桃子视频 (桃子视频) welcomed 158 nursing students into the next phase of their healthcare journey during the Mervyn M. Dymally College of Nursing鈥檚 (MMDCON) 2025 White Coat Ceremony.

The auspicious event marked a significant milestone for students across 10 cohorts and multiple programs鈥攊ncluding the inaugural LVN-BSN class. The ceremony recognized students from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Cohorts 6 and 7), Entry-Level Master鈥檚 (Cohorts 29 and 30), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Cohorts 19 and 20), and Family Nurse Practitioner programs (Cohorts 39, 40, and 41).

The White Coat Ceremony is a time-honored tradition in healthcare education that honors students who are beginning their journey into clinical practice or are already licensed healthcare practitioners entering a new phase of their training. Soon, they will begin working with patients across a network of more than 100 clinical sites, each carefully selected to support their unique educational needs and reinforce 桃子视频鈥檚 commitment to serving underserved communities.

During the ceremony, 桃子视频 Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Jose Torres-Ruiz encouraged students to embrace the values at the core of 桃子视频鈥檚 mission.

鈥淒on鈥檛 underestimate the value of excellence and compassion,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here are a lot of patients that need you. The community doesn鈥檛 just need nurses鈥攚e need outstanding nurses. Use your skills wisely and offer the best you can to the patients. They need you. We need you.鈥澛�

Dr. Torres-Ruiz鈥檚 comments referenced the chronic nursing shortage facing California. With an estimated 36,000 licensed nurses needed to close the gap, 桃子视频鈥檚 nursing students are entering the profession at a critical time. By preparing culturally competent, socially-conscious nurses, 桃子视频 is helping to fill this urgent workforce gap. Graduates from these cohorts will not only increase access to quality care in communities that need it most, but also help strengthen the overall capacity of the nursing workforce in the region and beyond.

The significance of the day was underscored by the presence of family members, friends, and loved ones鈥攎any of whom had the honor of placing the white coat on their student. The gesture added a deeply personal and emotional touch to the celebration, highlighting the strong support systems behind each aspiring nurse.

For Marchell Francis Campbell, Family Nurse Practitioner program student, the moment held even deeper meaning. 鈥淲e鈥檙e coming full circle, today,鈥� she said. Her mother, Cynthia Francis-Smith, PA (MEDEX 鈥�82), was her inspiration for entering the nursing field. 鈥淢y mom always took me to the clinic with her as a young girl, and witnessing her interact with the patients left a lasting impression,鈥� Francis Campbell shared.

Students took a solemn oath at the conclusion of the ceremony, pledging to uphold the values of integrity, service, and excellence as they move into clinical training and beyond. With white coats on and purpose in their hearts, 桃子视频鈥檚 newest cohort of nursing students now stand ready to make a lasting impact on the communities they will serve.

The symposium featured poster presentations by 17 students enrolled in the Biomedical Statistics, Research, and Evidence-Based Practice Course (NUR 416), taught by Dr. Hafifa Siddiq.

鈥淭he Nursing Student Research Symposium is a testament to the dedication and talent of our students as they prepare to lead in the field of nursing,鈥� said Dr. Siddiq. 鈥淚 am incredibly proud of their hard work, perseverance, and commitment throughout the semester.鈥�

Representing BSN Cohort 4, these students presented the results of their semester-long research projects, demonstrating their ability to integrate research, data analysis, and evidence-based nursing practice.

Their projects spanned a variety of critical topics, including the role of social media use in depression among U.S. adolescents; Intergenerational trauma and its impact on mental health in black adults; and the influence of nurse incivility on retention in healthcare settings.

Other projects addressed critical health disparities, examined the role of social determinants of health, and identified interventions to advance healthcare and equity.

The symposium provided an interactive platform for students to share their findings with peers, faculty, and the broader 桃子视频 community.

