Pfc. Stephanie R. Marcelli, right, distinguished honor graduate of the U.S. Army Practical Nurse Course, 68WM6, Class 703, was presented her diploma and other awards by Sgt. Maj. Maurice Riley, guest speaker, during the graduation ceremony Feb. 12 in Soldier Hall. Photo by Clarence Davis III.
Nurses are ‘Army Strong’
Clarence Davis III, WBAMC Public Affairs
More than 100 William Beaumont Army Medical Center staff, families and friends attended the graduation ceremony for 44 licensed practical nurses from the U.S. Army Practical Nurse Course.
The ceremony was held Feb. 12 in Soldier Hall, where the graduates received their diplomas and were recognized for other accomplishments during the 54-week 68WM6, Class 703, course. After successful completion of the course, the graduates had to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical/Vocational Nurse, or NCLEX-LP. The test is designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level.
“We now have the honor of belonging to one of the noblest professions, that of nursing,” said Pfc. Stephanie R. Marcelli, distinguished honor graduate, during her remarks. “The experiences learned here will take us forward during the rest of our lives and we will be able to serve in any community or situation (in which) we find ourselves.”
She mentioned that, from the beginning of their training, their objective as students was to gain enough knowledge to pass the NCEX and to become successful nurses in the Army. “Most importantly, we leave here with the responsibility and privileges of treating the most deserving and courageous – the Soldier and his family,” Marcelli said.
During their training, they were afforded the opportunity to provide care as medics to Soldiers and civilians alike who participated in Bataan Memorial Death March March 23. “Last October, we participated in a health fair and we got as much from our participation as those we were providing care for,” said Marcelli.
“During your training, you have learned to take care of each other, fellow Soldiers and patients in a world-class environment,” said Sgt. Maj. Maurice Riley, guest speaker. “You worked as a team and collectively you reached what you strived for. As a team, you have exceeded Webster’s definition of strong and became ‘Army Strong.’ Together you have learned what it means to have strength of character and purpose and to do good today. You learned to build and tear down and will continue to master future obstacles. You have united to become members of the ‘Army Strong’ team as licensed practical nurses.”
He challenged the nurses to take the education started here and work not only as nurses in hospitals, troop clinics or battalion aid stations, but to further their education and become physician assistants, registered nurses or medical doctors. “You have the foundation to build upon,” Riley said.
He reminded the graduates that they not only were trained as nurses but as Soldiers. As Soldiers, these nurses are expected to lead and train Soldiers under any circumstance or any environment. “It is your responsibility to accomplish the mission,” Riley told the graduating class.
Concluding his remarks, he thanked the new nurses for their service and undying dedication to the Army and nursing profession.