Nursing Department Celebrated its Winter 2022 Virtual Candlelighting Ceremony
A resounding ‘We did it!’ capped an extraordinary two years for Queensborough’s nursing graduates during the Winter 2022 Virtual Candlelighting Ceremony. The Master of Ceremonies, Randelle I. Sasa, Assistant Professor of Nursing, introduced 53 new nurses this semester who ‘will demonstrate compassion and uprightness to others who need comfort and empathy’.
Sandra Palmer, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs, welcomed guests on behalf of President Christine Mangino and the Queensborough Administration.
“What a period we have been through. And what an extraordinary time for student nurses. We are all grateful for your tenacity and care. Because in the COVID climate we still find ourselves in today, your profession is not just an expression of your knowledge and skill, but a significant expression of your love for and commitment to “community” – for our individual and collective health, well-being, and comfort."
Palmer continued, “Like the candles you light today, you are shining examples of intellect, civility, selflessness, and compassion. All of which we need more of.”
Balloons and confetti decorated living rooms where joyful graduates received special pins on behalf of the faculty, presented by members of their proud families.
Anne Marie-Menéndez, Professor and Chairperson, gave the Chairperson’s address. Nursing professors Barbara Blake-Campbell and Philip Nelan gave the invocation and congratulatory addresses, respectively.
Heather Drake, President of the QCC Student Nurses Association, reflected on the fear and gratitude she has felt since the pandemic began:
“Fear kept me humble and motivated to learn. I will always be grateful for my mentors who inspired me with their wisdom and steadiness. And for my family who have supported me throughout this epic journey.”
Admission to the nursing clinical program is competitive. Results on the RN PAX are reviewed in combination with the student's G.P.A. and overall academic record. Students who successfully complete the program devote themselves as future caregivers during the traditional Candlelighting Ceremony, held in the fall and in the spring.
Queensborough’s nursing program is renowned for its diligence in keeping pace with technology, addressing the needs of veterans and offering dual/joint programs with CUNY’s Hunter College, York College and CUNY School of Professional Studies. Queensborough is above the national average in NCLEX scores, over 90 per cent for the past three years and has had the highest NCLEX scores within CUNY.
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