Nursing
Program Confers Diplomas on
35
1-17-08
 |
WEST
WINDSOR, N.J. ---
Thirty-five men and women who graduated in December from Mercer
County Community College's Nursing Program received their degrees
at a special celebration on Jan. 9 at the college's conference
center.
Phyllis Cooney of Yardville, who earned the highest grade point
average in her class, presented the valedictorian address. After
earning her bachelor's degree in business, Cooney took time off
to raise her four children, then returned to college to pursue
her nursing degree. She asked, "Why does someone become a
nurse? Why does a fireman run INTO a burning building? Why does
a policewoman remain calm and keep her head when faced with danger
in order to protect people she doesn't know? The answer for me
and for many others is quite simple: It is who we are. It is who
we were meant to be!"
Cooney and her classmates will help to fill the pressing need
for nurses in our region and country. According to Linda Martin,
MCCC's Director of Nursing Education, projections are for continued
growth in the profession, particularly with an aging population.
Mercer's Nursing program graduates received an associate's degree
and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination
(NCLEX) for Registered Nurses. The program combines course work
in nursing and general education with clinical experience in regional
health-care facilities under the supervision of college faculty.
The program is accredited by the N.J. Board of Nursing and the
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
In
addition to its own Nursing program, Mercer works with Capital
Health System and St. Francis Medical Center in Cooperative Nursing
programs.
|
The
January 2008 Nursing Program graduates. |
 |
MCCC
President Patricia Donohue gives valedictorian Phyllis Cooney her
diploma. |
 |
Career-changers
Dave Baldwin, left, and Tom Vernoy, right, with Acting Director
of Nursing Education Donna Penn and Dean of Science and Health Professions
Linda Martin. |
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