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Nurses Pinned at TCAT Dickson
By Janine Wine
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
TCAT Dickson
Thirteen nursing students from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Dickson (TCAT Dickson) Practical Nursing Program were pinned April 9 in a formal ceremony marking the completion of their nursing education and their transition into the nursing profession.
To reach this milestone Director of Nursing and Health Careers Stephanie Murphy said each of the nursing students had, “Endured sleepless nights, spent countless hours studying, stressed over care plans and med cards, and cared for demanding patients in a variety of healthcare settings.”
Students enrolled in TCAT Dickson’s Practical Nursing Program spend one year studying math, nutrition, pharmacology, medical/surgical nursing, maternity nursing, and mental health in addition to completing clinicals where they spend nearly half of their time receiving hands-on training in local healthcare facilities taking care of actual patients.
Student Da’Leila Ladd received the award for Outstanding Clinical Performance for her ability to interact with both healthcare professionals and patients.
Three students were recognized for meeting the criteria for acceptance into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS). Jaychelle Bethel, Alyssa Bully, and Jobeth Peeler all maintained an A average, attended at least 95 percent of their total school hours, and were nominated by their instructors for this honor.
Peeler also took home the coveted Outstanding Academic Performance Award for her excellence in the classroom including class participation, maintaining an A average, and her performance on exams.
The Practical Nursing cohort selected Lauren Burkett to receive the Peer Award as the classmate they would most want to care for them or their family.
Each student was pinned by a nursing instructor with a pin identifying the school of nursing and depicting an image of an oil lamp which represents the lamp carried by Florence Nightingale and symbolizes the hope and comfort nurses bring to their patients.
Students also received a candle symbolizing the passing of nursing knowledge from one generation of nurses to the next.
Completing the ceremony, students joined together to recite the nursing pledge also known as Nightingale’s Oath.
TCAT Dickson offers Practical Nursing programs at three locations including the main campus in Dickson, and extension campuses in Clarksville and Franklin.
TCAT Dickson is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and complies with non-discrimination laws: Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA. Located on Highway 46 in Dickson, the technical training college also has extension campuses in Clarksville, and Franklin. Additional information about the school is located at www.TCATDickson.edu.