Nursing students welcomed into profession with message of teamwork

Sophomore students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from the Minneapolis and Rochester campuses and first-year Master of Nursing students, whose programs both expanded this year, were welcomed into the nursing profession at a ceremony on Sept. 5 at Coffman Theater.

Carolyn Hughes, DNP, RN, NE-BC, NPD-BC, system senior nursing director at Essentia Health, delivered the keynote, congratulating the future nurses for choosing a path that’s equal parts challenging and rewarding.

“You’re about to join a profession that’s built on compassion, resilience and a whole lot of heart,” said Hughes. “While the voyage ahead won’t always be easy, I promise you this, it will be worth it.”

She reminded students to embrace humor and cultivate relationships.

“Nursing is a team sport. Lean on your classmates, your instructors, and, eventually, your colleagues. They will become your second family,” she said.

Susan Gross Forneris, PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE-A, FAAN, professor and associate dean for Academic Programs, explored the foundational elements that help position nursing as the most trusted profession, including the Guide to Nursing’s Social Policy Statement, the Code of Ethics for Nurses, Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice and the 12 pre-licensure competencies.

“We at the School of Nursing are a community—committed to supporting you as you grow into your full potential as a nurse,” said Gross Forneris. “This spirit of shared growth and continuous transformation is what our founder, Dr. Richard Olding Beard, described as ‘educating the spirit of the nurse.’”

Gross Forneris announced that the school is providing all nursing students with membership to the National Student Nurses Association, which is dedicated to fostering the professional development of nursing students.

Lily Allison, co-president of the Minnesota Nursing Student Board, Shiann Perriello, co-president of the Minnesota Nursing Student Board, and Memee Dao, BS, president of the Graduate Nursing Student Council, shared highlights of the program, how their involvement in student groups developed leadership skills, and how collaborations have enhanced their experiences as nursing students.

Students capped off the event by reading a commitment to the profession. It stated, in part, “As a future professional nurse dedicated to providing the highest quality care and service, I am committed to act in a compassionate and trustworthy manner in all aspects of my care to patients, families and communities. I commit to apply knowledge, experience and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal outcomes for those in my care.”