Over 10 individuals at the University of the Virgin Islands Albert A. Sheen Campus on Sunday moved from students to professional nurses during a ceremony that included the special pinning event, the oath of commitment, and the Florence Nightingale Pledge. A similar event was held in St. Thomas at the UVI campus.

The graduates received their bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN), a three or four-year educational program for those who are looking to become registered nurses (RNs), or for those who already have their associate degree in nursing and would like to take their nursing education to the next level.

Several individuals spoke at the event, among them Senator Kurt Vialet who sponsored legislation that created the nursing program on the St. Croix UVI campus as it was already available in St. Thomas. Mr. Vialet said he built upon his original legislation in the past two years to pass what is a called a nurse licensure compact, which allows mutual recognition of a nursing license between member U.S. states. Once nurses who have received licensure in the U.S. Virgin Islands take the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, “you’re automatically license in over 33 states,” he said to the applause of graduates and others in attendance.

Guest speaker Dr. Cora Christian congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to take what she said was another very important examination: “See if you have in your experience today developed the proper attitudes,” which Dr. Christian said are courage, appreciation, humility and a seeking spirit. Juan F. Luis Hospital Chief Operating Officer, Darice Plaskett also spoke at the event.

Bill No. 31-0138 provided funding the program with $432,000.

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