News Releases

University of Maryland School of Nursing to Host Inaugural White Coat Ceremony

October 20, 2014

WHAT: White Coat Ceremony for Nursing Students

Incoming Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Clinical Nurse Leader students will receive their white coats at a ground-breaking program. The School was one of 100 nursing schools to receive funding support through a collaborative effort between the Arnold P. Gold Foundation (APGF) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) to pilot White Coat Ceremonies. The purpose of the program is to instill a commitment to providing compassionate care among future health professionals entering nursing schools.

Although White Coat Ceremonies have been an important rite of passage at medical schools for more than 20 years, this new collaboration between APGF and AACN marks the first time a coordinated effort has been developed to offer similar events at schools of nursing. In this pilot year, nursing schools in 43 states plus the District of Columbia were provided financial support and guidance to offer a White Coat Ceremony, which will consist of the recitation of an oath, cloaking of students in a white coat, an address by an eminent role model, and a reception for students and invited guests.

WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 21                           

WHERE: University of Maryland School of Nursing – Room 130, 655 W. Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201

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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools, and is ranked eleventh nationally Enrolling more than 1,700 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.