Gallery: White Coat Ceremony welcomes new nursing students to profession

September 9, 2026
Second-year URI College of Nursing students were officially welcomed into the nursing profession during the semi-annual White Coat Ceremony on Sept. 8.
Second-year URI College of Nursing students were officially welcomed into the nursing profession during the semi-annual White Coat Ceremony on Sept. 8.

Class of 2027 urged to be patient advocates, educators as they begin professional phase of their education

Dean Danny Willis and the faculty of the University of Rhode Island College of Nursing welcomed the Class of 2029 into the nursing profession during a split White Coat Ceremony on Sept. 8 in Edwards Hall. The ceremony was spread between two sessions due to the size of the incoming class, one of the largest in recent memory as the college welcomed 273 new students.

URI President Marc Parlange, Provost Barbara Wolfe, Associate Dean Mary Leveillee and Assistant Professor Thais Moreira welcomed the students during the ceremony before guest speaker State Sen. Pam Lauria, a URI alumna and nurse practitioner who serves as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, offered advice to the students who represent the next generation of health care.

“There are so many paths for nursing, and you are in the best place to explore all your opportunities,” Lauria said. “You will never stop learning as nursing and medicine evolve, sometimes at breakneck speeds. Nurses are patient educators; it sets us apart, and our patients depend on us. Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know.’ It is so much safer than forging ahead when you’re unsure what is best. Advocate for your patients in a complex medical environment that I promise you they get lost in. Advocate for yourself; practice self-care. Advocate for your profession. Don’t be afraid to lead. The opportunities will present themselves; think about saying yes.”

The students then crossed the stage to receive their white lab coats, before reciting 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.”