On Sept. 23, ETSU’s College of Nursing held a White Coat Ceremony to promote those studying nursing from preclinical to professional nursing students.
The event opened with Michelle Littleton, Senior Director for Undergraduate Programs, welcoming friends and family who came to support nursing students. She then noted that ETSU is the only recipient in the state to be awarded the Arnold P. Gold Foundation grant, a generosity given to only 50 schools for this term, that provided the funding for the ceremony.
Following Littleton’s introduction, she then turned the microphone over to Leann Horsley, Dean of the College of Nursing, who expressed her confidence in the nursing students receiving white coats and introduced President Noland’s video provided in lieu of his absence.
“You’ve chosen to pursue a career that will, at some point, make you a hero to patients and to their families who cherish you and the comfort and care that you have provided for their loved ones,” President Noland said in his congratulatory video.
Kimberly McCorkle, Sr. Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, spoke next. She explained the significance of donning the white coat and the responsibility bestowed upon students following the ceremony.
Christy Hall, Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, was the final speaker at the ceremony. She gave an anecdotal account of her experience as a nursing student and expressed how she could empathize with the fears and worries of the students sitting in front of her. She reassured them that they all have the capability to be successful in whatever nursing profession they choose.
“If I ask you what kind of nurse you want to be, the answer is clear for us all. No matter our individual practice setting, we all should aim to be the same kind of nurse, and that’s a good one,” McCorkle said in her speech.
Students were then introduced one by one to be recognized with the cloaking of the official white coat of ETSU, signifying their dedication to the nursing profession and the professional attitude they will wear on their sleeves.
To conclude the ceremony, students recited along with Hall the White Coat Ceremony Oath, a pledge to serve others with the highest quality of care.
To watch the ceremony in its entirety, check out this video.
