ISU Associate Degree Registered Nursing Graduates recognized

Thirty Idaho State University Associate Degree Registered Nurse (ADRN) program graduates received their long-awaited graduation presentations and nursing pins, at a recent ceremony.

The pinning ceremony is a time-honored right-of-passage for graduates of nursing programs as they enter the nursing profession. The Idaho State University College of Technology ADRN pin was chosen by students in the first class and initially presented to the first ADRN graduates in December 2005. Only ISU, ADRN graduates are allowed to wear this exquisite pin which symbolizes a lifelong commitment to professional nursing traditions and ideals.

Held at the Jensen Grand Concert Hall, Stephens Performing Arts Center in Pocatello, the afternoon celebration was a traditional ceremony that included graduation presentations, the official pinning of each graduate, the lighting of candles, and the recitation of the nursing pledge. ISU Provost and Vice President Dr. Gary Olson congratulated graduates on behalf of the University and Health Occupations Chair Paul Peterson greeted all attendees.

On stage, the ADRN Program Team included Jim Allen, Sandy Knighton, JoAnne Pearce, and Linda Smith. Allen is the Human Simulations Director for the College.

In addition to the graduates’ friends and loved ones, attendees included education, nursing, and healthcare representatives from throughout Idaho.

During the pinning ceremony, six special awards were presented and recipients were recognized and honored. Award presentations were made by the ADRN Program Team. Graduates receiving these prestigious awards were as follows:

Carla L. Dando Award of Excellence, named in honor of the former Health Occupations Chair, represents excellence in the area of scholarship and written communication. This year, Sandra Mason was named.

The Nursing Pioneer Award was presented to a graduate, recognizing demonstrated courage and commitment to pave the way for others:   Shelbe Mecham

The Nursing Spirit Award has as its focus nursing leadership, academic performance, and all-around excellence:  Pamela Shuler was the awardee.

The Perseverance Award recognizes integrity, dependability, and conscientiousness in the face of difficult challenges, as well as an ability to help others overcome adversity: Megan Green

Professional Nursing Award recognizes a desire to elevate professional nursing standards.  Denver Cook was the honored recipient.

The Nursing Outlook Award was presented for the first time this year. The 2010 recipient of this prestigious award was Kristin Nielsen

Each of the ADRN graduates shared with the audience photos of their journey through the nursing program as well as personal heart-felt thank yous to those who made their nursing success possible. Program Director Dr. Linda Smith explained, “The pinning ceremony is a formal recognition of the dedication to professional nursing each graduate has demonstrated. We are proud of each of these graduates and honor their ability to think through difficult patient care issues.”