Nursing White Coat ceremony

The third HPU White Coat ceremony was held on Monday, Sept. 28, to recognize the incoming nursing class of Fall 2015. The group has 68 members, which includes students in the HM (hospital corpsperson) to BSN and LPN/LVN (licensed practical or vocational nurse) to BSN pathways.

This ceremony has become a new tradition at HPU and the College of Health and Society. The goal is to welcome new students to the major and begin to instill in them the importance of the art and science of nursing. That caring is part of the vital essence of nursing.

Provost Matthew Liao-Troth, Ph.D., and Dean Lynette Landry, Ph.D., addressed the students on behalf of the University and the College respectively. The keynote speaker was Cyndi Kitkowski BSN, RNC, who is a clinical instructor and patient care consultant at The Queen’s Medical Center. She specializes in maternal child care.

Provost Matthew Liao-Troth, Ph.D., keynote speaker Cyndi Kitkowski, BSN, RNC, Associate Dean Patricia Lange-Otsuka, Ed.D.

The students recited a pledge to give compassionate care and officially donned their white coats for the first time. To commemorate this event, the students also received pins that they may wear on their white coats. The ceremony was held on the front lanai of Hawaii Loa campus with faculty, staff and guests in attendance, and it was followed by a small reception to honor the new nursing students.