Congratulations to the first class of WVJC School of Nursing at Mon Health and Charleston Area Medical Center nurses!
November marked a significant milestone for WVJC School of Nursing at Mon Health and Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) nursing students. These students endured 18 months of rigorous studying, training, testing, and learning to earn their associate degree, partake in the ceremonial pinning, and be prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN, which they must pass to add RN* after their name officially.
On November 4th and November 16th, 28 and 40 students in the CAMC and Mon Health Nursing programs gathered to celebrate the culmination of their hard work and dedication to their new careers. The students in these programs were the inaugural nursing class, making their graduation all the more memorable.
The tradition of the pinning ceremony dates back hundreds of years, to the 12th century during the Crusades. It is associated with Florence Nightingale, who is considered to be the founder of modern nursing. Pins were awarded to those who helped care for the sick and injured, symbolizing their dedication and service to others.
The modern adaptation of the nursing ceremony incorporates the history of the nursing pin. It is given to the nursing graduate, often by a family member or loved one, to mark their transition from nursing student to professional nurse. The ceremony includes the pinning and statement of the Nightingale Pledge, which emphasizes the responsibility of becoming a nurse.
“This pinning ceremony represents these nurses’ unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of their patients,” said WVJC Morgantown Campus President, Samantha Esposito. “We are incredibly proud of each of them, and we are thrilled to see the positive impact they will make in our community as part of the Mon Health System.”
WVJC School of Nursing’s Online/Hybrid Nursing Approach
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and the healthcare system became overwhelmed with patients and struggled to find nurses to fill their staff, WVJC School of Nursing collaborated with two of West Virginia’s top healthcare providers to develop online/hybrid programs. The collaborative efforts of WVJC and Vandalia Health allowed nursing students in the Morgantown, WV, and Charleston, WV, areas the option to train for their nursing career virtually while gaining hands-on experience at a Mon Health or CAMC facility.
“Through the collaboration of WVJC and CAMC, we have created an opportunity to provide nurses to our community,” said WVJC Charleston Campus President, Michelle Miles. “I am so proud of the hard work and dedication these graduates put forth to earn their associate degree in nursing, and I cannot wait to see all they accomplish.”
By completing lab and clinical requirements at regional Mon Health and CAMC facilities, graduates were able to integrate into the company culture, connect with working professionals, and open doors for job opportunities after graduation.
WVJC continues to be an innovative force in healthcare education, with unique training solutions for employee shortages. In 2021, WVJC launched a first-of-its-kind online, hybrid Nursing program that provides virtual nursing education paired with training on our innovative Mobile Nursing Lab to students in 19 rural counties in West Virginia.
Your Nursing Career Is Within Reach!
Do you dream of becoming a nurse? WVJC School of Nursing can help you reach your goal in two years or less. With various online/hybrid, hospital-based, and residential Nursing programs, your nursing education is accessible wherever you are.
Get started on the path to becoming a WVJC student nurse by requesting information today!
*Passing the NCLEX-RN licensure examination is required to become a Registered Nurse.