CBU graduate nursing students mark progress at traditional pinning ceremony

Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 12, 2019) – A group of graduate nursing students at California Baptist University took a step closer to becoming registered nurses during a pinning ceremony on Sept. 12.

Thirty-seven students, who completed the pre-licensure program over 15 months, received a pin from a School of Nursing faculty member during the event hosted at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside. The students now are qualified to take the licensure exam. Additionally, 40 students, who finished their first semester in the Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing program, received a traditional Gideon pocket Bible to help them as they assist patients in the future.

Margaret Matthews, assistant professor of nursing, reminded the students that there is a science and an art to nursing.

“Science is all about the head, and we do a good job at the College of Nursing with filling your heads with lots of science,” Matthews said. “Now you get to take that and start practicing the art of nursing. If the science of nursing is all about the head, the art of nursing is all about the heart. When you start leading with your heart, the job becomes more than just a job. It becomes a profession, it becomes a passion and most importantly it becomes a privilege.”

Shadrach Dones, graduate nursing student, said the pinning meant all the hard work paid off and he looked forward to putting it into practice.

“This program has taught us how to serve,” Dones said. “Ultimately what God has called us to do is serve people. I think with nursing, it’s an honor to serve these people in the roughest parts of their life.”

Student Nastaishia Allen said receiving the pin made her feel like she was a nurse and she can go out to make a difference.

“I’m getting the best education here and the program really helps me live my true purpose,” Allen said. “I love helping people, I love being hands on.”

For Elizabeth McDaniel, becoming a nurse is a second career.

“This is something I put on hold for 30 years, and I finally got the opportunity,” McDaniel said. “It’s a lifelong dream realizing a goal I’ve had for a long time.”