09/15/16  Portland, Ore.

This year the OHSU School of Nursing will participate in our own Gold-AACN White Coat Ceremony for Nursing on each campus.

We are one of 160 Nursing Schools nationwide selected to participate. To date, 160 nursing schools in 46 states plus the District of Columbia have received financial support and guidance to offer a White Coat Ceremony. The ceremony and student oath serve as an important rite of passage into the healthcare profession for our students. It was made possible with a grant from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation to support the Gold-AACN White Coat Ceremony for Nursing. Funds received by AACN are to be used for an honorarium for a local nurse leader or donation to a local charity group.

The OHSU Schools of Dentistry and Medicine and the College of Pharmacy also offer white coat ceremonies for their students.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, "Though White Coat Ceremonies have been conducted by medical schools for more than 20 years, the APGF-AACN initiative marks the first time a coordinated effort has been developed to offer similar events at schools of nursing."

A total of 285 undergraduate nursing students will participate in these events during September. The ceremony will include new and recently matriculated undergraduate pre-licensure students. The program will include: introduction of the incoming students, donning of the white coat, receipt of a pin, reciting an oath, a nurse leader speaker, and a reception. Each campus will have a ceremony.

"This ceremony promotes the importance of humanistic, patient-centered care;welcomes new students into the profession;and reminds all of us of the privilege and responsibility that comes with being a nurse," says Peggy Wros, senior associate dean for student affairs.

September 20, 2016

Klamath Falls campus, 24 students participating

September 22, 2016

Monmouth campus, 32 students participating

Ashland campus, 55 students participating

September 27, 2016

La Grande campus, 26 students participating

September 29, 2016

Portland campus, 148 students participating