Dean Barbara Wolfe and members of the College of Nursing faculty and staff welcomed dozens of new students to the nursing ranks during a virtual White Coat Ceremony Jan. 2.

New nursing students displayed their white lab coats during a Zoom meeting before reciting a pledge to uphold the ethics and principles of the nursing profession. (Watch the full video below). Previously, the students received greetings from the dean, Associate Dean Mary Leveillee, Assistant Professor Jung Eun Lee and guest speaker Laurie White Taricani, president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and wife of the late journalist Jim Taricani, who died in 2019, more than 20 years after having received a heart transplant.

The pledge 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.”

Watch the full video of the ceremony here: