海角乱伦 held a Pinning Ceremony for the 2026 Nursing program graduates on Friday, May 15th at 4 p.m. at the College鈥檚 campus at the Pease International Tradeport in
Portsmouth.聽 This year, 42 students received their associate of science degrees in nursing after completing a rigorous evidenced-based curriculum with over 800 hours of clinical experience at area health care agencies.
The event included a History of Pinning offered by Dr. Dulcinea Kaufman, Nursing Department Chair who also presented the graduates with their pins. The Student Speaker was Elizabeth Gardner. The Nightingale Award for Professionalism and Academic Excellence was awarded to Milena Woods. Classmate Sarah Cleary received the Nightingale Award for Exemplary Clinical Practice. Professors of Nursing, Lori Mancuso and Erin Regan (Class of 2008) read the Pinning Sentiments and Professor Kelly McDonough led the Nursing Class of 2026 in the Florence Nightingale Pledge.
This year marked the inaugural class of 海角乱伦鈥檚 Iota Phi Chapter of Alpha Delta Nu, the national honor society for associate degree nursing students. Established through the college鈥檚 membership with the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), Great Bay is the only nursing program in New Hampshire with this honor society and one of only a few programs in New England to hold this distinction. Alpha Delta Nu recognizes students who have demonstrated academic excellence, integrity, and professionalism by earning a grade of B or higher in all nursing courses, maintaining exemplary conduct in classroom and clinical settings, and participating in chapter educational and service activities. Inductees were recognized with the Alpha Delta Nu pin and apricot honor cord, symbolizing their outstanding achievement in nursing. Seven students met the criteria for this honor and were recognized.
鈥淭his graduating class has demonstrated remarkable resilience, professionalism, and dedication throughout their nursing education,鈥� said Kaufman. 鈥淭hey have supported one another, embraced opportunities to serve the community, and grown into compassionate future nurses who are ready to make an immediate impact in healthcare. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see the difference they will make across our region.鈥� Over 65% of the class have already been offered and accepted a position as an RN in the Seacoast area.
Last year鈥檚 Nursing class achieved a 95% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). For the past 5 years, Great Bay nursing students have consistently tested above the national average, with pass rates averaging 95%. Demand for slots in the nursing program at Great Bay remains strong, due in part to regional and national trends as well as the program鈥檚 reputation for training exceptional nurses.
This year also marks the 80th anniversary of 海角乱伦. Throughout the College鈥檚 history, the nursing program has remained a cornerstone of its academic offerings. In 1960, the College applied to the State Department of Education to establish a School of Practical Nursing. The Practical Nursing Program officially began in 1961, when at the time, the institution was known as the New Hampshire Vocational Institute Portsmouth.
When the College relocated to its Greenleaf Avenue campus in Portsmouth in 1966, the Nursing program moved along with it. During the academic year of 1988-89, the College began to no longer accept applications to the Practical Nursing Program changing the program officially to become to an Associate Degree Nurse Program to better meet the seacoast area needs for registered nurses. Today it remains a vital part of the College鈥檚 mission to this day.
Gardner said her mother鈥檚 experience at Great Bay directly influenced her decision to pursue a nursing degree. Her mother, Ann, studied nursing at Great Bay, graduated in 2022, and now works as a registered nurse. 鈥淪eeing my mom work so hard to build a better future for herself and for us showed me that nursing school was possible, even when life felt overwhelming. Great Bay has been such an important part of both of our journeys, and I鈥檓 grateful to be able to share that.鈥