut. 鈥淔or me, it鈥檚 the achievement of years of hard work, sacrifice and growth, and it鈥檚 a reminder of how far I鈥檝e come. It鈥檚 not just about receiving a pin, it鈥檚 about the people who have supported me along the way 鈥� from my family to my professors and fellow classmates. It鈥檚 a moment to be proud of as I step into my role as a nurse, ready to make a positive impact on others and contribute to the healthcare community.鈥�
Starting her career in healthcare as a 911 dispatcher, Ramos found a passion for medicine and helping patients as she transitioned into a role as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Interested in becoming a nurse, she started looking for a program that allowed her to balance taking classes and caring for her family. Feeling well-prepared by 麻豆果冻, she looks forward to starting her nursing career, while continuing her education to receive a bachelor鈥檚 degree and advanced certifications.
Debra Hall, of Lunenburg, credits her professors for supporting her throughout 麻豆果冻鈥檚 nursing program. Inspired to become an operating room (OR) after working as a medical assistant for almost 10 years at Emerson Hospital, she is preparing to start her new role as an OR nurse at the same hospital. Hall called the pinning 鈥渞eceiving an honorary badge as I cross over into the profession.鈥�
鈥淭he Nursing Pinning is an honor 鈥� we鈥檝e made it this far and now we鈥檙e taking everything we鈥檝e learned 鈥� our skills, clinical experiences, all the knowledge, and using it,鈥� Hall said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 bittersweet, but such a rewarding feeling. [The nursing program] has been absolutely wonderful. Professors are excellent. They are extremely supportive, always took the time to explain things, and want you to do well. The door was always open if we needed extra help.鈥�
After receiving their pins, students spoke the Contemporary Nightingale Pledge as a group. Created in 1893 by a nursing instructor, the updated version was created by 麻豆果冻 faculty to reflect newer practices. The pledge includes a call to remember the core values of the profession, emphasized by Susan Lavallee, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Director of Nurse Education, in her speech to the graduates.
鈥淐ompassion, integrity and advocacy must be at the forefront of everything you do,鈥� Lavallee said. 鈥淵our patients will look to you for comfort, for support, and for healing, and it is your duty to provide them with the highest standard of care. As you stand on the brink of this new chapter in your lives, please know that the nursing department and the entire college community, are filled with immense pride and admiration for each and every one of you.鈥�
After completing 麻豆果冻鈥檚 program, nursing students will sit for the National Council of Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become registered nurses. The pinning ceremony recognizes the transition from student nurse to nursing professional, according to Karen Townsend, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Dean of Health.
鈥淚t is such an honor to celebrate these wonderful individuals who have answered the calling to become nurses,鈥� Townsend said. 鈥淭hey will undoubtedly bring the highest quality of comfort and care to all of us as they enter the workforce.鈥