Hudson County Community College Honors 58 Nursing Program Graduates at Pinning Ceremony
July 1, 2025
July 1, 2025, Jersey City, NJ – Graduates of the Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Associate of Science Degree RN Nursing Program were celebrated on June 18, 2025 at Pinning and Traditional Candle Lighting Ceremonies as they took the International Nurses’ Pledge. The ceremonies were held at the HCCC Culinary Conference Center.
HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber and Nursing Program Director Dr. Lori Byrd welcomed
the graduates and their guests. Graduates from the HCCC Nursing program day, evening
and weekend divisions reflected on their nursing studies and instructors presented
the 58 graduates with nursing pins. Additionally, the Gloria Larsen Lobban, NLN Leadership
Membership, Highest GPA, HCCC Achievement, and HCCC Excellence Awards were presented
to graduates.
Pictured here, 2025 graduates of Hudson County Community College’s Nursing Program.
Rich with symbolism and meaning, the Pinning Ceremony formalizes the transition from student to nurse. The Candle Lighting Ceremony commemorates Florence Nightingale as “lady with the lamp” and symbolizes nurses’ night rounds. With the pledge, graduates promise to provide compassionate care for the sick and injured; alleviate suffering and promote health; respect people of all races, cultures, and faiths; strive for excellence; maintain confidentiality; and uphold the integrity of the nursing profession.
The HCCC Nursing Program includes a theoretical base of general education and science courses designed to prepare graduates for the state licensure examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX- RN) and for 21st century nursing. Nursing resources are available and a supportive framework engages and assists students. Graduates of the Nursing Program must pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses in order to practice nursing.
Students in the HCCC Nursing Program benefit from outstanding, experienced professional faculty; the most up-to-date nursing skills and practice laboratory; flexible day, evening, and weekend class and clinical scheduling; a long-established history of student success on the RN licensing exam; and strong articulation agreements. The HCCC Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and New Jersey Board of Nursing. The program includes a theoretical base of general education and science courses together with a range of nursing theory and diverse practical course work.
The national shortage of health care professionals underscores the positive impact of new nursing program graduates. Each year through 2032, registered nurses will be needed to fill 193,100 projected nursing job openings according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. New Jersey, which currently has eight to nine RNs for every 1,000 people, offers incentives for students to pursue health care industry credentials in higher education.
In 2023, New Jersey selected HCCC as the first institution of higher education in the state to participate in the health care segment of the “Pay It Forward Program” that provides zero-interest loans and non-repayable stipends. The HCCC Nursing Program was selected for its proven, high-quality training and track record of strong employment outcomes, employer relationships, and experience serving diverse learners. More than 80% of HCCC students receive financial assistance to complete their degree requirements. HCCC Nursing Program graduates have a 92.4% NCLEX pass rate and 96.6% job placement rate.