Graduates Participate in Two Annual Traditions for New Nurses for Their Chosen Field

“As we prepare to part ways, I want to remind and empower you with how much your ability to care has changed my life. Your ability to care is a superpower. And it will transform the lives of every patient you touch, as it has mine,” said student speaker Maggie Kim (N’24).

Sister Celeste Mokrzycki, chaplain for the School of Nursing and the School of Health, blessed the pins with holy water from Lourdes, France.

“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.

“The pin that you will receive today signifies a culmination of your nursing studies at Georgetown and marks your entrance into the profession of nursing,” said Carrie Bowman-Dalley, PhD, CRNA, director of the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program. “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.”

“If there was one thing that we all took from this program and will use throughout our lives, it is self-care,” said student speaker Breanna Duson (N’24). We understand that every shift will not be easy, and every patient will have a story that may have a lasting impact on us. It is my prayer that we will be okay with vulnerability, set boundaries, and not be so hard on ourselves.”

“Blessing of the Hands is a special tradition at Georgetown and beyond that marks a moment in time when nurses become part of the midwifery and women’s health advanced practice nursing profession,” said Melicia Escobar, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, FACNM, clinical faculty director of the NM/WHNP and WHNP programs.

During the ceremony, graduates presented their opened hands to faculty to receive essential oils, reminding them of the therapeutic benefits of human touch.

“Our hands are also what we use for more sacred matters, such as healing the wounded, providing comfort to those who are sick or those who are passing, and our hands are used to help people bring new life into the world,” said student speaker Morgan Widenhouse (G’24).

Marsha Jackson (G’81), MS, CNM, FACNM, co-founder of BirthCare midwifery practice, delivered the keynote address.

Farwa Mateen (G’24), center, received the NM/WHNP Student Leadership Award (she is pictured with Katie DePalma, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, FACNM, assistant professor in the NM/WHNP Program, left, and Melicia Escobar, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, FACNM, clinical faculty director of the NM/WHNP and WHNP programs, right). Tori Rymer (G’24), not pictured, received the WHNP Student Leadership Award.