The Buckeye Hills Career Center (BHCC) in Rio Grande, Ohio, celebrated the accomplishments of eight students who graduated from its Practical Nursing (PN) program during a pinning ceremony on October 2, 2025. This event marked the successful completion of 1,382 hours of training, which included 564 hours of hands-on lab and clinical experience.
Throughout their clinical rotations, these graduates gained practical skills in a variety of hospital environments. They worked in settings such as geriatrics, medical-surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, and emergency nursing. Their clinical experiences took place at reputable facilities across the region, including Four Winds Community, Jenkins Care Community, Abbyshire Place, Holzer Senior Care, Holzer Medical Center, Adena Regional Medical Center, Southern Ohio Medical Center, and Rivers Health.
The evening commenced with a student processional, followed by a recital of the Nurse’s Prayer led by Catherine Abell. Dr. Amber Nowlin, DNP, RN, who serves as the PN Program Coordinator, welcomed the attendees, highlighting the significance of the event. Miranda Cox, the Class President, delivered an inspiring address reflecting on the students’ journey.
Several distinguished awards were presented during the ceremony. The Best in Clinical Performance Award was conferred upon Ty Smittle, sponsored by Holzer Health Systems and presented by Lisa Detty, MSN, RN, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. The Best-in-Class Performance Award, sponsored by Rivers Health, was awarded to Miranda Cox, presented by Lori McFarland, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CLSSGB, Chief Nursing Officer, alongside Jarod Zelaska, Executive Director of Human Resources. The Spirit of Nursing Award, given by the Nurse Honor Guard of the Ohio Valley, was awarded to Mary Lamb.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of nursing pins by the program’s instructors. Graduates receiving pins included Catherine Abell, Ashton Bauer, Miranda Cox, Mary Lamb, Rhainee Lowe, Kylie Moore, Keely Myers, and Ty Smittle. The program was led by instructors Cara Gibson, BSN, RN; Jennifer Nance, BSN, RN; and Rebecca Blevins, BSN, RN, with Fawn Hill, ADN, RN, serving as the clinical instructor.
With their graduation, these students are now eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Upon passing the exam, they will receive their licensure and LPN credentials. The BHCC Practical Nursing program is offered twice a year, with new cohorts starting in January and September. Enrollment for the January 2026 PN Program is currently open until October 30, 2025. For more information or to apply, visit BuckeyeHills.net/apply.
