We had asked our graduating cohort to consider donating their scrubs (with patches) so that we could use them as a fundraiser for the student nurses association. We sold them $5 each piece (scrub top or bottom) and we ended up raising $130 for our student association. Today we collected lab coats after our class photo and they'll be available for the new students to purchase this summer. It's a BARGAIN for the students--AND they also get the patches for free, ALREADY sewn on! I had a thought the other day that maybe I could sell my patch-sewing skills to the new admits! Maybe just bring my sewing machine and supplies to campus and be "available" when they are in class. Some people used safety pins or really large stitches to attach their patches--and they look a bit wrinkly and ragged after they were first washed. I know some people took them to an alteration shop to have them sewn on. I'll admit that my mom sewed mine on and also hemmed my pants and lab coat sleeves. I would've done it, but I was also working full-time and taking classes that summer. Yeah for Moms! But, hey, it's a thought! Not sure I could make much money, but it might be fun!
We were a bit disappointed with the turn out at the Q&A's (around 36 students in all), as we were hoping that the majority of the new cohort would take advantage of the opportunity to meet with current/graduating students. Perhaps they were still in exams, or working or simply felt they didn't have any questions, or maybe they just forgot. We sent out a nice flyer in the new admit packets. So it's possible that they saw it once and forgot when they realized most of their deadlines were for later this summer. We did offer a variety of times on two different days to hopefully provide adequate options, but we'll never know why they chose not to come. Oh well, we did our best and those who came received a lot of good advice and information. Our hope is that they might pass the information along to their peers...and perhaps even join the student nurses association on campus and be a part of hosting this same type of event next year. Ya know... "pay it forward."
This morning we had our class photo taken as well as rehearsal for tomorrow's pinning. Rehearsal was on campus where they've traditionally had pinning, but the actual pinning is at the local university's big basketball arena. So we'll have to get reoriented to the new location when we arrive tomorrow. Hopefully all will go well. It was really great to see everyone laughing and having a good time. The pressure is off and folks are in a celebratory mood! A rumor was confirmed that one student in our class did not pass (75 minimum) one of the nursing courses this semester and therefore won't be able to graduate. So sad! If I remember correctly, this student even had a job offer! Hopefully this person can work as a PCT in the hospital for the next year and get loads of experience while waiting to retake the one nursing class they need to graduate.
There are a handful of students who found out earlier this semester that they were missing certain general education classes for their ADN degree (English, Sociology, Computer, History, etc...), so while they won't officially graduate, they can still go through the pinning ceremony with our class. They'll just have to take those classes this summer, and then apply for graduation again. They'll be delayed a few months from taking NCLEX, which might make looking for a job more difficult. It's hard to say.
By this time tomorrow I will be sporting my shiny new nursing pin and be celebrating with my family and friends. My family and a few extended family members, will be heading to a Japanese steakhouse (hibachi-style) to celebrate and then will have cake and ice cream afterwards. I hope to include a few pics from pinning here soon.
This has been a great week so far and tomorrow's pinning will be the highlight. It feels fantastic to be done!
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