2020 kicks off with Blessing of the Hands Ceremony for new students

On Jan. 14, the incoming class of undergraduate students at UK Nursing participated in the Blessing of the Hands Ceremony --an event that symbolizes what it means to become a nurse and touch the lives of countless patients. Students gathered in a large circle and lit pin lights one-by-one to represent the light Florence Nightingale (the founder or modern nursing) was known for carrying as she cared for the sick and wounded.   

The ceremony was led by Joe Alverson, director of pastoral care at BCC, and a special blessing was provided by Stephen Summers, chaplin at UK HeatlhCare.  The students also joined in with UK Nursing Dean Janie Heath and other senior leadership to recite the International Nursing Code, as part of the event leading up to the Blessing.  

"Just as Florence Nightingale always rose to the occasion to put her patients first and promote health and wellness regardless of the challenges... you will too," lead Dean Heath as she spoke to the incoming students.  

To view the ceremony, please watch the video below.