Family, friends, and loved ones gathered at the St. Alphonsus McCleary Auditorium Thursday, Dec. 12, to recognize and honor College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Practical Nursing (PN) program’s 2024 cohort. The twelve PN students celebrated the end and graduation of their program’s coursework with a traditional nurse pinning ceremony.
Pinning ceremonies are a custom steeped in history dating back to the Crusades when medals were given to those who tended to the sick and injured.
The ceremony began with a welcome from CWI Nursing Department Chair, Allison Baker, acknowledging the sacrifices and determination each graduate has demonstrated through this rigorous educational journey. She added the perseverance and adaptability these students maintained throughout the program will prove useful as they embark on their careers as nurses.
As these graduates head into the workforce, Baker reminded them, “Nursing is not merely a profession, it is a calling to make a difference in the lives of others during their most vulnerable moments. Your hands will not only administer medication but will also offer comfort and solace. Your presence will be a source of strength to those in pain and your knowledge will be a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty.”
In addition to Baker, CWI Provost Denise Aberle-Cannata, offered encouraging remarks, followed by graduating students Anna Self and Bryony Barton, who was nominated and chosen as class speaker.
As she reflected on the last 12 months, Bryony shared about the struggles she and her classmates faced going through coursework and exams, but also how they were able to persevere through the help of one another. “Not only did we complete this program, we developed friendships and knowledge that hopefully will continue into the future. We are ready to have 3 very powerful letters behind our names: LPN.” Barton said.
The winner of the prestigious Nightingale Award, named after the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, was Grace Meyers.
The students were then pinned by their instructors — marking the completion of the program. Graduates are now eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN).
Click on the button below to view a recording of the ceremony:
For more information, visit the Practical Nursing page or contact Allison Baker at allisonbaker2@cwi.edu or 208.562.2307.
