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Nursing students receive pins at candlelight ceremony

There may be a nursing shortage, but help is on the way as 65 American International College nursing students received their nursing pins on Saturday, May 22. It is the largest graduating nursing class in AIC history. The students received their pins during a candlelight ceremony in the Griswold Theatre.

While this year's graduating nursing class is AIC's largest, next year's could be even bigger. Karen Rousseau, MSN, RN, director of nursing, said predictions are that the nursing shortage will peak by 2020.

But that doesn't necessarily translate into jobs. "Right now students are able to find jobs, but more slowly and maybe not in their first choice area. This is most likely related to the economy and nurses who might have retired or left bedside nursing staying in their jobs out of financial concerns. The area employers are seeing some increased movement of staff and will be doing more hiring than last year,"she said.

Moira O'Shea, AIC nursing professor, delivered the keynote address. She told the students to "nurture your profession and those you care for."

Click here for more photos of the event

O'Shea told the students to be an involved nurse who provides safe, effective and compassionate care. "Take the time to hold a hand, stroke a cheek, tell a joke (if appropriate!) and dry a tear. You may be the privileged witness of some of life’s wondrous events such as a baby entering the world to excited parents. Or you may stand at the bedside offering consolation to a family as they see their loved one pass away. Whatever the event, treat your profession well," O'Shea said.

Although the students have completed their bachelor's degree requirements, O'Shea encouraged the graduates to continue their learning. "Your education does not end today, but will continue until you have completed your career in professional nursing. Nurses practice in a global, high tech, fast paced environment where change is rapid and occurs on an ongoing basis. Commit yourself to be a life-long learner aware of evidenced-based practice and best practice standards. Take your theoretical and technical knowledge as learned here at AIC and broaden that base as you move through your career. Keep current with the ever-changing nursing and medical advances. Strive to make changes in practice and policy, which will serve your patients and colleagues well," O'Shea said.

As the graduating nursing students entered into their pinning ceremony, they placed a single rose in the memory vase. The memory vase represents those special people who helped or inspired them to become nurses but could not share this special day with them.

Each student was then pinned by a family member or friend. After receiving the pins, the students recited the Nightingale Pledge.

Here is the list of AIC nursing student who received pins: