There were cheers and tears for health sciences graduates. See end of story for slideshow.

‘Go out and give ’em health!’ – Mark Bergen, Associate Degree Nursing graduate

More than 160 graduates of health sciences programs at Austin Community College participated in completion ceremonies Thursday, May 8, at the Eastview Campus.

Many walked the stage again later that evening in ACC’s commencement exercises, but this exclusive daytime gathering honored them – and a nurse who lived over 100 years ago but is still honored as the pioneer of the field.

Numerous speakers evoked the spirit of Florence Nightingale as they recognized the valuable contributions of these newly skilled professionals who will serve on the modern healthcare team.

Practice, practice, practice makes phlebotomists perfect. “If you’ve ever had blood drawn badly, it wasn’t one of our graduates,” Phlebotomy Program Chair Terry Kotrla told the audience. “They can almost get blood out of a turnip by the time they’re done here.” (It also doesn’t hurt to be only one of only two nationally approved programs in Texas.)

Dental hygienists, too. “When I look out at all these smiling faces, I realize at least half of your teeth have been cleaned here,” said Rene Cornett, Dental Hygiene Program chair, in her welcoming remarks.

Make no mistake, ACC pharmacy technicians earn the truest seal of approval. “I would allow these students to prepare medications for my family,” said pharmacist Zach Corbell, chair of the Pharmacy Technician Program.

Paramedics bear an awesome responsibility. “Your career will put you in the lives of people on the worst day of their life … the last day of their life … and the first day of their life,” Becky Brock reminded her Emergency Medical Services Professions (EMSP) graduates.

Nurses bear that same awesome responsibility. “Facing down your fears is one of the challenges you learn in nursing school,” said Associate Degree Nursing student speaker Mark Bergen.

Humor can be the best medicine. “On my first call with Austin EMS, I was in the back of the ambulance when we went ‘lights and sirens.’ That’s when I discovered ‘lights and sirens’ in the back of an ambulance makes me nauseous,” recalled EMSP student speaker Kenneth Davis.

In the end, they’ll never, ever forget. “When you’re really busy, or you’re dealing with an especially difficult patient, you’ll remember the elderly man, the elderly woman, the small child, the scared adult is someone’s precious life,” said Vocational Nursing Program student speaker Laura J. Haverin.

Health Sciences Executive Dean Eileen Klein reminded the graduates they are taking the four Cs with them to their new careers – competence, caring, confidence, and professional character.

“The first time you do something all by yourself you might get a quiver in your heart, or in your hands, but remember you can do it,” Klein said. “You have the knowledge, the critical thinking skills, and the ability to know when to ask questions of your more experienced coworkers.

“You will be much valued in the community,” she said.