Kent State University at Trumbull’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students participated in a white coat ceremony on Feb. 17.
More than 20 students entering the BSN program took part in the ceremony, during which they donned their white coats and recited an oath symbolizing their commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care as they begin their nursing education.
According to Emilia Colosimo, a Newton Falls graduate, BSN student, and Kent State Trumbull’s Student Nurses Association (SNA) president, the event is a milestone to celebrate how far they have come and the journey ahead.
“Today’s white coat ceremony is a powerful reminder of the responsibility and privilege that comes along with becoming a nurse,” she said. “Standing alongside my classmates, I felt both proud and inspired by how far we have come in the past two years of our program and our collective commitment to care for our future patients with compassion, integrity, and excellence.”
BSN student, SNA vice president and Grand Valley graduate, Maddie Pinto, relished in the pride and unity she felt as she stood with her classmates and nursing instructors.
“As the white coat ceremony commenced, words of encouragement flooded our ears to reaffirm the passion and commitment that drove us to pursue this career. The white coat is a simple uniform, but it serves as a reminder to serve with integrity, honesty and compassion and give nothing less than everything to our patients.” Pinto said. “We are now carrying the legacy of nurses who came before us.”
According to Kathy Dwinnells, Ph.D., CNS, CNE, NE-BC, professor and Trumbull Campus BSN coordinator, the ceremony underscores the importance of humanistic and ethical care at the outset of students’ professional training.
“This ceremony serves as a meaningful prelude to the rigorous studies ahead,” said Dwinnells. “It is an iconic ritual that emphasizes compassionate, collaborative and scientifically excellent care from the very first day of training in the health professions.”
The white coat ceremony is a national tradition developed by the Gold Foundation to promote professionalism, empathy and integrity in healthcare education.
For more information about Kent State Trumbull's BSN program, visit www.kent.edu/trumbull/bachelor-science-nursing.
For more information about the white coat ceremony, visit the Gold Foundation website, www.gold-foundation.org/programs/white-coat-ceremony.