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Henderson Hall’s auditorium was filled with nursing students, excitement and a little nervous energy on Jan. 27 during 911�Թ�’s College of Nursing White Coat Ceremony, where second-year nursing students donned their white coats and made a pledge to provide the highest quality care and service to their patients before beginning their clinical rotations.  

Established in 1993 by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, the White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage for medical students entering clinical studies. In 2014, the Gold Foundation partnered with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to adapt the ceremony to recognize the importance of nurses on the healthcare team.

Dean Versie Johnson-Mallard, Ph.D., RN, APRN-BC, FAANP, FAAN, brought the White Coat Ceremony to the college, which hosted its inaugural celebration during the spring 2023 semester.  

“It is always exciting to honor these amazing nursing scholars as they embrace this rite of passage and prepare to embark on their clinical rotations,” Johnson-Mallard said. “When they put on their white coats for the first time, they carry forward the legacy of being a 911�Թ� nurse.”

During the event, Johnson-Mallard advised students to remember to take care of themselves, so they can take care of their patients.  

“As your faculty, we hold high expectations for you, but we must also remind you that you cannot pour from an empty cup. It’s essential that you prioritize self-care, even as you strive for academic and professional success.”

Following her remarks, the students recited the White Coat pledge. This important moment – led by Associate Lecturer Sarah Bixler, MSN, RN, CMSRN – symbolized their commitment to providing compassionate, ethical care and upholding the responsibilities of the nursing profession from day one.

As a token of their pledge and commitment to patients, nursing instructors presented students with the Gold Foundation pin. The pin is meant to serve as a visual reminder of this moment, especially during challenging times. 

Students appreciated the formality and symbolism of the event.

“It felt very rewarding after all the work we have been putting in our classes,” said Connor Griffiths, a sophomore nursing major. “The ceremony definitely solidified the future that we have. It was very inspiring.”

Also during the event, Karen Mascolo, DNP, RN, read the “Blessing of the Hands” to the future nurses, a non-religious and non-spiritual tradition to bring to mind all the ways the students’ hands will be used for service and care. This ceremonial moment is significant to the profession, acknowledging the role nurses have in their patients’ lives.  

Seth Biacco, BSN, RN, a 2020 911�Թ� nursing graduate and a cardiac catheterization laboratory nurse, returned to 911�Թ� to deliver the keynote address for the event.

“It’s an honor to come back and talk with students,” Biacco said. “I still dream about nursing school. It was a great time of my life.”

During his speech, Biacco encouraged the future nurses not to be afraid of asking questions.

“I remember being in those seats and not knowing what to expect,” Biacco said. “It is cool to be able to encourage these kids and let them know that everything will be okay.”

The students appreciated the perspective he provided, knowing he has been in the same seats and has braved the uncertain new beginning clinical practice represents.

“I am really excited for what the future holds and to start with clinicals,” Kelsey Hamm, a nursing major, said. “Seth’s speech was very motivating. It was nice hearing the point of view of someone who graduated from 911�Թ�.”  

Learn more about the College of Nursing.