OHSU Student take the first steps into their profession

New nursing learners commit to compassionate care, while third-year dentistry learners reflect on their journey so far.

Story by Rhonda Morin, APR

Compassionate care is the foundation of health care. Caring consists of values that professionals are expected to embody. Integrity, respect, empathy and collaboration are a few examples.

The School of Nursing and School of Dentistry held ceremonies recently where learners reflected on what care and service represents, while receiving symbolic pins.

School of Nursing event, Friday, Jan. 22

“I never want to stop learning, and as someone that can be indecisive, I was drawn toward the endless possibilities that nursing provides,” said Naomi Greenwald, a first-year nursing learner who started the 15-month accelerated bachelor’s program this winter at the Portland campus.

“I chose this program because I wanted to get my B.S.N. quickly but not compromise on the quality of my education and clinical readiness. OHSU’s accelerated program provides me with both for a lower cost than other accelerated programs in the area,” she said.

Greenwald was one of 40 learners in attendance at a Commitment to Compassionate Care in Professional Nursing ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 22, at the OHSU Auditorium.

The annual event welcomes learners—joined by family and friends—as they take their first steps in the winter accelerated bachelor’s program.

Meaningful work

Andi Nicola is looking forward to supportive learning with hands-on clinical experience to aid in her professional growth. She’s watched nurses care for her family at vulnerable moments. She was comforted by their compassion.

“As a proud member of the Navajo and Penobscot nations, I know how meaningful it is to receive care that honors culture and community. I hope to one day give back by serving indigenous patients and families with that same understanding, respect, and compassion,” said Nicola.

Isabel Soledad Stoltenberg, a leader of a student nursing group, had words of wisdom for the cohort.

“Each of you brings unique strengthens our profession desperately needs,” said Stoltenberg, a senior in the three-year bachelor’s program and president of the Student Nurses Association of Portland.

“Mistakes won’t diminish you; they’ll help you grow,” she added.

Core values

Research shows that nurses are seen as honest and ethical clinical practitioners.

There are core values nurses adhere to that uphold those public perceptions, including sensitivity, awareness, non-judgment, positive attitude, empathy and self-less care.

“Relationships are the essence of nursing. When we slow down, that is what makes people feel they’re being cared for,” said Claire McKinley Yoder, Ph.D., RN., assistant professor, who spoke at the ceremony.

School of Dentistry event, Monday, Feb. 2

One year, four months and two days.

That’s the amount of time until graduation for third-year dental learners. They gathered the first week of February to reflect on their journey so far as they work toward a doctorate in dental medicine degree.

“We don’t want to wait until graduation to celebrate your accomplishments. You are doing great work mentoring, tutoring and volunteering for community organizations,” said School of Dentistry Dean Ron Sakaguchi, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.B.A., to learners cloaked in their white laboratory coats for a ceremony in the Robertson Life Sciences Building on Monday, Feb. 2.

Adapting to the moment

As part of the event, learners received a pin from their clinic group practice leaders.

They pondered on a wide range of experiences.

“I’ve discovered that I really enjoy communicating with patients and building relationships with them. I can be quiet and timid at times, so I’m glad I’ve been able to step out of my comfort zone and connect with others,” said Niki Bagasani, a member of the Class of 2027.

“Dentistry isn’t about doing things perfectly. Dentistry is more about understanding why we do things the way we do it and adapting that approach to each patient within those principles,” said Daniel Kim, a third-year D.M.D. learner and class president.

Midway to graduation

“At roughly the halfway point between your white coat ceremony and graduation from OHSU, today also serves to reaffirm your commitment to the profession’s ethical ideals as future alumni of the OHSU School of Dentistry,” said Gary Stafford, D.M.D., who oversees the school’s academic programs.

Sixty-four learners, each belonging to clinic groups named after iconic Portland bridges, such as Hawthorne and Sellwood, were in attendance. Faculty members who serve as clinic practice leaders to the six bridge groups attached a pin to each learner’s white coat lapel.

This is the third year the School of Dentistry has recognized third-year learners. The moment underscores the school’s commitment to celebrating achievements along the way, while encouraging a supportive and nurturing atmosphere during the rigorous four-year doctorate program.