Licensed Practical Nurses receive pins at ceremony

LPN Grads: from left are Steisy Feliz, Elizabeth Wasonga, Virginia Howard, Ashley Dade, and Ashley Brand. Photo by Kelly Lincoln

by Greg Lincoln

Five new Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) received their LPN certificates and their pins from the Alaska Pacific University Nursing Program at a pinning ceremony held at the Yuut Elitnaurviat People’s Learning Center last Thursday, April 27th, 2023.

Congratulations to Ashley Nicole Brand, Ashley Cora Dade, Virginia Ann Howard, Elizabeth Mbula Wasonga, and Steisy Carmona Feliz – new LPN graduates.

Mike Hoffman, the Executive Director of Yuut Elitnaurviat gave the opening welcome at the ceremony. Special speakers also included Marriane Murray DNP, RN – the Nursing Program Director, and Diane Droutman, PhD, RN – PN Program Coordinator. Murray, Droutman and Staci Seagle, MSN, RN – Assistant Professor of Nursing presented the graduates with their pins and diplomas.

The Lighting of the Lamps took place to signify the initiation into the sisterhood and brotherhood of nurses. The tradition followed by many nursing graduates reminds them of the noble traditions of their profession and commemorates the heroine of nursing, Florence Nightingale who would be seen in the dark alleys with a lamp while caring for the injured soldiers in the Crimean War in the 1860s. The lamp symbolizes the light that a nurse becomes to their patients and a symbol of hope and comfort to those who are suffering.

The graduates lit their lamps and recited the International Nursing Pledge of Service. Receiving special awards were Steisy Carmona Feliz – Valedictorian Academic Success Award and the APU Outstanding Leadership Award, and Virginia Ann Howard who received the Professional Nurse Award from her peers.

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.