Welcome, nurses, to our community of caring. The Gold Foundation recognizes that each nursing program is unique and will choose to hold this important rite of passage at a time in the nursing curriculum that works best for their program.
The shape and feel of this important ceremony that infuses nurses’ training with the concept of humanistic patient care is unique to each nursing school. It might take the form of a lamp lighting ceremony, a hand blessing, a challenge coin ceremony, a white coat ceremony, or a tradition distinct to the nursing school.
Some programs hold this ceremony at the start of nursing education, while some time it to coincide with the moment students enter their clinical training, and others incorporate it into existing ceremonies. This ritual infuses the process of professional identity formation with humanism during training before students start work.
The essential thread is to introduce the concept of humanistic patient care, which we define as compassionate, collaborative, and scientifically excellent care, at a critical juncture in the nursing students’ education. Being an excellent nurse requires a humanistic approach to care.
This toolkit was designed specifically for nursing schools and includes:
- Video montage of inspiring photos (below)
- Examples of ceremonies held by other nursing schools
- Examples of nursing pledges and oaths
- Templates for ceremony materials and more (below)
Visit Planning Your Nursing Ceremony for ideas and guidance on logistics and other tips to make your event a success.