The College of Nursing hosted its second Nightingale Ceremony: An Affirmation of Nursing on Feb. 28. Dean Pat Moritz welcomed the 88 new BS students who matriculated this spring semester.
Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Extramural Affairs Dr. Karen Sousa addressed the students and described the profession of nursing and the significance of patient care.
Senior student Denise Lechtenberger shared the highlights and challenges of her own journey as a student.
Since Florence Nightingale was known as the “Lady of the Lamp,” faculty members Marylou Robinson, Scott Harpin and Kerri Reid dressed in period costumes from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. They symbolically passed a lamp and their tradition from one generation to the next, finally passing it to a representative of the incoming class. Each new nursing student was then introduced by Dr. Gail Preheim and given a copy of the Nightingale’s book Notes on Nursing.
Senior Kelsi Hertzler, president of the CU Student Nurses Association, led the students in reciting the Nursing Student Pledge. The pledge was written by members of the Class of 2012.
The ceremony ended with closing remarks from Preheim, director of the baccalaureate nursing program and a reception followed.
Much like the School of Medicine's 'white-coat' ceremony, the Nightingale Ceremony is held each fall and spring to welcome incoming students to the profession of nursing.
