Paramus Resident Graduates from Bergen Community College Nursing Program

Paramus resident Patrick B. Querijero was one of 62 students graduating from the Bergen Community College nursing program. The students were recognizedin a pinning ceremony on Wednesday in the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre on the College's main campus in Paramus. The graduates enter the healthcare field, which is one of the fastest growing producers of jobs in the country. The healthcare industry will generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Speakers at the ceremony included Dr. Jose Adames, academic vice president, Lillian Ostrander, professor of nursing, and nursing graduate Rachel A. Rawinski, of East Rutherford. After receiving their pins from Joan Murko, director of nursing, graduates recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge and a nurse's prayer.

"I am extremely proud of the graduates for their hard work and dedication to the nursing profession," said Joan Murko. "These new registered nurses will find entry-level positions in non-traditional settings such as nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and doctors' offices."

One of the College's most competitive areas of study – program facilitators only admit a limited number of students each year – the nursing program maintains full ongoing accreditation status by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission.

The program's graduates will receive their associate in applied science degree at the College's commencement exercises in May 2011.