SEA-TECH Health Sciences students clear important program hurdle

Tuesday night, 33 students in the Southeast Technical Skills Center Health Sciences program were pinned in recognition of finishing the required clinicals and class time to sit for the State Examination which was held Thursday and Friday. Students are now qualified to work as a Nursing Assistant Registar (NAR). Once they pass this week’s State Examination, they will be Certified Nursing Assistants. Currently 10 SEA-TECH students have been hired to work in Long Term Care Facilities and Home Care. Park Manor Rehab and Odd Fellows are offering $500 for a sign-on bonus and $1000 scholarships to attend the Walla Walla Community College nursing program.

“My students felt the moment and it really meant something to them,” Instructor Sandy Thomas said. “I have only heard positive comments from the parents who are proud of their young adults.”

The Pinning Ceremony began with the students walking in holding a candle in honor of Florence Nightingale as Thomas explained how Nightingale was the Founder of Modern Nursing. Students Daniel Hussey, Vanessa Crosbie, Patricia Oribio, Fabiola Salagado and Jade Cramer gave speeches during the ceremony. Results of the State Examination are expected to be in soon.