DePaul School of Nursing White Coat Ceremony

2250 North Sheffield Avenue,Chicago IL 60614

09 May, 2022

Description

DePaul School of Nursing White Coat Ceremony FAQs: Q: Where will the ceremony be held? I thought we were doing this in Cortelyou Commons? A: In response to student feedback, we have moved the White Coat Ceremony to a larger venue at the DePaul Student Center on Sheffield in Room 120 AB to accommodate students who wish to invite their friends and family. Q: Can I invite guests? A: This event is open to students of the School of Nursing as well as their friends and family. In order for us to accommodate those from outside our enrolled students, we require that you RSVP with your name as well as the name of each of your guests. Guests will need to check in at the venue before being welcomed into the auditorium. Please follow the link to RSVP Here: Q: What is a White Coat Ceremony? A: From the Gold Foundation Web Site: “The White Coat Ceremony was established by the Gold Foundation in 1993 at Columbia University as a way to highlight the importance of humanism in all care of patients. This iconic ritual provides an important emphasis on compassionate, collaborative scientifically excellent care”. Traditionally this marks your entry into clinical practice, but due cancellations caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic we are encouraging all who can attend to do so. Q: What is National Nurses Week? A: National Nurses Week honors the contributions and sacrifices of nurses and is a reminder to thank our nursing professionals. It is celebrated between May 6th (which is National Nurses DAY) and May 12th, which is the birthdate of celebrated nurse Florence Nightingale. Q: What happens at this Ceremony? Is it super-religious? A: The ceremony has some themes that could invoke religious tradition, however we strive to make persons of all beliefs welcome. The proceedings are much like other rites of passage, with participation from the assembly of students and faculty. Proceedings will be conducted by our faculty and members of the DePaul Division of Mission and Ministry. Q: I did not purchase a White Coat. Can I still take part in the ceremony? A: Yes! If you have not purchased a White Coat, you are very welcome to participate. When students are called forward, those with Coats will have them draped over their arm to be given to a faculty member, who will then place the jacket on your shoulders. Those who do not own a Coat can simply drape your stethoscope over your arm to be given to the faculty who will place it around your shoulders in the same symbolic manner. White Coats are available for purchase through the DePaul Bookstore. Q: Are DePaul Scrubs mandatory? A: Yes, please wear your DePaul Scrubs as a show of Community. Q: I have clinical during the time the ceremony is scheduled. Is this mandatory? A: This is not a mandatory event. While we would love to plan this at a time when there are no conflicts across all of our cohorts, there simply is not a day or time when there isn’t a group in clinical. We scheduled for the weekday when there are the fewest classes and clinicals scheduled. The White Coat ceremony will be celebrated annually during National Nurses Week. Q: I don’t see my questions answered here. What should I do now? A: Please direct questions to Laura Devaney, Student Services Assistant, at [email protected]