Senior nursing leaders from the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin recently spoke at Fort Valley State University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing White Coat ceremony honoring program participants and encouraging them to make nursing a lifetime calling. 

The inaugural BSN White Coat Ceremony was held on September 15 at the Pettigrew Auditorium on the campus of Fort Valley State University (FVSU). The Nursing White Coat Ceremony was born from faculty members desire to emphasize the significance of the nursing students’ first steps into a new profession and to invite them to take pride in their calling as nurses. As of Fall 2023, FVSU, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) is one of the only two HBCU higher learning institutions in the State of Georgia to offer a baccalaureate degree in nursing. 

Dr. Pamela Jackson, Associate Director for Patient Care Services; Dr. Debra Mann, Acute Care Chief; and Dr. Sylvia Rozier, nurse educator represented the Dublin VA at the ceremony. All highly experienced nurses, they commended program participants, lauded them for choosing the nursing profession, and encouraged them to continue their educations.

In her keynote address, Jackson, a recognized nursing leader and nurse executive for more than 30 years, received a standing ovation after the delivery of a passionate reflection of her personal nursing journey. In her speech, she underscored the nobility of purpose inherent to the nursing field and the tremendous diversity and presented her concept of the importance of the “Power of Why” as central motivator for nurses.

“When the work gets tough and you question why you chose nursing, remember the ‘Power of Why’ which keeps our noble purpose foremost in our minds. We are the caregivers, we are the nurturers, we are those who ease the way for others. Always remember why you became a nurse and the comfort you give, and you will be sustained,” Jackson said in a recent interview.

Jackson also encouraged nurses everywhere to consider the Department of Veterans Affairs as a rewarding career choice.

“Serving as a nurse anywhere is a noble pursuit, but serving America’s heroes, our veterans, has an added dimension of purpose and fulfillment. Knowing that we are caring for those who protected our great nation is especially satisfying,” Jackson said.

Mann and Rozier exhorted nursing students to keep their skills at the highest level of excellence possible and to embrace the variety that the profession offers.

Those interested in the nursing program at Fort Valley State can visit www.fvsu.edu/nursing. Dublin VA nursing positions are available at USAJobs.gov.