U-M School of Nursing honors graduate students during inaugural White Coat ceremony

On Friday, Jan. 10, the University of Michigan School of Nursing held its first White Coat Ceremony, honoring graduate students who are making the transition from coursework to advanced practice clinical experiences.

For advanced practice nurses and midwives, receiving a white coat represents a prestigious milestone, honors their essential role in the health care field and marks the transition to becoming primary care providers.

“This is a pivotal moment and an important rite of passage for our graduate students as they take the next step in their education and their careers,” said Dean of the U-M School of Nursing Patricia D. Hurn, Ph.D., RN. “We’re very proud of their accomplishments, excited for their futures and privileged to honor them alongside friends, families and mentors.”

More than 100 students were recognized during the ceremony, which included special remarks from students and faculty leaders.

“The white coat, the pin, the stethoscope, the gloves — these all represent a new chapter for us professionally and, more importantly, who we get to be,” said Kimberly Woolsey, who is earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree specializing in family nursing practice and occupational health nursing. “This shows how hard we have worked to get to this point and how many tireless hours of dedication we have poured into this field. We now have the responsibility, the authority and the honor of being advanced practice nurses and specialists.”

In addition to recognition from the university, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer wrote a letter to congratulate U-M School of Nursing students on their accomplishments and welcome their contributions to health and well-being of Michigan citizens.

“Congratulations on your new journey to become our state’s future health care providers,” Whitmer wrote. “It is reaffirming to know we have such compassionate, skilled and caring individuals who will provide valuable emotional, and physical support and care to countless patients in Michigan.”

Checkout photos from the ceremony on Facebook.