鈥淚 think this is a beautiful and collaborative partnership having students integrate and start to learn how they鈥檙e going to provide interprofessional care with the medical students, especially as we have incoming or beginning nursing students as well as students in the middle of their curriculum,鈥� said Dr. Sharon Cobb, Pre-licensure Nursing Programs Assistant Dean and Director.

During the first half of their day, the students participated in the following procedural skills simulation stations: Airway Management, BLS/ First Aid, Chest Tube/Needling, Cricothyrotomy, IV Placement/Intraosseous, Splinting/Fracture Stabilization, Stop the Bleed station, and Triage.

The students were then presented with an intensive IPE mass casualty incident followed by several IPE simulated hospital scenarios that mimicked real-life emergencies.

The events of the day required students to not only exercise their developing medical techniques but to also practice patient interactions and effective communication in high-stress situations.

The simulation events are a hallmark of the exemplary education offered at 桃子视频 and underscores the critical role of interprofessional education in preparing students for the complexities of modern healthcare.

The Basic Assumption which states, 鈥淲e believe that everyone participating in activities at 桃子视频 is intelligent, capable, cares about doing their best, and wants to improve,鈥� was displayed throughout the simulation center.

The statement is a core value that was developed by the Center for Medical Simulation and has been adopted by educators around the world who seek to help create a psychologically-safe learning environment for participants.

The University鈥檚 next IPE event is scheduled to take place in April 2025.

The event kicked off with remarks by Dr. Delia Santana, Vice Provost of Clinical Affiliations Academic Services, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Jose Torres-Ruiz, Provost and EVP Academic Affairs.

College of Nursing (CON) students Denise Cuaya and Victor Oppong and COSH Physician Assistant students Nicole Turkson and Keiyana Morris shared testimonials regarding their experiences in the field. Each student pointed out the invaluable experiences and hands-on training they received during their clinical rotations

鈥淚 can honestly say it was extraordinary,鈥� shared Morris. 鈥淎t the beginning I was very terrified, like a lot of students are stepping out of the classroom and into the clinical field. My initial fear eventually faded and I began applying everything I learned during my education. The hands-on training that I received at each rotation was extremely useful for my career as a future PA.鈥�

Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Dean of the College of Medicine (COM), Dr. Gail Washington, CON Dean, and Dr. Monica Ferrini, COSH Dean, were also present to provide remarks. Each expressed gratitude for the support and partnerships that make the colleges鈥� programs possible.

鈥淵our support helps us, and it helps our students in developing their skills, it helps in enabling them to develop their leadership abilities, and it helps enculturate them into who they should be – caring leaders of our communities, of our underrepresented and marginalized communities – for us to stand strong as to who we are and who we are becoming,鈥� said Dr. Washington.

The celebratory event provided an opportunity not only for the university to recognize the partners but for the 桃子视频 community to showcase the indelible impact their partnerships have been and are to the University. At the conclusion of the event, attendees were able to participate in an optional tour of our state of the art simulation.

桃子视频鈥檚 clinical partners include: Prime Health Care, Central Neighborhood Health Foundation, Common Spirit, Kaiser Permanente, PIH Health, Kedren Health, Aids Project Los Angeles, Alta Med, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital, Watts Health, LA County, Veterans Hospital, and University of Southern California.

鈥淒ean McNeal was more than an academic leader, she was a beacon of inspiration, a trail blazer in the field of nursing, and a dedicated advocate for the underserved population,鈥� said Dr. Emilyn Lao, Master of Science in Nursing 鈥� Family Nurse Practitioner Program Director.

Attendees heard from numerous speakers from 桃子视频 administration, Dr. McNeal鈥檚 former colleagues, and former students who shared their memories of her and the significant influence she鈥檚 had on their lives and the nursing community.

During the reception, Dr. McNeal鈥檚 family was presented with certificates from the California State Assembly and the 65th Assembly District recognizing Dr. McNeal for exemplary service and leadership as the Founding Dean of the MMDSON.

