The Buckeye Hills Career Center (BHCC) celebrated the graduation of 11 practical nursing students at its pinning ceremony on Wednesday, January 8th, marking a significant milestone for these aspiring Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The ceremony recognized the students’ dedication and successful completion of the rigorous Practical Nursing program at Buckeye Hills Career Center, a crucial step towards launching their healthcare careers.
The BHCC’s Practical Nursing program is comprehensive, totaling 1,382 hours of intensive training. A significant portion of this, 564 hours, is dedicated to hands-on lab work and real-world clinical experience. This practical approach ensures students are well-prepared to apply their knowledge in diverse healthcare settings. During their clinical rotations, students gain invaluable experience across various medical fields, including geriatrics, medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, and emergency nursing. These clinicals are conducted at numerous healthcare facilities throughout the region, such as Four Winds Community, Jenkins Care Community, Abbyshire Place, Holzer Senior Care, Holzer Medical Center, and Rivers Health, providing a broad spectrum of practical exposure.
The pinning ceremony was a formal and celebratory event. It commenced with the student processional, followed by Natalie Johnson and Sydney Walters leading their classmates in the recitation of the Nurse’s Prayer. Dr. Amber Nowlin, DNP, RN, PN Program Coordinator, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. Kennedy Smith, the Class Vice President, delivered an inspiring student address, reflecting on their journey through the Buckeye Hills Career Center Lpn Program.
[Placeholder for image of the pinning ceremony student procession. Alt text: Buckeye Hills Career Center LPN program pinning ceremony student procession, showcasing graduating practical nursing students.]
A notable part of the ceremony was the scholarship awards presented by Holzer Health Systems and Rivers Health, recognizing outstanding student performance. Mariah Haley received the Best in Clinical Performance Scholarship from Holzer Health Systems, presented by Sarah Holland, RN, Director of Ambulatory Nursing. Desiree Secora was awarded the Best in Class Performance Scholarship by Rivers Health, presented by Lori McFarland, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CLSSGB, Chief Nursing Officer, and Jarod Zelaska, Executive Director of Human Resources. These scholarships underscore the healthcare community’s support for the Buckeye Hills Career Center LPN program and its graduates.
[Placeholder for image of scholarship award presentation to Mariah Haley. Alt text: Mariah Haley receiving the Best in Clinical Performance Scholarship at Buckeye Hills Career Center LPN program pinning ceremony from Sarah Holland of Holzer Health Systems.]
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of pins to each graduate by the program instructors. The students receiving their pins were Holly Castor, Kaitlyn Cox, Danny Fyffe, Mariah Haley, Natalie Johnson, Jessica Messer, Braedon “Drake” Phillips, Jordan Rardin, Desiree Secora, Kennedy Smith, and Sydney Walters. These pins symbolize their successful completion of the Buckeye Hills Career Center LPN program and their entry into the nursing profession.
[Placeholder for image of students receiving their pins. Alt text: Buckeye Hills Career Center LPN program instructors pinning badges on graduating practical nursing students, signifying program completion.]
The dedicated program instructors who guided these students include lead instructors Cara Gibson, BSN, RN; Jennifer Nance, BSN, RN; and Tresera Rhoton, BSN, RN. Clinical instructors Rachel Piquignot, BSN, RN; and Jennifer Blackburn, ADN, RN, also played a crucial role in shaping the students’ practical skills and knowledge.
An interesting aspect of the January 2024 Practical Nursing cohort was the inclusion of five early placement, OTC+ students. This initiative allows high school students in the Health Academy pathway at Buckeye Hills Career Center to commence the Practical Nursing program in their senior year’s second semester. The OTC+ students who completed the PN program are Hollee Castor, Kaitlyn Cox, Jessica Messer, Jordan Rardin, and Desiree Secora, demonstrating the program’s accessibility and accelerated learning opportunities.
Completing the Buckeye Hills Career Center LPN program is a significant achievement, making these graduates eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Passing this exam is the final step to earning their LPN license and credential, enabling them to practice as Licensed Practical Nurses. The Buckeye Hills Career Center LPN program is clearly a strong foundation for a rewarding career in nursing, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s healthcare environment.
