On July 30, the USC Aiken School of Nursing at Union held a Pinning Ceremony for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates. The pinning ceremony is a rite of passage for nurses as they transition into their careers. The tradition originated with Florence Nightingale, considered to be the founder of modern nursing, who awarded pins to her best nurses.
“Graduates, today’s ceremony marks your passage from student to profession colleague,” said Dr. Katie Chargualaf, Dean of the School of Nursing. Nine future nursed graduated from the program this year: Katie Blackmon, Melissa Catrone, Brina Childers, Rebekah Goodale, Garrison Hendrix, Catelin Lakeman, Lauren Lynch, Hannah Sigmon, and Kailee Stepp. Blackmon was chosen by the group to speak at the ceremony. In her welcome, she thanked her friends, family, professors and fellow graduates for their support as she completed the program. She said that the Class of 2024 “learned to rely on each other and build each other up when we needed it the most.”
Katie Blackmon, Melissa Catrone, Brina Childers, Rebekah Goodale, Garrisson Hendrix, and Kailee Stepp received Chancellor’s medals for scholastic excellence for graduating cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude. Kailee Stepp was inducted into the Pi Lambda Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, an honor society for nursing.
Hannah Sigmon received the Spirit of Caring Award. This award is chosen by the students of this graduating class. This is a very special award given to a classmate they believe has consistently displayed compassionate and caring behaviors to both patients and fellow classmates. Catelin Lakeman received the Clinical Excellence Award. This award is given to a graduating nursing student who has stood out as demonstrating clinical excellence with her patients throughout the program. Faculty recognize this student as working consistently well with patients, providing excellent patient and family centered care, communicating well with other healthcare colleagues, and excelling in multiple clinical arenas.
All of the graduates will transition into nursing jobs after they pass the NCLEX (nursing licensure examination).
Katie Blackmon will begin her nursing career at Spartanburg Medical Center’s Emergency Department, where she will work alongside her former professor Courtney Pinnell.
Melissa Catrone will work on the general surgery trauma stepdown unit at Spartanburg Medical Center. She has accepted a highly coveted Baylor night shift weekend position.
Brina Childers has accepted a job on the postpartum unit at Spartanburg Medical Center. She will also be working part time as a nurse at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Union.
Rebekah Goodale has accepted a position in the Emergency Department at Spartanburg Medical Center. She is very thankful for this opportunity in beginning her nursing career.
Garrison Hendrix plans to work at the Emergency Department at Cherokee Medical Center. He hopes to pursue his nurse practitioner’s degree after a few years of ER experience.
Catelin Lakeman has accepted a full-time night position on the postpartum unit at Spartanburg Medical Center. She is committed to getting her car seat technician certificate to help parents ensure their infants travel home safely.
Lauren Lynch has also accepted a job at Spartanburg Medical Center’s Emergency Department.
Hannah Sigmon has accepted a job at Spartanburg Medical Center’s urology floor 3 Tower on day shift. She is looking forward to starting her career as an RN.
Kailee Step has accepted a full-time position on the night shift at Union Medical Center as an Emergency Room nurse. She will be starting out in the transition to practice nurse residency program to begin training before taking the NCLEX.
“Becoming a nurse takes perseverance and hard work. The 2024 USC Aiken-Union graduates will improve patients’ lives with their dedication, skill, compassion, and empathy,” said USC Union Nurse Administrator Lynn Edwards. “ Each of these nurses will meet the needs of patients locally as they all have accepted positions within the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. My heartfelt congratulations go out to each of the graduates!”
Headshots by Amber Ivey
Featured Image: Nurse Administrator Lynn Edwards, Brina Childers, Hannah Sigmon, Garrison Hendrix, Lauren Lynch, Katie Blackmon, Rebekah Goodale, and Professor Courtney Pinnell
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