A heartfelt tradition continued on Friday as Guam Community College held a pinning ceremony for 27 Practical Nursing students.

The event was held on campus, including the lighting of candles and the Florence Nightingale pledge, a symbolic step toward their commitment to serve Guam's healthcare community.

Each student will now prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses, the final step before becoming licensed to practice.

GCC President Dr. Mary Okada said passing the exam is a powerful reflection of the program’s standards and their readiness to deliver quality care.

“The achievement of their license is so critical right now as we are facing and feeling the effects of a nursing shortage nationwide,” said Dorothy-Lou Manglona Duenas, RN, BSN, MSN, Associate Dean, Dean's Office - TPS.

“These students will be fulfilling a critical need to augment and enhance healthcare on our island. They are completely significant and 1000% needed and I thank them for their dedication and perseverance to learn the skills and foundations of nursing here at Guam Community College,” Duenas added.

The PN students will officially receive their Associate of Science in Practical Nursing on Friday, May 16, 2025 during the GCC 2025 Commencement Ceremony at the Calvo Fieldhouse at 9 a.m.