(Abilene, Texas – May 10, 2024) – The Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing (PHSSN) held its pinning ceremony on Thurs., May 9, 2024. The event is significant and celebrated the accomplishment of its 21 graduates. Many graduates have secured positions with health systems, including Hendrick Health, Abilene Texas; OU Health’s Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK; St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, Round Rock, Texas; and Frisco Medical City Hospital, Frisco, Texas. PHSSN is a consortium between McMurry University and Hardin-Simmons University. Graduates will be participating in their chosen schools commencement on Fri., May 10 or Sat., May 11.
Four PHSSN graduates were recognized for their outstanding achievements. Kiara Alford was the proud recipient of the Barnabas Award, while Piper Beaty was honored with the Molly C. Hall Award. Madison Galliano received the Head, Heart, and Hands award, and Alejandra Perales Garcia received the Faculty Award. These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of PHSSN graduates, inspiring the next generation of nurses.
PHSSN graduates continue to excel. The NCLEX pass rate for last year’s 2023 graduates was recently announced at 96.2%.
“The Patty Hanks faculty are committed to graduating well-prepared nurses, which is demonstrated by the most recent 96.2% NCLEX pass rates, “Dr. Donalyn Alexander, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CLNC, PHSSN chief nurse administrator, dean, and professor, said. “We strive to live our mission to develop nurses enlightened by Christian principles to lead, serve and influence the holistic needs of a complex global society. Our graduates make me proud every day.”
McMurry University Chaplain Rev. Ricky Harrison and Assistant Chaplain Rev. Dr. Russell Miller performed the Blessing of the Hands ritual, asking the new graduates and all nurses in the room to reflect on the importance of their work and bless their hands, which are the tools they use to care for others.
Graduates, their families, and friends attended the symbolic pinning event, filling The Mabee Room at McMurry University. The event marks the completion of the nursing program and the student’s transition into the nursing profession. The pin given to each graduate represents the excellence they have achieved during their studies at PHSSN and their dedication to the nursing profession to providing compassionate care to patients. It is a rite of passage for nursing students as they prepare to embark on their careers as registered nurses.
Honored guests included McMurry University President Dr. Sandra S. Harper and Dr. Matt Draud, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the faculty, and Hardin-Simmons University President Eric Buntmyer and Dr. Chris McNair, provost and chief academic officer.
Pinning Ceremony Photos May 9, 2024
Patty Hanks Shelton Nursing Consortium:
The Nursing Education Consortium is a partnership with two outstanding Abilene, Texas universities: McMurry University and Hardin-Simmons University. Pre-nursing students complete their general education core at one of these universities and then apply to PHSSN for the final two years of their nursing education. Transfer students apply to either university and then PHSSN.
Contact
Nicholas Ocheltree, Director of Integrated Communications
ocheltree.nick@mcm.edu
325-260-3963