School of Nursing Welcomes 350 Students in White Coat Ceremony
RUTHERFORD, NJ – Felician University’s School of Nursing hosted its White Coat Ceremony on Oct. 9 at the Breslin Performing Arts Center on the Lodi campus, honoring 350 nursing students as they embark on their professional journeys.
The White Coat Ceremony symbolizes each student’s commitment to the nursing profession and to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
“Every single person in this room cares deeply about your success,” said Jennifer Kostic, EdM, MPA, associate dean for strategic planning & student success, “Put in the hard work we know this degree requires. Take care of yourself and take care of each other.”
Mary Clare Smith, MSN, RN, CHSE, director of the Barbara J. Toscano nursing resource and simulation center, led students in reciting the nursing oath. Through the oath, the future nurses pledge to uphold the highest standards of care and compassion to their patients while acknowledging the responsibility entrusted to them by the public they will serve. Each student also received a pin, symbolizing the importance of keeping healthcare human as they move forward in their careers.
The Felician University School of Nursing prides itself on fostering a community of highly qualified, ethical, and compassionate faculty and students. In 2024, the online Master of Science in Nursing program was ranked among the top 100 programs in the nation. Within this nurturing environment, resilient leaders emerge, driven by their passion for values and advocacy in caring for patients, families, and communities. These leaders are also rigorously trained to navigate the critical and ever-expanding complexities of the global healthcare landscape.
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About Felician University
Felician University is more than just an institute of higher learning. It is a community that inspires and engages over 2,100 undergraduate, graduate, and adult education students through programs in the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Sciences, Nursing, and Education. Our commitment to our students’ success is evident in our rankings and recognitions. Over the past five years, Felician University has consistently ranked 3rd among private institutions in New Jersey for best value according to payscale.com and has been recognized as the #1 Safest College Campus in New Jersey according to niche.com. Our Master of Science in Nursing program is ranked one of the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. We are proud to be designated as a Military Friendly School (Gold Status) for the thirteenth year, a testament to our strong support for Veteran students. Our diversity as an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) and MSI (Minority Serving Institution), with underrepresented students comprising more than half of the student population, is a reflection of our inclusive and supporting environment. With campuses in Rutherford and Lodi, New Jersey, the Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity serve as an inclusive foundation for transforming the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, please visit https://felician.edu.
