On Oct. 6, Samford University’s Ida Moffett School of Nursing honored 72 Bachelor of Science in Nursing students in Brock Recital Hall during its annual White Coat Ceremony. The students were comprised of members of the traditional, second-degree and transfer B.S.N. programs. All of who began clinical courses this semester.
The purpose of the White Coat Ceremony is to instill a commitment of providing compassionate care among future health professionals. This commitment closely aligns with the core values of Ida Moffett School of Nursing which was founded on the pillars of academic excellence, compassion, caring and service.
During the ceremony, Nena F. Sanders, dean and vice provost of the College of Health Sciences, challenged the students to perpetuate the legacy of the school’s namesake, Ida V. Moffett, by communicating care and compassion to all they encounter.
“Patients and family members expect their health care provider to be clinically competent. A Moffett Nurse is distinct because they exemplify a depth of true care and compassion and the courage to advocate for a patient,” said Sanders. “I believe the cornerstone of our school is compassionate caring built on a foundation of clinical excellence. We are proud to have our students participate in this symbolic milestone at the onset of their clinical experience.”
In 2014, Ida Moffett School of Nursing was selected by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing as 1 of 100 schools across the nation to participate in an inaugural White Coat Ceremony for nursing. Although the White Coat Ceremony has been a rite of passage in schools of medicine for more than 20 years, The Gold Foundation and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing recognized its significance for the nursing profession and joined together to support this event in schools of nursing across the United States.
During the ceremony, students were cloaked by their faculty members and received a copy of the oath and pin provided by the Gold Foundation. The students are encouraged to wear this pin—a stethoscope in the shape of a heart, surrounded by the words compassionate care—on their coat to serve as a visual reminder of the commitment to always provide compassionate care.
Class president Emma Hackman offered the invocation and Emily Carpenter, class chaplain, provided the Scripture reading. Julie Head, assistant professor, led the students in a nurse’s poem and Angela Wilson, instructor and chair of the student life committee provided the closing remarks.
To watch the fall 2019 Ida Moffett School of Nursing White Coat Ceremony, click here.
