Dayton RNs, grads of WWCC Nursing Program, pinned

DAYTON–When Walla Walla Community College's Nurse Pinning Ceremony was canceled and with two Dayton students potentially going to miss this landmark ceremony in the life of a Registered Nurse, the staff at Dayton General Hospital revived that situation with a formal pinning ceremony of its own.

Graduating nurses Kellie Moore and Emily Lewis were officially pinned in front of a group of around two dozen supporters and DGH staff on Wednesday, June 10, at the entrance to the hospital.

Former Nursing Program Instructor Brenda Anderson spoke, saying it was an honor to attend and speak to two students who she instructed in their first year of the program at WWCC. Anderson retired from teaching, but got hired at DGH, so worked with both Moore and Lewis as they worked and attended the second year of the program.

"You're still on a journey," Anderson told the pair. "It's still a major part of your journey.

"Forget yourself," she advised. "You're not perfect." Striving for self-awareness and self-reflection are crucial, as well as taking care of one's self, both physically and emotionally.

"Be strong when you are weak; brave when you are scared; humble when you are victorious; and be bad ass every day," Anderson concluded.

Michelle Jenkins, R.N., a 2013 graduate of the WWCC program, pinned the graduates.