The Berkeley College School of Health Studies honored a new cohort of healthcare heroes entering the workforce at its recognition and pinning ceremony for nursing graduates at the Woodland Park campus.
The nurse recognition ceremony marked the completion of the academic programs for 17 graduates of the college’s Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN) program and 10 graduates of the Practical Nurse (PN) program.
“Graduates, never underestimate the impact you will have,” said Berkeley College President Diane Recinos, in her welcome address to the nursing cohort on Aug. 7. “Your knowledge will heal, but your compassion will transform lives.”
“Nursing is not just a profession, but a promise,” said Barbara Crump, Ph.D., Professor, Nursing, Berkeley College School of Health Studies. “A promise to show up with compassion, and a promise to practice with integrity.”
LPN to BSN graduate Katherine Gerlich of New City, New York, and PN graduate Alexander Pena of Avenel, addressed their peers, encouraging them on their journeys forward and thanking them for their support throughout their respective programs.
“We shared one thing: the decision to keep moving forward even when the decision was not easy,” Gerlich said. An LPN at a pediatric clinic, Gerlich plans to become a registered nurse and eventually a nurse educator.
Pena was employed as a STEM teacher before beginning a career in healthcare as a medical assistant and patient care technician. Pena noted that his previous positions “taught the importance of communication, patience, and compassion when you are caring for others.” He plans to work as a pediatric nurse and ultimately would like to become a nurse practitioner.
Two Berkeley College nursing students were also recognized for compassion and excellence in clinical care. Jamar Wilson and Senay Yilmaz, both of Woodland Park, were each presented with a DAISY Award, acknowledged within the nursing community among the highest symbols of nursing professionalism and dedication.
The DAISY Award was created in 1999 in memory of J. Patrick Barnes to acknowledge the care, support, and empathy shown by his nurses.
Yilmaz is employed as a school nurse aide. She plans to continue to work in a school environment in the future and further her education to become a registered nurse.
Wilson is employed as an LPN manager and plans to further his career in psychiatric mental health. He said he chose the mental health field to bring more awareness and preventative measures to urban communities.
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degree and certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The college also offers continuing education programs to enhance career credentials. Berkeley College has campuses in New York City, Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park with over 4,000 students enrolled.
Photo caption: Berkeley College practical nurse graduates celebrate the completion of their nursing program on Aug. 7. – Courtesy photo.
