Dean Danny Willis and the faculty of the URI College of Nursing welcomed the Class of 2026 into the nursing profession during the semi-annual White Coat Ceremony Friday morning in Edwards Auditorium.

After greetings from Dean Willis, Associate Dean Susan DeSanto-Madeya, Assistant Professor Jung Eun Lee and Boston Children’s Hospital Clinical Psychologist and nurse Elaine Meyer, students crossed the stage to receive their white lab coats, 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.”