Thomas Edison State University’s W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions held a pinning ceremony for 19 pre-licensure nursing students on Dec. 19 at George A. Pruitt Hall. The students completed the 15-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program and can now take the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Five students joined the School’s Upsilon Rho Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society: Adetoyosi Adebakin, Katryce Cannon, Sandra Otoo, Philis Wamai and Shea Robinson. Robinson received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students, which recognizes excellence in nursing care, commitment and leadership. The award is sponsored by organizations including the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the American Nurses Credentialing Center. “During clinical rotations, Shea [Robinson] demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, a deep respect for the nursing profession, and an eagerness to learn,” said Linda Wicker, a nurse educator at TESU. “She is an inspiration to her peers and a testament to the caliber of students in our program.” The program combines onsite lectures, clinical experiences and online courses. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 197,000 registered nurse job openings annually through 2033, with a median salary of $86,070. The University Board of Trustees plans to confer BSN degrees to the December 2024 class in March 2025. The program maintains high NCLEX-RN pass rates, connects with the Trenton community, and offers three admission cycles per year.