Eighteen Licensed Practical Nurses, or LPNs, emerged on Friday following the Kauai Community College Nursing program Summer Commencement of the Class of 2025 cohort, and Candlelighting Ceremony.
The ceremonies before an overflow audience at the college’s Fine Arts Center mark the end of the first year of instruction in the nursing program. The Candlelight ceremony, inspired by Florence Nightingale, represents their commitment to becoming a nurse.
Although recognized as LPNs, the new field of healthcare professionals can enter the workforce by providing direct patient care under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and physicians. They can work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes, to provide basic medical care.
When the cohort returns to campus in August, they will be known as “Second Year” nursing students, taking the next step toward a nursing career. Upon successful completion of the curriculum and tests, they will become RNs at the end of the Spring Semester.
Student speakers Pauline Sarah Kate Ragus and Heather Seely looked back on their lives during the first year of becoming nurses, and Tyson Tranilla was the recipient of the Josefina Abaya Cortezan Nursing Award. John Nostares was named the recipient of the Jeanette Justice Memorial Award for working with a patient who survived heart disorders.
The Candle Lighting Ceremony in the tradition of Nursing marks the transition of nursing students into the professional world. Known as the Lady of the Lamp, Florence Nightingale is honored, and her nursing achievements are remembered as the nursing students recite the Oath of Professionalism.
The 18 new LPNs include Sara Allen, Ashley-Mari Domingo, Fhebby Dumayuas, Shandelle Kapuniai, Madison Keane, Alyssa Lim, John Nostares, Gillian Perdido, Jeanica C. Perpose, Alvin Guillermo Rafael, Pauline Sarah Kate Ragus, Heather Seely, Elizabeth Siegel, Tyson Tranilla, Roxanne Udaundo, Ashlie Williams, Ashley Wood, and Kailey Zemel.
For more information on the Nursing Program at Kauai Community College, visit the website: kauai.hawaii.edu/nursing.
Source: The Garden Island
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