BC3 practical nursing program graduates new nurses
BUTLER TWP — The importance of the nurse pinning ceremony dates back centuries, and this week, Butler County Community College’s graduates from its practical nursing program were the most recent group to receive the honor.
At Founders Hall on BC3’s campus Wednesday, Dec. 10, 12 students received their pins, moving on to the nursing field after pledging to adhere to nursing ethics and take care of others.
“It feels so great to accomplish this. There were a lot of long hours,” nursing student Taryn Razzo said. “10-hour clinicals, 16-hour work shifts. Lots of hours went into this.”
This year’s class was the largest BC3’s practical nursing program has had since being reestablished four years ago.
BC3 and Concordia Lutheran Ministries previously established a partnership in 2020 to reinstate the certificate nursing program, which had been discontinued in the mid-1980s. The program has graduated 37 students since 2022. The program expects to have 18 more in 2026.
Students received their certificates after long hours of studying and training. In addition to coursework, the hands-on curriculum included simulation labs at the Victor K. Phillips Nursing and Allied Health Building.
It also included clinical training in long-term care and in-home care through Concordia Lutheran Ministries, Butler Memorial Hospital and UPMC Passavant in Cranberry Township.
“Nursing school is not easy. A practical nursing education requires discipline, stamina and a willingness to dive deep into your own capabilities,” said Julia Carney, dean of the school of nursing and allied health. “Seeing them stand up there, getting their pins — it’s an honor. For nurses, it’s such an important goal that they’ve been working toward. I love being here and getting to pin them.”
The nursing pins can be traced back to the 12th century, when knights who tended to the ill and wounded crusaders were given Maltese crosses to wear. In the United States, the tradition was started when, in the late 19th century, a training school in New York started giving pins out to nursing students, and other schools caught on to the tradition, representing the knowledge and skills for nursing.
BC3’s custom pin itself is elliptical, with laurel leaves. A lamp in the middle is the symbol of nursing and knowledge. BC3 said in a news release the pin represents “new beginnings, challenges and the journey to becoming a nurse.”
Professors at the ceremony gave the students their pins, looking on with pride as parents and other family members wept and congratulated the students for their achievements.
A speech was read on behalf of BC3 president Megan Coval which congratulated the students for completing the “demanding” program and exceeding expectations. The speech acknowledged students who balanced the course load with caring for children, supporting families and working long hours at other jobs.
“Still, you showed up with commitment and heart. That dedication deserves to be recognized,” said Amanda Fleming, executive assistant for Coval’s office.
After receiving their certificates, the 12 nurses recited their pledge to adhere to ethics of the nursing profession and faithfully carry out the instructions of the physician or supervisor. They also pledged to not do anything “evil or malicious,” not reveal confidential information and to devote their lives to the nursing profession.
One student, Svenja Evans, was given the “clinical nurse award,” chosen by faculty members.
Carney said she believes the program has been able to grow due to its well-established curriculum, high-level instructors and affordability. Carney also said the students becoming new nurses is positive for the community.
According to the state government, Pennsylvania is expected to see a shortfall of 20,000 nurses by 2026.
“Not just RN’s, but LPN’s are also needed. There’s a great need, so we’re putting out excellent, fantastic nurses, and increasing that class, increasing the graduates we have every year. I look at it as, we’re helping our community and health care environment by putting out the best graduates we can,” Carney said.
Moving forward, the graduates who intend to work as licensed practical nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. The nurses said they made it through nursing school by leaning on each other all the way through.
“It feels great to finally go out there and start working for something. All the hard work has finally paid off — it feels good. It was pretty hard. The girls kept me through it — you got to give it to them. Everybody here has been great,” nursing student Kyle Czzowitz said.
