On May 22, the URI College of Nursing awarded pins and diplomas to 135 new nurses that comprised the Class of 2016. The event was held in a tent adjacent to the Pharmacy Building immediately following commencement exercises on the Quadrangle. Associate Dean Patricia Burbank, DNSc, RN, FAAN presided over the ceremony.
Dean Mary C. Sullivan, PhD, RN, FAAN started the proceeding by congratulating the class of “exquisite graduates” on their achievement, noting that the class “is joining the largest sector of health care, over three million strong.” She emphasized the constant changes in health care today and encouraged the new grads to stay current, become leaders, and take advantage of opportunities and new roles as they arise.
She concluded by quoting Maya Angelou: “As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal patient’s heart, mind, soul and body, their families and ourselves. They may not remember your name, but they will always remember what you did for them.”
Associate Clinical Professor Joan Dugas, MS, RN was chosen by the class to speak for the faculty. She told of her own journey as a nurse and likened it to a “road trip,” on which she has played three different parts: the driver, the backseat driver, and the front seat passenger. Each of these roles occurred at different times during her nursing career and each was important for her development as a nurse. It is important to make decisions about your career to move it forward; it is also important to stand back and watch someone else drive; finally, it is important to take a break now and then and just observe the scenery. She admonished everyone to keep their blue scrubs and T-shirts for the memories they contain. She advised the new nurses: “You are about to embark on the journey of your life, enjoy the ride!”
Cassandra Luce, was chosen by her classmates to be the student speaker. After a resounding greeting from her classmates, she recounted the past four years that went by in a flash. Freshman year was a grind of hard academics especially Anatomy and Organic Chemistry. Sophomore year was getting those blue scrubs that made them very proud of being in the nursing program. Junior year was vindication of how hard the nursing program is with two semesters of tough academic classes and clinicals. The journey was difficult and they were often exhausted physically and mentally. It was hard work, but thanks to the support of classmates and friends, Senior year arrived and the end was in sight. It was “magical and a lot of fun.”As she looked back “It was the time of her life.” Roommates and hall mates became her best friends.” Now she and her classmates are real nurses, going out into health community to make a difference in people’s lives. They will make critical decisions that actually save lives. Thanks to the College of Nursing they are well prepared. Finally, Cassandra thanked her parents, family, faculty and fellow graduates for their support during the past four years.