Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University's Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing held its White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2027, marking a significant milestone for students as they commence their clinical training. The event took place on Friday, September 27, at St. Francis Xavier College Church.

Patricia Miller, Ph.D., chief nursing officer at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital, delivered the keynote address. Many SLU nursing students will complete their clinical training at this hospital. Miller has over 20 years of senior management experience in healthcare and is known for her leadership skills and ability to improve patient care outcomes through collaboration between physicians and nurses.

During her speech, Miller encouraged the students by saying, “Know that there will be times that you may fail but look at them in a different way. Fail simply means ‘First attempt in learning.’ Take risks. Never give up. If you do these things, the next generation and the generations that follow will live in a world that is better than the one we live in today.”

At the ceremony, SLU nursing faculty presented white coats to 121 students before an audience of family and friends. This coat symbolizes their entry into the healthcare profession. The ceremony included anointing their hands with sacred oil accompanied by a prayer wishing them to be "a blessing to all they encounter." Students also recited a covenant affirming their commitment to providing compassionate patient care.

The tradition of White Coat Ceremonies for nurses began in 2014 when the Gold Foundation partnered with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to recognize nurses' crucial role in healthcare teams. Over 450 schools have participated since then, emphasizing humanistic connections within healthcare systems.