Whether it’s your first degree or an advanced degree, Barco’s Nightingales Foundation congratulates you on your graduation and welcomes you to the honorable and respected field of nursing.

Although this graduation is a landmark in your education, it’s probably not the last. Regardless, you are about to reap the benefits of one of the best decisions you’ve ever made in your life.  The career path you have chosen has become a re-tooled, cyber-enhanced frontier that has created new opportunities for healthcare professionals that are still developing and evolving. But your program has prepared you well for the future.
You are beginning your careers when the most uncertain nursing shortage in the history of America has come to fruition. With a looming consumption of healthcare by an aging population, and the uniform health care act under implementation, a huge population of baby boomers is going to need you.
Despite the fact that you are finished with school, it’s important in your profession to never stop learning. Whether it’s continuing education, casual learning, or a formal academic program, ongoing education is a key to success.  In addition, while working on perfecting your professional skills, learn to lead by associating with leaders. Pathways to leadership can be different, but research has shown that the most important element in becoming a leader is the influence of other leaders.
Above all, take a moment to reflect on your accomplishments and move forward with confidence in your abilities to care for others.

Congratulations and best of luck!

~Michael and Frida Donner