SDSU School of Nursing Hosts First-Ever White Coat Ceremony
90 Students Welcomed to Program in Professionalism Ceremony
Ninety men and women will be welcomed to San Diego State’s School of Nursing during the school’s first-ever professionalism ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 25.
"This event serves to not only welcome these new students into our school, but to also commit them to serving their profession with ethical behavior and honor," said SDSU School of Nursing Director Catherine Todero.
The event, taking place at 2 p.m. in the new College of Arts and Letters building, will host more than 400 new students, faculty, staff, family and friends. Students admitted for spring 2007, dressed in nursing uniforms and white coats, will be escorted into the auditorium by current students. After reciting the student oath of professionalism, they will sign a document certifying their commitment to excellence in their new profession.
"Across the country many schools sponsor professionalism or 'white coat' ceremonies to mark entrance into the healing professions," Todero said. "These ceremonies emphasize the ethics of the profession and the responsibilities that come with wearing the uniform of a healer."
Recently, the school received a state grant of nearly $125,000 to improve and expand nursing school programs and attract new students. With the additional funding, the school will develop more efficient courses and create innovative nurse educator programs.
SDSU’s School of Nursing, which has more than 700 students, already is the region’s largest nursing school and has implemented innovative solutions to help expand nursing enrollment. In 2000, it launched Nurses Now, a faculty-expanding partnership with many local hospitals and health care organizations that has helped the school graduate an additional 300 students since its inception.
SDSU’s School of Nursing has been providing the community of San Diego with highly qualified health professionals for more than 50 years. It launched its baccalaureate program in 1953, and added a master’s program in 1982. The school, part of the College of Health and Human Services and accredited by several state and national nursing associations, also offers advanced credential programs.
