Sixteen New River Community College students have completed requirements for the three-semester practical nursing program at the college. They received certificates and their nursing pins in a ceremony on August 1.
Practical nursing graduates include: from Floyd County- Brandi Jaleana Turman, Willis; from Giles County-Haley Rebekkah Morris, Pembroke; from Montgomery County- Brooke Michelle Elliott, Christiansburg; Logan Nicole Helms, Christiansburg; Sydney Lynn Lafon, Blacksburg; Joy Renee Morgan, Christiansburg; Denise Danielle Smith, Shawsville; from Pulaski County-Kristen Songer Adkins, Fairlawn; Abigail Reed Clark, Pulaski; Kayla Marie Simpkins, Draper; Alexandra Cora Wright, Draper; from Radford- Amber Renee Akers, Gianna Carmella Castellino, Deanna Michelle Farley, Kelsey Ilene Griffitts; and from Washington , D.C.- Whitney Nicole Lumpp.
Logan Helms was chosen by her peers to give the graduation address. Also participating in the ceremony were Dr. Janice Shelton, dean of arts and sciences; Melissa Minnick, assistant professor of practical nursing; Dr. Lorrie Coe-Meade, nursing program director and Amy Watson, assistant professor of nursing. Ending the program, the Rev. Andrew Taylor-Troutman, pastor of New Dublin Presbyterian Church, led a Blessing of the Hands ceremony with nursing faculty and students to bring “healing and wholeness” to the nurse’s touch.
NRCC’s certificate program prepares students to qualify as contributing members of a health team, rendering patient care in a variety of health service facilities. These students are eligible to take the Virginia Board of Nursing examination leading to licensing as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
