Hofstra Nursing Student Sylvie Grand-Pierre of Dix Hills Begins Clinicals

2023 Oct 11

The first undergraduate nursing class at Hofstra University, including Dix Hills's Sylvie Grand-Pierre, marked the transition from classroom to clinical studies at a ceremony on October 2, 2023. The event, which included all 34 students receiving a symbolic "Keeping Healthcare Human" pin, was attended by family, friends, and Hofstra faculty, and featured a keynote address from Hofstra alum Amy J. Smith, DNP, APRN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC, NY-SAFE, assistant professor of nursing and director of the FNP and SANE programs. The Class of 2025 nursing students are in their third year, and will now begin their clinical rotations at Northwell Health facilities.

In her welcoming remarks, Renee McLeod-Sordjan, DNP, PhD, FAAN, dean of the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies said, "As your professional identity transforms to a registered nurse, this process can be very challenging, both personally and professionally. As you gain your competency and confidence during your clinical years, the challenges you face will pave the way for the tremendous honor of caring for patients and communities."

Barbara Messina, PhD, RN, ANP, and interim chair of the undergraduate nursing program, added, "Your patients will not remember the medications you administer them or the procedures you perform, but they will remember how you made them feel. Your empathy, your ability to listen, your caring touch will be the pillars with which you build trust and healing relationships."

In her keynote speech, Dr. Smith had some very practical advice for the Class of 2025, based on her experiences. It included:

"You have to eat, you have to hydrate, and you have to get adequate sleep - because if you're not OK, your patients are not OK."

"Every patient is coming from a past medical experience that has shaped their perception of health care. You're going to be the one that's going to change that perception just with a smile."

"Do the right thing and do the thing right every time you approach patients. It's OK not to know something. It's not OK to pretend that you do."

She also reminded the students of the amazing opportunity they have in front of them, due in part to the Northwell-Hofstra partnership. "As you go into your clinical placements, be grateful that you have professors at Hofstra that still practice. We use evidence-based practice, and we use the standards of care that are provided at all Northwell facilities."

The "Keeping Healthcare Human" pins were provided as a gift from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, initiators of the first White coat Ceremony in 1993.