Qatar University (QU)’s College of Nursing hosted its annual White Coat Ceremony to mark a milestone for the students into the next phase of their nursing education.
Dean Dr Majeda El-Banna and other officials were present along with guests from the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and families of the students.
The ceremony honoured 24 students, including one male student, who put on their white coats as a symbol of their readiness to embrace the responsibilities that come with the nursing profession.
The pledge taken during this ceremony extends beyond graduation, empowering students to engage effectively with patients and collaborate with the healthcare team.
“In 2014, recognising the critical role nurses play in healthcare, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Gold Foundation expanded the tradition of the White Coat Ceremony to include nursing,” said Dr El-Banna.
“Since then, it has become a vital ritual in nursing education, emphasising our dedication to compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based patient care,” she said. “This ceremony marks a significant milestone in nursing students’ journeys, symbolising not only a new chapter in their education but also their subscription to a culture of commitment and excellence.”
Noof al-Kuwari, the assistant dean for student affairs at the College of Nursing, highlighted: “The purpose of this event is to prepare first-year students, who have completed their foundation year where they studied the basics of nursing, to transition into their second year where they begin their clinical training in hospitals.”
“We hold this event at the start of the academic semester to celebrate their progress and to prepare them for the real-life nursing environment in hospitals,” she said.
The White Coat Ceremony not only serves as a formal event but also leaves a lasting impact on the students as they reflect on the responsibilities that come with their chosen profession, a statement added.
The ceremony honoured 24 students.
