The West Virginia University School of Nursing Bridgeport Campus hosted a pledge ceremony on Feb. 29, officially welcoming the second cohort of 14 students into the study of nursing.
Located at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center, the Bridgeport Campus offers Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which is an 18-month accelerated pathway into nursing for current degree holders.
The nursing pledge is a formal commitment to demonstrate and respect the moral principles of the nursing profession. Specifically, the WVU School of Nursing Pledge speaks to integrity, compassion, ethics, patient advocacy and lifelong learning.
For Maggie Petitto, of West Milford, the Pledge Ceremony makes her nursing journey real.
“I’ve worked in the emergency department for four years,” Petitto shared. “Just being around nurses and the healthcare setting in general, I can see the need for nurses, so I felt a calling to further my education as a nurse.”
She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology and has worked as a scribe at UHC’s emergency department. After obtaining her BSN, she hopes to work as an ICU nurse, then further her education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
“My experience has been immeasurable,” Petitto said. “The professors truly care about you as a student and as a future nurse. The facility is wonderful. United Hospital Center has been wonderful to us. Anything we need, any help we need, there is definitely somebody on campus who is willing to help you and steer you in the right direction.”
She also noted the convenience of clinical experiences at the hospital where the program is housed, as well as scholarship opportunities for a work commitment at WVU Medicine.
For Brenna Goodson, of Bridgeport, the Pledge Ceremony is a major step in her nursing career.
“I’m so blessed to be here putting on this white coat and representing WVU School of Nursing, and I’m just excited for the future,” she said.
Goodson, who has a background in dental hygiene and real estate, has always wanted to be a nurse. Timing has been the challenge, and she has three children.
“Since Bridgeport opened their new School of Nursing program, it happens to be two miles from my house, so I thought what better time than now to chase my dreams. Why wait?”
While balancing life and school can be challenging, Goodson said the Bridgeport faculty have been incredible mentors as she navigates her academics and clinicals. After graduation, she hopes to work at UHC in the ICU.
The Bridgeport ABSN curriculum mirrors the Morgantown Campus, which boasts a recent 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate. The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the exam graduates must pass to become licensed registered nurses.
The Bridgeport Class of 2025 includes: McKinley Clark of Hepzibah, WV; Kane (Charles) Dempsey-Mottern of Virginia Beach, VA; Brenna Goodson of Bridgeport, WV; Cassidy Guire (Price) of Barricksville, WV; Lauren Harmison of Charleston, WV; Lauren Huggins of Morgantown, WV; Courtney Keeney of Jesse, WV; Aidan Kuriger of Sicklerville, NJ; Patrick Mirandy of Morgantown, WV; Blakelyn Mote of St. Marys, WV; Ann Parish of Stamford, CT; Taylor Payne of Berkeley Springs, WV; Maggie Petitto of Clarksburg, WV; and Riley Snider of Fairmont, WV.