HOSPITAL GRADUATES FIRST NURSING CLASS

Graduation ceremonies were held Friday for 15 students in Southeast Missouri Hospital's School of Nursing. The School of Nursing class is the first in more than half a century to wear a Southeast Missouri Hospital School of Nursing pin.

The hospital's new school of nursing opened in August of 1991 at 2851 Professional Court in Cape Girardeau. The intensive 48-week LPN to RN diploma program is the only one of its kind in Missouri.

Karen Hendrickson, assistant administrator for patient care at Southeast Missouri Hospital, addressed the graduates. Also participating in the graduation ceremonies were Southeast administrator James W. Wente; Board of Trustees president Charles Hutson; and Diane Holzum, clinical nurse specialist at the hospital.

The graduates will take state board examinations Wednesday and Thursday. A new group of licensed practical nurses will start studies Aug. 3.

Hendrickson said the strength of the hospital's program of nursing education "is that we have taken graduates from accredited LPN programs and helped them build upon their knowledge.

"Our program includes the sound academic requirements of a college or university-based nursing program and a strong clinical practice component that enhances the graduate's ability to be a registered nurse at bedside," said Hendrickson. "It has been a joy to watch our students grow throughout the year. They were eager to learn, quick to seek out new experiences and opportunities."

Hendrickson also explained the outstanding student recognition program, established in honor of a long-time educator and life-long supporter of nurses and nursing education, Delmar A. Cobble.

"He has had a particular interest in nursing education, not only at Southeast Missouri Hospital, but at Southeast Missouri State University and schools throughout the area," said Hendrickson. "As chairman of the hospital's Hazel Harrison Strickler scholarship, Mr. Cobble and the scholarship committee have enabled 255 students to fulfill their educational goals in nursing."

Hendrickson added that as chairman of the Board of trustees Budget Committee, Cobble encouraged the hospital to provide funding to re-establish a school of nursing.

"Mr. Cobble has made many contributions to his profession and to his community," said Hendrickson. "Establishing this outstanding student award in his honor will serve as an inspiration for nurses as they care for and about others."

In addition to commitment, the awards criteria includes such qualities as enthusiasm, dependability, motivation and compassion. In recognition of the award, Cobble was presented with a School of Nursing pin and honorary graduate status.

The recipient of the first Cobble award was Cathy Pryor, an employee of Memorial Hospital at Carbondale, Ill., and student in the program.

"This has been an exciting, challenging year," said Sandy Buchheit, director of the School of Nursing. "As LPNs, these students already represented their profession well. During this very rigorous year, the commitment they demonstrated to furthering their professional base was nothing short of outstanding. The students have helped get the program off to an excellent start and I hope that we have done the same for them."

LPNs interested in the nursing program may obtain additional information by calling (314)-334-6825.

The school is the second program to be operated by the hospital. Shortly after the hospital opened in 1928, a hospital-based school of nursing started operation, providing a three-year course of study. Due to economic constraints on the hospital and the community during the Depression, the school closed in the mid-1930s.