On September 2, third-year nursing students took the next step in their nursing education during the UConn Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing’s Transition to Clinical Practice Ceremony.
The ceremony marks a significant milestone between two years of building a foundation in the classroom and the start of in-person, small-group clinical experiences, where students can apply what they have learned and gain hands-on experience under the guidance of UConn nursing faculty.
Making this year’s ceremony especially meaningful was the attendance of Elisabeth DeLuca, whose transformational support of UConn Nursing made the school’s new building, DeLuca Hall, possible. DeLuca attended the ceremony with her friend and fellow UConn alumna Barbara DePray ’72 (CLAS), ’83 (NUR), joining faculty, staff, and students in recognizing this important milestone for the Class of 2028.
“This is an important moment in our students’ nursing education as they take what they have learned in the classroom and begin applying that knowledge in clinical settings,” said Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson, PhD, RN, FAHA, FHFSA, FAAN. “They have worked incredibly hard to reach this point, and I am proud of the commitment, compassion, and sense of responsibility they bring with them as they begin caring for patients and communities.”
For students, the ceremony represented the beginning of a new phase in their education. Amina Amimer, a member of the Class of 2028, remarked, “I am really excited to start this new chapter of my life and work directly with patients.”
Her classmates shared that excitement. Chanel Ann Domingo said, “I look forward to meeting new people and putting my classroom experience to use in a real-life clinical setting,” while Hillary Gouvea added, “I’m excited to finally get to clinicals and take this next step in becoming a nurse.”
The ceremony began with an introduction from Director of Prelicensure Programs Dr. Mayerson, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, followed by remarks from Dean Dickson.
In her remarks, Dean Dickson spoke about the significance of the milestone and the possibilities ahead as students begin applying their conceptual knowledge in real-world settings. She encouraged them to shift their focus toward caring for patients and communities, grow professionally, develop as nurse leaders, and become advocates for health and healthcare for all as they join the nursing and healthcare team.
Dean Dickson described the milestone as the beginning of students’ transition from novice to expert and encouraged them to be guided by the philosophy of PRAXIS throughout their clinical education.
Students stood to be recognized as Dr. Elisabeth Mayerson, called each of their names.
Two senior nursing students from the Class of 2027, Ryan Tyszka and Charlotte Harrison, then shared insights from their own clinical experiences and offered advice to the Class of 2028 as they prepared to begin this next phase of their nursing education. Following their remarks, they led students and faculty in the PRAXIS pledge, affirming their commitment and responsibility to be good nurses.
The ceremony concluded with the blessing of the hands, led by Clinical Instructor Amanda Moreau, MSN, EN, CHSE. Faculty placed drops of lavender essential oil on students’ hands as part of the blessing, providing an opportunity for students to reflect on their decision to become nurses and their commitment to caring for others.
For the Class of 2028, the ceremony represents the beginning of an important new phase in their nursing education. Congratulations to the junior class as they begin their clinical experiences and continue their journey toward becoming nurses.
