College of Nursing’s White Coat Ceremony Marks Students 'Official Entrance'

The College of Nursing's Annual White Coat Ceremony was held on February 23, marking the official entrance into the nursing degree for students in the undergraduate four-year B.S.N. and the accelerated B.S.N. (A.B.S.N) programs. The event took place at the University Center on Seton Hall’s South Orange campus, with more than 500 students and their supportive friends and families attending. 

Serving as master of ceremony was Assistant Dean for Student Success Elizabeth McDermott, Ph.D., Vice President for Mission and Ministry Reverend Colin Kay, M.Div. ’05 delivered the opening invocation, as well as the liturgy for the traditional Blessing of the Hands, where each student was anointed with holy oil on their hands.

During her welcome address, Kristi J. Stinson, Ph.D., R.N., APN-BC, dean of the College of Nursing, explained that in 1993 the first White Coat Ceremony was led by the Gold Foundation at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. In 2014, the Foundation partnered with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to adopt a white coat ceremony for nursing, recognizing the vital role nurses play on the healthcare team. "As you receive your white coats of honor, remember the following: a nurse is a leader, communicator, patient advocate, educator and confident in a patient's most vulnerable time," said Stinson. “Please take your coat as a badge of honor and wear it with pride as you embark on your journey as nurses to serve the world.” 

Associate Professor Linda J. Ulak, Ed.D., R.N. then led the students in reciting the White Coat Ceremony Oath, which closely resembles the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians.

The keynote address was delivered by Assistant Professor Nancy Innella, Ph.D., RN, CNE. She offered advice on the journey the students will take during their undergraduate career. "Along this journey you are learning more and more advanced concepts but also more and more about yourself," she said. "Wherever your journey leads you, remember today and never lose the excitement and desire to care for others that brought you here."

The Academic Integrity Oath was delivered by Chair of Undergraduate Programs and Associate Professor Kimberly Conway, Ph.D., RN-BC, C.N.E., and recited by students. It begins, "I pledge to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in all of my actions as a student nurse at Seton Hall University College of Nursing."

Judith A. Lucas, Ed.D., R.N., associate professor and associate dean of undergraduate programs, also delivered remarks, emphasizing that as respected nursing professionals, the students will play an integral role on healthcare teams. "You can help combat misinformation in the communities where your patients live by promoting facts, debunking myths, advocating for evidence-based practices, addressing patient concerns, and facilitating patient and family involvement for informed decision making."

She concluded, "I am grateful every day that I chose nursing. I am inspired by your commitment to the profession’s mission of advancing human health and the common good. As one of your faculty, it is a privilege to be part of nursing's collective effort to sustain and foster the next generation of nurses. We welcome you to the nursing profession!" 

Dorothy Lee, who serves as the director of volunteer and strategic engagement in the Division of University of Advancement, introduced a presentation of messages from 25 nursing alumni. Some of their good wishes included:

"Congratulations on earning your White Coats! Be proud of the accomplishments in your journey to the nursing profession you are about to undertake. Live the moments in your career as nursing's future clinicians, educators, mentors and leaders!"
- Dennis Castro ’97, Lieutenant Colonel, US Air Force 

"Nursing will provide you with feelings of being truly useful and even the smallest achievements are monumental to your patients. So, look forward to this part of your education with the knowledge your chosen field of study will bring you a feeling of great accomplishment and the knowledge that you will be helping people every day you work."
- Cheryl Saylor, M.S.N. ’94, Retired 

"So many patients are going to be blessed, not only because of what you studied, learned and experienced ... but also because of your devotion."
- Erin Malloy ’07/M.S.N. ’17, Nursing Administrator, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

Father Colin concluded the event with a benediction. "Let me tell you a secret … nurses are God’s favorites," he began, with the audience responding with laughter and cheers. He then added, "Every single patient you encounter is God’s favorite, too."

Click here for a PDF of the event program.

Categories: Education, Health and Medicine