85 BUTC student nurses face initiation into nursing profession
Friday September 9,2022
As a tradition signifying a student nurses’ readiness for hospital training, the 23rd Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremonies of the nursing students from the Bicol University Tabaco Campus was conducted at the BUTC Auditorium on September 8, 2022.
With the theme “Student Nurses of Today, Frontline Health Workers of Tomorrow: Facing Challenges in the New Normal,” 85 BUTC student nurses underwent the imposition of caps and pins. The ceremony coincided with the Feast of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was the focus of the Eucharistic celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Frederick A. Naga, Parish Priest and Rector of the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish and Diocesan Shrine, San Vicente, Tabaco City.
The program proceeded with the processional of the 85 student-nurses who marched with their families followed by the BUTC faculty and staff, BU officials, and guests. Dr. Carina B. Orden, BUTC Associate Dean, delivered the welcome remarks followed by Dr. Maria Gisella N. Mortega, BUTC Dean, for the presentation of candidates for capping, pinning, and candle lighting ceremony, and the message of confirmation by Dr. Amelia A. Dorosan, VP for Academic Affairs, on behalf of BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas.
Afterwards, Prof. Ma. Teresa C. Madrilejos, Chairperson of BUTC Nursing Department, made the introductions of the keynote speaker – Hon. Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro, Mayor of Tabaco City.
As a health professional herself, the honorable guest shared her experiences brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions and solutions she took as the city’s leader. She then reminded the public that COVID-19 still lurks of the corner. She also mentioned how vital the role of nurses are in the medical field nowadays, especially in handling patients with care and its ‘healing effect’ to the sick.
The program continued on to the ceremonial entrance of Florence Nightingale, the icon of the nursing profession, as played by the nursing faculties Prof. Imee V. Dutollo and the parade of the nursing symbols by Prof. Joanah C. Octavo.
The lighting of lamps and imposition of caps and pins was then conducted wherein each student nurse was accompanied by family members and assisted by the BU officials and BUTC personnel.
To mark the completion of the ceremonies, Prof. Dutollo led the Florence Nightingale’s Pledge followed by the singing of the BU College of Nursing Hymn and a song number performed in unison titled “At the Beginning,” by Richard Marx and Donna Lewis. | written by Arnold C. Noda, CPRO