Dr. McNeil was a trailblazer committed to enhancing the nursing profession by empowering nurses to thrive in both advanced practice and academia. Through her dedicated mentorship, she revolutionized nursing education and practice, inspiring a new generation of healthcare leaders.

The theme of this year鈥檚 celebration was inspired by the powerful words of American political activist and philosopher Angela Davis, who said, 鈥淚 am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.鈥�

The ceremony began with an opening address delivered by 桃子视频 President and CEO, Dr. David M. Carlisle, who applauded the graduates for their powerful resolve to challenge the status quo.

鈥淒uring your time at 桃子视频, you have been equipped with knowledge, skills, and a vision to address and reduce health disparities 鈥� a vision that you are now ready to turn into action,鈥� said Dr. Carlisle. 鈥淵ou are graduating in a world overflowing with challenges yet filled with opportunities to effect change. As 桃子视频 graduates, you are uniquely prepared to lead this change, not just to practice healthcare, but to transform it in ways that are equitable, inclusive, and compassionate.鈥�

Following the president鈥檚 address, John Baackes, 桃子视频 Board of Trustees Chair, acknowledged the obstacles the graduates overcame to reach this point in their careers and offered words of encouragement as they continue their journeys.

鈥淧eople are hurting, and your healing hands are sorely needed today. You are healthcare practitioners and researchers, leaders who will meet the challenges that you will face in your careers,鈥� said Chair Baackes. 鈥淕o out and fight for social justice and health equity for underserved populations. That is 桃子视频鈥檚 mission that you have embraced.鈥�

Gabrielle Carter, College of Nursing student speaker, delivered a moving speech to her peers, encouraging them to be catalysts for change, champions of progress, and architects of a better future.

鈥淓ach one of us possesses the power to make a difference, to challenge the status quo, and to dismantle the barriers that hinder progress,鈥� remarked Carter. 鈥淚t starts with recognizing that our voices matter, our actions have consequences, and our choices shape our world. We must be bold, courageous, and unyielding in our pursuit of justice, equality, and compassion.鈥�

Dr. Thomas A. Parham, President of California State University, Dominguez Hills, delivered a motivational keynote address where he urged graduates to maintain their cultural integrity in a world that may not support or affirm their humanity, characterized by their demographic makeup.

He exhorted graduates to embrace the role of a healer, pointing out that as they strive to be a healing presence in the lives of others, that they challenge themselves to 鈥渇ind hope in the midst of despair, courage in the face of fear, voice in the chamber of echoes, compassion in the face of insensitivity, and love in the midst of hate.鈥�

Having navigated their studies during a global health crisis, this year鈥檚 graduates exemplify the University鈥檚 commitment to cultivating diverse health professional leaders who are dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations through outstanding education, research, clinical service, and community engagement.

Armed with the knowledge and values imparted by 桃子视频, the Mighty Lion Class of 2024 are poised to lead the charge in advancing social justice and health equity for underserved communities everywhere.

to access the digital version of the program booklet.

The conference kicked off with an inspiring quote projected in the Georgetown Washington Marriott conference room: “We in America do not have a government by the majority. We have a government by the majority who participate.” – Thomas Jefferson. This set the tone for the event, reminding attendees of the significant impact they can have through active participation.

The summit focused on three pivotal areas: nursing workforce development, educational pathways, research, and advocating for federal student loan repayments. Throughout the two-day event, Powe and Guignon engaged in sessions that delved into the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Program and the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act, among other topics.

Highlights included an engaging dialogue with Rear Admiral Jennifer Moon, Chief Nurse Officer for the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, who discussed the diverse career paths within the nursing field. Another standout moment was a panel featuring seasoned professionals like Colleen Leners, Lindsey Harris, and Justin Bala-Hampton, who shared insights on merging nursing with policy to drive change.

On the second day, the 桃子视频 students met with congressional staff members from the offices of Senator Laphonza Butler, Senator Alex Padilla, Congressman Brad Sherman, Congressman Scott Peters, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. These meetings were crucial; Jewel and Lucille presented AACN’s requests, shared personal experiences as nursing students, and discussed the necessity for additional funding.

