For many nurses the Nightingale Pledge represents commitment to tough rigor and compassionate care. On January 25, Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing hosted our first nursing pledge white coat ceremony, welcoming new students into the medical field. For many nurses the Nightingale Pledge represents commitment to tough rigor and compassionate care. On January 25, Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing hosted our first nursing pledge white coat ceremony, welcoming new students into the medical field.
During the ceremony Dean and President of Goldfarb, Dr. Nancy Ridenour addressed students, faculty, and guests sharing the history of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and White Coat Ceremonies.
Goldfarb received a grant from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the Arnold P. Gold Foundation in establishing a nursing pledge and white coat ceremony for incoming students. The grant was submitted by Dr. Deborah Birk, interim senior associate dean of academic affairs.
“We are honored to have received funding for our ceremony from the Arnold Gold Foundation,” said Dr. Ridenour. “The Ceremony emphasizes compassion and the human connection from the very beginning of clinical training. We are pleased our students are now a part of this tradition.”
In 2014, recognizing the vital role nurses play in the healthcare team, the Gold Foundation partnered with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to adopt a White Coat Ceremony for Nursing. More than 310 schools of nursing now participate and the number continues to grow.
“I think the ceremony was a great way to give nursing students a boost of confidence,” said upper division student Lindsey Brush. “The ceremony will make future students excited about choosing the nursing field.”
Students ended the ceremony by reciting the Nightingale Pledge.
