Kent State University College of Nursing celebrated an important milestone in sophomore nursing students’ education with its inaugural Clinical Pledge Ceremony, which replaces the college’s former White Coat Ceremony. The event marks the beginning of a new chapter as students transition from the classroom to clinical settings, where they begin applying their knowledge and skills to patient care.
Held at Kent State’s Kent Campus, the ceremony brought together nursing students, faculty and college leadership. Family members and friends were invited to watch the ceremony via livestream.
“Your clinical experiences mark one of the most exciting and meaningful milestones in your nursing education,” said Tracey Motter, DNP, RN, Interim Dean of the Kent State University College of Nursing, as she welcomed students. “This semester you are transitioning from learning about health and nursing in the classroom to living the role of a nurse in real healthcare settings.”
Motter encouraged students to recognize that nursing extends well beyond clinical skills, medications and disease processes.
“Nursing is a profession built on relationships, trust, and a commitment to serving others during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” she said. “Every patient you encounter will have a story, and every interaction is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.”
The ceremony featured Kent State nursing graduate Brandon Ramcheran, BSN, as its guest speaker. Ramcheran completed Kent State’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in December 2025. Now, in his first year as a nurse in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Cleveland Clinic, he shared insights from his experience caring for critically ill patients.
Ramcheran encouraged students to approach nursing with humility, curiosity and accountability. He emphasized that asking questions and seeking help are strengths that promote patient safety and lifelong learning. He also urged students to embrace challenges, step outside their comfort zones and remain resilient throughout their education and careers.
He stressed that excellent nursing care is grounded in integrity and compassion, reminding students that patients may not remember every clinical detail but will remember how their nurse made them feel. Drawing from his own journey through nursing school to professional practice, he encouraged students to believe in themselves, support one another, continue learning and remain open to the many opportunities nursing offers.
“The future of healthcare isn't somewhere ahead of us,” Ramcheran said. “It's sitting right here in this room.”
Following Ramcheran's address, Mary Kutchin, Ph.D., RN, interim Associate Dean of Academics, encouraged students to carry his message into their clinical education.
“Clinical experiences are not about perfection; they are about growth,” Kutchin said. “Each experience is an opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence that will shape you into a professional nurse.”
Amy Petrinec, Ph.D., RN, Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, also addressed the students, recognizing the faculty and College leaders gathered to support them.
“We are all here to teach and support you, celebrate your wins and assist you when you face challenges,” Petrinec said.
Students were then called to the stage by their clinical groups to pose for photographs. Following the photos, college faculty and leadership presented each student with a small gift before students returned to their seats for the Clinical Pledge.
Led by Associate Lecturer Sarah Bixler, MSN, RN, CMSRN, the Clinical Pledge called on students to commit to integrity, compassionate care, and professional excellence. Students pledged to follow safety protocols, protect patient confidentiality, do no harm, advance the nursing profession through continued learning and embrace the responsibilities of clinical practice with respect, humility and sincerity.
The ceremony continued with a Blessing of the Hands led by Senior Lecturer Ann James, MSN,RN, CEN. Students were invited to hold their hands before them as they reflected the important role their hands will play throughout their nursing careers.
“May your hands bring comfort and promote healing,” James said. “May you use your hands to deliver care with compassion and respect.”
The ceremony concluded with remarks from Motter, who congratulated students on reaching this significant point in their nursing education.
“We believe in your potential, and we are honored to accompany you on this journey,” Motter said. “Approach each clinical day with integrity, compassion, caring, and a commitment to self-care, and you will not only become excellent nurses, you will become the kind of nurses patients trust, colleagues respect, and communities value. You will be Kent State Nurses!”
