November 14, 2024
The second cohort of St. John’s University nursing students made the symbolic transition from classroom learners to clinical caregivers at a ceremony in Marillac Hall Auditorium on the Queens, NY, campus on November 12.
The Nursing Pledge Ceremony recognized 110 second-year students in the Class of 2027 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program with commitment pins and stethoscopes, symbolic of their transition into clinical rotations. Students later recited the Student Nurse Pledge, promising to provide compassionate care to patients while continuing the journey toward becoming registered professionals.
“It’s a new program, and we, as students, feel a great sense of pride and ownership of our future,” said Jason Sabino of Queens Village, NY, who aspires to be a travel nurse. “We know nurses treat physical injuries, but they also treat the mental and emotional wounds patients experience. That is what inspired me to want to become a nurse.”
The University’s first cohort of nursing students numbered 26. That number has grown incrementally, aided partly by the completion of the new St. Vincent Health Sciences Center, home of the College of Pharmacy and Health Science’s Nursing, Radiologic Sciences, and Physician Assistant programs.
All 110 students were in attendance at the pledge ceremony, in addition to family and friends, faculty, members of University administration, and others. Students felt joy and accomplishment at taking the next step toward becoming industry professionals.
“It’s hard to put my feelings into words,” said Geralyn Ramirez of Astoria, NY. “I am so proud. St. John’s represents a great opportunity to participate in a new program with so much promise. It is great to be a part of it.”
“We are the second cohort, and you already see the growth of the program from the first year,” added Sonia Ruiz Flores of the Bronx, NY. “It symbolizes how far the program has come, and it’s been great watching it develop as it has.”
Among the family in attendance was double alumnus Michael Chan ’19TCB, ’20MS of Manhattan, NY, whose sister, Lauren Chan, led the Class of 2027 in the nursing pledge. Mr. Chan could not have been prouder of his younger sister.
“Lauren explored all the options and picked this program,” Mr. Chan said. “She knew it was a new program, but she saw it as an opportunity to succeed. We are thrilled for her.”
The two-hour ceremony opened with a prayer and welcome remarks from Francine Laterza, Ed.D., R.N., PNP, CNE, Director of Nursing; and Cathleen A. Murphy, D.C., M.S., Associate Dean for Health Sciences Programs, and Adjunct Assistant Professor. Dr. Laterza reminded students that nursing is not merely a profession but a calling that comes with great rewards for those who demonstrate the necessary commitment.
“Nursing requires empathy, kindness, and a deep commitment to serving others,” Dr. Laterza said. “We encourage you to embrace the values of excellence, integrity, and compassion that define our nursing community, and to uphold the highest standards of nursing practice, to maintain lifelong learning, and to continually grow in your knowledge and skills.”
In her keynote address, Diane Llerandi ’01CPS, Senior Quality and Safety Manager at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Division of Quality and Safety, told students to look past the challenges of the profession and see the essential role nurses play in a health-care industry stressed by burnout and attrition.
“A recent journal article noted that 66 percent of health care workers are burned out, which is a reality that cannot be overlooked,” Ms. Llerandi said. “But nursing is an absolute privilege, and to live a life of service has always brought incredible meaning to my life. You have chosen a profession that can be tough, and sometimes your heart will break. But nursing is incredibly rewarding and will help you see incredible joy in small things.”
In leading her classmates in the Student Nursing Pledge, Lauren Chan encouraged them her to always treat patients “in a compassionate and trustworthy manner; to apply knowledge, life experience, and skills to ensure the best outcomes for all persons; and to exercise sound professional judgment while abiding by legal, moral, and ethical standards.”
Led by University Chaplain Rev. Hugo Medellin, C.M. ’05C, the ceremony concluded with the ceremonial “Blessing of the Hands” and closing remarks from Anne Y. F. Lin ’84P, ’86Pharm.D., FNAP, Dean, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
During the Blessing of the Hands, students were reminded of the spiritual dimension of patient care and to use their hands compassionately, respecting “the dignity of the vulnerable.”
Dean Lin called the blessing “unique to nursing,” adding that “nurses are at the bedside more than any other health-care provider.”
“The key point to remember is that your work is always in the pursuit of better health outcomes for patients,” Dr. Lin told the students. “The journey to becoming a nurse is not easy, but I am certain it will continue to change and shape you into the type of nurse we can all be proud of.”
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