Terra State Nursing Students Receive Pins

December 17, 2018

Years of long hours studying, time away from family, and determination culminated today for 14 graduates of the Terra State Community College Nursing program. The pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition for the program and allows graduates to choose a person who has stood with them through the process be recognized by pinning them. From mothers to spouses and more, the graduates were able to thank their loved ones for their support and celebrate their entry into the nursing profession.

This year’s keynote speaker, who is chosen by the class, was Susan Kajfasz. Kajfasz holds many credentials, from MSN, RN, CNS, to NE-BC, but her most rewarding one is Associate Professor for Terra State. As she addressed the graduates and their families, she challenged them to answer the question “Why did I make this decision to become a nurse?” Not once was money mentioned, rather things like helping others, making a better life for my family, and being able to take my skillset anywhere in the world made the list of responses.

Robin LaPlante, President of the Student Nurses Association, addressed her fellow classmates and reminisced about the fun and stressful times of nursing school. Despite the challenges, all the graduates are ready to conquer the next step in fulfilling their dreams of becoming a nurse – the NCLEX.

This May, the graduating class lost one is its members, Kathryn “Katie” Fleming. Katie was an LPN, continuing her studies to become an RN at Terra State. The College and Board of Trustees presented her husband John with her pin and an honorary degree.

Finally, the class and all nurses in attendance were invited to stand and recite the Nightingale Pledge. Through tears of joy, the graduates pledged themselves to uphold the ethics and principles of the nursing profession in the United States.

Congratulations to Amy Boumaig (Tiffin), C’Aira Conley (Oregon), Rachel Renee Garner (Gibsonburg), Samantha Hartsel (Bettsville), Kaitlin Huffman (Republic), Haley Kline (Clyde), Pamela Krause (Tiffin), Robin LaPlante (Fremont), Nichole Medoza (Fremont), Racheal Miller (Port Clinton), Tiffany Reidling (Fremont), Whitney Smith (Monroeville), Dawn Thompson (Fostoria), and Brooke Walters (Castalia).