The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing honored its Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nurse Anesthesia Program students during the school’s DNP-CRNA Graduation Ceremony on August 7. Friends and alumni viewed the graduation ceremony online, celebrating the accomplishments of the inaugural
graduating class of 10 students.

The DNP-CRNA Program is a nine semester, full-time program where students are educated for the full scope of practice. Graduates earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a specialty in nurse anesthesia. The ceremony was held via video conference in order to follow social distancing guidelines.

The event featured dynamic class and faculty speakers and a brief awards presentation honoring students who demonstrated excellence in leadership, service, collaboration, innovation, and personal character. The student award winners are:

• CRNA Silver Bowl Award: Kelly Winter
• CRNA Agatha Hodgins Award for Nurse Anesthesia Excellence: Noelle Shaw

Student-nominated awards were also given to faculty on behalf of the Emory Student Nurses Association. These awards, known as the “Heart of the Students” awards, are given each year to staff and faculty who go above and beyond in their teaching and mentoring. This semester's Heart of the Students staff award was presented to Dr. Steve Waronker, Clinical Coordinator. The Heart of the Students faculty award was presented to Steve Arnold, Clinical Preceptor.

Student speaker Kaitlyn Ogden spoke on the excitement of the momentous occasion, celebrating the inaugural class by thanking friends and family for their continued support, especially during a unique graduation experience.

“We have learned how to work in a completely new environment,” said Ogden. “We became pioneers in a whole new way, but we adapted and survived the impact. We persevered, we met the challenges, we excelled. This same spirit within us will surely follow as we enter our careers.”

In the ceremony’s closing remarks, student speaker Sarah Green encouraged her 10 peers to provide the highest quality of care for every patient.

“Remember how far you’ve come. We’ve been through it all together – sleepless nights, loss, personal struggles,” said Green. “But also, laughter, joy, and celebration of so many small victories. We have worked hard to make sure we succeed together. We have done it. We came together as strangers, but we leave as family.”

To view the full ceremony, visit our Facebook page.