Nursing students pledge commitment to patient care at White Coat Ceremony

Nursing students recite the Nightingale Pledge at a White Coat
Ceremony on Nov. 22, 2024.

Southwest nursing students made their commitment to the healthcare field at a White Coat Ceremony on Nov. 22 at the Nursing Building Auditorium on Southwest’s Union Avenue Campus. The event served as a rite of passage for the students and signifies the beginning of their professional journey into the medical field.

During the ceremony, the students were presented with white coats and recited the Nightingale Pledge to solidify their commitment to patient care. The pledge is named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and acts as a code of ethical standards nurses are to follow upon entering the profession.

Keynote speakers gave words of encouragement and advice to students about what they can expect throughout their journey to becoming licensed clinical practitioners. Dr. Samantha Calhoun expressed the importance of professionalism, particularly in the healthcare field.

“While wearing the white coat, I hope it instills in you a charge for integrity, expertise, and passion,” Dr. Calhoun said. “This coat isn’t just a fabric; it’s a commitment. It’s a promise to your patient, a promise to your peers, and it’s a promise you get to keep for yourself. Congratulations on reaching this milestone, and welcome to a career that will challenge you, inspire you, and shape you in ways that you can’t begin to imagine. “

Allyson Miller, SNGA President, shared how the recent class of students can make the most of their experience in the Nursing program. Miller urged students to get to know their instructors and the others in their cohort for support.

“It is hard work, but whatever called you to do this will help you get through it,” Miller said. “Wear your white coat with pride. Today is the beginning of your lives as nurses and the start of many incredible stories and experiences.”

Dean of Nursing Dr. Sheila Bouie provided closing remarks at the ceremony and congratulated students on this major achievement. Congratulations to all of our nursing students who received their white coats during the event. We are so proud of you!