Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing held its 5th Uniform Ceremony, where first-year nursing students donned their uniforms for the first time.

The ceremony, held at Atatürk Congress and Culture Center, was attended by OMU Secretary General Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Esra Pancar Yüksel, Vice Deans Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahmut Yaran and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gülcan Taşkıran Eskici, Acting Head of the Nursing Department Dr. Figen Çavuşoğlu, OMU SUVAM Nursing Director Arzu Samsun, Deputy Director of Nursing Services Aysun Gökçe, faculty members, students, and their families.

“This Uniform Represents Students’ Professional Values and Competencies”

The event began with a speech by Dr. Seval Ağaçdiken Alkan, Head of the Fundamentals of Nursing Department, who spoke on behalf of the student nurses and the organizing committee. Highlighting the symbolic significance of the nursing uniform, Dr. Alkan expressed her excitement for the students, stating:

“The nursing uniform represents not only the philosophy and dynamism of the profession but also serves as a guide for students’ professional values and competencies.”

She concluded her speech by extending her respect and best wishes to retired faculty member Prof. Dr. Birsen Altay, acknowledging her contributions to the Nursing Department.

“The Nursing Department Offers a High-Quality Education Based on Current Standards and Professional Values”

In the opening address, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oya Sevcan Orak, Head of the Nursing Department, emphasized the department’s commitment to providing a high-quality education rooted in contemporary standards and professional ethics. She noted that this quality has become an integral part of the department’s culture, thanks to the dedication and efforts of its faculty.

“Nursing: A Vital Member of the Healthcare Team”

Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Esra Pancar Yüksel underscored the importance of nursing as a key component of the healthcare system. She also emphasized the symbolic significance of the nursing uniform in healthcare and expressed her well wishes to the students participating in the ceremony.

Following the speeches, Dr. Cansev Bal, a faculty member of the Fundamentals of Nursing Department, spoke on behalf of the department, acknowledging the significant contributions of Prof. Dr. Birsen Altay to the department’s development and education. As a token of appreciation, Prof. Dr. Özen Kulakaç presented Prof. Dr. Altay with a bouquet of flowers.

Conference on the Historical Development of Nursing and the Uniform

The ceremony continued with an opening lecture by Prof. Dr. Özen Kulakaç, who highlighted the significance of the day and the importance of professional identity in nursing.

In her speech, Prof. Dr. Kulakaç discussed the historical evolution of nursing and the iconic status of the nursing uniform, stating:

“Florence Nightingale introduced the first nursing uniform during the Crimean War to enhance patient care. Understanding the history and transformation of the uniform is essential, as it carries not only an ontological meaning but also responds to social and technological changes over time.”

Following the lecture, first-year nursing students took the stage, symbolically drawing inspiration from pioneers of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale and Safiye Hüseyin Elbi, as they embarked on their professional journey.

Uniform Presentation and Certificate Ceremony

In the final segment of the event, first-year students received their uniform presentation certificates to commemorate this milestone. The 2025 Uniform Ceremony concluded with a group photo session, capturing the memorable occasion.