Commitment to Caring Ceremony Sends Out Nursing Students

Nursing alumni, faculty, and students gathered on October 13 for the annual Commitment to Caring Ceremony to recognize and pray for junior nursing students beginning their clinical rotations in area hospitals.

After an opening prayer by Jordan Roon ’15, Nursing Department Chair Tina Decker ’06 introduced the nursing professors as well as Connie Van Groningen, nursing administrative coordinator. Decker then read a poem from the handbook and encouraged students to remember they will be caring for patients made in God’s image.

Guest speaker Angela Boomsma ’08, family nurse practitioner, said her Trinity nursing education was “well-rounded and holistic,” and remarked on the mentorship of her nursing professors and the good reputation of Trinity’s nursing program. She assured students that as novice nurses they may experience apprehension as they begin clinicals. She encouraged them to trust God and to rely on the expertise and knowledge of the nurses they will work alongside. She also advised them to keep their minds and options open since God could have a different plan for their nursing careers.

Nurses Student Organization (NSO) President Keren Nobel ’15 closed the ceremony, echoing Boomsma’s words and advising students to rely on God and their professors for guidance and support.

To finish the ceremony, Chaplain Bill Van Groningen offered a blessing. He explained that God’s anointing is conveyed by a laying on of hands when sending out ambassadors. Those gathered formed a large circle, joined hands, and lifted them up as Van Groningen blessed the hands of the students and the work they are set to undertake.