by Greg Lincoln
Four local students are now Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) who completed the first LPN Program offered through the Alaska Pacific University and Yuut Elitnaurviat People’s Learning Center in Bethel.
Congratulations to newly graduated LPNs Kwadwo Adonu of Ghana and Bethel, Sonya Beaver of Bethel, Minnie Carter-Sharp of Quinhagak, and Lawrence Martin of Kasigluk.
A candle lighting ceremony was held at Yuut Elitnaurviat last Wednesday to honor the Licensed Practical Nursing graduates. The lamp-lighting is a tradition followed by many nursing graduates to remind them of the noble traditions of their profession. This tradition commemorates the heroine of nursing, Florence Nightingale, who was seen in the dark alleys with a lamp while caring for the injured soldiers of the Crimean War (1853-1856). The lamp symbolizes the light that a nurse becomes to their patients and as a symbol of hope and comfort to those who are suffering. Graduates light a candle as a commitment and recite the International Nursing Pledge of Service.
The ceremony began with a welcome luncheon for the graduates and guests. Yuut Elitnaurviat Executive Director Mike Hoffman gave the welcome address and shared the vision of Yuut Elitnaurviat to build up the region’s workforce with jobs and high wages.
“We are so proud of you all,” he said to the graduates. “It is monumental. Thank you…you are breaking the ice in the region.”
The actual pinning ceremony was scheduled for last Saturday in Anchorage.
Alaska Adult Education Instructor Mike Husa was also a guest speaker at the event.
After the candle lighting ceremony the new LPNs recited the International Nursing Pledge to honor the code of nursing and to promise to care for the sick.
International Nursing Pledge
In full knowledge of the obligations I am undertaking, I promise to care for the sick, with all the skills and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics or social status, sparing no effort to conserve life, to alleviate suffering, and to promote health. I will respect at all times, the dignity and religious beliefs of the patients under my care, holding in confidence all personal information entrusted to me, and refraining from any action that might endanger life or health. I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level, and to give loyal support and cooperation, to all members of the health team. I will do my utmost to honor the international code of nursing ethics, and to uphold the integrity of the professional nurse.
The graduates are currently working in the health care field or have had in the past. Two of them worked as health aides in their villages.
“I became a health aide six years ago and then I was ooh – I am really actually interested in this so I wanted to go further,” said new LPN Minnie Carter-Sharp. “Quyana, I am excited.”
Lawrence Martin also received his GED and his drivers license through Yuut Elitnaurviat.
“I think God first and foremost,” said Martin. “And my family and friends for supporting me.”
Martin liked the LPN program through Yuut Elitnaurviat which provided a local in-region venue for him to go to school without having to leave his beloved homeland. He thanks the local health organizations for giving them the opportunities to complete their clinical rotation requirements in Bethel.
Congratulations! We wish you the best and thank you, quyana for answering the call to help our people.
