College of the Ozarks hosts 13th annual White Coat Ceremony for nursing students

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — The Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing (AMSON) at College of the Ozarks held its 13th annual White Coat Ceremony this fall. Eighteen members of the class of 2022 were coated.

Dr. Janice Williams, professor of nursing and program director, welcomed the students, their families, and the community and stated that the purpose of the ceremony was to continue this special tradition that holds a solemn responsibility for patient care.

“I am extremely grateful to all of The Keeter Center and IT staff who made this event possible,” Williams said. The event was held in a hybrid-style, with students and faculty gathered in the Royal Oak Forum at The Keeter Center, while parents and other guests watched via livestream.

The guest speaker was Hannah Ramsey Washam, RN, BSN, class of 2012. Pam Keyes, from the Gideons International Auxiliary, presented each student with a Nurses’ New Testament to use in their practice of healing. After the students were coated, the AMSON class of 2021 prayed a blessing over them. Music was provided by Elizabeth Boldman, class of 2024.

Each student received a “Keeping Healthcare Human” lapel pin and welcome card from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. Since 2013, The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the Gold foundation have collaborated to provide support and technical assistance to 360 schools of nursing in 49 states to offer ceremonies designed to inspire a commitment to provide compassionate, patient-centered care among students entering the nursing profession. More information can be found on their website https://www.gold-foundation.org/

Following are the junior nursing majors who received their white coats at the 13th annual White Coat Ceremony: Eli Boldman, Lisa Burke, Alexa Carley, Courtney Coburn, Alexys Coltrane, Grace Creer, Emily Dunger, Spencer Dyck, Madison Eisenbarth, Megan Green, Sydney Griffin, Cierra Harris, Karyn Jo Porter, Sierra Lingafelter, Hannah Mayfield, Josalyn Moore, Kalene Shanks, and Lauren Sullivan.