Post-BSN master's students donned their white coats during a ceremony held in Shouse 305 last Thursday to honor nursing students transitioning into advanced practice roles. This ceremony marked the next step on the path to becoming nurse practitioners. Sponsored by the Gold Foundation, the ceremony celebrated students' transition with a focus on humanism, compassion, and collaboration in healthcare. 

After Assistant Dean, Master’s Program Kathryn Hall, opened the ceremony, Interim Dean Patricia A. Reidy shared some of her experiences during her welcoming remarks. Steve Ciesielski, assistant dean for student success, then read the attending students’ names while Hall returned and joined Assistant Professor Jason Lucey to help the students on with their coats.  

For students like Patricia Nacu ('26, FNP), the ceremony symbolized a "steppingstone from nurse to nurse practitioner," reflecting greater responsibility and professionalism. As a nurse practitioner, Nacu wants to involve families across generations, emphasizing holistic and comprehensive healthcare.  

Other students who attended the ceremony included Caitlin D’Amico, Kayleigh Hyder, Jenny Rabinowich, Delaney Cox, Evan Perkins, Laura Viel, Mary Ying, Emily Rhodes, Megan Fosberry, Erin Richard, and Mikayla Lange, while Stephen Campbell, Claire Chen, Alexandra D’Amico, Hazel Ditan-O’Brien, Rebecca Ferry, Sophie Ghitman, Pamela Gonzalez, Makenna Hambley, Megan Hughes, Yasmine Jakib, Kayla Nally, Kelly Sullivan, Chia Ling Sun, Taylor Travaglini, Jennifer Tremblay, Siobhan Ward, and Gretchen Wasner were not at the ceremony.