23 Licensed Practical Nurse Graduates Celebrate In Essex County – Newark, NJ Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — For Anita Peters, nursing has always been a dream goal. And recently, she and 22 other members of the licensed practical nurse (LPN) class of 2021 at Essex County College celebrated a major milestone in their health care careers.

Last month, the graduates and their proud families and friends gathered for a ceremony at the college’s Smith Hall. The students completed their requirements in December 2021.

Their next step? Preparing for the upcoming National Council Licensure Examination (known as NCLEX).

The graduates included Peters, an East Orange resident who said a family tragedy inspired her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner.

Peters recalled when her cousin was in a car accident in another country, eventually dying from those injuries. The tragedy inspired her to pursue her dream, with the goal of “giving back to the less fortunate.”

Other graduates in her class have come a long way to get where they are now.

LPN Class President Leonardo Vaca who served in the United States Army for six years, said his military experience has inspired his career path.

“I want to help those who served,” said Vaca, who eventually wants to work in the mental health field. “I’m ready to become an RN and then earn my bachelor’s degree in nursing.”

Another graduate, Loleeta Butler, has worked as a certified nursing assistant for 18 years.

“Receiving my LPN is a continuation of my nursing career,” the Newark resident said, adding that she plans to continue toward becoming a registered nurse.

“I’ve always been interested in the medical field,” Butler said, reminiscing about the times that she would walk around with a medical “play bag” as a child.

Tomas Olivier, another Newark resident, works in the emergency room at St. Michael’s Medical Center and had been thinking of continuing his education.

“I heard about the LPN program at ECC and decided to give it a try,” Olivier said.

Now that he has earned his LPN, Olivier said he believes his medical experience will help when working with COVID-19 patients.

“COVID is a very complex issue, and we have to be in a position to help the community out,” Olivier said.

Emotions ran high during last month’s ceremony, including for Ricky Saurel.

“Nursing is my passion,” Saurel said, adding that she hopes to become a nurse within five years.

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