First Step on the Nursing Journey: White Coat Ceremony
Hasan Kalyoncu University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Nursing held a meaningful White Coat Ceremony for first-year students on 12 May 2025, under the theme “The First Step on the Nursing Journey”.
The ceremony, held at the Hasan Kalyoncu University Congress and Culture Center (HKÜ-KKM), was attended in large numbers by university administration, academics, health sector representatives, students and their families. The event, which started at 15:30, celebrated the first step of the students on their professional journey with enthusiasm.
The ceremony began with the Respect Ceremony and the National Anthem. The opening speeches were delivered by Head of the Department of Nursing Prof. Dr. Ayla YAVA and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Kezban BAYRAMLAR.
In her speech, Prof. Dr. Ayla YAVA emphasized the place and importance of the nursing profession in public health, and stated that this sacred profession, carried out with dedication, patience and scientific knowledge, stands by the individual not only in illness but also in health. YAVA also stated that Nurses’ Day is an important awareness day for increasing the visibility of the nursing profession and expressing respect for the efforts of nurses.
As part of the program, guest speakers Prof. Dr. Ayfer KARADAKOVAN and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Betül TOSUN, who have made significant contributions to the field of nursing, shared their knowledge and experience on academic and clinical development processes in nursing with the participants. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Betül TOSUN shared her knowledge and experience on cooperation and development opportunities in nursing at the national and international levels. Care service managers of various health institutions in Gaziantep also attended the event and congratulated the students.
Later in the event, a promotional video reflecting the clinical and laboratory practices carried out by first-year nursing students over the year was shown. Then, Fatma ARSLAN, a first-year Department of Nursing student who is the Inter-University Kick Boxing Turkish Champion, and student representative Elif Sude SAYGILI shared their feelings and thoughts at the ceremony.
The most meaningful moment of the ceremony was the ceremony in which the students, accompanied by their instructors, put on their white coats. This special moment symbolized the students’ first step into their professional life.
The cake cutting at the end of the program added a special meaning to the event. The cake, with 17 candles, was cut to represent the 17th anniversary of the founding of Hasan Kalyoncu University. Students, academics and guests celebrated this special moment together.
In addition, informative cards were presented to the guests, prepared specifically to introduce the scientific contributions and innovative practices of the pioneering figures who have left their mark on the history of nursing. This practice showed that the nursing profession is not only about care services, but is also part of the ideas and discoveries that play a pioneering role in the development of health sciences.
The cake cutting at the end of the program added a special meaning to the event. The cake, with 17 candles, was cut to represent the 17th anniversary of the founding of Hasan Kalyoncu University. Students, academics and guests celebrated this special moment together.
