Virginia Peninsula Community College’s pinning ceremony Dec. 17 recognized 26 graduates of the nursing program. It was the largest cohort in recent memory, said Jenni Jones, the director of the College’s Allied Health programs.
However, a more impressive number is 80% of the students in the class accepted positions as registered nurses before receiving their pins.
“It’s exceptional to have that many,” Jones said.
She added the program has a 100% job placement history, but many wait until after final exams and the ceremony to apply for positions.
“(It’s) a testament to their skill and the high regard in which they are held by our local health care organizations,” Jones said. “(They) will be immense assets to the nursing community.”
Shraya Patel, the class representative, also spoke at the ceremony, which was held at the Peninsula Workforce Development Center. She talked about how much they have grown since starting classes in January 2023 and how close they have become.
“Somewhere along the way, we went from strangers to classmates to friends, best friends,” she said.
It wouldn’t be possible, she said, without the support of family, friends and loved ones, many of whom were on hand to pin their graduate.
“You have been by our side through everything. You have been the support pillars in our lives for the past two years and have been a constant listening ear that was much needed after a long week,” she said. “Knowing that you were always cheering us on has been vital in helping get us to the finish line.”
Part of the ceremony honored the mother of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, who brought her light to wounded and dying soldiers during the Crimean War.
“Nurses bring light to those in darkness. That is what we are here tonight to honor,” Jones said.
VPCC’s nursing program has two cohorts, one at the Historic Triangle Campus in Williamsburg and one at the Hampton Campus. The Williamsburg cohort begins every January, and 40 are expected to start next month. The Hampton cohort starts every August, and the application process for 2025 will start in February.
For more information on VPCC and its nursing program, visit www.vpcc.edu.