Blessing of the Hands Honors Bushnell Nursing Graduates

EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University’s School of Nursing recently celebrated graduates with a Blessing of the Hands ceremony. The cherished tradition marks an important milestone for nursing students, honoring both their commitment to compassionate care and their readiness for the next chapter of their nursing journeys. Held biannually, the ceremony brings together students, faculty, family members, and community nursing professionals for a meaningful time of reflection, celebration, and recognition. This August, the ceremony honored 15 students completing the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and two students completing the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. 

The ceremony, which traces its roots to the 19th century founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, involves a chaplain or other leader blessing the hands of the nurses who will step into their communities to lead with compassion and integrity. Bushnell graduates received their nursing school pins, which feature the university’s school colors with a cross and beacon at its center. The cross represents the university’s Christian mission of guiding students to seek and answer God’s call as they discern the path they will pursue. The flame on the beacon symbolizes wisdom and a bright future as a guiding light for others, while the beacon handle signifies Bushnell University’s longevity and proud history.  

Director of Nursing Katy Lemieux, who has a master’s degree in nursing education, shared her reflections on the event:  

“These students are going to change lives. On the day of the ceremony five students accepted job offers, pending passing the NCLEX; that is 1/3 of the cohort! These students have met the challenges of the program at every turn. Their dedication, grit, tenacity, and intelligence that made them successful in the ABSN program will make them equally successful as nurses. The ceremony was a time of reflection, prayer and celebration.” 

Recently appointed Assistant Dean of Nursing Jan Welch, who has a master’s degree in nursing education, added: 

“As our ABSN graduates prepare for their first role as nurses and the RN to BSN students return to their nursing practice with enriched knowledge and leadership skills, the Blessing and Pinning Ceremony served as a reminder of the compassion, skill, and faith they will bring to their sacred calling as nurses. It was very special to celebrate their success along with their friends and families and acknowledge the meaningful difference they will make in the lives of others.”  

The Blessing of the Hands ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of Bushnell’s nursing students while also commissioning them into the next chapter of their calling. As they move forward in the nursing profession, the blessing serves as a reminder that the knowledge and skills they have gained are joined with the wisdom, faith, and service they will carry into the lives and communities they serve. 

To view photos from the ceremony, please visit the university photo gallery.  

To learn more about Bushnell University’s nursing programs, visit our website.