The College of Nursing held its summer convocation August 13, 2009, in the Joseph Smith Building auditorium. Forty graduates, 28 baccalaureate and 12 master’s students, participated in the ceremony, which featured three student speakers.

Undergraduate Janel Marx stressed the importance of the Healer’s Art in nursing. Marx said the Healer’s Art is caring for a patient’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs as the Savior did when he was sent to heal the broken-hearted as well as give the blind their sight [Luke 4:19].

“Caring for the broken-hearted takes a lot of strength of character and encompasses what the BYU nursing program has instilled in us from day one,” she said.

Graduate Jenna Sturgeon shared two lessons she learned as a student studying the Healer’s Art: to maintain a positive attitude and to remember who you serve.

“It is essential to treasure up your good experiences and cast the not-so good experiences in a positive light,” she said. “’We cannot direct the wind…but we can adjust the sails.’”

In remembering who you serve, Sturgeon said the head bone is connected to the heart bone, quoting Alan Alda.

“As graduates, from BYU’s college of nursing we have both the responsibility and an increased capacity to help others heal both body and soul,” she said.

Graduate Judd Hunter discussed the future of the graduates to become experts in nursing. In approaching the professional field, the graduates will become novices, asking questions and gaining confidence. Over time they will become experts through hard work and by applying what they learned in the classroom, Hunter said.

“I am so excited about the potential that awaits us. Doors will be opened in places we didn’t know there were doors,” Hunter said. “The country and the medical community are waiting for our contribution and we will enjoy the successes and the confidence of some day being an expert nurse.”

Dean Beth Cole ended the convocation by encouraging the graduates to strive for excellence every day.

“Our students are excellent. They have a great reputation for being outstanding nurses. That reputation was garnered carefully by many who have gone before you,” she said. “Make them proud that you followed in their footsteps. Your degrees will provide opportunities for you to make a significant difference in the lives of many people, many families. You can make a great contribution to our society through your efforts.”