Lake-Sumter State College held its Nurse Pinning ceremony on Thursday, May 4th. The ceremony was attended by the graduates’ families, friends, and faculty and staff members. It was a heartwarming and joyful event where the hard work and dedication of LSSC’s nursing graduates were celebrated with pride and admiration.
The Nurse Pinning ceremony is a longstanding tradition in nursing and symbolizes welcoming new nurses into the field. During the ceremony, each graduate is presented with a pin that represents Lake-Sumter State College, as well as the values and principles of the nursing profession.
Dr. Jose Castillo III, the Chair of the Florida Board of Nursing, gave an inspiring keynote address to the graduates, urging them to embody compassion, empathy, and exceptional skills in their future roles as healthcare professionals. Drawing from his extensive experience as a nurse, Dr. Castillo shared three valuable lessons with the graduates.
First, he stressed the importance of continual learning, emphasizing the diverse and dynamic nature of the nursing field. “Nursing offers so many avenues and our field is very diverse,” said Dr. Castillo.
Secondly, he encouraged the graduates to be unwavering advocates for their patients, lending a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves or being the eyes for those who cannot see.
Lastly, he urged the graduates to embrace their unique strengths and talents and to use them as a powerful tools for healing and caregiving. “Your superpower is a gift,” Dr. Castillo reminded the graduates. “Nurture it, harness it, and use it to make a difference in the lives of those you care for.”
The ceremony was a momentous occasion for the graduates who have worked hard to complete the rigorous nursing program at LSSC. The program is designed to prepare students to become competent, caring, and ethical healthcare professionals and includes extensive clinical experience and classroom instruction.
LSSC honors its nursing graduates’ diligence and commitment through the Nurse Pinning ceremony. The college boasts a rich tradition of producing competent nurses who deliver empathetic healthcare services to patients in diverse settings. Notably, the nursing program’s pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) stands at an impressive 97.6%, significantly exceeding the state’s passing rate of 63.39%.
Congratulations to the graduates of Lake-Sumter State College’s nursing program!
Photo Gallery
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