Congratulations to the 33 students who received their Nursing Pins and were recognized during the Division of Nursing Pinning Ceremony this month!

Within the nursing community, the pinning ceremony is an important tradition, marking the moment a student completes their studies and clinical work. Those who have earned their practical nursing diploma to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or their Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse (RN) are eligible for this distinctive ceremony. Once pinned, students become eligible to take the NCLEX, the final exam and the step in their journey to becoming a registered nurse.��

The pinning ceremony takes place in McGuire Auditorium on the WPU campus, with family and friends invited to join in the actual proceedings. Ahead of the ceremony, each nursing student selects a special person in their life to dedicate the pin to, whether a teacher, a close friend, or a relative. The chosen person then accompanies the graduating nurse to the stage and fastens an enamel lapel on the graduate’s scrubs. It’s a cherished moment that is remembered by nursing professionals their entire lives.��

Several awards were presented to students who demonstrated exceptional dedication. Cassandra Boddington received the Award for Leadership, while Justine Mashal and Erica Saephanh were honored with the Clinical Excellence Award.��

Following the pinning ceremony, the students participated in reciting the Diversity Pledge led by Nahimana Desire and the Nightingale Pledge led by Campbell Summerfield. Together they recited, “I solemnly pledge myself before God, and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully.”��

In addressing the class of 2023, Kyle Vandershick, Assistant Professor of Nursing, offered words of encouragement: “Never be a stranger to the Warner Pacific Nursing community. Remember, you can’t take care of other people if you don’t take care of yourself. Never forget what it was like to be a student and share your knowledge with compassion.”��

“This moment has been a long time coming,” said Julissa Montero ‘23. “I felt seen and understood at Warner Pacific which only motivated me to do well in my studies and finish strong. My accomplishments aren’t just for me, they are for my family as well.”����

��ż���’s Division of Nursing commends all BSN graduates for their achievements, contributing to the overarching goal of increasing diversity in the nursing workforce. Congratulations to Cohort #7!��

On October 19th at precisely 10:19 a.m. (local time), individuals worldwide, including students from WPU’s Nursing Division, took part in the Great ShakeOut—a global initiative focused on earthquake preparedness. The initiative encourages people, communities, and organizations to engage in yearly drills to enhance their response to seismic events. Students from the Nursing Division joined the national drill at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, assuming nursing and patient roles to gain diverse insights into disaster preparedness, personal earthquake readiness, and the functioning of a major hospital during such drills.

Jessica Sandstrom, RN and Associate Dean of the Nursing Division coordinated student participation in this event. Jessica also serves on Legacy Emmanual’s Disaster and Education committee. ��

“This was an opportunity for our students to work with real people within a very high-pressure simulation alongside the trained nurses and staff of Legacy,” said Jessica. “Our nursing students emerged with a newfound appreciation of the adaptability required in an emergency response — especially when facing a sudden natural disaster that could face the Northwest. Students value this vital collaboration in real-world settings.”��

“We were incredibly fortunate to have WPU’s registered nurse students participate with us,” said Chris Dotson, Emergency Management Program Manager at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. “It was invaluable for our medical staff to have real people to play our ‘disaster patients.’ The students took their roles to heart and enjoyed acting out their chief complaints!”����

The Great ShakeOut stresses the importance of educating oneself,��and spreading awareness about earthquake preparedness. Here are some valuable on how you can prepare yourself and your family for the event of an earthquake.����