Diverse group of nursing students to graduate

By Tia Kishketon, News Writing Student

About 50 to 60 nursing students are expected to graduate this semester, said Connie Kuebeck, nursing professor.

A pinning ceremony for the graduates will take place at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15.

There will be a reception immediately following the ceremony to congratulate the students and give them a chance to mingle with family, friends and fellow graduates.

Nursing graduates come from different life paths, Kuebeck said.

Some of the students came to the program straight out of high school and others have grandchildren.

“I even have a mother and daughter in the program this semester,” Kuebeck said.

There are several international students in the program this semester, as well.

Kuebeck said students come from places such as Africa, Spain, India, Pakistan and Germany.

Kuebeck said she is proud of the students for their commitment to the program.

“For many students, this has been a struggle because the time and commitment of nursing school is extremely demanding,” Kuebeck said.

“But even though many of them feel overwhelmed in the beginning, they always feel that it is all worth it in the end.”

Kuebeck said she is excited that the long, hard road is over and the nursing graduates can now go on to enjoy their new careers.

The majority of the graduates already have jobs lined up.

During the first year, many change their jobs as they try to figure out exactly what they like and don’t like about the duties of nursing, Kuebeck said.