FNC’s second Associate of Nursing graduating class celebrated its Pinning Ceremony on the evening of Thursday, March 8, 2012. Reverend Jean-Ricot Gay offered a prayer and special blessing of the nursing student’s hands. Dr. Rosemarie Taylor, Ed. D., RN–BC, Education and Development Director at Jackson Health System, delivered a motivating keynote speech. Dr. Taylor congratulated the RN students on “reaching this significant milestone in their lives,” and also congratulated their families. She welcomed the newly graduated nursing students who were “joining the three million nursing professionals in the United States.” Dr. Taylor inspired the students, and stressed the importance of higher education as she stated: “This is just the beginning. Be engaged academically and pursue a higher education. You must be committed to life-long learning!” Students attentively listened when she asserted that “when you stop learning, you stop growing.” She shared her philosophy of life to “do the right thing, even when no one is looking” and offered personal advice, including “to find a mentor and to stay true to the values you were taught!”

 

The Honorable Councilman Paul B. Hernandez represented the City of Hialeah. He addressed and congratulated the students and shared a moving testimony regarding his “great affinity toward nurses and how impactful they can be in people’s lives!” His admiration and respect for the nursing profession stems from his personal experiences. Charles Felix, Publisher of South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report, was among the group of special guests.

 

The students received their nursing pins, lit their symbolic candles, and recited the Nightingale Pledge, as traditionally taken by new nurses.