Graduates of McCann's practical nursing program light the traditional lamps that hearken to nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, 'the lady with the lamp.'
Superintendent James Brosnan addresses the graduates.
Practical nursing coordinator Chista Berthiaume reminds the graduates of how she told them nursing school would be a challenge.
Students chose who awarded them their pins.
School Committee Chair Gary Rivers presents the diplomas.
Carol Passley, senior director of nursing-acute care at Berkshire Medical Center, reminded the gradates to embrace change.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — McCann Technical School celebrated 24 practical nursing program students Tuesday and wished them well, acknowledging the many lives they will impact in their careers.
"We see others step out of their comfort zone and become leaders, others impress us with their patient advocacy and clinical knowledge," practical nursing coordinator Chista Berthiaume said at the ceremony that was held in the school's gymnasium. "I am asking you to use these strengths to improve patient care and professional nursing. be the change that we need in today's local health care. You are gong to care for thousands of people over your careers."
After handing out special awards and recognitions, Berthiaume reminded her students that she told them that nursing school would be incredibly difficult — something they now understand. She added that the job itself will continue to be difficult and nurses need not forget to care for themselves.
She concluded that nurses do not seek "fame or glory" but enter the field to improve people's lives.
"People who are drawn to nursing don't look for fame or glory. It is not uncommon for people to say, 'I don't know how you do it,'" she said. "... Nurses are trusted by patients and their families and the most vulnerable. We see people at their weakest, scared, and most uncomfortable. We share sadness and joy and do whatever we can for our parents."
Carol Passley, senior director of nursing-acute care at Berkshire Medical Center gave the graduation address, first noting what is special about health care in Berkshire County.
"What I like about that Berkshires is that everyone is family, and you will see your family," she said. "You are going to be their resource."
She talked of her own education becoming a nurse and of her career. She spoke of the many positions she has held as well as the many changes she has seen in the field over the years.
Passley asked the students to embrace these changes as they often allow nurses to make "positive impacts on the lives of others." She also asked the graduates to continue to set goals and chase down opportunities to grow.
Superintendent James Brosnan also spoke and recognized the students as well as the support their family and friends provided.
"Here are 24 people who really never knew each other until this, but they will keep these relationships for the rest of their lives," he said. "They share a common bond and through the guidance of the faculty they were able to succeed and be here. This is a monumental achievement and no one other than these 24 people know how hard that was except for their family and friends."
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