The disco duo McFadden & Whitehead once belted out a tune called “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” and that was the mantra of the 36 graduates of Dutchess BOCES’ Practical Nursing Program at the Career & Technical Institute.
The students were celebrated by family, staff and administrators during a ceremony on June 22 in the Salt Point Center gymnasium where they participated in a candle lighting ceremony and recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge signifying the journey from first time student in the program to practical nurse.
Coordinator of Health Operations Joanne Williams encouraged students to always remember the glow of the lamp Nightingale used to light the way as she cared for soldiers serving the Crimean War.
“This memory will give you: your eyes, the light to see those in need, your ears, the ability to learn, your mind, knowledge and wisdom, your hands, skill and tenderness and your heart, compassion,” Williams said. “Never forget that your caring actions, words of kindness and professional attitude will tell the real story.” 
When Fantasya Davis first signed up for the program, she thought the 18 months would fly by – little did she realize how much patience and dedication it takes to become a nurse which requires vigor, a strong mind and the ability to never give up.
“It’s a lifestyle, not something that goes by quickly,” Davis said. “If you dedicate yourself to your passion, the reward at the end is life changing.”
Davis was grateful to study at BOCES where she has learned how to provide quality care with confidence, participated in National Technical Honor Society and became close with her fellow nurses.
“This has given me a chance to keep following my dreams,” Davis said. “They say only the strong survive and we did it.”
Kaitlin Fortuno will miss the support of classmates, who she considers family, but is happy to further her studies with the hopes of becoming a midwife. She appreciates her teachers for preparing her for the nursing world, in which there are many opportunities available.
“They have molded us into nurses that are just beginning their career and will continue to mold us as we grow,” Fortuno said. “We have every open door and it’s more about what we’re willing to learn.”
