TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Local health care providers and students gathered at the Ivy Tech Community College Nursing Etiquette Dinner.

The event is aimed to connect graduating Ivy Tech nursing students with local employers. Which provides an opportunity for students to practice their professional networking skills prior to beginning their careers.

The keynote speaker at the event was Nurse Manager at IU Health Bloomington Hospital Angela Tritle. Her focus was to discuss her experience in the nursing field and what new graduates should expect as they embark on their careers.

Dean for the School of Nursing Kin Cooper said this is a great opportunity for the students.

“It takes a lot from the day they woke up and said I want to be a nurse until where they got here this evening. A lot of sacrifice. A lot of things given up financially and with their families. So, I want to celebrate them. I want to applaud their accomplishments and tonight gives us that opportunity,” Cooper said.

Employers interested in exploring partnership opportunities with Ivy Tech are encouraged to visit bit.ly/ivytechthemployers. Ivy Tech will also be expanding their nursing program by adding additional 20 seats.