Back to back nursing graduations this week

Forty-six nursing graduates donned their white uniforms this week at two separate ceremonies in Brandon and Winnipeg.

Forty-six nursing graduates donned their white uniforms this week at two separate ceremonies in Brandon and Winnipeg.

Today’s graduation in Brandon marked the end of the two-year Practical Nursing program for 24 students. Yesterday in Winnipeg, another 22 other nursing graduates crossed the stage. Both groups began their studies in January 2016.

“With so many starting their studies less than two weeks ago, it’s a wonderful complement to be celebrating the completion of a program for these graduates as they begin another chapter in their lives,” said Assiniboine president Mark Frison. “They will have challenging and rewarding careers helping others as they fill vital roles with communities across the province.”

Tameka Cross, the valedictorian at the Brandon ceremony, remarked on why she opted for a career in health care and chose to study at Assiniboine.

“I chose nursing because I like the idea of healing,” said Cross. “Healing, I find, is not just physical – it’s emotional, it's spiritual. That is a big part of who I am. I'd like to connect and share that with as many clients, patients, and residents as I can.”

Cross recently moved back to Winnipeg following her studies on campus in Brandon. She’ll write her licensing exam in the coming weeks and hopes to secure a job as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) soon after passing.

Graduate LPNs secure careers in hospitals, personal care homes, medical clinics, private agencies and the community. With some advanced preparation, some entrepreneurial LPNs are even choosing to start their own businesses.

In addition to the permanent nursing programs at the college’s campuses in Brandon, Dauphin and Winnipeg, Assiniboine has rural rotating sites currently running in Melita and Southport, Man.

The demand for Assiniboine nursing graduates is high; 98 per cent of graduates from the 2014-15 academic year said they were employed, making on average $54,286 a year.