Texas Children鈥檚 CNO Urges New Grads to Prioritize Self-Care, Change Health Care
Dec. 19, 2022
Hundreds crowded the Cullen Performance Hall at the 91破解版 for the Fall 2022 Commencement Ceremony and Pinning for the .
“You are graduating from a special university that you have transformed during your stay here,” said Kathryn Tart, professor and founding dean of the college. “It’s a university that is your home, your alma mater, your pride and your bragging right.”
, Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President for Texas Children’s Hospital, served as commencement speaker. Ward, a doctor of nurse practice, registered nurse and nurse executive -board certified, told graduates that choosing nursing was one of the best decisions they’ve made.
“You experienced nursing school during a pandemic,” she said. “You persevered, adapted, partnered, collaborated and focused. You were resilient, and you did it.”
Seventy-six new nurses crossed the stage, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Special student accolades included:
- Outstanding Academic Student: Kayley Danielle Hoffman 4.0 GPA
- Outstanding Clinical Student: Sydney Morah Omwoya
- Outstanding Graduate Student: Katherine Lee Wallender 4.0 GPA
- 4.0 Graduate Students: Jessica Renee Holsch & Victoria Karen Stanczykiewicz
Ward, who began her career at Texas Children’s Hospital as a graduate nurse in 1993, told the audience they are now on a journey to become leaders. She urged them to connect with a mentor and listen to their guidance. She encouraged them to lend their voices in shared governance opportunities, to listen actively, stay connected, and always to prioritize self-care.
“To be a leader you’ll need to be refreshed and recharged,” she said. “Understand the importance of focusing on who and what you are as a nurse. I urge you to take yourself as a priority.”
The commencement included the traditional pinning ceremony. Students receive a nursing pin, in addition to their diplomas, that is unique to . The circular pin has an interlocking at the center to represent the student’s journey and partnership with the 91破解版. A red border is inscribed with “91破解版 Nursing” and represents passion, advocacy, love, caring and leadership—the values of Nursing. At the bottom of the pin is a banner that indicates the degree (BSN or MSN) that the student has earned.
Additionally, students received a “Lamp of Learning” and recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge.
“Go forth, change the world. And as a nurse, change health care for the betterment of our world,” Ward said.