The White Coat Ceremony at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing marks the beginning of a students journey into the MSN Entry Into Nursing program. The tradition began in 2014, and in 2017, a National Nurses Week sponsorship drive was introduced to raise money to provide the coats for new students. Since then, it’s been a hallmark of the students journey at the School of Nursing.
Each new student is adorned with a fresh white coat and recites the following Pledge:
As I enter the nursing profession, I pledge to:
Use all the knowledge, skills, and understanding that I possess when providing professional nursing care.
Deliver nursing care on-judgmentally to all those who require it, to the best of my ability.
Refrain from any action which might be harmful to the quality of life or health of those I care for.
Treat each client with respect.
Hold in professional confidence all the personal information entrusted to me.
Keep my professional knowledge and skills at the highest level; give my support and cooperation to all members of the healthcare team.
Contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession.
Maintain my nursing practice in accordance with the professional nursing standards required for my profession.
This pledge will stick with each student through good and tough times. It is a reminder of what it means to be a nurse and what the white coat represents.
Congratulations and good luck to all new students.
Take a look at the photos from the August 2022 White Coat Ceremony
Read More:
- The History of Nurses in the United States Armed Forces
- Accepted Students Day Words of Wisdom: Rayna Patel
- Strengthening Global Nursing Ties: Our Experience Abroad
- From the Student Speaker: MSN (Entry Into Nursing) Open House
- Indigenous Peoples Day: Food Sovereignty
About the Author: Sam DiStefano
Sam DiStefano is the Social Media & Digital Content Coordinator for the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. Sam has a passion for storytelling and creative writing.
