June 2007
Contact: Dorothy Wills-Raftery
(845) 255-1400 xt. 1209

Ulster BOCES Practical Nursing Students Graduate

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Emotions were mixed for the 51 Ulster BOCES School of Practical Nursing students who, clad in white nursing uniforms, recently assembled at SUNY Ulster in eager anticipation of entering the world of healthcare. The students, who hailed from across the Mid-Hudson Valley region, were all smiles—and some tears—as they were “pinned” in the golden glow of flickering candlelight while graduating from the Practical Nurse (PN) program through the Ulster BOCES Adult Career Education Center.

Jennifer Boehm of Cairo, who is currently working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Ten Broeck Commons healthcare facility in Lake Katrine, attended the School of Practical Nursing program at night under the instruction of David Raffo. “It was a tough program, but definitely worth it,” states Boehm, who plans include continuing her nursing education by attending Excelsior College, where she will pursue her Registered Nurse (RN) degree. “We learned a lot. Mr. Raffo really understood us; he had empathy for us for working and attending school.”

Fellow classmate Jennifer Boehm traveled each day from Cairo, New York in order to follow her dream of becoming a nurse. She, too, believes the program was a good one and enjoyed learning from her instructor.

Jessica Richmond of Ellenville also enjoyed the program, and says she plans on continuing with her education to become an RN.

Graduate Natalie Civil of Kingston also enjoyed the “tough, but good” program at Ulster BOCES, and she plans on attending SUNY Ulster’s RN program.

Marita Kitchell, supervisor of Health Occupations and New Visions at Ulster BOCES commended the students for their hard work and academic achievements, and encouraged them to reflect back on their learning. “I want you to remember how you felt on your first day of school…how you felt when you achieved academic and clinical success…how you felt when you cared for your first patient by giving them a warm blanket, and how you felt when that patient said, ‘Thank you.’ I want you to remember how you feel right now.” Kitchell also encouraged the students to sit and be successful on the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nursing. “We are very proud of you. Congratulations.”

Howard Korn, director of Career & Technical Education and Adult Services at Ulster BOCES, offered up his congratulations to the future nurses, and recognized the “highly professional and dedicated staff at Ulster BOCES who truly make exceptional differences in the lives of their students and their patients.” He continued on by addressing the nursing graduates. “Nurses make decisions that prolong lives, save lives, and improve lives. Nurses help others in ordinary and extraordinary ways. It is amazing to think that a nurse can spend the entire morning taking care of a critical care patient, and when that bed is empty, he or she must do it all again. The job requires making a dramatic emotional shift to care again. Nurses are truly special people. I am honored to be here to honor your accomplishments. Congratulations.”

The Ulster BOCES School of Practical Nursing program, which is offered through the Adult Career Education Center, consists of 1,200 hours of clinical and classroom training. Successful students of the program have undergone stringent training and achieved academic rigor necessary to meet the challenges and needs of our healthcare system. This program has readied them to enter one of the noblest of professions known and be ready to provide top-notch care and service to patients in need. Upon successful completion of the National Council licensing exam for practical nursing, these graduates will become an integral part of the healthcare team in a variety of client care settings.