Graduates Participate in Annual Traditions Welcoming New Nurses Into Their Chosen Field
(May 18, 2025) — The Pinning Ceremony and Blessing of the Hands, two annual events for the School of Nursing, were held on May 15 in Lohrfink Auditorium, marking important rites of passage for nursing graduates.
Pinning Ceremony
Giving new nurses entering the field school pins is a tradition.
At the Pinning Ceremony, graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program received their Georgetown University nursing pins, a tradition for nurses entering the field. Nursing pins often capture the history of the school from which they are bestowed; Georgetown’s silver and gray pin depict the university seal along with “1903,” the year the nursing program was founded.
Sara Kate Besanceney (N’25) delivered the student speech, reflecting on her cohort’s time together. “Georgetown has taught us many things, including this: Be scared and go anyway; have courage and trust that the power we hold as nurses is not in what we say, not even in what we know, but rather how we authentically show up for the people we care for.”
Sara Kate Besanceney (N’25) delivered this year’s student speech during the Pinning Ceremony.
Kelli Giffin (G’98), MS, instructor and director of the O’Neill Family Simulation Center, spoke about Georgetown University School of Nursing’s pins. “This pin unites all of us — it is a symbol of our lifelong connection to the Georgetown community, our commitment to scholarship, social justice, and contemplation in action,” she said.
Father Richard Nichols, SJ, blessed the pins with holy water from Lourdes, France.
Luke Schreifels (N’25) received his nursing pin from Sarah Vittone, DBe, MA, MSN, RN, HEC-C, associate professor and senior director for undergraduate studies and master’s entry to nursing practice programs.
Claudia Byun (N’25) after receiving her nursing pin from Sarah Vittone, DBe, MSN, RN.
“Always keep your patients at the center of your work. Remember to advocate for those who have been underserved or marginalized. And proudly wear the Georgetown University nursing pin- always remembering the responsibility that comes along with it,” said Roberta Waite, EdD, RN, PMHCNS, ANEF, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing.
Blessing of the Hands
During the Blessing of the Hands ceremony, graduates presented their opened hands to faculty to receive essential oils, reminding them of the therapeutic benefits of human touch.
Later in the morning, graduates from the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) and Nurse Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (NW/WHNP) programs came together for the cherished and time-honored Blessing of the Hands ceremony. During the annual celebration, graduates presented their opened hands to faculty to receive essential oils, reminding them of the therapeutic benefits of human touch.
Jessica Wells, PhD, RN, WNPH-BC, FAAN, president-elect of the National Association for Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, delivered the keynote address.
Lisa Marie Hannon (G’25), WHNP, and Masimbiti Kunje (G’25), NM/WHNP, also delivered remarks as student speakers.
“Today, as we bless your hands that will provide comfort, welcome new life, and hold the hands of those facing their hardest battles, I want you to remember that your journey will not always be straightforward. There will be detours, unexpected challenges and moments when you may doubt your path. But every step, even the difficult ones, will bring you closer to your purpose,” said Jessica Wells, PhD, RN, WNPH-BC, FAAN, president-elect of the National Association for Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health.
“Your hands will reach out to provide help, hope and peace in a scary time. This is the power our hands wield,” said Lisa Marie Hannon (G’25), WHNP, during her student address.
“Beyond the five senses lies the sixth sense, the intuition that comes from experience, empathy and connection with your patients,” said student speaker Masimbiti Kunje (G’25), NM/WHNP.
Janat Reid (G’25) (center) accepted the WHNP Student Leadership Award from Melicia Escobar, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, FACNM, program faculty director of the NM/WHNP and WHNP programs (left) and Ella Heitzler, PhD, WHNP, FNP, RNC-OB, associate professor of nursing.
Brittany Dowell (G’25) (center) received the NM/WHNP Student Leadership Award from Melicia Escobar (left) and Katie Daily, DNP, CNM, FACNM (right), instructor and clinical faculty director NM/WHNP and WHNP programs.
Heather Bradford, PhD, CNM, FACNM, assistant professor of nursing and assistant program director, NM/WHNP and WHNP programs, blessed the hands of Masimbiti Kunje (G’25).
Katie DePalma, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, FACNM, assistant professor in the NM/WHNP Program, hugged a joyful graduate.
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