Nurses to have special pinning ceremony

As part of a tradition that dates back 150 years, nursing students will hold a special pinning ceremony Saturday to celebrate the completion of their associate degrees from Western Nevada Community College.

"It's long-standing tradition," said Mickey Wade, Allied Health director. "It represents the completion of the nursing program and the transition into the world of nursing practice."

Wade said the 22 graduates will dress in the nurse uniform and will be pinned by a friend or family member who has supported them through their education.

"It's an opportunity for families to recognize the students," Wade said. "It's also a chance for the students to say thank-you to the people who have helped them along the way."

Nursing students need much support because of their demanding schedules.

"They put in more hours than the average student," she said.

She said an average second-year nursing student will spend between 29 and 40 hours per week training to become a nurse. This year, the students worked 12-hour shifts managing multiple patients to prepare them for the real world.

Wade will present the graduating class and nursing class president Lisa Lombardo will be the student speaker. Susan Cote, a WNCC graduate, will be the guest speaker.

The nursing students will participate in the regular commencement exercises as well. Graduation for the Fallon campus will be Monday at 8 p.m. at Churchill County High School. Carson City campus students will graduate Tuesday at 8 p.m. in the Carson City Community Center.

This year's graduates are:

Rose A. Anderson

Donna Starr Caputo

Alina Cassaday

Cerena Marie Cooper

Theresa Colleen Cuthbertson

Elizabeth Carol Dargert

Terri L. Davis

Jennifer Evans

Ellen C. Gansberg

Jazmine Gilger

Eileen Mary Hannah

April Eileen Heaton

Lisa A. Lombardo

Michelle Myree McGinley

Karen Marie McMullen

Yeuvanun Mouritsen

Andrea Newman O'Kuinghttons

Renada Paras

Lori Ann Salvador

Jennifer Rachel Steele

Esther Marie Watts

If you go:

What: Nurses' Pinning Ceremony

When: Saturday at 1 p.m.

Where: Nevada State Library and Archives