![The junior class after receiving their white coats.]()
The junior class after receiving their white coats.
The Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing (AMSON) at College of the Ozarks held its 18th annual White Coat Ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Sixteen members of the class of 2027 were coated.
Becca Hamon, associate professor of nursing and nursing program director, began the ceremony by welcoming students, parents, and administrators. The event was held in the Royal Oak Forum at The Keeter Center. The junior students received a white New Testament Bible and a white rose along with their white coats. Linda Brennan from the Gideons International Auxiliary presented the students with their Bibles to use in their practice of healing.
This year’s speaker was Andrea deVall, BSN, RN, CHPN. Andrea has worked as an oncology RN for the past 5 years and currently works at Cox Branson Cancer Center as an infusion nurse. She graduated from the AMSON program in 2017 and shared about what it means to put on the white coat. She shared how she used this opportunity to pursue learning while fulfilling her call to ministry as a nurse.
“The purpose of the White Coat Ceremony is to continue a special tradition for students preparing to enter the hospital arena of patient care,” Hamon said. “It is an exciting next step, which also brings with it a solemn responsibility. The white coat, in nursing and other medical professions, symbolizes clinical service and excellence in care.”