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����Թ� State at Salem held its White Coat Ceremony for students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, signifying a rite of passage as they transition into the nursing field.

Fifteen sophomore BSN students each received a white coat that helps establish their “professional identity” and coincides with the beginning of training in clinical settings. 

The White Coat Ceremony was established in 1993 at Columbia University by the Gold Foundation as a way to highlight the importance of humanism in caring for patients by those training to become healthcare professionals. For 30 years, these types of ceremonies occurred at medical schools and began with nursing schools in 2014.

Led by Lorene Martin, program coordinator and faculty member, the students recited a pledge to accept and uphold the tenets of the nursing profession that include integrity, excellence, compassion, collaboration, altruism, respect, resilience, empathy and service.

“This ceremony is a momentous occasion in your nursing career,” Martin told the students. “It marks the beginning of your studies for entry into the profession of nursing. It also confirms the support and mentoring that you will receive from nurses and your faculty. It took a lot of hard work for you to get to this point, but there is even more work ahead of you. Don’t despair! We are here to help you succeed and you will.”

The students also received a “blessing of the hands” to signify how their hands will perform life-saving tasks; bring comfort and peace to patients and families; and provide care to the sick and scared.

Aside from the white coat, each student received a lapel pin from the faculty on behalf of the Gold Foundation.

The BSN students honored in the White Coat Ceremony included Zoey Almy, Hannah Ball, Kaitlyn Buffone, Samantha Campbell, Julia Cvelbar, Monica Flores, Madison Haus, Haley Hazelbaker, Emily Humphreys, Klair Ketchum, Avah Mitchell, Madison Stacy, Jennifer Tedrow, Isabella Thornton and Abbey Wilson.

Cutline A: Receiving their white coats were (from left) Avah Mitchell, Monica Flores, Abbey Wilson, Kaitlyn Buffone, Samantha Campbell, Haley Hazelbaker, Hannah Ball, Klair Ketchum, Julia Cvelbar, Zoey Almy, Isabella Thornton, Madison Stacy, Madison Haus, Emily Humphreys and Jennifer Tedrow.

Cutline B: Blessing of the hands. 

Cutline C: The BSN class of 2027 recites the student nursing pledge.