It was a very busy weekend across the Quad Cities as hundreds of college students graduate. St. Ambrose University will graduate it's largest nursing class ever, just in time for the rest of us.
It's the end of one chapter and the start to another one.
"It' a great accomplishment. It's something I've worked on for a few years," said graduating student Kim Cusic.
On May 9, 2014, there was a pinning ceremony for future nurses.
"It just signifies that you're coming into the nursing profession," said student Lauren Raynor.
From most of the students, falling into the medical field runs in their blood.
"My dad is a first responder so I grew up with it. So it kind of runs in the family," said Cusic.
This is largest nursing graduating class in the university's history. In two years the class size will double. The bigger number of students could be a sign of more jobs.
"Many of our students have obtained jobs already, others are very close to having jobs," said Brenda Shostrom, chair of the nursing department.
A demand for nurses with their bachelor's degree right now.
"There's always been some waxing and waning in terms of the nursing market. Right now we're seeing many hospitals are hiring BSN graudates because of an initiative they have to meet," said Shostrom.
Now their excited for their next accomplishment, a job.
"I just want to get out on the floor and get the experience I need for the future," said student Kisha Huffman.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 19 percent growth in employment for nurses from to 2022. That's an 11 percent growth rate compare to all other occupations.