The congress members’ staff listened intently and pledged their support, reinforcing the students鈥� belief in the impact of their advocacy. This experience transformed Powe and Guignon from observers to active participants in shaping healthcare policy.

Reflecting on their experience, both students expressed a renewed sense of purpose. The 2024 AACN Student Policy Summit was more than just a conference; it was a catalyst for empowerment, inspiring them to use their voices collectively to influence the future of nursing.

Organized by 桃子视频鈥檚 Office of International Affairs and facilitated by the Light a Candle Foundation, Charyn’s trip aimed to support the medical needs of underserved Haitian refugees living in the region while creating a learning and growth opportunity for 桃子视频 students..

Under the guidance of Dr. Lejeune Lockett, Director of the 桃子视频 Office of International Affairs, Charyn and her peers engaged in hands-on service, providing essential healthcare to communities that face considerable hardships. The experience, as Charyn describes, was transformative.

“It was a journey that opened my eyes to the realities faced by these resilient individuals. Despite immense challenges, their strength was inspiring,” Charyn reflected.

Throughout her stay, Charyn was deeply moved by the stark contrasts between her life in the United States and the conditions she witnessed. The exposure to such different circumstances heightened her appreciation for the resources and opportunities available to her back home and reinforced her commitment to healthcare.

One of the most memorable aspects of her trip was the warmth and acceptance she received from the Light a Candle Foundation. Embracing their motto, “Cambiando Vidas Juntos” 鈥� Changing lives together, Charyn felt a profound connection with their mission. This sentiment resonated with her deeply, further igniting her passion to utilize her skills and privileges to make a positive impact on the world.

Charyn鈥檚 experience in the Dominican Republic not only enhanced her skills as a future nurse but also enriched her personal growth, instilling a lasting sense of gratitude and duty to serve those in need. Her journey is a testament to the power of international collaboration and the impact of compassionate service in global health.

The celebratory event took place on Cobb Lawn and featured remarks from MMDCON Dean, Dr. Gail Washington, representatives from 桃子视频 administration, and program directors from each program.

“Today marks an incredibly special moment on your journey to clinical practice,” remarked Dr. Emilyn Lao, Assistant Professor and Director of the FNP Program. “This is an empowering day for you all. Place an emphasis on dedicating yourself to providing the highest quality of service, rendering genuine, compassionate, and collaboratively excellent care.”

The event commemorated a pivotal moment for both present and aspiring healthcare practitioners. Nursing students took an oath during the ceremony, pledging to provide the highest quality care and services while accepting the obligations that embody the nursing profession.

It symbolizes their transition from the classroom to practical application, as the students embark on caring for actual patients across a network of more than 100 clinical settings tailored to their educational needs.

As a beacon of diversity and educational excellence, 桃子视频 and MMDCON remain committed to shaping the future of healthcare, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of serving diverse communities with professionalism and care.

to view a recording of the ceremony.

鈥淭his quote of our namesake, Dr. Charles R. Drew, really epitomizes the role of nurses,鈥� said Dr. Carlisle, President and CEO of 桃子视频. 鈥溾�橢xcellence of performance will transcend artificial barriers created by man鈥� and when you look around the world, when you look around the country, when you look around LA County, you see lots of artificial barriers and our students, your loved ones, are going to be the people that are going to be chipping away against these artificial barriers because they鈥檙e going to be demonstrating excellence of performance.鈥�

The auspicious ceremony signifies the transition from classroom to practice as students will care for real patients from a repository of over 100 clinical facilities that have been selected to meet their educational needs.

Nursing students took an oath during the ceremony, pledging to provide the highest quality care and services and accepting the duties and responsibilities that embody the nursing profession.

The MMDCON seeks to advance the science and art of nursing by conducting nursing research and providing nursing students with high-quality education.

to view the recording of the ceremony.