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HomeNewsArchivesIlluminating the Way to Health Care: New Nurses Honored in Lamp-Lighting Ceremony

Illuminating the Way to Health Care: New Nurses Honored in Lamp-Lighting Ceremony

May 13, 2007 — More than 100 Family and friends gathered upstairs at Government House in Christiansted Saturday evening to watch pinning ceremonies for 14 graduates of UVI's associate-degree nursing program
"Only nursing students get pinned," said Janzie Allmacher, president of the Student Nurse's Association, during her opening remarks. "All the pins are different. You can even tell where they went to school." She added, "We expect them to succeed."
The nurses, dressed in white, made a procession into the room accompanied by the sounds of steel pan played by Ebony Clark and Noel Winter. Each graduate carried a long-stemmed white rose that they presented to a special person of their choice.
"Professionalism requires an adherence to a high ethics code, public service and acting for the good of the public," said Claudette Robinson, nursing instructor at UVI and a registered nurse. She also told the graduates that continuing their education is important for them to progress.
Dr. Kendall M. Griffith, representing Juan F. Luis Hospital, welcomed the new crop of nurses: "You couldn't have entered the nursing profession at a better time with all the shortages." He closed his remarks by saying, "Get your education and bring it home. We need you here."
Three graduates received special recognition. Sibylle Koenig got an award for the highest grade-point average. Carol Azille was recognized for her accountability and commitment to professionalism. Catherine Glasgow got an award for demonstrating superior leadership skills.
Seven visiting nursing-exchange students from Johns Hopkins University presented the nursing graduates with carnations showing support for fellow nursing students.
Graduates had a special person in their lives do the actual pinning of a lamp-shaped symbol for Florence Nightingale, a pioneer nurse in the 19th Century known as the Lady with the Lamp. After the pinning came a symbolic lighting of lamps, formally recognizing the nurses' entry into their chosen profession.
Many of the nurses said they plan to continue their education to become RNs in a number of schools and in specialized areas.
Jeff Nelson the lone male in the class, plans to get his bachelor's degree at a school in Alabama, then a doctorate. "I will work in a hospital in the States, because they don't pay enough here," he said. A person wishing to remain anonymous said, "They are working to change that."
Students receiving degrees were Angela Martinez, Khrishna Victor, Judy Matthew, Catherine Glasgow, Shama Abbott, Keila Maldanado, Charlyn Philmon, Colette Jensen, Carol Azille, Jeff Nelson, Julie Espinosa, Alicia Emmanuel, Linda Campbell and Sibylle Koenig.
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