On Saturday, May 5, ABAC at Bainbridge pinned 22 nurses at the Student Wellness Center Gymnasium.

Dr. Michael Kirkland, Executive Director of ABAC at Bainbridge, welcomed the guests and commended the nursing graduates on a job well done in completing “the most difficult program offered at the ABAC at Bainbridge campus.”

“I say without exaggeration that these 22 students are the 22 best because this is the most difficult program we offer,” began Kirkland. “You do not make it through this program alone. You should really hug your family. Today we celebrate with you.”

As students enter the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, they begin as strangers and throughout the program and by graduation—they leave as close friends and even family. Since entering the program, each nursing graduate has attended 540 hours of classes, completed 985 hours of clinical rotations, and taken 62 exams. 

According to Dr. Jeffrey Ross, Associate Professor of Nursing, the friendships that have been made will last a lifetime.

He said, “You will always share a bond that will stay with you long after you stop seeing one another on a daily basis. You have come together to help one another survive this very arduous program.”

Ross served as the commencement speaker for the 2018 ADN Pinning Ceremony—and was pleased to offer advice to the graduates.

He encouraged each graduate to always remember and utilize four words: “Do the right thing.”

“Throughout your life, you will be faced with multiple challenges and obstacles placed before you—Do the right thing. Ethically. Legally. Morally. Do the right thing,” stated Ross. “I know it’s very simplistic, but it’s applicable in all situations.

The faculty and I have provided you with the foundational skills necessary for all of you to go forth and be great nurses in your community and positively influence society. Do the right thing. Take a piece of me and the other faculty members with you. Remember your roots here.”

Ross concluded by giving the graduates “the biggest compliment a nurse educator can give to nursing graduates.”

He said, “I would allow each one of you to provide care for me or my family. Congratulations from the very bottom of my heart. I am very proud of you all and look forward to learning what your future holds.”