Jan. 27, 2011

GETTYSBURG – December graduates of HACC’s associate degree in nursing program at the HACC-Gettysburg Campus received their nursing pins in a ceremony at the college. The students successfully completed HACC’s clinical nursing program, which qualifies them to take licensure exams to become registered nurses (RNs). 

In addition to the pinning ceremony, a striping ceremony recognized 18 students who have completed their first year of nursing education. They received stripes for the sleeves of their student uniforms, designating them as second level associate degree in nursing students.

During the ceremony, several graduates were recognized with awards.

Tamara O’Brien of New Oxford received the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association District 15 Leadership Award, presented to the student who demonstrates strong leadership qualities which include patient advocacy, professionalism and effective communication skills.

Daune Honeycutt of McSherrystown was the recipient of the Gettysburg Campus Nursing Student Organization Art of Nursing Award, presented to the student who demonstrates outstanding compassionate care to patients and families. 

Christie Day of Spring Grove received the Gettysburg Nursing Faculty Excellence in Nursing Award, presented to the student who demonstrates excellence in interpersonal communication, assessment, documentation, and technical skills; who consistently exhibits exemplary behavior both in the classroom and clinical areas; and who best exemplifies HACC Nursing.

The program included a welcome by Shannon Harvey, campus executive dean of academic affairs and an introduction of nursing faculty by Marilyn Teeter campus director of nursing programs.

Words of encouragement were offered by student speaker Sharon Sites of Boiling Springs who thanked the nursing lab teachers and clinical instructors for providing “Oh, Oh, Oh light bulb moments” and shared some dreams of her classmates who look forward to working in pediatrics, or in hospice, home health, cardiac, emergency or trauma care.    

The ceremony included acknowledgment of the cooperation and affiliation shown by area health care agencies which make their sites available to provide clinical experience for nursing students: Adams County Head Start, Adams-Hanover Counseling Services, Brethren Home at Cross Keys Village, Carlisle Regional Medical Center, Chambersburg Hospital/Summit Health, Gettysburg Growing Place, Gettysburg Hospital WellSpan, Gettysburg Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Golden Living Center, Green Acres Adams County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Hanover Hospital, Homewood at Plum Creek, Lutheran Home Care Services, Mountain View OB/GYN, South Mountain Restoration Center, St. James Lutheran Church Day Care Center, Village of Laurel Run, VNA WellSpan, Waynesboro Hospital and York Hospital WellSpan.

Information about HACC’s nursing programs and qualifications is available at www.hacc.edu under Quick Links, select Health Careers.