Jan. 27, 2011

GETTYSBURG - Students in HACC’s Practical Nursing program at the HACC-Gettysburg Campus received their nursing pins during a December ceremony at the college. The graduates successfully completed their clinical nursing education, which qualifies them to take licensure exams to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). 

The program began with a welcome and opening remarks by Marilyn Teeter, campus director of nursing programs. Offering words of encouragement, student speaker Amanda Spurlock of Abbottstown noted that “This is a celebration, not just for those of us who have graduated but for everyone who has supported us as we have struggled through this challenging year” and extended thanks to the instructors for “the impact that you have had on our lives, and the lives of those we care for.”

Several graduating students were recognized with awards. Sarah Green of New Oxford, received the Gettysburg Campus Practical Nursing Leadership Award, which is presented to the student who demonstrates strong leadership qualities which include patient advocacy, professionalism and effective communication skills.

Mark Natividad of Enola received the Gettysburg Campus Nursing Student Organization Art of Nursing Award for Practical Nursing for demonstrating outstanding compassionate care to patients and families. Lorie Altland of Dover was the recipient of the Gettysburg Nursing Faculty Excellence in Nursing Award, presented to the student who demonstrates excellence in interpersonal communication, assessment, documentation, and technical skills; who consistently exhibits exemplary behavior both in the classroom and clinical areas; and best exemplifies HACC nursing.

The ceremony included acknowledgment of the cooperation and affiliation shown by area health care agencies which make their sites available to provide clinical experience for nursing students: Adams County Head Start, Adams-Hanover Counseling Services, Brethren Home at Cross Keys Village, Carlisle Regional Medical Center, Chambersburg Hospital/Summit Health, Gettysburg Growing Place, Gettysburg Hospital WellSpan, Gettysburg Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Golden Living Center, Green Acres Adams County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Hanover Hospital, Homewood at Plum Creek, Lutheran Home Care Services, Mountain View OB/GYN, South Mountain Restoration Center, St. James Lutheran Church Day Care Center, Village of Laurel Run, VNA WellSpan, Waynesboro Hospital, and York Hospital WellSpan.

Information about HACC’s nursing programs and qualifications is available at www.hacc.edu under Quick Links, Health Careers.