Mercy College alumna reflects on nursing program
During the 2011 graduation program for MSON’s Second Degree Nursing (BSN) students, Mercy College alumna Margaret Levitt ’46 had the opportunity to see her granddaughter, Amie Hnatiuk ’11, follow in her footsteps to become a nurse. It was a special occasion as she “pinned” her granddaughter during the ceremony. The event brought back warm memories of her own experience as a student nurse, as Levitt recollects:
From left, Second Degree Nursing (BSN) Program alumna Amie Hnatiuk ’11 with her grandmother Margaret Levitt ’46 and MSON Interim Associate Dean Janet Baiardi at the 2011 SDO Nursing graduation program.
“It was during the war years of 1943 when I enrolled at Mercy College of Nursing. My sister Lil enticed me to join her in what would be a ‘fun adventure’.
Our nursing training didn't only include learning nursing procedure, but housekeeping tasks as well, such as mopping the O.B. delivery room floors and rinsing out the linens. It didn't matter if you had already been up for your 24 hours of on-call duty.
But it was an excellent learning experience. We learned there was only one way to follow orders and procedures… The Right Way! Even our uniform skirt length was routinely measured with a yardstick by the nuns. The uniform also included wearing a hairnet.
I graduated in 1946 in a class of over 400. To this day the Battle Creek Unit still has an annual luncheon reunion. It is always heartwarming to renew the bonding and friendship that started in 1943.
Choosing nursing opened all sorts of avenues and wonderful experiences. I am very proud to be a Mercy grad. I still have my cap and original pin, and although I stopped working at 63 years old, I am almost 91 now and I will always consider myself an R.N.”
