Local Nursing Students Celebrate Transition at College of the Ozarks' 15th Annual Ceremony

The Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing at College of the Ozarks held its 15th Annual Pinning and Blessing Ceremony on May 10 at Williams Memorial Chapel. The event was attended by the Class of 2024 graduates, their families, guests, and nursing faculty. This ceremony marks an important transition for the graduates from students to professional nurses.

Lindsay Boone Skinner, an alumna from the class of 2016 and currently the executive director of operations at Mercy Hospital's Nursing Leadership Team in Springfield, Missouri, was the keynote speaker. Skinner shared her leadership experiences in nursing, focusing on the importance of compassion and the significant role of nurses in healthcare decision-making.

At the ceremony, 18 nursing students received a pin that represents the core values of the nursing program, including truth, character, and critical thinking. The pin also connects them to the traditions of the nursing profession.

Dr. Janice Williams, the director of the nursing program, spoke about the importance of the ceremony. She commended the graduates for their perseverance and dedication, noting the challenges they faced starting their education during the pandemic in 2020. Dr. Williams described the ceremony as both a celebration of the graduates' achievements and a preparation for their future roles in nursing.

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