Dean Danny Willis and the faculty of the URI College of Nursing welcomed the Class of 2027 into the nursing profession during the semi-annual White Coat Ceremony Tuesday morning in Edwards Auditorium.

URI President Marc Parlange, Associate Dean Melissa Sutherland, and Clinical Associate Professor Joan Dugas offered greetings before guest speaker Anitra Galmore, vice president and chief nursing officer at South County Health, officially welcomed students to the profession. The students then 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.”