Nursing students pledge compassionate care at ‘white coat ceremony’

More than 40 nursing majors were honored at Eastern's second annual white coat ceremony on Jan. 22, commemorating the start of their clinical education journey. The ceremony is both a rite of passage for aspiring medical professionals and a reminder to prioritize compassion and empathy for their patients above all else.

At the ceremony, students took a professional oath in front of friends, family, clinical partners, and members of the University community. They then received their white coats, which they will again ceremonialize at the nursing pinning ceremony as they conclude their education. 

Christina Nadeau, director of Eastern’s nursing program, opened the ceremony with a history lesson on the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and its ties to medical oaths. 

“Gold firmly believed that in medical school, the Hippocratic Oath (an ancient promise of ethics in medicine) was taken way too late, and that an oath should be taken at the beginning of the medical process,” said Nadeau. “The goal (of the ceremony) is to infuse humanism and professional identity from the start of the clinical practice education.”

Distinguished Speakers

The keynote address was given by Deanna Hill of the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. As the hospital’s manager of professional development, she explained that empathy is by far the most necessary skill in nursing. 

“Learning how to manage IV pumps, knowing all of the bones in your body, or how to suction a tracheostomy tube aren’t your top priorities. Believe it or not, empathy and the ability to connect with others are the most foundational elements of nursing,” she said. “You will be caring for human beings, and it’s important to remember that there's a person behind that piece of equipment or that list of tasks.” 

Eastern President Karim Ismaili addressed the nursing majors’ achievement, remarking that the ceremony reflected a commitment to professionalism and service. 

“As you put on your white coats, you are stepping into a profession that requires both clinical excellence and deep humanity,” said Ismaili. “Nursing is consistently recognized as one of the most trusted professions in our country, and that trust is earned every day through care and empathy.” 

Provost Cheryl Wilson added that the white coat is a physical representation of the benevolence that comes with the interpersonal nature of the profession. 

“The coat that you received today is more than just a symbol of your commitment to the profession — it’s a testament to the hours you have studied, practiced, reflected, and pushed yourselves to develop the knowledge and character required of those who care for others,” she said. “Nursing is science, but it is also profoundly human work.”