The Berkeley College School of Health Studies recently honored 40 graduates of its nursing programs during pinning ceremonies held at the school’s Woodland Park campus.
The ceremonies on Dec. 15 recognized graduates of the college’s Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN) and Practical Nurse (PN) programs. Tiffany Coronado of Lake Hopatcong, and Veronica Werner, of North Arlington, served as student speakers for the LPN to BSN and PN graduating classes, respectively.
The graduates are entering the workforce at a time when nurses are in high demand. Earlier this year, a study by the Health Professionals and Allied Employees union, the largest union of registered nurses in New Jersey, found that a third of nurses have left the bedside in hospitals in the past three years. The study also reported that the average age of nurses still in the workforce is 52 years, with many moving close to retirement.
“Nurses are quite simply the heart of healthcare,” said Patricia Greer, JD, Berkeley College provost. “The care that you will provide to your patients over the course of your time as a nurse plays such a critical role in the fabric of our society. Thank you for pursuing the nursing profession, and attending to the mind, soul, heart, and body of your future patients.”
“Your determination, compassion, professionalism, and motivation in never giving up your dream to become a nurse has come true,” said Jenny Sena, DHSc, who is the dean of the Berkeley College School of Health Studies. “This is something you should be proud of and carry with you the rest of your lives.”
Berkeley College is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The college has campuses in New York City and campuses in New Jersey in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park.
