PALM DESERT, Calif. – The department of nursing at the Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus held a special pinning ceremony on May 17 in the campus’ Indian Wells Theater to recognize and honor 20 pre-licensure nursing students who completed the program at the Palm Desert Campus and are receiving a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) this year.

The ceremony also recognized and honored one master in science in nursing (MSN) student and five RN to BSN students.

Students were presented with nursing pins by department of nursing faculty and were joined by an audience of family, friends and various CSUSB faculty, staff and administrators.

A pinning ceremony is a symbolic welcoming of newly graduated nurses into the nursing workforce as they prepare to serve the public.

“The pinning ceremony serves as a moment of reflection, gratitude and celebration, acknowledging the unwavering support of faculty, family and peers who have helped shape the journey of each of our graduates,” said Carol Hood, interim associate dean and professor of physics and astronomy, CSUSB College of Natural Sciences.

“We also affirm the critical role they will play in shaping the future of healthcare in the Coachella Valley and greater Inland Empire, serving as compassionate healers and advocates for our communities,” she said.

At the ceremony, the nursing students learn about the history of the pinning ceremony, take a pledge to be selfless in their service to everyone without prejudice, and light a candle to honor the “lady with the lamp,” nurse Florence Nightingale.

Academic awards were also presented at the ceremony, and students shared photos and videos from their nursing program journey.

A nursing pinning ceremony was also held at the university’s San Bernardino campus earlier in the day specifically for nursing students enrolled there.

Visit the CSUSB Nursing Department website for more information about the university’s nursing program.

About PDC: The CSUSB Palm Desert Campus offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, teaching credentials and certificates, and plays a vital role in educating the region’s growing population.

For more information about the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, contact Mike Singer in the Office of Strategic Communication at msinger@csusb.edu or (760) 341-2883, ext. 78107, or visit the PDC website at www.csusb.edu/pdc.