This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Postgraduate Practical Nursing Program at Blue Hills Regional Holds 25th Annual Commencement

By Judy Bass

The Postgraduate Practical Nursing Program at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton held its 25th Annual Commencement at the school on Wednesday, June 25 for the following 36 students in the Class of 2014:

Tosin Adebanjo, Norwell; Stephanie Baker, Whitman; Allison Beale, Whitman; Joecilena Brandao, Brockton; Lauren Burke, Braintree; Lisa Cirignano, Braintree; Ana DaRosa, Brockton; Sheila Derolus, Holbrook; Izabela Duggan, North Providence; Erin Ekbom, Plymouth; Jorge Enriquez-Diaz, Brockton; Jean Lucien Fontaine, Brockton; M. Christine Gagnon, Stoughton; Diana Hernandez, Quincy; Caraley Joseph, Brockton; Joyce LaJeunesse, Canton; Faurie Lamousnery, North Attleboro; Terri Mahoney, Braintree; Gabrielle Mancuso, Norwood; Stephanie Manikas, Rockland; Cara Marquardt (Hulse), Halifax; Robert McPhilemy, Canton; Eva Ngotho, Taunton; Janelle Noonan, Brockton; Caroline Onuegbu, Stoughton; Donna Pinciaro, Norwood; Katja Pione, Weymouth; R. Michael Riendeau, Dorchester; Aija Robinson, Braintree; Jean Rogene, Brockton; Frederick Rohrer, Rockland; Kristen Schurman, Foxboro; Michael Sullivan, Attleboro; Ashley Taylor, Brockton; Patrick Whittaker, Milton; Jordan Wilkes, East Taunton.

Find out what's happening in Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Master of Ceremonies was Ms. Anne Marie Fortin, RN, Chairperson of the Practical Nursing Program.  The presentation of pins to the graduates was done by Practical Nursing faculty members Ms. Marie DiBlasi, RN, Ms. Nancy Finnell, RN, Ms. Catherine Mohan, RN, Ms. Paula Haddad, RN, Ms. Betty Tangney, RN, Ms. Ruth Murphy, RN, and Ms. Paula Winskowicz, RN.

Mr. Aidan G. Maguire, Jr. of Canton, Chairman of the Blue Hills Regional District School Committee, said in his opening remarks that “Few callings are as important as caring for your fellow human beings when they are sick or injured.  Your new profession requires many virtues – patience, compassion, sound judgment, wisdom, and physical and emotional stamina.   You made it to this point because you have all of those qualities, plus the strong desire to make your dream of being a practical nurse come true.”

Find out what's happening in Cantonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The keynote speaker was Ms. Brenda Smith-Burke, RN, formerly an instructor in the program.  She told the graduates, “This is your night.  You’ve earned it and worked for it.  Tonight is an ending and tomorrow is a new beginning.”

Also present was Ms. Marybeth Joyce, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, who assisted Mr. Maguire with presenting certificates of proficiency to the 36 graduates of the Practical Nursing Program.  

There were several awards for outstanding achievement given out to the following individuals:

The WILFRID J. SAVOIE GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARD For best exemplifying those characteristics sought in the Practical Nurse, notably clinical excellence, scholarship and a deep commitment to nursing, presented to Ana DaRosa and Kristen Schurman

The CLINICAL EXCELLENCE AWARD For best exemplifying those characteristics sought in the Practical Nurse, notably clinical excellence and a deep commitment to nursing, presented to Joecilena Brandao, Erin Ekbom, and Donna Pinciaro

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Recognized and honored for her determination to succeed and her exceptional growth in the role of the Student Practical Nurse, presented to Ashley Taylor

MOTIVATION AWARD For continued perseverance and professional growth in her role as a student nurse,

presented to Mary Gagnon

MAUREEN MCCANN NIGHTINGALE AWARD For demonstrating a high level of motivation and perseverance as a student practical nurse.  Recognized and honored for an uncommon determination to succeed and the ability to uphold professional standards, thereby demonstrating a deep commitment to nursing, presented to Sheila Derolus

LEADERSHIP AWARD For demonstrating the ability to motivate and inspire others through his leadership qualities of honesty, respect, responsibility and commitment to others, presented to R. Michael Riendeau

FACULTY AWARD Dedicated to a student for outstanding commitment, motivation and positive attitude in the role of Practical Nurse in both the academic and clinical areas, presented to Robert McPhilemy

The Postsecondary Practical Nursing Program at Blue Hills Regional Technical School is offered to adults on a full-time basis for 40 weeks from September to June, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Clinical hours may vary to accommodate clinical agency availability. The Practical Nursing Program offers a rigorous educational experience of theory and clinical practice which prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing) through the State Board of Registration in Nursing.  For more information, please visit www.bluehills.org and go to the Practical Nursing tab on the home page, or call 781-828-5800 x231.

 

 

 

 

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?