Dean Barbara Wolfe and the faculty of the URI College of Nursing welcomed the Class of 2022 into the nursing profession during the semi-annual White Coat Ceremony Tuesday morning in Edwards Auditorium.
Guest speaker Kerin Da Cruz, vice president of operations at Westerly Hospital, greeted the student nurses, urging them not to be deterred by fear of making mistakes but to fight through any insecurities, understanding that many others before them felt the same and overcame. Associate Dean Mary Leveillee and Assistant 
Professor Jungeun Lee also delivered greetings before the students walked the stage to receive their white lab coats. They then recited a pledge to uphold the ethics and principles of the nursing profession, which reads:
“As a nurse dedicated to providing the highest quality care and service, I solemnly pledge that I will:
- Consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns;
- Act in a compassionate and trustworthy manner in all aspects of my care;
Apply my knowledge, experience and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal outcomes for my patients;- Exercise sound professional judgment while abiding by legal and ethical requirements;
- Accept the lifelong obligation to improve my professional knowledge and competence;
- Promote, advocate for and strive to protect the health, safety and rights of the patient.
- With this pledge, I accept the duties and responsibilities that embody the nursing profession. I take this oath voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public.”
Check out a gallery of students from the ceremony below:
