Guthmiller among those pinned at LRSC Practical Nurse ceremony on July 14

Pinning ceremonies for Lake Region State College Practical Nursing graduates was held July 14 in the Robert Fawcett Auditorium.

Students earn their Practical Nurse certificate after successful completion of the 11-month curriculum. Thirty-two students from LRSC's Devils Lake, Grand Forks, Mayville and mobile sites were eligible to participate in the pinning ceremony.

Many students were pinned by family members, friends or mentors who supported them through their studies.

Nurse pinning is a longstanding tradition in the medical world. It symbolizes achievement, recognition and completion of a nursing program. The origin of the nursing pin goes back to 1860 when Florence Nightingale presented a medal of excellence to her nursing graduates in recognition of their hard work and dedication. The tradition was soon picked up by nursing schools throughout the world. Pin design varies by school and program, but usually includes school name or seal and many times a lamp as a symbol of Florence Nightingale. The pin serves as a reminder of the tradition and history of the nursing profession.

The Practical Nurse program at Lake Region State College provides the knowledge and skills needed to enter a challenging and fulfilling career in nursing. Upon acceptance into the program, students receive classroom study and supervised experience in caring for patients in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, acute care centers, long-term care facilities, home care agencies and clinics.

Lake Region State College in Devils Lake is part of the Dakota Nursing Program and offers Practical Nursing and Associate Degree (2-year RN) Nursing Education in Devils Lake, Grand Forks, Mayville and through a mobility option. Mobility students receive theory classes online and do clinical studies face-to-face at various locations.

Recently, LRSC received approval to offer its Practical Nursing Program in Jamestown. Classes will start there in a mobility format this fall.

Lake Region State College also offers a Paramedic to Nurse program, Community Paramedicine program and numerous nurse apprenticeships with medical employers across the state. LRSC also offers certified nurse assistant training through its workforce training division, TRAIN ND Northeast.

Those interested in enrolling in the nursing program should fill out an application at dakotanursing.org. Applicants do need to take a Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam first, and that is also available on the Dakota Nursing site. Here students may register for the TEAS exam. They can take the exam remotely or come to the LRSC Nursing testing room to test.

Graduates of the Practical Nursing Program who meet continuation criteria may continue their studies in the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) program at Lake Region State College and then transfer to baccalaureate programs at other higher education institutions.

For more information go to LRSC.edu/nursing or call (701) 662-1644.