By Feature photo: Nursing students have their hands blessed during the 2022-2023 Handblessing Ceremony in All Saints Chapel. Photo credits: Carroll Marketing.
On Friday, Sept. 29, the Carroll College Nursing Program will hold its annual White Coat and Hand Blessing Ceremony in the All Saints Chapel.
The ceremony is a rite of passage that symbolizes the responsibility entrusted unto the hands of nurses, as well as recognizing the dedication nurses must have to provide holistic care.
This ceremony will be dedicated to Dr. Meredith Krutar and Kathleen Trudnowski.
“Last year was my first opportunity to participate in something like this, and I think it is a perfect example of what sets Carroll apart,” said April Boitano, Carroll College nursing professor. “It is a rite of passage for sophomore nursing students as they begin interacting with patients.”
The nursing faculty will get to offer a brief prayer and blessing to each student to welcome them into the sacred art of nursing.
“Looking into the eyes of each person as I placed my experienced hands over their novice hands while I gave a blessing was such a heartwarming experience,” said Boitano. “I genuinely care for each student, and I believe they understood that during the ceremony.”
After the ceremony, the nursing students will be given a red and gold pin designed by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation. It is a visual reminder of their commitment to providing excellent, quality holistic care.
“The next time we have an opportunity like this with them will be at their pinning ceremony,” said Boitano. “Bringing our journey full circle in this special way is so meaningful, and I am honored to be a part of it.”
All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend this ceremony as a show of support.
“I am really excited about this opportunity to recognize the hard work of my classmates and our dedication to the nursing program,” said Sydney Clark, a sophomore nursing student from Eugene, Ore. “The ceremony makes me proud of my achievements, and I love what this ceremony symbolizes for nurses, and it is a great reminder of what we want to be.”
