The College of Nursing and Health Sciences was honored as one of only 50 schools to receive funding for a White Coat Ceremony from the Arnold Gold Foundation in partnership with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
In January, the undergraduate nursing program held its first White Coat Ceremony in Cor Jesu Chapel. Eighty-five student nurses received a white coat and lapel pin, which featured the Gold Foundation’s logo surrounded by the words “Keeping Healthcare Human,” reminding students of their commitment to treat patients with dignity and respect.
The Department of Fine Arts provided music as students entered the chapel. The ceremony began with an opening prayer, and Dr. Tony Umadhay, associate dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, gave the keynote address titled “A vocation of compassion.”
During the ceremony, each student’s name was called and they were cloaked and offered congratulations for this special rite of passage as they begin their clinical practice. Once all students were cloaked, Dr. Mary Colvin, undergraduate program director, led the recitation of the oath. Dr. John McFadden, dean of the of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, offered concluding remarks.
Following the ceremony, students and faculty gathered for refreshments and photos, which was generously funded through the Gold Foundation in partnership with AACN. Students expressed their gratitude for this opportunity, and many commented that this provided a sense of belonging and pride.
Umadhay gave the final prayer, saying “To your heart — compassion and kindness. To your hands — skill and tenderness. To you minds — knowledge and wisdom. May you always remember the true purpose of your calling is that of selfless service and true dedication to the weak in body and spirit.”
