“May your hands and heart bring comfort and promote healing to the mind, body and spirit…”
The hands of students who will make up the first-ever nursing class at Siena College were anointed at a special ceremony of song and prayer to bless the College’s new program.
The August 31 blessing was held in the new nursing school in Roger Bacon Hall, which features patient exam spaces, instruction area and faculty offices. The Baldwin Nursing Program was formally approved by the state earlier this year to help meet a growing demand for registered nurses to earn bachelor’s degrees. Working RNs can return to school for their degree at Siena while continuing to practice nursing full time.
Lisa Lally-Flack, D.N.S, M.S., R.N., director of the program, anointed each of the students’ hands with lavender oil. This most well-known of essential oils has been used for centuries for medicinal and religious purposes. A form of it was used by Mary Magdalene to anoint the feet of Jesus.
“May you radiate love, compassion and a spirit of inquiry…”
“Nursing fits perfectly with the Franciscan tradition,” Flack told the students. “It is our hope that your studies will bring new meaning to your lives as you discover the essence and the art of caring in your nursing.”
Donnean Thrall, D.N.S., R.N., assistant professor of nursing, joined in blessing the new students. The program has accepted 10 students for its first semester this fall, and is expected to expand quickly.
“Creator God, bless this oil…so your healing touch may be extended through their touch…”
Br. Ed Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D., president of Siena, invoked St. Francis of Assisi, who upon meeting an outcast leper chose to turn away from a life of privilege to tend to the suffering.
“Francis told us that ‘the Lord himself led me among them’ and that is what you will be doing as nurses,” he said.
A litany of human caring was led by Fr. Mark Reamer, O.F.M, guardian of Siena’s Friary and mission officer of the College.
Fr. Reamer offered a prayer that the students “be authentically present, enabling faith and hope” in their studies and their work as medical professionals.
“You are welcomed into Siena’s community of caring.”
In addition to classwork, the program includes a clinical practice segment that provides students with in-the-field experiences. Students will be able to perform their clinical work at hospitals, community and public health settings, or other medical facilities throughout the region, providing a benefit to both the student and the community.
