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Coastal Education Institute recently celebrated the first semi-annual Commencement and Pinning Ceremony. This momentous occasion marked the culmination of the journey towards the Registered Nursing license for our graduates.

Graduates participated in the Blended Learning Program which offers year-round, accelerated classes for students who would like to earn their R.N. license. With classes that meet one day a week, CEI students are able to continue to work and attend class without having to sacrifice income or their educational/professional goals.

Keynote speaker, Charles Felix

The Commencement and Pinning Ceremony was held at the El Palacio Hotel – Fort Lauderdale. The ceremony began with several introductions, including the introduction of our keynote speaker, Charles Felix, Owner and Publisher of South Florida Hospital News.

Felix’s address highlighted the trends and emerging demands of the nursing industry. He also congratulated the graduates on their accomplishment in completing a rigorous program and on being a pivotal part of the future of nursing.

The ceremony continued with the awarding of the Registered Nurse pin to each graduate. While receiving their pins, personal testimonies written by each student were read in honor of their accomplishments during the program and heralding their future plans as Registered Nurses.

After the pinning ceremony, the event concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony, a tradition in nursing education, in honor of nursing pioneer, Florence Nightingale. Near the end of the pinning, graduates read a pledge originating in the time of Nightingale, who distinguished herself during the Crimean War nursing sick and wounded nursing sick and wounded British soldiers. Because of her selfless duty during the war, Nightingale became known as the “lady with the lamp.” The candle-lighting is reminiscent of Nightingale’s lamp and symbolic of the care and devotion nurses administer to the sick and injured in the practice of nursing.

Graduates (l-r) Karen Schell, Carla McKnight, Bonnie Holley, Denise Cohen, Shari Churchill

For many of the graduates, this day marked the end of a momentous journey, both professionally and personally, and the beginning of a bright and successful future. Several of the graduates have already begun working as Registered Nurses, while others have plans to further their education (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees) and progress into new fields such as teaching.