Nursing students at Nebraska Wesleyan University officially embarked on their journey into the medical profession and celebrated accomplishments at an annual White Coat Ceremony last Friday.
“The ceremony honors them and recognizes not only the nursing profession, but a rite of passage into the profession,” said Nursing Department Chair Brittany Fritzinger. “It demonstrates that we’re getting them ready to enter the clinical setting and help them remember why they chose this profession.”
Beginning in the spring semester, these 27 students start clinical rotations at several Lincoln health systems.
She says the ceremony showcases the qualities that many nursing students embody, “kindness, compassion, competence and humanity.”
When it comes to setting NWU’s nursing program apart Fritzinger says, “Our cohort is smaller. We’re able to give individualized, one-on-one attention. They also have a high number of lab simulation and clinical hours.”
Last year, 100 percent of NWU students passed the NCLEX exam, compared to the national average of 87 percent. The National Council Licensure Examination is required to become a licensed registered nurse.