The pinning ceremony honored the long time tradition despite restrictions brought on by pandemic-era policies. Students received recognition for program completion as they prepare for the start of their careers.
Every year, nursing program graduates at Edison State Community College receive pins symbolizing their accomplishment of completing nursing school and the start of their professional careers. This year, although the ceremony looked different than it has in the past, school officials wanted to ensure that the graduating class of thirty-four nurses were recognized for their achievements in a meaningful way. The graduating class has completed their degree program under unusual circumstances and will begin their careers in the same way.
The pinning ceremony is a tradition that dates back to Florence Nightingale and her establishment of the first school of nursing in 1860. Since then, new nurses around the world receive unique pins designed by each school and presented by college faculty upon graduation. This year's crop of students faced particularly challenging times as they navigated their courses through a sea of pandemic restrictions and policy changes. Edison State Community College President Dr. Doreen Larson praised the graduates for their perseverance in a release from the college, "These graduates should take particular pride in achieving their goal of becoming a nurse within the uniquely difficult environment of 2020. Graduates from the Edison State nursing program have a history of career success and outstanding leadership in the field, and I am confident that this class will meet and exceed those traditional standards."
School officials held the pinning ceremony in person, organizing the event to adhere to social distancing requirements while still allowing the families of the graduating students to witness this rite of passage. Family and friends were able to observe from behind glass doors as graduates were presented with their pins by faculty members. Prior to the event graduates were subject to a health screening then, donned with masks, students formed a procession and accepted the pins from masked faculty members. The ceremony was a definite change from the usual format, but school officials were still able to convey their message, congratulating the graduates for degree completion. As Jill Bobb, Program Administrator of Nursing and Interim Dean of Professional and Technical Programs stated, "I have had the honor of seeing these nursing graduates grow from nervous, timid new students to confident nurses…I have seen firsthand the struggles they have overcome to reach their goal, and much of their success is due to their sheer determination to succeed. I wish to offer my sincerest congratulations as we honor each one of the graduates for accomplishing this significant achievement."
New graduates will prepare to take the National Council Licensure Examination to officially become Registered Nurses. However, due to the dire need for nursing professionals during the pandemic, they will be permitted to begin working right away as RNs due to a temporary legislative measure enacted by Ohio legislators this year.