To mark an important rite of passage for first-year undergraduate and graduate students as they enter the clinical setting, the Ingram School of Nursing hosted two separate nursing professionalism ceremonies. Held on October 9, 2025 at The Neuro’s Jeanne Timmins Amphitheatre, the first ceremony welcomed 225 entry-to-practice students in the qualifying year of the Master of Science in Nursing (for students with no prior nursing backgrounds), the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Bachelor of Nursing Integrated programs. The second ceremony, held on October 23 at the School, welcomed 39 students in the Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Nursing programs.
Both ceremonies highlighted the rewards of the nursing profession as well as the students’ commitment to the highest standards of nursing ethics and professionalism. As their names were called, the students walked across the stage wearing their newly issued ɬ Nursing nametags and posed for photos in small groups. The ceremonies ended with a collective recitation of the Nursing Professionalism Oath in English and French followed by a reception.
The importance of fit, interprofessionalism and listening to patients
The undergraduate ceremony featured remarks by emcee and event chair Lia Sanzone, Associate Director – Undergraduate and Entry-to-Practice Education; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Dean Lesley Fellows; Ingram School of Nursing Director Lynne McVey and an inspiring keynote address by ɬ Health Centre Nursing Director Alain Biron. His talk was titled “Dare to Dream: A Personal Journey into Nursing.”
Prof. McVey praised special guest Satoko Shibata Ingram, publicly acknowledging the longstanding support that both Richard and Satoko Ingram have demonstrated, in word and in deed, to the Ingram School of Nursing.
In her remarks, Dr. Fellows expressed her profound respect for the nursing profession, as well as the faculty’s pride in the Ingram School of Nursing’s leadership in nursing research and education. Illustrating the importance of interprofessionalism, she shared an anecdote from the early days of her career, when, as a resident working in a remote Indigenous community where the roads were iced over during the long winter months, she relied heavily on an experienced nurse as they transported a severely wounded patient to the hospital. Not knowing how far away they were from the hospital, they tried to balance the need to administer enough morphine to reduce the patient’s intense pain without negatively affecting his respiration. Their dilemma was solved when the patient lifted himself up and, looking out at the vast wilderness, knew exactly where they were in relation to the hospital
As Alain Biron explained, while deeply rewarding, his journey into nursing was not without its difficult moments, especially at the beginning, when he was not sure this was where he belonged. “I stayed because I discovered that nursing is not one thing—it’s many things. And within it, I found spaces that aligned with who I am…When there’s a fit, the impact is huge. So much more can be accomplished when colleagues are in environments that bring out their best.” He encouraged students to be open to opportunities for growth, take on challenges and expand their horizons.
The wisdom of Indigenous healing practices
At the ceremony for first-year master’s students – all of whom are licensed nurses – emcee Lynne McVey explained that this event is both a celebration of dedication to nursing and a reaffirmation of the importance of professionalism. “Our responsibility here at the Ingram School of Nursing is twofold: to prepare you to take on the increased responsibilities expected of nurses with graduate -level education while upholding the ethics of the nursing profession, AND to help build the confidence that will allow you to excel in positions of mentorship and leadership.”
Keynote speaker Otsi’tsakèn:ra(Charlie Patton) is a respected community leader, elder, and knowledge keeper who shared the centuries of wisdom of the Kanienʼkehá꞉ka people. In his wide-ranging talk, he spoke about the central role of the Creator and Mother Earth in healing, and thanked the students for fulfilling their destiny as nurses. “I acknowledge you for the work that you do to keep people healthy and strong,” he said.
Entry-to-practice ceremony photo credit: Owen Egan and Joni Dufour
Master's ceremony photo credit: Darshini Mahesh Babu
