Caldwell University Nursing Department Hosts Inaugural Blessing of the Hands Ceremony

The Caldwell University Nursing Department held its first Blessing of the Hands Ceremony on Jan. 29 starting a new tradition for nursing students.

The ceremony was led by Sister Kathleen Tuite, O.P., vice president of student life, along with the Nursing faculty and President Nancy Blattner.

More than 70 nursing students and faculty gathered for the ceremony “which provides a spiritual experience symbolically linking the art of nursing with the science of nursing practice,” said Marycarol Rossignol, PhD, RN, CNL, director and professor of nursing.

Sister Kathleen told the students that the ceremony allows them to take time to recognize God’s presence and how he works through them with the gift of healing in their vocation as student nurses.

Dr. Blattner spoke of the scripture verse, “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands” and she said that God has each one of the students ingrained in His hands. She encouraged the students to go forth and “be God’s blessing” when they go out to do their work in helping others heal.